Latest Transfer News

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Martinez wants quick resolution

Spaniard hopes decision will be made soon amid Bayern talk

Javi Martinez: Hoping for a quick resolution to his future amid Bayern talk




Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez hopes the club will reach an agreement with Bayern Munich over him joining the German giants in the near future.
The Spain international has been linked with a move to the Allianz Arena since the end of last season, but there has been no agreement as yet.
According to reports, Athletic have turned down a bid from Bayern as they hold out for €46million and the delay is frustrating Martinez.
"Like I have said before, I just have to wait and I hope that there can be a quick resolution," the 23 year-old told Bild am Sonntag.
"I cannot say much more about the situation. I am relaxed and I am training to maintain my fitness and I just hope that a decision can be made soon."
Interest

Martinez has been surprised by the German media's interest in him since he was first reported to be on Bayern's radar.
"I have spoken to the newspapaer from Germany as they focused on me and my life," he added.
"It is crazy. It is a great feeling to know that the German people are interested in me."
In recent weeks Martinez has made it clear that he wants to leave Athletic along with striker Fernando Llorente

and the duo have lost the affection of the Basque club's supporters.

 

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Schalke snub Papadopoulos offers

Bundesliga club do not want to lose prized asset to Zenit

Kyriakos Papadopoulos: Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt does not want to lose the defender


Zenit St Petersburg have reportedly bid €15million (£12m) for Kyriakos Papadopoulos but Schalke do not want to sell.
The German club's sporting director, Horst Heldt, has confirmed an offer has been received from Zenit for the defender and the Russian champions are said to be 'very persistent'.


But Schalke

are determined to keep one of the club's prized assets in Gelsenkirchen ahead of Friday's transfer deadline.
Heldt told Kicker: "They have made an offer and are being very persistent but we do not want to lose the player."
He was speaking after Schalke opened their Bundesliga campaign with a 2-2 draw at Hannover on Sunday.
'Stupid goals'

Having overturned a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1 with 10 minutes to go, the visitors were frustrated not to have taken all three points.
Midfielder Lewis Holtby, who grabbed Schalke's second goal after Klaas Jan Huntelaar

had cancelled out Felipe's opener, said: "I am disappointed.
"We were clearly the better team and controlled the game, making plenty of opportunities. But we conceded two stupid goals."


Adrian Nikci grabbed the leveller for Hannover, whose coach, Mirko Slomka, was happy his side emerged with a share of the spoils.
"I am very happy with one point as it is a point gained," he told the club's official website.
"Schalke were very dominant in the second half and I am pleased we hit back after the setback of going behind."

 

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Duo not counting on Guidetti

Siena and Torino hold little hope of signing City youngster

John Guidetti: Attracting plenty of interest this summer




Serie A clubs Siena and Torino have both cooled speculation linking them with sought-after Manchester City starlet John Guidetti.
Guidetti is hot property in the transfer market this summer after impressing on loan at Eredivisie giants Feyenoord

last season.
The 20-year-old striker, who scored 20 goals in 23 appearances during his campaign with the Rotterdammers, has 15 clubs chasing him, according to previous claims by his agent.


Italian sides Siena

and Torino

are among his reported suitors, with another loan deal appearing a likely option for the frontman, but they hold little hope of signing the Sweden

international.
Siena sports director Stefan Antoneli told Sky Sport Italia: "Guidetti is an important player, but there are many clubs interested in him.
"It's obvious that we'll do something more in the market."


Torino's coach, Giampiero Ventura, is even less hopeful of snaring the talented youngster.
He said: "I hope we can get some reinforcements. Guidetti? I don't think he'll come here."

 

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Laudrup to let Monk decide

Swansea's club captain is reportedly wanted by Bristol City

Garry Monk: Swansea's club captain is deciding what is best for him after being linked with Bristol City




Michael Laudrup is happy to wait for long-serving defender Garry Monk to decide on whether he wants to leave Swansea City before the transfer window closes.
Monk

has spent the past eight years with Swansea, but has not been involved in Laudrup's first two matches in charge at the Liberty Stadium.


The 33-year-old has been told that he will not be a regular starter in the early stages of the season and he is reportedly wanted by Championship side Bristol City.

The centre-half still has two years left on his contract and Laudrup says it is up to Monk to make a decision on where he sees his future this season.
Special case

"I don't know what will happen with Garry," said the Laudrup in the South Wales Evening Post.
"He is a very special case in this club because he has been here for many years and he has a lot of experience.
"I talked to him some weeks ago. He has been injured, but I think he will make the right decision for him, whatever that is - if he stays here or if he wants to go to play the last couple of seasons.


"At this moment it is a little difficult for him to play in the first XI although you never know what can happen.
"I think he is making up his mind right now what is best for him.
"As I have said to him and generally to the other players, this is the last week where everybody can think about themselves and take some decisions for their futures."

 

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Sinclair no closer to Man City

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup insists there has been no progress over Scott Sinclair's proposed move to Manchester City, despite leaving the winger out of the side who beat West Ham 3-0.

Laudrup: No progress over Sinclair's move to Man City
Sinclair has told Swansea he does not want to sign a new contract at the Liberty Stadium, and with less than a year left on his current deal he looks set to leave before the end of the transfer window.


City have made an offer for the 23-year-old, believed to be around the £5million mark, but Laudrup says his omission from the squad is not a sign that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs.
He said: "Last week after the game (against QPR) I said it was no problem bringing him into the squad. He did a good job, he came off the bench and he scored.


"There are a lot of things going on around Scott and I spoke with him and we decided it was better for everyone that he did not participate at all in the game.
"We know things can move fast in this game but we will wait until Monday to see where things stand. We know it could go on until Friday evening.


"If he is still here after that he will be in the squad next Saturday, if he is not, he is not.
"There is a lot of interest in Scott. I really don't know if he will be here after Friday but everything is possible. It is possible he stays, it is possible he leaves."

 

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Reds complete Sahin deal

Liverpool have completed the season-long loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, who revealed Bernabeu team-mate Xabi Alonso played a key role in his decision to head to Anfield.

Nuri Sahin: Switch to Anfield for the season
The 23-year-old Turkey international becomes new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' fourth new arrival following Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi.
The Merseysiders saw off competition from Arsenal for Sahin, who helped Madrid win the Primera Division title last season, and the player said former Liverpool midfielder Alonso's passion for the club convinced him it was the right move.


Asked whether he spoke with Alonso before making his mind up, he said on www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Yes, of course. A lot of times. Xabi is a person who really cares about football. He's in love with football. I'm the same, and that's why we had a lot of conversations.
"When I arrived at Real Madrid, we spoke about German football and Italian football. He likes football! When he heard Liverpool were interested in me, he started telling me about Liverpool.


"He is still in love with Liverpool Football Club, I think. It's crazy how he was telling me about Liverpool. He was saying, 'Go there - you will love it. The fans will take care of you and love you' and things like that.
"He said Anfield is the best stadium in the world. Xabi won a lot of trophies here, and hopefully we can do that too."
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho also advised Sahin the Barclays Premier League would be good for his development.
"We spoke and he told me that English football, especially the Premier League, is the best to enjoy as a footballer," the former Borussia Dortmund man said.


"Every weekend you can enjoy football. He also told me about how he and Brendan Rodgers worked together at Chelsea and that he's a good coach and person. That's important for me. It's not only football, it was very important for me to have someone who I can speak with."
Sahin becomes the first Turkish player to sign for the Reds, and he cannot wait to get to work for his new club under the guidance of former Swansea boss Rodgers.
"We've had a lot of conversations," he said on www.liverpoolfc.tv. "We spoke and he told me about his ideas for how he wants to play football and where he sees me on the field in the team. I was impressed at how he loves football."
He added: "Of course it makes me proud to play for such a big club like Liverpool Football Club as the first Turkish player. Now it is up to me to make the people in Turkey proud.


"It feels great. I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to playing for Liverpool."
Sahin joined Madrid last summer after catching the eye during a successful spell with Dortmund, with whom he won the Bundesliga title in 2010/11.
"I had a difficult season last year because of a lot of injuries," said the player, who has also won 31 caps with Turkey, scoring his first national goal aged just 17 against Germany in 2005.
"I had three injuries last year. The team played very well, but I didn't play too many games, so that's why I spoke to Real Madrid and told them I wanted to go out for a year.


"I want to play football - and it was important for me to be at a club where the manager really wants me. I wanted to play for a club on the same level as Dortmund and Madrid - that's why I chose Liverpool.
"This year, it is very important for me to play. I have to play, improve my game and help the team. If I stay in good condition, I am sure I can help the team and Liverpool Football Club, and Brendan Rodgers and my new team-mates can help me."

 

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Swans step up Emnes chase

Middlesbrough forward could be subject of late interest

Marvin Emnes: Swansea City could step up their interest in the Middlesbrough striker


Sky Sports understands Swansea City are ready to step up their interest in Middlesbrough forward Marvin Emnes before the close of the transfer window.
Emnes

has been a long-term target of Swansea and enjoyed a loan spell at the Liberty Stadium during the 2010/11 season.
The Dutchman scored twice in five appearances, including netting the only goal of the game in the derby against South Wales

rivals Cardiff City.

He was the subject of interest from Swansea before Brendan Rodgers left for Liverpool

and is understood to still be a target for the Premier League club.
The Swans have enjoyed a stunning start to the new season after scoring eight goals in two games, but manager Michael Laudrup

remains in the market for fresh faces before Friday's deadline.
The 24-year-old has missed Boro's last two games due to injury and remains an important part of boss Tony Mowbray's plans for a promotion push.

 

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Fiorentina won't sell Jovetic

Della Valle says it is too late for striker to leave now

Stevan Jovetic: Fiorentina will not be selling the striker before the transfer window closes


Fiorentina co-owner Andrea Della Valle says it is now too late for Stevan Jovetic to leave the club before the close of the transfer window.
Jovetic

has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Fiorentina

this summer, with respective Serie A and Premier League champions Juventus

and Manchester City

rumoured to be keen.


There is a 'gentleman's agreement' which would reportedly see Fiorentina allow Jovetic to leave if an offer in excess of €30million (£23.7m) comes in for the Montenegro international.
However, Della Valle has reiterated his intention to keep Jovetic and does not expect the 22-year-old striker to go before Friday's transfer deadline.
Quoted on calciomercato.com, the Italian businessman said: "Jovetic is going nowhere.


"He's under contract and there is no release clause. A gentleman's agreement exists, but we will absolutely not be letting him go now.
"As far as I'm concerned the transfer window should close when the championship starts."
Jovetic underlined his importance to Fiorentina by scoring both goals in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Udinese

in the opening game of the new Serie A season.

 

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Wolves to listen to Hunt bids

Solbakken has spoken to midfielder about his future

Stephen Hunt: Wolves midfielder will be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer is received


Wolves manager Stale Solbakken has confirmed he is prepared to let Stephen Hunt leave the club if a suitable offer comes in for the midfielder.
Hunt

is in the final season of his contract at Molineux and could be the latest player to move on following Wolves' relegation from the Premier League.


He featured as a substitute in the Carling Cup game against Aldershot Town

but, after being on the bench for the opening Championship fixture against Leeds United,

he has not figured in the last two matches.
Solbakken has spoken to the Republic of Ireland

international about the situation and will not stand in the 31-year-old's way of moving.
Open discussion

"I had an open discussion with Stephen and said we'll see what happens," said Solbakken on Wolves' official website.
"He's got 10 months left on his contract and we had an open discussion about that.
"If he wants to stay and fight for his place, that's fine, but if we get an offer in that's acceptable, he will leave."
Sky Sports understands that Wolves would be prepared to let Hunt go for free or a nominal fee as Solbakken tries to bring in his own players.

 

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Owen confident of new club

Striker has spoken to a few teams ahead of transfer deadline

Michael Owen: Former Manchester United striker is hoping to sign for a new club


Michael Owen is confident he will find a new club before the transfer window closes after confirming he has spoken to 'quite a few teams'.
The experienced striker is available on a free transfer after being released by Manchester United

and is keen to remain in the Premier League.
Stoke City

have expressed an interest in the 32-year-old, while the former Liverpool

forward was recently linked with a move to Everton.

And, when asked if he expects to have signed with new employers by the end of the week, Owen

said: "I do, yeah.
"Yes, I have been in contact with quite a few teams and I definitely expect to be donning a new shirt quite soon."
Michael Owen Quotes of the week
Refreshing

"As with a lot of these situations, transfer windows and things like that, a lot of things happen later on in the window when people are refreshing their squads and things like that.
"So, yes, I have been in contact with quite a few teams and I definitely expect to be donning a new shirt quite soon."
He added: "I've spoken to quite a few teams and it's a case of picking the best which is going to suit me and my family.
"I've said before I'd prefer that to be in the Premier League and that remains the case.
"Different things will form the basis of making the right choice: location - it would be great if I could stay at home but if not then so be it.
"The quality of the team, the manager - everything really so hopefully I shall pick the right one."

 

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Redknapp hopes for top job

Harry Redknapp is hoping to return to manage at the top level in England after starting the Barclays Premier League season without a club.

Harry Redknapp: Wants a top job
The 65-year-old was sacked by Tottenham in June after four years at the helm at White Hart Lane.
Redknapp still has the same enthusiasm and love for the game and while insisting he is not rushing to return, he admits he would come back for the "right job" which would most likely be in England.
He told Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "I've managed good players at Tottenham and at Portsmouth and at West Ham.


"Honestly, I enjoy working with good players to be honest with you.
"When you've been working with top players it's very difficult to work with inferior players if you like.
"I think I am capable of managing at the very top level so we'll see what comes up.
"England is home to the grandkids and everything else is here - it would be difficult unless it was the right offer (abroad) I really fancied and was a special offer


"Other than that I would look to manage in England in the future.
"I love it, I love the Premier League, I enjoy English football and I enjoy being in England."

 

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Jiracek set for Hamburg

Magath says Wolfsburg can manage without Czech midfielder

Petr Jiracek: Czech Republic midfielder is set to leave Wolfsburg to join Hamburg


Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath has confirmed that he is happy to let midfielder Petr Jiracek join Bundesliga rivals Hamburg.
Jiracek only joined Wolfsburg

from Viktoria Plzen on a four-and-a-half year contract last December, but appears to have failed to impress Magath.


Hamburg

have shown an interest and Magath expects the 26-year-old to finalise his departure before the transfer window closes.
"The issue will be cleared up this weekend," said Magath. "Hamburg want him and we are in a situation where we can do without him.
"And now the player wants to go to Hamburg too."
Jiracek was part of the Czech Republic

squad at Euro 2012 and scored twice in four appearances as his side reached the quarter-finals.

 

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Pardew still keen on Carroll

Newcastle boss says deal for striker is in the board's hands

Andy Carroll: Liverpool striker would add a 'nice dimension' to Newcastle, according to Alan Pardew


Alan Pardew believes Andy Carroll would add 'a nice dimension' to Newcastle United's team, but says a deal for the Liverpool striker is in the board's hands.
Carroll left Newcastle for Liverpool

in a £35million deal 18 months ago, but he has been unable to make the expected impact at Anfield.
Following Brendan Rodgers' appointment as Reds manager, there has been continued speculation that the England international will struggle to adapt to the new regime.


West Ham United

have expressed an interest in signing Carroll, while the 23-year-old has been linked with a return to St James' Park.
Carroll would reportedly be willing to rejoin the Magpies on loan, but Rodgers has said it is taking a 'liberty' to believe he would let the forward leave Liverpool on a temporary basis.
With the transfer window closing on Friday, the latest speculation has claimed that Newcastle will make a final £17million bid to bring Carroll back to the North East.


Magpies boss Pardew would be happy to have the imposing front-man back in his squad, but is unsure whether a deal will be agreed.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea,

Pardew said: "That is above me that deal, it is a financial deal that will be done at board level if Liverpool agree.
"If I was saying on a playing level would I like him in the squad, of course I would he would add a nice dimension to us."

 

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Villas-Boas targets midfielder

Spurs boss would also be happy for Dawson to stay

Andre Villas-Boas: Tottenham manager hopes to sign a midfielder before the transfer deadline


Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas is hoping to sign a new midfielder before the close of the transfer window.
Villas-Boas has been relatively quiet in the transfer market since taking charge at White Hart Lane and has been waiting for Luka Modric

to finalise a move to Real Madrid.

With Stoke City

also reportedly keen to resurrect a loan move for Tom Huddlestone,

midfield reinforcements are likely to be required before Friday's deadline.
"The market can be frenetic in the last few days so anything can happen," Villas-Boas said.
Strengthen

"We are still looking to strengthen our squad with a midfielder so let's do the deals that we have to do."
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas says he would be happy for Michael Dawson

to stay at Tottenham despite allowing his captain to discuss a move to Queens Park Rangers.

Dawson has been unable to agree terms with QPR, while reports have claimed that Stoke City and Sunderland

are also interested in the centre-half.
Spurs fans sang Dawson's name during Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Brom

and Villas-Boas is remaining pragmatic about the player's future.
The Spurs boss added: "At the moment Michael is our player and we are happy to have him."

 

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Wenger still in the market

Gunners boss wants to bring in the right quality

Arsene Wenger: Arsenal manager expects to make another signing before the transfer window closes


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger anticipates doing business before the transfer window closes, providing the right quality of player is available.
Wenger has signed Lukas Podolski,

Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla this summer, but has also seen Robin van Persie

and Alex Song make high-profile departures from the Emirates Stadium.
He was interested in signing Nuri Sahin

on loan from Real Madrid

before the Turkey international joined Premier League rivals Liverpool

for the season.

Still struggling for goals



Reports suggested that Sahin was not quite the type of defensive midfielder that Wenger was looking for, but the Gunners boss says he is not targeting a particular position to strengthen.
"I'm pleased with what we've done but I anticipate we will do something and we are still on the market," Wenger told Sky Sports after the 0-0 draw at Stoke City.


"It depends on the quality of players who are available. If we can find somebody who can strengthen our squad with the quality we want we will do it in any position."
Speculation in Sunday's newspapers had linked Newcastle United's

midfield duo Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote with £15million moves to Arsenal.

 

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AC Milan lose interest in Kaka deal

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani is prepared to abandon the club's pursuit of Kaka if Real Madrid continue to hold out for a permanent transfer.

Kaka: Linked with Real Madrid exit
The Brazilian playmaker has been the subject of frequent meetings between the Rossoneri and the Primera Division champions over the summer.
But coach Jose Mourinho insists the 30-year-old will only be permitted to leave Real on a permanent deal as the Spanish outfit continue their pursuit of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric.


With the transfer window due to close on Friday night, Galliani is eager to stress that Milan will not be forced into paying over the odds for their former star, who left the San Siro in 2009.
Galliani told Sky Sport Italia: "The deal depends on Real Madrid. They only want to sell Kaka permanently whereas we want him on loan.
"If they change their minds I'm ready to fly to Madrid, otherwise nothing will happen.


"We have five central midfielders and five wingers and I would say we're totally covered."
Galatasaray have cooled their own interest in bringing the Ballon d'Or winner to Turkey.
Chairman Unal Aysal told Milliyet: "What would Kaka do in this team? Do I really have much of a need for him?"

 

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Song wanted Arsenal stay

Alex Song: Joined Barcelona from Arsenal


Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song has claimed he only left the Emirates for Barcelona as the Gunners would not talk to him about a new deal.
The Cameroon international became the second high-profile player to depart the north London club this summer in the wake of Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United.
And while the striker's announcement that he would not be extending his stay under Arsene Wenger hastened his departure, Song insists that he had shown nothing but loyalty to Arsenal.


The 24-year-old, who was sold to the Spanish giants in a £15million deal, says he was ready to pledge his long-term future to the Gunners, only to be 'fobbed off'.
Song told The Sun: "I was ready to commit my future to the club. All I wanted were talks about a new contract but each time we were due to sit down, the club postponed it. I was fobbed off.
"I wanted a new five-year contract at Arsenal. In the end I got one - at Barcelona.
"I had been trying for eight months to start talking about a new long-term deal but the club kept postponing me all the time, saying 'You have three years left'.


"I hadn't talked about money I just wanted to sit down and discuss a new deal - I wanted to commit my career to the club I loved.
"Then out of the blue, Barcelona came in for me. And, suddenly, I was wanted by the biggest club in the world and they wanted to give me a five-year deal."
Song has also hit back at reports which suggested his exit from the Emirates was due to a poor attitude in training and a fall-out with manager Wenger.


He added: "I woke up and read those things in the paper and was really surprised and disappointed. I love Arsenal, I never wanted to leave.
"I'm really upset. These accusations are hurtful, they are slurs on my character. I have the utmost respect for Arsene Wenger. I loved him like a father and he is a fantastic coach.
"He made me the player I am and I am indebted to him for that. There was never any trouble between us, so for someone within the club to suggest that really upsets me.


"If Arsenal thought I wasn't enthusiastic in training then maybe it was I didn't understand that I was contributing on the pitch and they didn't want to sit down with me."

 

[wased]

VVV wait on Yoshida offer

Celtic reported to have watched defender against ADO Den Haag

Maya Yoshida: Japan's VVV Venlo defender has been linked with a move to Celtic


VVV Venlo general manager Hans Soentjens says he is waiting to see if Celtic make an offer for Japan international Maya Yoshida before the transfer window closes.


Yoshida impressed for Japan during the Olympic football tournament and was a target for Aston Villa

earlier in the summer before the Premier League club signed Ron Vlaar.

Southampton

have also been linked with a bid for the 23-year-old, but Celtic

are reported to have watched Yoshida in Saturday's 4-2 defeat by ADO Den Haag.

A £2million fee has been mooted for Yoshida and Soentjens claims SPL champions Celtic have registered their interest in the defender.
Waiting

"Celtic have officially contacted us to make their serious interest known," Soentjens is quoted in the Sunday Mirror. "We are now waiting for their offer."
Before the weekend, Celtic boss Neil Lennon confirmed he was impressed by Yoshida at the Olympics, but played down reports of an imminent bid for him and compatriot Yuki Otsu, the Borussia Monchengladbach

midfielder.


Lennon said: "He (Otsu) is a player we like but we will probably not do anything this window and we will keep tabs on him for now.
"I am aware of Yoshida, I watched him play for Japan against Spain, and I liked the look of him but with regards us being interested or making an offer it is pure speculation at the minute."

 

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Reds confirm Sahin loan

Midfielder to have Anfield medical

Nuri Sahin: Agreed season-long loan deal at Liverpool


Liverpool have confirmed the loan signing of Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid subject to a medical.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers revealed after Thursday's Europa League win over Hearts

that Sahin

was close to making a loan switch to Anfield.
Live on Sky Sports

• 
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• Liverpool v Man City
• August 26, 2012 3:30pm
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A number of clubs, including Arsenal

have been chasing Sahin, but Rodgers has won the race for the highly-rated Turkish international.
Sahin joined Real last summer from Borussia Dortmund,

but he struggled to establish himself in Jose Mourinho's star-studded side.
Mourinho is happy to loan out Sahin as he wants him to get some regular first-team action under his belt.
Sahin is now set to undergo a medical at Anfield and if he comes through that he will become Rodgers' fourth signing of the summer.
A club statement read: "The 23-year-old will now undergo a medical on Merseyside."

 

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Di Matteo rules out Luiz exit

Blues boss says there have been no approaches for defender

David Luiz: Not for sale at any price according to Roberto Di Matteo


Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo insists David Luiz is not for sale at any price at Stamford Bridge.
Luiz's future has been the subject of conjecture of speculation in recent days with Manchester City

and Barcelona

credited with an interest in the Brazilian.


City quickly played down suggestions of a move for Luiz, while Barcelona have been linked with a £30million move for the South American.

The central defender tweeted a photo of himself on a private jet and travelling to Barcelona to watch their match against Real Madrid

fuelling rumours of a switch to Camp Nou.
However, Di Matteo insists there have been no approaches for Luiz and that the club have no plans to sell the former Benfica man.
"Luiz is part of our future. It's normal that he'll get interest because he's a Brazilian international centre back," admitted Di Matteo.


"There have been no approaches for Luiz and he's not for sale at any price. It doesn't concern me, the player will be here for the long term.
"I believe we can withstand Barcelona. Personally we don't feel any pressure from them. This club has been very successful in the past.
"I don't see why any players would want to leave us for anywhere else. We always compete for trophies. We're an ambitious club with an ambitious owner. We have great facilities.
"We have a great group of players who over the years have won a lot and still have the hunger to win more."