Latest Transfer News

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Carlos Tevez Didn't Move To Manchester City For Money - Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentine doesn't believe his fellow Citizen is solely interested in cash...

Manchester City's versatile defender Pablo Zabaleta has revealed he helped convince Carlos Tevez to join him at Eastlands.

Arguably City's biggest coup of the summer saw them lure Tevez away from local rivals Manchester United to join up with Mark Hughes' revolution.

Zabaleta told The Manchester Evening News, "Carlos and I are good pals - he is a big man. I've known him a long time, and as we all know, he is a very good player, and we want his quality."

Tevez and Zabaleta are now team-mates at both club and country level and the former Espanyol man doesn't believe Tevez joined City purely for financial gain.

"People have said Carlos just came here for the money, but I don't believe that," he added.

Zabaleta points to the other signings the club have made this summer to prove that the Eastlands' outfit are now a big draw for players.

"It's a big project for the club. City are very different now, and Carlos is good for everybody. Players want to come here, the club is big.

"We have bought Gareth Barry and the others - they come here because they believe in the project, and that's important for this club."

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Carlos Tevez Didn't Move To Manchester City For Money - Pablo Zabaleta
The Argentine doesn't believe his fellow Citizen is solely interested in cash...

Manchester City's versatile defender Pablo Zabaleta has revealed he helped convince Carlos Tevez to join him at Eastlands.

Arguably City's biggest coup of the summer saw them lure Tevez away from local rivals Manchester United to join up with Mark Hughes' revolution.

Zabaleta told The Manchester Evening News, "Carlos and I are good pals - he is a big man. I've known him a long time, and as we all know, he is a very good player, and we want his quality."

Tevez and Zabaleta are now team-mates at both club and country level and the former Espanyol man doesn't believe Tevez joined City purely for financial gain.

"People have said Carlos just came here for the money, but I don't believe that," he added.

Zabaleta points to the other signings the club have made this summer to prove that the Eastlands' outfit are now a big draw for players.

"It's a big project for the club. City are very different now, and Carlos is good for everybody. Players want to come here, the club is big.

"We have bought Gareth Barry and the others - they come here because they believe in the project, and that's important for this club."

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Sylvain Distin Will Stay At Portsmouth - Peter Storrie
The Pompey chief is taking a bullish stance when it comes to the possible departure of the Frenchman...

Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has revealed that centre-back Sylvain Distin, a player heavily linked with a move away from Fratton Park with Sunderland and Manchester City reportedly interested, will be staying at Fratton Park.

Pompey have apparently turned down several bids for the player, and Storrie intimated that they will continue to do so.

"We have turned down offers and will continue to turn down offers," he told The Portsmouth News.

"He's been one of our best players for several seasons now and we want him to stay."

The News also reports another piece of positive news, in that Belgian right-back Anthony Vanden Borre will arrive tomorrow on a season-long loan deal from Italian outfit Genoa.

Pompey have also secured a work permit for Zimbabwean left-back Onismor Bhasera, after winning an appeal in London today.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Lens Striker Dindane Rejects Monaco Switch As He Seeks Premier League Move - Report
The Ivorian is apparently desperate to play in England...

Aruna Dindane has apparently turned down the chance to move from Lens to Monaco this week, as he holds out for the move to a Premier League club with which he is currently being heavily linked.

According to Sky Sports, Hull City, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers are all interested in the player, who has previously asserted that it is his dream to play in the Premier League.

"I do not want to go to Monaco. I have told Lens and it is up to them to resolve my situation," Dindane told Sky.

Hull and Blackburn have both been in pursuit of strikers this summer, whilst Stoke have also looked to bolster their attacking options. Tigers' boss Phil Brown is set to unveil two new signings tomorrow, according to The Hull Daily Mail, the players in question thought to be Stephen Hunt and Kamel Ghilas, but has failed in his pursuit of a number of high-profile forwards.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, has been looking for strikers all summer after selling Matt Derbyshire to Olympiakos and Roque Sants Cruz to Manchester City.

The two clubs have also been linked with Boudewijn Zenden and Alvaro Negredo in recent days.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Lens Striker Dindane Rejects Monaco Switch As He Seeks Premier League Move - Report
The Ivorian is apparently desperate to play in England...

Aruna Dindane has apparently turned down the chance to move from Lens to Monaco this week, as he holds out for the move to a Premier League club with which he is currently being heavily linked.

According to Sky Sports, Hull City, Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers are all interested in the player, who has previously asserted that it is his dream to play in the Premier League.

"I do not want to go to Monaco. I have told Lens and it is up to them to resolve my situation," Dindane told Sky.

Hull and Blackburn have both been in pursuit of strikers this summer, whilst Stoke have also looked to bolster their attacking options. Tigers' boss Phil Brown is set to unveil two new signings tomorrow, according to The Hull Daily Mail, the players in question thought to be Stephen Hunt and Kamel Ghilas, but has failed in his pursuit of a number of high-profile forwards.

Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce, meanwhile, has been looking for strikers all summer after selling Matt Derbyshire to Olympiakos and Roque Sants Cruz to Manchester City.

The two clubs have also been linked with Boudewijn Zenden and Alvaro Negredo in recent days.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Roberto Martinez Pleased With Price Paid By Sunderland For Lee Cattermole
The Spaniard is disappointed to lose the player, but the transfer fee received is welcome...

Lee Cattermole today left Wigan Athletic and joined Sunderland in a deal worth an initial £6 million with an undisclosed amount of add-ons. Speculation had been rife about his future for much of the summer, and Latics boss Roberto Martinez, although far from delighted to lose the player, is glad at least that the issue has been resolved at last.

"The fee is a good one. It is far more than the club paid for him last year and the third highest in Wigan Athletic history," the manager told the Latics' official website.

"The initial offer from Sunderland was unacceptable as we said at the time, but they have now matched our valuation.

"The speculation about Lee has refused to go away over the last few weeks and this has been very unsettling for him and for our players.

"It became clear over the past days having spoken to Lee that he wanted to leave and it is very disruptive to the group when a player is clearly unhappy.

"My number one priority has to be the good of the club and it left me with a decision to make, I therefore agreed to the move for the good of the players we have at the club and who want to remain with us and help us progress to the next level."

Cattermole spent one season at the DW Stadium after moving to Lancashire from Middlesbrough for a reported £3.5 million a year ago. He made 33 league appearances, scoring once.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Betis Keeper Ricardo Set For Exit - Report
The Portuguese keeper is nearing his exit from the relegated side...

Ricardo signed for Betis from Sporting CP in the summer of 2007 and he has found playing opportunities somewhat limited at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.

After finding himself out of the club's starting XI plans last season, which sparked rumours about his future in Seville, Ricardo has further dropped down the pecking order at the club following the arrival of Inaki Goitia.

The Portugal international has not been included in Betis' second pre-season training camp, to take place in La Manga, and news daily A BOLA suggests Ricardo is not wanted by the club.

The 33-year-old, who has two years to run on his contract with Betis, is now believed to be looking for a new club.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Betis Keeper Ricardo Set For Exit - Report
The Portuguese keeper is nearing his exit from the relegated side...

Ricardo signed for Betis from Sporting CP in the summer of 2007 and he has found playing opportunities somewhat limited at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera.

After finding himself out of the club's starting XI plans last season, which sparked rumours about his future in Seville, Ricardo has further dropped down the pecking order at the club following the arrival of Inaki Goitia.

The Portugal international has not been included in Betis' second pre-season training camp, to take place in La Manga, and news daily A BOLA suggests Ricardo is not wanted by the club.

The 33-year-old, who has two years to run on his contract with Betis, is now believed to be looking for a new club.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Stuttgart After Middlesbrough Attacker Sanli Tuncay - Report
The Turkish attacker appears to on his way out of the Championship club...

Highly-rated attacker Sanli Tuncay is continually being linked with a move to Premier League outfit Aston Villa, but the Turkish forward has now also attracted the interest of German side Stuttgart, according to The Guardian.

Stuttgart have already secured the services of Pavel Pogrebnyak and Aliaksandr Hleb to strengthen their attacking compartment, but head coach Markus Babbel is reportedly keen to sign Tuncay, too.

Tuncay has been one of the absolute key players for Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate in the past couple of seasons, but he's desperate to leave the Teesside club following their relegation to the Championship last term.

Middlesbrough have reportedly set a €9 million asking price for Tuncay, but it remains to be seen whether Stuttgart are willing to meet the English side's demands.

Tuncay could also opt to return to his native country, as Fenerbahce are also closely monitoring his situation.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Stuttgart After Middlesbrough Attacker Sanli Tuncay - Report
The Turkish attacker appears to on his way out of the Championship club...

Highly-rated attacker Sanli Tuncay is continually being linked with a move to Premier League outfit Aston Villa, but the Turkish forward has now also attracted the interest of German side Stuttgart, according to The Guardian.

Stuttgart have already secured the services of Pavel Pogrebnyak and Aliaksandr Hleb to strengthen their attacking compartment, but head coach Markus Babbel is reportedly keen to sign Tuncay, too.

Tuncay has been one of the absolute key players for Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate in the past couple of seasons, but he's desperate to leave the Teesside club following their relegation to the Championship last term.

Middlesbrough have reportedly set a €9 million asking price for Tuncay, but it remains to be seen whether Stuttgart are willing to meet the English side's demands.

Tuncay could also opt to return to his native country, as Fenerbahce are also closely monitoring his situation.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

David Beckham Wants Milan Return In January - Report
The England player has set his sight on a return to Serie A football from MLS ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa...

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham could return to the Italian top flight this winter as he targets a fourth World Cup participation next year.

Beckham wants in fact to play again for Milan as the Italian club are trying to secure a second consecutive loan deal with Galaxy.

This was revealed by the player's agent, Simon Oliveira, to the economic agency Bloomberg, thus confirming the speculation which has been flying around for the past few weeks.

Beckham was also linked with a move back to his country where both Tottenham Hotspurs and Chelsea had expressed an interest in signing the veteran player for this season.

However, the 34-year-old player would prefer to play in Italy where he had a positive experience with the Rossoneri last season.

Beckham's decision to return to Europe in January is in line with England national team coach Fabio Capello's policy of calling up players in top leagues. Capello has made it clear that Beckham must play in Europe during the second half of the season in order to be in shape and thus in contention for an eventual call-up to the national team.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

David Beckham Wants Milan Return In January - Report
The England player has set his sight on a return to Serie A football from MLS ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa...

Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham could return to the Italian top flight this winter as he targets a fourth World Cup participation next year.

Beckham wants in fact to play again for Milan as the Italian club are trying to secure a second consecutive loan deal with Galaxy.

This was revealed by the player's agent, Simon Oliveira, to the economic agency Bloomberg, thus confirming the speculation which has been flying around for the past few weeks.

Beckham was also linked with a move back to his country where both Tottenham Hotspurs and Chelsea had expressed an interest in signing the veteran player for this season.

However, the 34-year-old player would prefer to play in Italy where he had a positive experience with the Rossoneri last season.

Beckham's decision to return to Europe in January is in line with England national team coach Fabio Capello's policy of calling up players in top leagues. Capello has made it clear that Beckham must play in Europe during the second half of the season in order to be in shape and thus in contention for an eventual call-up to the national team.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

Hoffenheim Part Company With Ghanaian International Prince Tagoe
The attacker has been released on a free transfer due to medical reasons...

According to a report in Sport Bild, ambitious Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim have terminated the club's contract with Ghanaian forward Prince Tagoe due to medical reasons.

The 22-year-old joined Hoffenheim from Al-Ittihad on a free transfer earlier this summer, but the Sinsheim side opted to release the player due to an alleged heart problem.

Hoffenheim confirmed the news on their official website, but refused to comment on Tagoe's medical status due to the threat of legal actions from the player's lawyer.

"After having read a report in the German press about the medical status of Prince Tagoe, we've to confirm that the player will not be able to play for Hoffenheim due to medical reasons," a statement of Hoffenheim's website read.

"We will do our utmost to find a solution that will also be acceptable for the player. However, we can't let Tagoe play professional football based on the information we have. Therefore, we have terminated his contract with the club."

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

According to a report in Sport Bild, ambitious Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim have terminated the club's contract with Ghanaian forward Prince Tagoe due to medical reasons.

The 22-year-old joined Hoffenheim from Al-Ittihad on a free transfer earlier this summer, but the Sinsheim side opted to release the player due to an alleged heart problem.

Hoffenheim confirmed the news on their official website, but refused to comment on Tagoe's medical status due to the threat of legal actions from the player's lawyer.

"After having read a report in the German press about the medical status of Prince Tagoe, we've to confirm that the player will not be able to play for Hoffenheim due to medical reasons," a statement of Hoffenheim's website read.

"We will do our utmost to find a solution that will also be acceptable for the player. However, we can't let Tagoe play professional football based on the information we have. Therefore, we have terminated his contract with the club."

Sunderland have confirmed that they have signed England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole from Wigan Athletic this afternoon.

The Black Cats paid the Latics £6 million to secure his services, and manger Steve Bruce was delighted to have snapped up the Stockton-on-Tees-born 21-year-old, who came through Middlesbrough's famed youth academy.

"Lee has everything that I like in a player so I'm delighted to have brought him to Sunderland," he told the club's official website.

"He is a terrific footballer. He is young, strong and has a real passion for the game that I'm sure our supporters will love.

"As a North East lad, he understands what it means to represent a club in this region and will bring some real bite to our side.

"Lee is a great addition and will strengthen us through the spine of the team while creating real competition across midfield."

Cattermole was signed by Bruce whilst he was Wigan's manager last summer, and moves after a successful season in Lancashire, where he played 33 times for the Latics.

He has 14 England Under-21 caps, and joins Darren Bent, Lorik Cana, Fraizer Campbell and Paulo Da Silva as new arrivals at the Stadium of Light this summer.

sky star 2 · Aug 12, 2009

According to a report in Sport Bild, ambitious Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim have terminated the club's contract with Ghanaian forward Prince Tagoe due to medical reasons.

The 22-year-old joined Hoffenheim from Al-Ittihad on a free transfer earlier this summer, but the Sinsheim side opted to release the player due to an alleged heart problem.

Hoffenheim confirmed the news on their official website, but refused to comment on Tagoe's medical status due to the threat of legal actions from the player's lawyer.

"After having read a report in the German press about the medical status of Prince Tagoe, we've to confirm that the player will not be able to play for Hoffenheim due to medical reasons," a statement of Hoffenheim's website read.

"We will do our utmost to find a solution that will also be acceptable for the player. However, we can't let Tagoe play professional football based on the information we have. Therefore, we have terminated his contract with the club."

Sunderland have confirmed that they have signed England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole from Wigan Athletic this afternoon.

The Black Cats paid the Latics £6 million to secure his services, and manger Steve Bruce was delighted to have snapped up the Stockton-on-Tees-born 21-year-old, who came through Middlesbrough's famed youth academy.

"Lee has everything that I like in a player so I'm delighted to have brought him to Sunderland," he told the club's official website.

"He is a terrific footballer. He is young, strong and has a real passion for the game that I'm sure our supporters will love.

"As a North East lad, he understands what it means to represent a club in this region and will bring some real bite to our side.

"Lee is a great addition and will strengthen us through the spine of the team while creating real competition across midfield."

Cattermole was signed by Bruce whilst he was Wigan's manager last summer, and moves after a successful season in Lancashire, where he played 33 times for the Latics.

He has 14 England Under-21 caps, and joins Darren Bent, Lorik Cana, Fraizer Campbell and Paulo Da Silva as new arrivals at the Stadium of Light this summer.

sky star 2 · Aug 14, 2009

Roy Hodgson Confirms Fulham Bid For Newcastle United's Damien Duff

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that it was his club who put the reported £4 million bid in for Newcastle United winger Damien Duff last night, and he has affirmed that the Republic of Ireland man is keen to join the club.

"We're in discussions with Newcastle, it's a player that interests us, that, of course, I can confirm," he told reporters at his Friday press conference.

"We'd have been surprised if I'd have said anything else, seeing as Damien and I go back a long way and worked together at Blackburn all those years ago.

"But I'm still waiting to hear what the discussions between the two chief executives is and I'm hopeful, of course, that our offer will be accepted and Damien will be able to play for us.

"He would like to come back, yes."

Another player with Toon connections was also reported recently as piquing Hodgson's interest, but veteran centre-forward Mark Viduka had decided that he did not want another season in the Premier League, according to the Fulham boss.

"I met Mark. He was in London," Hodgson revealed. "I had the chance to meet him so I spent a bit of time with him to ascertain more than anything else what his intentions were, and to hear if he had any intentions maybe of playing on, and if it would be interesting for him to continue in the Premier League.

"But at the end of our discussions it was fairly clear that he's actually made his decision to leave all that behind him and start a new life.

"So we wish him well with that, but it was nice to meet him and catch up with him and have a talk."

The Cottagers open their Premier League campaign on August 15 with a match at Fratton Park against Portsmouth.

sky star 2 · Aug 14, 2009

Arsenal's Arsene Wenger: We Won't Sell Cesc Fabregas To Barcelona

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that there “is no chance” that he will sell influential midfielder Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona.

Rumours have been rife throughout the summer that Fabregas may be tempted by a move back to Spain and the club where he started his career.

Italian giants Milan have also been strongly linked with a move for the Arsenal captain, who scored three Premier League goals last season.

The Gunners will be vying to win their first trophy in four years over the next nine months, and Wenger is adamant that he will not be allowing any more key players to leave.

"Do you really think we sell our players one day before the championship starts, players who are basic players of the team? There is no chance," the French coach told the Press Association.

"You cannot stop people from having a lot of creative imagination during their sleepless nights, but that does not mean we will do it."

Wenger himself has resisted the advances of the likes of Real Madrid in the past, and the Gunners boss has stated that he is a firm believer in the need to honour a contract.

"I believe that in life you are committed to clubs with contracts, and in no contract is the colour of your blood described," he added, referring to Fabregas and the speculation linking him with a move to Spain.

"I am more committed than ever to my club, not only this season, but since I have arrived here.

"We are at the beginning of a new season now, and it is important that everybody focuses - me, Fabregas, everybody else - just on being successful for the club we love, and the best way we can do that is to do well."

Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign at Goodison Park against Everton on Saturday.

sky star 2 · Aug 14, 2009

Marco Materazzi's Agent Won't Rule Out Lazio Move

Lazio are looking for defensive reinforcements ahead of the new season, with one option being free-agent Diego Lugano, however, another is Inter stalwart Marco Materazzi.

The player's agent, Claudio Vigorelli, has denied any contact from the Bianconcelesti, but does not rule out that move could be completed.

"Materazzi to Lazio? For now, no one has contacted me," he revealed to lalaziosiamonoi.it.

"Marco has always been happy at Inter and recently renewed his contract. Now, however, it's up to him to decide what to do."

The World Cup winner has fallen in the pecking order with the arrival of Brazilian international Lucio, while he also faces stiff competition from Walter Samuel, Ivan Cordoba, and Christian Chivu in defence.

"At Inter, he is currently second choice," he admitted in conclusion.

The 35-year-old has featured for Inter since he joined from Perugia in 2001.

sky star 2 · Aug 14, 2009

Luciano Spalletti: No Zenit St. Petersburg Agreement, I Will Remain At Roma

Earlier today, reports emerged that Zenit St. Petersburg were on the verge of appointing current Roma boss Luciano Spalletti as their new coach, however, the Italian has poured scorn on such rumours.

The club recently let go of tactician Dick Advocaat, who was eventually going to depart for the Belgian national team in the autumn, but Spalletti has denied he is the next in line at the Russian club.

"Not only do I categorically deny the report, but I also deny any contact," he clarified to Sky Sport 24.

"For all intents and purposes, I am and will remain the coach of Roma."

The former Empoli and Udinese boss currently has a contract with the Italian capital outfit until June 2011. He has been on their bench since 2005, winning two Coppa Italia trophies and one Supercoppa Italiana during his stint at the Stadio Olimpico.

sky star 2 · Aug 14, 2009

No Truth To Juventus Rumours Regarding Sergio Aguero & Maxi Rodriguez – Agent

On Thursday, Spanish newspaper Marca suggested Juventus were interesting in acquiring Atletico Madrid duo Sergio Aguero and Maxi Rodriguez. However, the players' agent, Jose Segui, has dismissed the notion the Serie A side have been in contact.

"My agency and I have not spoken to anyone. It's not true," he said to Calciomercato, dismissing the press stories from yesterday.

"As for Maxi Rodriguez, in the coming weeks, after the market closes, we will talk with Atletico Madrid. At the moment, there is no provision for a [contract] renewal.

"There has also been no contact for Aguero, not with Juventus, and not with any other teams in the press."

The 21-year-old striker has also continually been linked with Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United over the past couple of months, with a report in British newspaper The Independent suggesting today that the Red Devils are still interested in ‘El Kun’.