EPL summer deals
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ENCKELMAN
PETER ENCKELMAN’S week cannot get any worse — after his FA Cup final blunder he has been left without a club.
The on-loan Cardiff keeper spilled the cross which led to Kanu’s Wembley winner for Portsmouth on Saturday.
Less than 48 hours later, he was released by parent club Blackburn.
Enckelman, 31, left Ewood Park in January to join Championship club Cardiff on loan. He failed to overthrow Brad Friedel as Rovers’ No 1 and made just two Premier League appearances in four years.
And now he is searching for a full-time deal after Blackburn boss Mark Hughes cut his losses.
Rovers have also released defender Stephane Henchoz, 33, and winger Bruno Berner, 30.
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Alonso
JUVENTUS are on the verge of signing Liverpool star Xabi Alonso.
Reports in Italy suggest the Spanish midfielder is close to sealing his exit from Anfield.
Juventus are understood to have bid around £12million for Alonso, although the Reds are holding out for £16m.
The Italian side's director Jean Claude Blanc was in England yesterday for lengthy discussions over the deal.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has plenty of cover in central midfield and is prepared to let Alonso leave.
If Alonso completes the move, he will join former Reds team-mate Mohamed Sissoko in Turin.
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RAFA BENITEZ is after Espanyol’s £6million-rated winger Albert Riera.
Liverpool will try to offload Argie Sebastian Leto as part of the deal.
Spaniard Reira, who was on loan at Manchester City two years ago, is also interesting Blackburn and Spurs.
The Kop chief also wants Bordeaux skipper Ulrich Rame, 35, as back-up to first choice keeper Pepe Reina.
Benitez hopes to tempt the French runners-up into a straight swap for his current second choice keeper Charles Itandje.
Rame, a former French international, would have to forego Champions League action for a place on the bench at Anfield, but the Reds hope higher wages and a two-year deal will sway him.
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Eto'o
JUANDE RAMOS fears he is being priced out of his bid to sign Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o.
Tottenham’s boss flew to Spain on Monday to open negotiations for the Cameroon striker, 27.
But Barca want £33million for him, while the player’s £6m-a- year wage demands look sure to scupper any deal.
That is more than double the £60,000-a-week paid to current top earners Robbie Keane and Ledley King.
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Ronaldo
GABRIEL HEINZE says his old team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo will never leave Manchester United while Alex Ferguson is in charge.
Ronaldo is being linked with Real Madrid after taking the Premier League by storm.
Heinze left United for the Bernabeu last year and would love to link up with his pal again.
But he feels the Portugal winger will not quit Old Trafford until Ferguson, 66, decides to retire.
Heinze said: “I talk with Ronaldo all the time and I tell him how great this club is and the nice things that Madrid has.
“But he has a coach who had trust in him when he was younger.
“Whilst Ferguson is at United it is very difficult.”
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Valencia
WINGER Luis Antonio Valencia, 22, will snub interest from both Manchester United and Liverpool and stay at Wigan for another year.
He said: “I think I will be - it seems that they want me to stay one more year.
“I feel good to be able to play in the Premier League. I hope this will help me play for a bigger team.
“If it does not happen this year, maybe next year.
“English football is very difficult. I have started to study because you have to speak English to be able to play there.”
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Arshavin
MANCHESTER CITY have offered £12m for Zenit St Petersburg striker Andrei Arshavin.
City moved for Arshavin, 27, who also interests Everton, after watching him in last week’s UEFA Cup final win over Rangers.
Meanwhile,
BRAZILIAN schemer Dudu is the new name on David Moyes’ summer hit-list.
The Everton boss, who has a £20million summer transfer kitty, has kept tabs on the midfielder, 25, and went to Russia last month to watch him in action for CSKA Moscow.
Now he is considering an £8m raid for a player who can be used as either a holding or attacking midfielder.
Moyes, who has agreed his own contract extension, also checked on Dudu’s team-mate Jo, but would not stump up the £18m asking price.
The swoop means Everton will not try to make Manuel Fernandes’ loan deal from Valencia a permanent switch.
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SCHWARZER
MARK SCHWARZER has called time on his 11-year Middlesbrough career by joining Fulham.
The Aussie, 35, had been linked with Bayern Munich but has agreed a two-year deal at Craven Cottage.
Schwarzer, who was a free agent, said: "I thought it was important to sort it out sooner rather than later.
"I was very confident something would be sorted out.
"I had a few other options but felt this was the best one for me.
"I don't think anyone can say anything negative about my stay at Middlesbrough, I fulfilled every contract I had with them."
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Riera closer to Pool deal
LIVERPOOL target Albert Riera has revealed he is desperate to quit Espanyol.
The £6million-rated Spanish winger is being chased by Kop boss Rafa Benitez.
And Riera has accelerated his exit by slamming the criticism aimed at the club's players.
He said: “I want to leave Espanyol. I do not want to be part of a club that does not take care of or protect its players.
“I do not know if I will go to Liverpool or some other team. I am staying hopeful and I would really like everything sorted out within the next two weeks.
“It would be best for everyone concerned because I know that my transfer would clearly be beneficial. I do not want to cause any problems.
“I don’t want to be at a club where the supporters have no love for the players, or where it depends on whether the team qualifies for Europe or not.”
Riera's move to Anfield could be thrown into doubt after it was revealed he has a £16million release clause in his contract.
Sporting director Paco Herrera, a former Liverpool coach, said: “If he says he is going to go then he has more information than his club – he must know that there is an interested club who will pay the amount of money needed.”
Meanwhile,
Kop's £12m bid for Barry
LIVERPOOL have upped their bid for Gareth Barry by £2million to £12m.
Aston Villa chief Martin O’Neill immediately rejected the Kop offer for his star midfielder.
Barry has been offered £70,000 a week by Villa but wants Champions League football.
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Ronaldo: I'll sign nx week
CRISTIANO RONALDO confirmed he WILL sign a new deal at Manchester United next week.
The Portugal superstar, 23, finally quashed all the speculation about his future — which has been driven by Real Madrid’s fanzines.
Ronaldo said: “My future will be clear next week. Everyone will be pleased — my club as well as me.
“I think I will definitely be here next season. Yes, I want to stay.
“I have played five years for this club and I’d love to stay here.
“I love the people, the players are fantastic, the atmosphere is unbelievable, the staff are great. That is the reason I want to stay.
“We won the most important trophies this season. I want to do it again next season but no one knows the future.
“I want to stay, I feel very happy in the club. I win trophies, the people are friendly, supporters are amazing, everything is fun for me. It’s very good.”
Ferguson’s assistant Carlos Queiroz was equally categorical about Ronaldo’s future.
Queiroz said: “Without doubt he will continue with United. He’s very happy with us, he has a contract and there is no fear or worry he will go.”
Ronaldo admitted it has been an astonishing turnaround since he became Public Enemy No 1 following his World Cup spat with Wayne Rooney two summers ago.
Back then he had publicly demanded a move to Madrid because he felt boss Alex Ferguson and owner Malcolm Glazer had not protected him after the Rooney row.
Now the undisputed King of English football admits the situation has turned in his favour.
He added: “After the last two years I feel the English people have been friendly to me. I enjoy playing in England but no one knows the future.”
But as far as the immediate future is concerned Ronaldo was adamant — he WILL stay at United. He said: “This is a young team and we have everything to win next year.
“We want to win the Champions League again and we have a good chance. We have a good team spirit.”
The 42-goal wizard is now favourite to be crowned European and World Footballer of the Year in December.
Yet he insisted: “Of course I can get better. The goals are not the most important thing. Maybe I will play well next year but I won’t score as many goals.
“But I’m going to try to do my best. Every season I’ve improved and I want to improve next year.”
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Coupet
JUANDE RAMOS is set to bring Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet to Tottenham for £2.5million.
The Spurs boss is on the verge of striking a deal with the French champions for their experienced stopper.
Coupet, 35, will be France’s first choice at Euro 2008 and will come in to give England’s Paul Robinson competition.
And a Lyon source confirmed: “It’s true Tottenham are interested in Coupet. There’ll be an announcement this week.”
Coupet has two years left on his contract and Spurs will pay a £2.5m get-out clause.
The French star will then sign a three-year deal worth around £35,000 a week.
An announcement by Lyon is expected to be made after the French Cup final against Paris St Germain on Saturday.
It is understood Coupet will not arrive with any assurance of being first choice as Ramos wants to encourage a battle for Spurs’ No 1 shirt between the Frenchman and Robinson.
Capturing Coupet, who has starred in all of Lyon’s seven consecutive Championnat titles, is a major coup for Ramos.
Robinson’s No 2 Radek Cerny joined QPR after two seasons at White Hart Lane.
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Barca
DANIEL ALVES is set to snub a move to England by joining Barcelona.
The Sevilla full-back has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.
But the Brazil star, 25, has his heart set on a move to the Catalan giants and has issued a come-and-get-me plea to new Barca boss Pep Guardiola.
Alves said: "As I have said more than once it would be an honour and a pleasure to be able to play for Barca.
“I am just waiting for concrete news and hope that things can move as quickly as possible.
"The truth is that it is a bit more complicated than it seemed.
"It does not depend on me and when that happens things are more difficult.
"I think that I am ready to join a major club. I have been at Sevilla for five-and-a-half years and a lot of things have happened.
"I have matured a lot and I have been waiting for this moment for two years now."
Alves also revealed he is a huge fan of Guardiola and even watched the ex-Barca midfielder when he was growing up.
He added: "He is spectacular. I love football and I always watched Barca against Madrid when I was younger.
“In Brazil he was considered to be one of the best in his position.
"He was a great player and I have no doubt that he will be a great coach.”
Seville president Jose Maria del Nido rejected Chelsea’s £28m bid for Alves last summer and the player himself admits his high valuation may scare some clubs off.
He said: “It is difficult to put a price on my work.
"It is the president who must do that. Where I go is what I decide.
“I will say where I go. My future is down to me and nobody else, but the price is down to him.
"Last year he rejected an offer that was far too much. But I cannot do anything about that if someone wants to pay that."
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AC Milan
AC MILAN have vowed to raid the Premier League for Didier Drogba or Emmanuel Adebayor.
The Italian giants finished just fifth in Serie A this season and are desperate for new signings to boost their squad.
Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Chelsea ace Drogba and Arsenal hitman Adebayor are at the top of his list.
He said: "We will return next season to win Serie A.
"We will sign one of Drogba, Eto'o, Adebayor or Amauri.
"All of those players have perfect characteristics. We need flexible forwards who can help the squad in defence too.
"There will be new names at the club but it will not be a revolution because the basis of the group is already solid."
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Originally posted by a-Lost-9uY:
Coupet
JUANDE RAMOS is set to bring Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet to Tottenham for £2.5million.
No Spurs bid for Coupet - Lyon
"Lyon categorically deny having received any offer from the English club Tottenham about the transfer of Gregory Coupet," read a brief statement on Lyon's official website.
"Moreover, the club would like to remind everyone of the general fact that no discussions relating to possible transfers will take place before the Coupe de France final at the Stade de France on Saturday in which the club as a whole have all their focus."
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Robinho
CHELSEA are lining up a sensational £28million bid for Brazil star Robinho.
The Real Madrid striker's agent Wagner Ribeiro claims he met Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon yesterday to talk about the move.
He said: "I met Peter Kenyon in London on Thursday.
"He told me that they were considering making an offer of £28m for Robinho.
"We did not talk about wages or the length of the contract."
Robinho, 24, also confirmed there was firm interest from the Blues.
He said: "What could happen is that I could go to Chelsea, as I have an offer from them.
"Milan are also interested in me."
Robinho has just enjoyed his best season in a Madrid shirt since joining in 2005.
Last week claimed he had no interest in leaving Spain but a big-money switch to London may tempt him to change change his mind.
Chelsea have already splashed out £16.2m on Porto right-back this summer as they look to make up for their trophyless season.
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ARSENAL are set to sign £1.5million African wonderkid Torric Jibril.
The midfielder, 16, will join the Gunners subject to a two-week trial next month from Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak.
Torric said: “I am ready to play under coach Wenger and I will be happy to show the world what I can do.
“I like the style of play of Arsenal because of the silky skills and that is what I can add to the team.
“If I am given the chance I know I can play in the first team - I am not afraid.
"We play before big crowds and even though they call me a small boy I am not afraid of them.”
Torric’s agent Prince Omar Ibrahim added: “We have received the documents from Arsenal inviting Torric for trials from June.
“We have taken the future development of the player into consideration and we all know that there is coach better than Arsene Wenger who can do the work
Torric.
“We must not forget that for a multi-talented young African player he needs an African environment to probably flourish.
"Arsenal offers that more than any other team with several African players at the club.
“But Arsenal must be ready to pay the price demanded by his club and also assure us that he will develop well.
“Torric is the next big thing to hit world football and you need to see his unbelievable qualities.
"At this age to be playing in Ghana’s midfield full of talented players should tell you a lot.”
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Moore
PREMIER LEAGUE new boys West Brom have snapped up Aston Villa youngster Luke Moore for £3million.
The striker, 22, joined the Baggies on loan in Febuary, making 10 appearances as they sealed promotion from the Championship.
Moore, who won his fifth England Under-21 cap in March’s goalless draw with Poland at Molineux, has put pen to paper on a three year deal.
Villa could also receive a further £500,000 in additional clauses.
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EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea approach for Palace wonderkid Bostock fails as Tottenham look to seal ?5m deal
Chelsea appear to have failed in a last-ditch attempt to hijack John Bostock's transfer to Tottenham. Sportsmail understands that the 16-year-old Crystal Palace wonderkid has shunned a move from the Stamford Bridge club, despite the beaten Champions League finalists offering more money to both Palace and the player himself.
Bostock - who made his made his league debut on October 29, 2007, at the age of 15 years and 287 days, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in a 2–0 home defeat to Watford - is understood to see his future at White Hart Lane despite the lure of life at a 'Top Four' club.
Chelsea's sporting director, Frank Arnesen, is believed to have instigated the last-minute approach for the Camberwell-born central midfielder but Spurs have won the race and are set to complete deal - worth up to ?5million - by the end of this week.
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Shaun-Wright Phillips
PORTSMOUTH have made Shaun-Wright Phillips a £10million target.
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp wants to capitalise on his side’s FA Cup success by strengthening his squad.
And he believes he can persuade Chelsea to take a loss on out-of-favour Wright-Phillips.
Since signing for the Blues from Manchester City for £21m three years ago, the 5ft 6in winger, 26, has been struggling for form.
He has scored only four goals in 81 league games and was not even part of the Chelsea squad that were beaten in the Champions League final last week.
Redknapp, whose side are in the UEFA Cup for the first time next term, had planned to sign Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe for Newcastle had he taken the Toon job in January.
But, after opting to stay at Fratton Park, he snapped up Defoe and now wants to make it a double by landing England international Wright-Phillips.
However, Pompey will face competition from Newcastle who are still interested in the player.
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MOORE
LUKE MOORE has completed a £3million move to Premier League new boys West Brom.
The England Under-21 striker, who joined Albion on loan from Aston Villa in February, has agreed a three-year deal.
Boss Tony Mowbray will also sign Hearts’ striker Roman Bednar for £2.3m this week.
And the Baggies will convert South Korean midfielder Kim Do Heon’s loan into a permanent two-year stay.
Kim, 25, will cost £550,000 from Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.
Mowbray said: “His loan was all about settling into the club and culture.
“He’s got talent and will play a significant part next season.”
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Johnson
QPR are set to bid £1million for Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson.
The winger, 20, is frustrated at his lack of first-team football and is ready to drop into the Championship.
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Abramovich
CHELSEA will give their new manager £80million to buy new players.
That is the transfer chest Blues owner Roman Abramovich has agreed after being left embarrassed the club were trophy-less for the first time in four years.
A Chelsea source revealed: “Avram Grant won nothing and was fired. Roman is not prepared to settle for second best.
“Any candidate for manager will be made aware of what’s expected. But significant funds will be made available.”
Chelsea want Valencia striker David Villa, Barcelona wonderkid Giovani Dos Santos and could swap Didier Drogba for Inter Milan top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
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Crouch
LIVERPOOL have finally backed down over their £15million asking price for Peter Crouch.
And that could see the England hitman joining Portsmouth when he returns from international duty against Trinidad and Tobago next week.
Pompey had one £7m bid knocked back — but if they up the offer to £10m they will finally get their wish of pairing Fratton Park old boy Crouch with Jermain Defoe.
Crouch, 27, admitted last season he would have to move on to avoid slipping into the international wilderness. But when Liverpool refused to budge over their demands, he was ready to spend the last year of his contract largely warming the bench — behind first choice Fernando Torres — and then leave for free.
Aston Villa were initially interested, which would have suited Liverpool as they could have used him in a makeweight deal to land midfielder Gareth Barry.
But 6ft 7in Crouch would much prefer a move back to Fratton Park, where he spent the best part of a season six years ago — and the prospect of a near £60,000-a-week wage has seen him set his heart on a return.
The beanpole striker was a shock £7m Kop buy from Southampton three years ago and has regularly found the net when given a chance, hitting 42 goals in 135 games.
Now boss Rafa Benitez will use the money from his sale, plus the likely departures of Xabi Alonso — to Juventus — Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise, to land his summer targets.
Barry is first choice, with Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena also close to agreeing a deal. Swiss right-back Philipp Degen signed last week on a free from Borussia Dortmund.
Riise has been interesting Villa and Newcastle but wants to know if he has any chance of staying put.
He said: “My agent is finding out what’s happening. I have to get things sorted out before pre-season starts.
“Those who have played internationals are due to meet up on July 7.
“But I can’t wait and wait for an answer — I have to get one now.”
Portsmouth chief Harry Redknapp also has his eye on Liverpool keeper Charles Itandje, who wants to quit Anfield.
Itandje, signed from Lens last summer as Pepe Reina’s understudy, made seven FA and Carling Cup appearances.
France’s Rennes and Lille are also keen.
Itandje, 25, said: “I need playing time. I’ve learned about daily life at a big club but I want to be out there on the pitch.”
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Barry
STEVEN GERRARD has told England pal Gareth Barry to leave Aston Villa this summer and join Liverpool in the Champions League.
The Kop star said: “We’re good friends on and off the pitch and I'm desperate for us to sign him.”
His comments will infuriate Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who has already accused Liverpool of tapping up his captain.
Now Gerrard has made it clear Barry tops the hit-list of Anfield boss Rafa Benitez.
He added: “I am sure Gareth will find it hard to leave Villa. But he is 27 and needs Champions League football.
“He has been there for 10 years. Yet opportunities sometimes come up to better your career.
“I spoke to Rafa Benitez at the end of the season and I know he has players he is trying to bring in this summer.
“One of those is Gareth Barry. He will certainly help Liverpool to become a better team.”
Gerrard, speaking after training with his fellow midfielder for England’s date tomorrow against Trinidad and Tobago, added: “I’ve enjoyed playing with him for England. He keeps it simple and is easy to read.”
Villa have already rejected one Liverpool bid but fear Barry wants out.
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Tevez
CARLOS TEVEZ has set alarm bells ringing at Manchester United by revealing he wants to play in Spain one day.
The double winners have been frustrated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent refusal to commit his long-term future due to his desire to play in La Liga.
Now Tevez 24, who has yet to join United on a permanent basis, has followed suit by only saying he is happy at Old Trafford for now.
The Argentine left the door open for a move to Spain in future by admitting he fancies playing there at some point in his career.
Tevez said: “Maybe one day I’ll play in the Spanish league but there’s a long way to go. At the moment I am happy here. I know many South Americans prefer to play in Italy or Spain when they move to Europe.
“But I’m happy here. It’s the best league in the world.”
United have made the permanent signing of Tevez one of their top priorities for the summer.
Bordeaux may pull out of a move for United defender Mikael Silvestre due to his wage demands.
