[Football] Winter Transfers 2011

[Rappy Veteran]

Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez has submitted a written transfer request, which the club has rejected.

The 26-year-old Argentina striker is said to be homesick after four years in England.

"The club remains disappointed by this situation and particularly with the actions of Carlos' representative," said a Manchester City statement.

Tevez was suspended on Saturday as City won at West Ham to move level on points with Premier League leaders Arsenal.

He had an angry exchange with manager Roberto Mancini when substituted in the closing moments of his last match against Bolton on 4 December.

City say that Tevez and his agent, Kia Joorabchian, have been pushing to renegotiate the player's five-year contract in recent months.

The statement continued: "Roberto Mancini and all at the club have shown, and will continue to show, sensitivity to Carlos' personal circumstances including the issue of his family being based overseas.

"Indeed following his suspension as a result of the game against Bolton, Carlos requested, and was given, special dispensation by the manager to take leave overseas.

"The written transfer request is in stark contrast to Carlos' stated position in both public and club contexts.

"Significantly, over recent months, the club has also received numerous requests from Carlos' representative to renegotiate and improve his playing contract as well as more recently a request to extend that contract by another year.

"However, in line with the club's policy of not negotiating playing contracts mid-season this has not been granted. Carlos' current five-year contract has three-and-a-half years to run and he is the highest paid player at Manchester City Football Club.

"This is both an unfortunate and unwelcome distraction and the club will remain focused on the games ahead in what is turning out to be a very promising season. The door remains open for Carlos to be selected to play."

[Shibby]

So liverpool want to ditch Glen Johnson?

It seems they can't be bothered to manage him them. ?Sure he has lapses where he's not always switched on, but if you got a good man manager and defence coach (ie. Harry Redknapp and Tony Adams) He's a great attacking right back who CAN defend if managed well.

Things still don't sound great at Liverpool despite the new owners. ?It sounds as people are still feeling the effects of the last owners and Roy struggling to get to grips with his players.?

[Rappy Veteran]

Manchester City have signed Israeli international midfielder Gai Assulin on a two-and-a-half year deal after the 19-year-old left Barcelona.

Assulin, who became Israel's youngest international when he won his first cap aged just 16, had been linked with several teams including Arsenal.

"As soon as I saw the club [City] I wanted to stay. I'm at a great club and hope to be here a long time," he said.

"I have to take my opportunity and learn every day in training."

Assulin, who played against City in a prestige Nou Camp friendly at the start of last season, said he hoped to follow in the footsteps of another former Barcelona player, Yaya Toure, who is now a first-team regular at City.

"I speak with Yaya every day - and I hope to be playing alongside him," he said.

Assulin is a regular for the Israel U21 side and won his first cap for the senior side in a friendly against Chile in 2008, two weeks before his 17th birthday.

When he came on in the 78th minute, he broke Ben Sahar's record for the youngest debut by 195 days.

[Rappy Veteran]

Arsenal have announced that young Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi is set to join the Gunners in January.

The 18-year-old caught the Arsenal manager's eye during a trial spell at the club earlier this year.

Despite never having made a senior appearance for his country, Miyaichi represented Chukyodai Chuyko High School in the All Japan High School tournament, as well as featuring at the Under-17 World Cup in 2009.

Wenger, who formerly managed Japanese side Grampus Eight, has admitted it is important for Asia to be represented at Emirates Stadium.

Miyaichi becomes the first Japanese player at the club in more than nine years, with Wenger previously signing Junichi Inamoto on a year-long loan in July 2001.

"He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world," said Wenger.

"I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential here at Arsenal."

[Kriz]

Rumours about Beckham joining Spurs on loan in January are pretty rife at the moment! :D

[Kralik]

Another attacking midfielder.. news on Arsenal fan forums is that this kid Cesc's heir and Cesc has agreed to fulfil his 5 years contract or till the kid is ready to take over...

Arsenal Football Club is delighted to confirm that Japanese forward Ryo Miyaichi will be joining the Club in January 2011.

Everyone associated with the Club wishes Ryo, 18, well in the forthcoming All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, where he is representing Chukyodai Chuyko High School.

Once the national championships are concluded, Ryo will join up with his new team-mates in London.

Arsenal Manager Arsène Wenger said: "I am delighted Ryo will be joining us in the New Year.

"He trialled with us in the summer and has raw ability which has attracted many clubs around the world.

"I look forward to helping him fulfil his potential here at Arsenal."

EDIT: Hey Rappy beat me to it!!

[Rappy Veteran]

;)

[Rappy Veteran]

Manchester City are in talks with Wolfsburg over the transfer of Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko.

Reports in Germany have suggested that the Premier League outfit are now on the verge of signing the 24-year-old forward for a record Bundesliga fee.

But such accounts are premature, with talks between City's chief negotiator Brian Marwood and Dzeko's agent still at an early stage.

Dzeko is under contract until 2013 and has a buy-out clause of around ?30m.

He was linked with a number of clubs last summer but remained with Wolfsburg after clubs failed to meet the escape clause in his deal.

With the German club enduring a frustrating season under former England manager Steve McClaren, Dzeko could be on his way to Eastlands when the transfer window opens at the beginning of January.

Dzeko has established a reputation as one of Europe's leading marksmen during his time in Germany, scoring 10 times this season and taking his overall tally to 66 in 111 games for the club.

Dzeko, who was also top scorer in the Bundesliga last season, joined Wolfsburg from FK Teplice for 4m euros in 2007.

City manager Roberto Mancini has spoken of his admiration for Dzeko before, but the club have now stepped up their pursuit of a player they regard as an ideal replacement for Emmanuel Adebayor, who they will try to sell in January.

Wolfsburg general manager Dieter Hoeness has declined to comment, while club spokesman Gerd Voss told BBC Sport: "We will not speculate on this.

"The silly season has begun with the January window about to open. We had it in the summer with Dzeko and we have it now again but we will not comment."

Bayern Munich currently hold the Bundesliga transfer record with their 30m euros outlay on Mario Gomez from Stuttgart in 2009.

The 27m euros paid by Juventus for Werder Bremen's Diego in May 2009 is the highest fee received by a Bundesliga club from a team outside of Germany.

Diego lasted only a season in Serie A, returning to the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, who paid 15.5m euros for the Brazilian international.

[Rappy Veteran]

Defender Havard Nordtveit has departed Arsenal to join Borussia Monchengladbach for an undisclosed fee.

The 20-year-old Norwegian, who arrived at Emirates Stadium in 2007, has failed to break into the Gunners first-team and was farmed out on loan to Salamanca, Lillestrom and Nuremberg over the past three seasons.

Nordtveit, who began his career at native club Haugesund, is looking forward to helping the currently rock-bottom Monchengladbach try and turn their season around after penning a three-year deal.

"It's my goal to play as much as possible," Nordtveit told the club's official website.

"I will do my utmost to break into the starting XI and will give everything to help the club forward.

"Monchengladbach have had some defensive problems, but I'm hopeful that we'll return to winning ways after the winter break."

Celtic boss Neil Lennon is set to hold talks with Freddie Ljungberg's representatives on Thursday about a deal at Parkhead for the Swedish ace.

Former Arsenal star Ljungberg has been training with Celtic this week after deciding to leave MLS side Chicago Fire.

Ljungberg has impressed during his time in Glasgow and Lennon is ready to offer him a short-term deal

"The talks will hopefully be ongoing on Thursday," said Lennon.

"We are hoping his representatives are up and we can get something bedded down."

Lennon will also continue to monitor Dwayne De Rosario after his club, Toronto FC, and Major League Soccer claimed they had not authorised the Canada international to train with the Parkhead club.

"I think it was an administrative problem but that has been resolved so he can carry on," added Lennon.

lol Freddie is slightly past it!

[Rappy Veteran]

This morning, in a shock twitter post, Blackburn owners Venky?s have revealed they have offered ?7.2million (roughly ?6.2million) per year to Ronaldinho in an attempt to woo the former World Player of the Year.

The post was quickly removed but it originally said:

?Venkys trying hard to get Ronaldinho for 2 years contract . Offered 7.2 Million Euros as salary per year to Mr. Assis?

It?s an audacious move for the Brazilian but Blackburn have met the 30-year-old?s salary demands which have seen him look set to leave AC Milan. It has often been thought that Ronaldinho is most likely to return to his native Brazil to finish his playing days, but a move to the Premier League has never been ruled out with the forward being linked to Roy Hodgson?s Liverpool.

The tweet could suggest that Venky?s are now in charge of transfers at Ewood Park and new manager Steve Kean may find himself in a similar situation to that which Mark Hughes found himself in at Manchester City.

:|

[Kriz]

Has ronaldinho played a good game since 2007?

Becks to Spurs :D

[nothuman]

Sampdoria have confirmed the signing of Federico Macheda on-loan from Manchester United for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old had been wanted by several clubs in the English Premier League after Sir Alex Ferguson had made it known that the player would be available.

Sampdoria have been in need of a striker since Antonio Cassano was allowed to join AC Milan following his disagreement with club president Riccardo Garrone.

However, it is believed that it was the chance of fighting for an immediate place in tandem with Giampaolo Pazzini that swayed the decision for the young Italian.

"I am very happy that Macheda has chosen Sampdoria and I think it's the same for the fans," said Garrone.

"Macheda has easily filled the void left by Cassano, he will definitely do well.

"In these five months we will try to treat him well. With him here, the enthusiasm has increased tenfold."

Source: Skysports

[Rappy Veteran]

:rofl:

[Crazysah]

ROVERS 'TABLE ?6.2m RONALDINHO BID'

Blackburn owner Anuradha Desai claims the club have tabled a ?6.2m bid for AC Milan's Ronaldinho.

Reports of a sensational move for the former World Player of the Year emerged on Monday with Rovers' new owners Venky's keen to make a splash in the transfer window.

Venky's initially denied making any move for Ronaldinho, but now Sky Sports News claim Desai has confirmed the Ewood Park outfit has lodged an offer with Milan for the former Barcelona star.

Ronaldinho's future has been the subject of speculation for some time with the playmaker having just six months to run on his current contract.

It was thought he would return to his native Brazil this month with former club Gremio keen to sign the 30-year-old.

However, Rovers now appear to have thrown their hat into the ring as they look to lure the skilful attacker to the Premier League.

Gremio remain favourites to land Ronaldinho, but Blackburn are waiting in the wings to sign him if he fails to agree a return to his homeland.

I sure hope they get him. Will be very exciting then.

[Rappy Veteran]

I sure hope they get him. Will be very exciting then.

waste of money....waste of chickens being sold :p

[Weld_El_7aj]

A new card for the collection...

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has confirmed the club have agreed a fee with Wolfsburg for striker Edin Dzeko.

The Bosnia international has been a target for a number of leading clubs around Europe after his goalscoring exploits for the Bundesliga side.

A transfer fee in the region of ?27million has been mentioned for the 24-year-old's services, adding to the Eastlands outfit's already staggering expenditure as they target silverware at home and abroad.

Source

a great player, I do like him, but will he play at City?

[Rappy Veteran]

lolz they will need to sell soon

Wolfsburg star Edin Dzeko has given Juventus 48 hours to make him an official offer, or else he will complete his move to Manchester City, Goal.com International can reveal.

The Bosnian has been the centre of intense media speculation over the past few weeks, with the English press adamant that only personal terms separate the hitman from finalising his transfer to Eastlands.

The Italian media has long since claimed that Dzeko would prefer a move to Serie A in order to join long-term admirers Juventus, who were very close to signing him last summer before they instead used up their one non-EU berth on CSKA Moscow?s Milos Krasic. The Old Lady did obtain an option on Dzeko, though, as part of the deal that saw Brazilian playmaker Diego move to Wolfsburg for a cut-price fee of ?15.5 million.

Goal.com International has now learned that Dzeko ? who due to Serie A EU rules cannot join Juventus until the summer ? is desperate to move to the Bianconeri at the end of the current campaign and has handed them a 48-hour ultimatum to present an official offer.

If this is not forthcoming, then Dzeko will instead complete his transfer to Manchester City, most likely on Thursday, for a fee in the region of ?32m. City and Wolfsburg have already agreed upon a transfer fee, but the Bosnian has yet to give the green light as he clings onto hope of Juve.

[Weld_El_7aj]

lolz they will need to sell soon

Real Madrid need a forward as Higuain is out for 4~6 months. tha spanish papers are talking about Adebayor in loan untill the end of the season.

but even if they sell some players, i still doubt he will have some games to show his class.

[Rappy Veteran]

Arsene Wenger is weighing up whether to let Arsenal attacker Carlos Vela join Bolton Wanderers on loan for the rest of the season.

Vela will be allowed to leave the Emirates on a temporary basis in January and the Mexican has several clubs on his trail.

The 21-year-old has not started a Premier League game this season and Bolton have expressed an interest in taking Vela to the Reebok Stadium.

Gunners team-mate Jack Wilshere enjoyed a productive loan spell at Bolton last season and Vela could also link up with Owen Coyle's side.

[Rappy Veteran]

Gareth Bale's Italian agent insists three Serie A outfits are interested in signing the Spurs ace - but only Real Madrid could land him in January.

The Welsh wizard's stock has risen considerably this season after a number of scintillating displays, including a hat-trick against Inter Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza.

Agent Peppino Tirri says Juventus, AC Milan and Inter - as well as Real Madrid - are interested in the 21-year-old.

But, while he believes 'there are high chances' Bale will move to Italy one day, Tirri does not think a deal will be done in January.

The agent told ilsussidiario.net: "I confirm the interest of Juventus for Bale, the Bianconeri are trying to bring him to Italy but not in January, in June.

"AC Milan and Inter Milan too have shown interest in the Welsh player, partly because he would like to play in Italy in the near future. There are high chances that it can happen.

"Also, Real Madrid are seriously trying, (Jose) Mourinho has his eye on him and the Spanish club would be the only one who can take Bale in January."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has previously stated Bale is not for sale as the Londoners push for glory in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

[Kriz]

No way Bale is leaving, not in a billion years :D

[Rappy Veteran]

No way Bale is leaving, not in a billion years :D

haha everyone said that about Berbs until Utd offered a sweet out of this planet price...so don't bank on him not leaving...he will leave probably end of season

[BGM]

Bale not going anywhere..

Dzeko better ****ing not complete the move to city, i will be so angry!!!

[deuz]

Bale not going anywhere..

Dzeko better ****ing not complete the move to city, i will be so angry!!!

it would be silly for real to buy bale because marcelo is also quite young.

If Dzeko does go to man city hopefully they'll get rid of the overrated turd that is adebayor.

[Rappy Veteran]

Newcastle United have confirmed the permanent signing of France international Hatem Ben Arfa on a four-and-a-half year contract.

Sky Sports revealed earlier on Wednesday that Ben Arfa was on the verge of finalising a long-term stay at St James' Park after joining on loan from Marseille in the summer.

Ben Arfa is currently recovering from a double leg fracture suffered against Manchester City in October and has been restricted to just four appearances for the Magpies.

However, the 23-year-old is focused on his recovery and is delighted to have wrapped up a deal to stay with the Premier League club until 2015.

Very happy

"I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Newcastle United on a permanent basis," Ben Arfa told the club's official website.

"During my short time at the club, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the team and for the supporters too. This is a great club and I am very happy to be committing my future to them.

"I am getting back to fitness as quickly as I can and am really looking forward to getting back to St James' Park, seeing the lads again and of course working with Alan Pardew and his staff.

"During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of support from fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on the pitch later this season."

Manager Alan Pardew added: "When I came to the club last month, one of my priorities was to secure Hatem on a permanent deal.

"The last thing I wanted was for us to lose him when his loan ended so we're really pleased to have agreed that deal today.

"He's obviously a top player and he's shown that in France, at international level and in his short time here at Newcastle.

"I'm delighted to secure Hatem as my first signing and once he's back fit, I have no doubt he'll confirm just what a superb player he is."