Theres some talk that Eljero Elia is coming to Anfield \:d/ \:d/ Will be stoked if true.

Link ?

I saw him play against Aus, and I was not overly convinced... He looks similar to Babel... Id much rather Pandev for 8m, plus Voronin in exchange.... Also Davide Santon for 12m plus Dossena...

Theres some talk that Eljero Elia is coming to Anfield \:d/ \:d/ Will be stoked if true.

Link ?

I saw him play against Aus, and I was not overly convinced... He looks similar to Babel... Id much rather Pandev for 8m, plus Voronin in exchange.... Also Davide Santon for 12m plus Dossena...

He is certainly a telnted and promising young player but I cant see that happening he only just moved to HSV for 8.5 million euro's and hasnt even played half a season. HSV know the talent they have so I reckon it would take a pretty massive bid for that to happen. Pandev could be a good move though and at the risk of sounding like Jim you are buying quality because he always tears it up for Pool in FM09 lol

Barcelona In Shock £85m Swoop For Manchester United Star Wayne Rooney - Report

Barcelona are preparing to launch a world record £85 million raid for Manchester United's superstar striker Wayne Rooney, according to the News of the World.

The tabloid claims that the Camp Nou board hopes to exploit the Red Devils' financial concerns in order to top Real Madrid's £80m purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo last season.

Sir Alex Ferguson is yet to reinvest the money brought in from his Portuguese protege's departure, and it is thought that the Old Trafford club's debts are preventing him from doing so.

Meanwhile, with Rooney set to enter the 2010 World Cup as England's marquee player, Barca believe his arrival next summer would be just the marketing leveller needed after Los Galacticos output in the last transfer window.

However, the Spanish giants are aware of the difficulties in orchestrating such a signing - the main problem being that the player himself has often expressed his desire to remain at United for the rest of his career.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old's wife, Colleen, recently gave birth to the pair's first child, and so he would be naturally wary of destabilising his young family by moving abroad.http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/11/08/1611460/barcelona-in-shock-85m-swoop-for-manchester-united-star

Real Madrid’s Rafael van der Vaart Rejects Ajax Return

Rafael van der Vaart has said he will not return to Ajax if he is forced out of Real Madrid. The player believes he has better options, but Martin Jol is not giving up hope.

The Dutch playmaker has had a troubled time at the Santiago Bernabeu since joining the club last year from Hamburg and has yet to be given a regular run in the team.

During the summer it looked certain that he would leave after only one season. Los Merengues' new board informed him that he was not part of their plans.

Instead, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben were sold after Madrid received good offers from Inter and Bayern Munich respectively, and Van der Vaart was kept on.

However, he has again been used sparingly by coach Manuel Pellegrini and could leave in January or at the end of the campaign. A return to his first club Ajax has been mooted.

"In principle I find it too early [to return]," Van der Vaart was quoted as saying by De Telegraaf.

"I do not know if I will stay at Real Madrid, but there are other options."

Jol remains hopeful that he could persuade Van der Vaart to return to the Amsterdam ArenA and form part of a unit that could rule Dutch football.

"I hope he comes. With him we would have the best midfield in Holland," the former Tottenham Hotspur coach told Sport1.

Arsenal Face Tough Task To Attract Barcelona Whiz Kid Gai Assulin

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Barcelona teenager Gai Assulin and could make a move for the Israeli youngster at the end of the current season, according to a report in The Sun.

The Gunners have successfully dipped into the Blaugrana's youth team before, having landed Cesc Fabregas and Fran Merida, but they will not find this move so easy.

Gai has become the latest starlet touted for success at Camp Nou and he has already tasted life at the top as coach Pep Guardiola looks to give all his highly-rated youngsters the chance to prove themselves.

The 18-year-old Israel international made his first-team debut against Cultural in the Copa del Rey at the end of last month.

That promotion has given Gai the confidence to believe he can follow the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Pedro in earning a place in Guardiola's squad.

Arsene Wenger has received impressive scouting reports on the youngster but knows that he is too old to sign on a free and that Guardiola is far more protective of Barca youth products than previous coaches at the club.
http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/11/12/1620143/arsenal-face-tough-task-to-attract-barcelona-whiz-kid-gai

Juventus Lose Interest In Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa To Focus On Arsenal's Bacary Sagna - Report

Juventus have stepped up their chase for Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna as the trail for Chelsea's Jose Bosingwa goes cold.

According to Tuttosport, the Old Lady were looking at the Blues defender, but they have abandoned their chase after learning he will be out with a serious knee problem for at least three months.

The focus has now turned to Sagna of Arsenal. It's no secret that coach Ciro Ferrara wants a new stopper for the right side. Jonathan Zebina's constant injury problems, as well as Zdenek Grygera's hot and cold form, have left questions unanswered.

The Juve chiefs are aware that landing Sagna will be difficult and costly. Thus they have back-up plans should that move hit the wall. Napoli's Juan Camilo Zuniga is also on their shortlist. Ferrara's good relationship with the Azzurri could prove pivotal in any move for the Colombian. Meanwhile, Schalke's Rafinha is also a reported target.

Despite the reports, Juventus have not confirmed any January plans.
http://goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2009/11/12/1619981/juventus-lose-interest-in-chelseas-jose-bosingwa-to-focus-on

NANI ARGUES HIS WAY OUT OF MANYOO
Here's a story that nobody could have seen coming: The Daily Mail says that 'Nani is on his way out of Manchester United after a furious row with Sir Alex Ferguson.'

While Nani's public criticism of Ferguson was thought likely to signal the death knell of his United career, the Mail says that it was an actual row between the pair after Nani was substituted during the 3-3 draw with CSKA Moscow last month that has caused Fergie to call time.

'Angry that he had already made way for Gabriel Obertan during the previous game against Blackburn, Nani angrily told Ferguson that he was unhappy at his treatment,' says the newspaper.

Oh blimey, what was the silly lad thinking?

'Ferguson responded by leaving Nani out of the squad for Sunday's defeat to Chelsea and it appears he will be sold or loaned out in January.'


ROONEY TO SIGN A NEW DEAL
But one player who says he won't be leaving Manchester United is Wayne Rooney.

It was reported at the weekend that Barcelona are prepared to pay in excess of £80m for Rooney with the Daily Star repeating this rainy moring that 'Barca - the champions of Europe having beaten United in last season's Champions League Final - are plotting to lure Rooney to the Nou Camp by offering a deal to make him the richest footballer in the world.'

But from the sounds of it, Rooney isn't interested.

"I've got two years left after this year so I'm sure we'll be negotiating a new deal in the next few months," he declared in his press conference on Thursday. "It's nice to be noticed but I've said before I'm really happy at United. Unless they tell me otherwise, I can't see myself leaving. I love the place. It's 30 minutes from home and all my family and I've got a great chance of winning trophies."

There is, however, a minor twist in the tale as reported by The Guardian.
'Rooney's representative, Paul Stretford, is currently banned from working as an agent having been found guilty of misconduct in his initial acquisition of Rooney's signature when he was an Everton player, but is able to operate again as of February, when Rooney anticipates talks will open with the club's chief executive, David Gill.'


ERM, SPURS NEED A NEW KEEPER
It seems a little ghoulish to report this given the circumstances but The Daily Mail says that Tottenham will make another attempt to sign David James after Carlo Cudicini's car crash.

To tell you exactly what they are predicting:

'The injury to Cudicini means boss Harry Redknapp is certain to enter the transfer market for a new goalkeeper in January as back up to No 1 Heurelho Gomes. Redknapp will try to tempt David James away from Portsmouth after third-choice stopper Ben Alnwick disappointed in the Carling Cup last season.'


LIVERPOOL WANT £14m FOR LUCAS
If some sections of the Liverpool support were in charge of the club instead of Rafa Benitez, one suspects Lucas Leiva would be out on his arse sooner rather than later.

However, Rafa seems to like him. So much so, that if you believe The Daily Mirror, he has put a £14million price tag on the midfielder after 'a couple of top European sides' asked about him.

Given the lack of cash around at Anfield, these mysterious sides (and frankly, we're not surprised that they're trying to keep their interest quiet - think of the shame!) hoped to get Lucas on the cheap, but Rafa has apparently told them 'No dice'.

Or at least very expensive dice.


CITY TO PAY PLENTY FOR DI MARIA
It seems that Angel Di Maria is the new tabloid rumour-monger's favourite man to link to the Premier League's brightest and richest.

And The Daily Mail goes with his name - as a few papers have done before - as a probable replacement for Robinho at Manchester City.

The Brazilian looks set to move to Barcelona at some stage, and the Mail claims the winger is City's main target, but will cost them a pretty penny. £36million, to be exact.

That's the release clause in his contract according to the paper, and his club Benfica will reportedly insist that this figure is paid in full if City want their man.


AND THE REST...
Blackburn are eyeing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Rasmus Elm...Darius Vassell is desperate to quit Turkish club Ankaragucu and return to England...West Brom boss Robert Di Matteo is lining up a £2.5million bid for Leicester striker Matt Fryatt...Wolves could make a £1.5million offer for Gillingham hitman Simeon Jackson...Fulham may bid for Brazilian goalkeeper Rubinho in January
http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_5692015,00.html

Report: Liverpool Set Sights On Arsenal Star Eduardo

The Reds are in dire need of attacking reinforcement, as the ongoing injury problems of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres have exposed the squad's lack of depth on several occasions this season.

The Merseyside giants - currently seventh in the Premier League standings - are battling through their worst form slump in decades as they struggle to keep touch with the frontrunners.

Thus, Benitez is hoping the Anfield board will make funds available this winter so he can arm his side against the threat of Champions League chasers Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester City.

High on the Spaniard's hit-list is Eduardo, the Brazil-born Croatia star, who is understood to be growing increasingly dissatisfied with his situation at the Emirates Stadium.

The 26-year-old has made just three starts in the league this term, and (although he recently insisted otherwise) is reputedly upset at having been shunted onto the flanks by Arsene Wenger.

Furthermore, Eduardo is annoyed that the Gunners have given no indication as to whether or not they wish to extend his contract, which expires in 18 months' time.
http://goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/11/15/1625676/report-liverpool-set-sights-on-arsenal-star-eduardo

[size=6]Chelsea And Manchester United Locked In £20M Struggle For Everton's Jack Rodwell - Report[/size]

News of the World claims that Chelsea and Manchester United will engage in a bidding war as they each seek to prise Jack Rodwell away from Everton.

The teenager has caught the eye with his composed, tough-tackling displays since making his Premier League debut in March last year, and is now a regular starter in David Moyes' midfield.

It was reported recently that the Blues of Stamford Bridge - who are expected to spend big this January before their transfer ban comes into effect - had lodged an unsuccessful £14 million offer.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, are thought to view the 18-year-old Scouser as an ideal replacement for the ever-injured Owen Hargreaves, and rate him at around £16m.

However, Moyes and the Toffees board will not lightly part with one of England's most promising prospects, as it is understood that they won't even consider bids of less than £20m.

Rodwell - also linked with Manchester City - penned a new contract in February that ties him to Goodison Park until 2014.
http://goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2009/11/15/1625572/chelsea-and-manchester-united-locked-in-20m-struggle-for

Rorke (Villareal) --------> 'Pool

[size=7]Javier Mascherano Agrees Barcelona Personal Terms - Report[/size]

After missing out on a summer move, work has continued on trying to earn the Argentine a move...

Javier Mascherano is set to leave Liverpool after his advisers agreed on personal terms with Barcelona to line up a move in January or the summer, according to a report.

The Argentinian midfielder is desperate to complete a switch to Camp Nou and now knows he can expect to earn around €120,000-a-week should he join the European champions, the Sunday Express states.

Barcelona were linked with Mascherano at the end of last season, but Liverpool turned down their approaches after agreeing to let Xabi Alonso leave the club and join Real Madrid.

That interest made the player declare that he was keen to leave English football as his wife was unable to settle and that situation has not changed.

Coach Pep Guardiola is keen to add to his squad as he believes more strength-in-depth is needed and is hopeful that the Catalan club's board can tie up a deal for around €32 million.

The report also believes that Barcelona have enough money to buy Robinho and his desire to join them will also bear fruit as he will inform Manchester City that he wants to leave.

Rumours have surfaced regularly since the summer linking the Brazilian with the treble winners while the Blaugrana have publicly stated that he is a player that they are interested in.
http://goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/11/15/1625986/javier-mascherano-agrees-barcelona-personal-terms-report

[size=7]Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson Unlikely To Spend Big In January
[/size]
Fergie happy with what he's got...

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed he does not intend to spend big in the January transfer window.

United have been linked with a handful of attacking players, including West Ham United striker Carlton Cole and VfL Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko.

However, Ferguson is reluctant to pay the inflated fees that are often a characteristic of January trading, and has hinted that he is content with the current composition of his squad.

"I would like to do business, but only if the prices are right - and that can be a problem in January," he told The Mail on Sunday.

http://goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/11/15/1626200/manchester-united-boss-sir-alex-ferguson-unlikely-to-spend

Chelsea are willing to sign Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson for £4m and loan him back to the Teesside outfit.
Full story: Daily Mirror

Hull trio Kevin Kilbane, Paul McShane and Stephen Hunt - all in the Republic of Ireland squad for the controversial game in France - have been urged to see a sports psychologist by club manager Phil Brown. (Daily Express) :lol: