[size=6]Blues snare Zigic[/size]

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has bolstered his attacking options by signing striker Nikola Zigic on a four-year deal.

Zigic, a Serbian international, joins the Bluesfrom La Liga side Valencia for an undisclosed fee after McLeish persuaded the highly-rated frontman to move to St Andrews.
The deal is the City boss' third of the summer, having already brought in goalkeeper Ben Foster and Spanish midfielder Enric Valles as the club look to build on last season's impressive ninth-placed finish.

Zigic netted 13 goals in 19 games for Racing Santander in Spain this season following a loan move from parent club Valencia, who recruited him in 2007 from their Primera Division rivals.

The 6ft 8in player burst onto the scene with Serbian outfit Red Star in 2003, where his impressive scoring record of 71 goals in 110 outings earned him his 2006 move to Santander.

Zigic also boasts a sound record on the international front, netting 16 goals in 42 appearances in a Serbia shirt, and will play a focal part in the country's Group D World Cup bid, where they come up against Germany, Australia and Ghana.

The Midlands club are said to have paid in the region of £6m for the tall striker's services.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11837_6173504,00.html

Fergie is keen on him as well Sydcro, why they set such a low buyout clause is beyond me

News around is that Mikkel Beck Simon Kjaer's agent has said that Kjaer is ready to leave Palermo and Serie A and that the EPL is his preferred destination.

Hopefully this springs Wenger into action and he pays the 10mill buy out clause. It could potentially be one of the best pieces of business he has ever done.

Hes a good player but i doubt wenger will waste money on a defender even though he needs good ones. Arsenal will probs promote a few youngsters in defence

[size=6]Smith concedes Boyd departure[/size]

Kris Boyd will definitely leave Rangers this summer, manager Walter Smith has conceded. Smith has given up hope of the club's star striker signing a new contract at Ibrox and wished him well at which ever team he ends up joining.

Boyd, whose 26 goals last season helped him become the Scottish Premier League's all-time record scorer, has been linked with Birmingham City, Newcastle United and Turkish outfits Kayserispor and Trabzonspor. Smith, who this week signed a new one-year contract himself, told the Daily Record: "Kris is going. There is no doubt about that now. We have never wanted to admit he would leave but we are doing so now.

"We've made him an offer but he's getting much higher offers from other clubs and he is going. Kris leaves here with the best wishes of every one of us at Rangers. He has been absolutely terrific for this club and his scoring record is second to none.

"I know people have said I had a problem with Kris because I left him out of a lot of my starting teams but I actually get on very well with him. I must admit I like him and I hope he is a success wherever he goes. I'm disappointed we can't offer enough to keep him with us but I really do wish him continued success."

Kris is going. There is no doubt about that now. We have never wanted to admit he would leave but we are doing so now.
Walter Smith on Kris Boyd
Boyd will join Nacho Novo, DaMarcus Beasley and Steve Smith in leaving Rangers when his contract expires. Captain David Weir and Kirk Broadfoot have also yet to agree new deals, while Danny Wilson, Kevin Thomson and Madjid Bougherra have all been linked with moves away.

Smith admitted he would start next season with a smaller squad than the one just gone but is confident debt-laden Rangers will be able to buy players for the first time in almost two years. However, he has warned they are unlikely to be of a standard to improve the club's fortunes on the European stage.

He said: "It's obvious we'll need players for every department but we've got to face up to reality. We'll make every effort to improve the squad but can't kid people on that the Champions League arena will be one in which we will excel.

"We'd need to have some exceptional players to do that but we'll have a smaller squad augmented by some younger players who I'm hoping are ready to make their challenges. Obviously, it will be tough for us but this club has met challenges before.

"We've been looking for players although financial restrictions make it difficult to get the right type. But I must admit our position with the bank is far clearer than it has been for a while. For the first time, (chief executive) Martin Bain and myself have direct contact with the bank and there's a better understanding on both sides of what is required. But the bank is now more appreciative of what Rangers, as a team, need."

Smith revealed he had made up his mind to quit at the end of the season before having a change of heart. He said: "I was in a situation where the club had been up for sale for the majority of the three-and-a-half years I'd been there and I just thought it was right for me to get out.

"I had already emptied my office. I wasn't going back but when the dust had settled and I'd had time to sit down and reflect on everything a few things kept forcing themselves to the front of my mind. For instance, I realised the situation at the club was poorer now than it had been a year previously when I'd originally thought about finishing up. I had to ask myself if I could walk away under such circumstances."
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1220439.html#smith+confirms+boyd+departure

[size=6]Adriano relishing Roma challenge[/size]

Adriano is looking to repair his battered image in Italy with a move to Roma this summer. The Brazil international was considered one of the best players in the world while on the books of Inter Milan, but his love of the nightlife, combined with personal problems and injuries, saw him return home to his homeland, where he has impressed for Flamengo.

The 28-year-old striker is now expected to return to Europe, with Roma close to landing the player, who is a free agent. "There is no place like Italy, where I can truly prove that I have recovered," Adriano told Corriere dello Sport.

There is no place like Italy, where I can truly prove that I have recovered. My reason for going to Roma is pride. I owe it to Italy.
Adriano
"I thought about it long and hard and I'm happy to return to Italy. I want to cancel out what I did in Italy. I don't want to repeat the same things that happened before. I owe it to Italy.

"More than money, my reason for going to Roma is pride. I return to pay the debt I have with that country, that has always treated me very well and that I left on bad terms."

Adriano terminated his contract with Inter in April 2009 following a turbulent time at the club. During his very difficult last year in Italy, I Nerazzurri stood by the player and granted him his wish to return home. O Imperador rediscovered his goalscoring touch at Flamengo this term and is eager to show his talent back in Serie A.

"I leave Flamengo on amicable terms," he said. "I have been impressed by Roma's project, a club that for six months have been keen on acquiring my services."

I am a Roma player 90 per cent. I know I will have more responsibility and I am ready. I believe I can contribute to making Roma a great team.
Adriano
Adriano confirmed negotiations with Roma are very advanced. "I am a Roma player 90 per cent," he said. "I will talk to (the club's president) Rosella Sensi on June 6 to complete my transfer.

"I will come to Italy with my family and my son. I know I will have more responsibility and I am ready. I believe I can contribute to making Roma a great team, which they have always been. "
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1220461.html#adriano+relishing+roma+challenge

[size=6]Toffees to hold Becks talks[/size]

Everton are set to hold transfer talks with Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford, Sky Sports News understands.

Beckford is now a free agent after the remaining one month of his Leeds United contract was cancelled by the club on Friday.

The striker spent a total of four-and-a-half years and scored 81 league goals in 126 appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Beckford scored 25 league goals this season and while his tally dried up in the second half of the campaign, his winning effort against Bristol Rovers earlier this month clinched promotion.

The former Wealdstone marksman was heavily linked with a move to Newcastle in January following his FA Cup heroics against Manchester United.

Everton have been tipped to move for the 26-year-old in recent months and now it seems that manager David Moyes is one step closer to bolstering his attacking line.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6176652,00.html

[size=6]Leeds snap up Schmeichel[/size]

Leeds United have made goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel their first signing after gaining promotion to the Championship.

The 23-year-old Dane joins the Elland Road side on a free transfer after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with former club Notts County.

Schmeichel played in 43 League Two games for the Magpies in a promotion-winning campaign last term, but the club could no longer afford his contract and it was decided he could leave.

He was named PFA League Two Player of the Year and was delighted to sign a two-year deal with the Whites.

"There wasn't a lot of decision making to do," he told LUTV. "I've been talking to clubs, and when the question was raised about interest from Leeds I said yes.

"I've grown up in England, know a lot about English football, and I know Leeds is one of the biggest clubs in the country.

"There were other opportunities, but Leeds has everything, it's a massive club and has a massive fanbase.

"The infrastructure is here. Look at the training ground, the fanbase and the players. I think everything is in place. There's a great manager here and I can't wait to get started.

"I hope that we will do really well and get promoted, but the Championship is a weird and different league. Look at Blackpool last season, who came from nowhere and got promoted.

"I hope we start well and get some momentum going."

Experience

Schmeichel has had previous loan spells at Darlington, Bury, Falkirk, Cardiff and Coventry while under contract at Premier League outfit Manchester City.

The former Denmark Under-21 international played eight times in the top-flight for City, and will compete for the No.1 jersey at Leeds with Shane Higgs.

Leeds manager Simon Grayson was pleased to secure the services of Schmeichel after releasing fellow Danish stopper Casper Ankergren.

"After releasing Casper Ankergren, we wanted to bring another goalkeeper in, and Kasper has had an excellent season at Notts County," he told the club's official website.

"There were a lot of Premier League clubs interested in him, but he wanted to come here.

"He's got fantastic ability, he's a winner, and he is determined to take this club forward.

"He has some fantastic qualities and he will provide us with good competition for places which is what we want."

Kasper's father Peter was a famous stalwart for Leeds' bitter rivals Manchester United, but the young keeper revealed his dad advised him to move to the West Yorkshire club.

He added: "As soon as Leeds came in he asked me what I wanted to do and he said he couldn't agree more. He said it was the best club to be at now
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_6175097,00.html

[size=6]Wigan Athletic striker Hugo Rodallega: Arsenal have made an offer to sign me[/size]

Wigan Athletic striker Hugo Rodallega has claimed that Arsenal are trying to secure his services, while conceding that he is unsure whether or not he will ply his trade at the DW Stadium next season.

The Colombia international has for some time been linked with a move away from the club, with Liverpool and Arsenal being mooted as potential destinations amidst alleged interest from Stoke City and Birmingham City in January.

Now Rodallega maintains that the Gunners have taken their interest to the next level by lodging a bid to acquire his services.

"I don't know if I'll stay at Wigan but I do know Arsenal have made an offer for me," he said, according to The Sun.

The Latics' chairman, Dave Whelan, has in the past told Goal.com UK that the club will not stand in the way if the 24-year-old chooses to make a move to a bigger club.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/article?contentId=1946508

You'll be lucky to get half of what you paid for him. Good bit of business. :lol:

CITY ABANDON TORRES CHASE
Just for a change, Manchester City dominate the gossip pages this morning.

And The Guardian goes big with the news that City have admitted defeat in their chase for Fernando Torres, and have turned their attentions to a couple of other rather good forwards.

Edin Dzeko is the main man in question, with a whole bunch of papers reporting that City are looking to move quickly for the big Bosnian. The forward has a clause in his Wolfsburg contract that allows him to leave for £34million, but that only applies until the end of May, after which the Germans will demand much more cash.

And that's not where it ends.

Several rags also claim City are after Valencia's David Silva, who City tried to buy 18 months ago but was too dear at the time.

In addition, word is that City are also interested in Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago, although Real insist that the former is not for sale.


GERRARD AND LAMPARD JOINED BY CASHLEY
You'll probably have already seen that Jose Mourinho dropped a rather less than subtle hint that he fancies taking Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard to Real Madrid with him.

And if you did miss it, fear not - his words are here.

But here are some quotes we missed, but The Guardian picked up on, adding another English name to the list when discussing potential tactics.

"Normally, we play with four [at the back] but with two offensive full-backs of the style of Ashley Cole or Maicon," he said.

"In midfield, we can play in a diamond or triangle. If we play with the triangle, then we line up to three forwards."

So there.


LIVERPOOL IN FOR SIMAO
Story from the ever-reliable Daily Star, who report that Liverpool are weighing up a big old bid for Portuguese winger Simao.

Well, £8million, which used to be pretty big.

Apparently the winger is the man wanted to replace Albert Riera, and if you remember Liverpool nearly signed him a couple of years ago.

And here are some quotes from the man himself that clear absolutely nothing up at all, but pad this out a bit: "Nobody has spoken with me in the last days about this subject.

"I only say that some people in Madrid have suggested that Atletico are preparing my sale, but I don't know too much.

''I have always been interested in playing in the Premier League, but my head is in the World Cup and I have a deal with Atletico."


HAMMERS BID FOR PIQUIONNE
Bit of a drop-off in terms of gossip now.

Really the next best thing we can bring you is word in a few papers that West Ham have made a £3million bid for Frederic Piquionne.

Which leaves us wondering - if they haven't got a manager, who is pulling the strings of all this transfer jiggery and indeed pokery?

We think we can guess.


BECKFORD SIGNS FOR EVERTON
Quick line in The Daily Mirror, who report the not massively surprising news that Everton have snapped up Jermaine Beckford.

The striker left Leeds at the end of the season after their promotion, and had been a wanted man among a number of Premier League clubs.

However, geography seems to be a big factor in the move, with The Mirror reporting that Beckford wanted to stay in the north for personal reasons.


HERNANDEZ SIGNS ON
Another quick line from yesterday, and Mexican forward Javier Hernandez's forms have been found to be in order, so he will sign for Manchester United at the start of July.

Go here for more on that one.


AND THE REST...
Marlon Harewood is a target for Major League side DC United...Wolves plan a club-record £7million raid for Burnley's Steven Fletcher...Blackburn are weighing up a move for Rangers free agent Kris Boyd...Wolves have agreed a £6million fee for Burnley striker Steven FLetcher in a deal which will see Chris Iwelumo switch to Turf Moor...Birmingham are poised to launch a double bid for Fulham stars Bobby Zamora and Paul Konchesky...West Ham lead the chase for Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies...Wigan will make a £1.8million bid for Landry N'Guemo if Celtic do not make his loan move permanent...Wigan captain Mario Melchiot is set to join Qatari club Umm Salal...Kasper Schmeichel has signed for Leeds on a free transfer - on the advice of his dad Peter...Nicky Butt is mulling over a 12-month offer from Preston manager Darren Ferguson.
http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_6176148,00.html

Heitinga claims City interest

Everton defender John Heitinga claims he has been made aware of interest from Manchester City.

The Dutchman only arrived in English football last summer, joining the Toffees from Atletico Madrid.

He settled quickly into Premier League life and was a mainstay in David Moyes' plans throughout the 2009/10 campaign.

Able to operate at centre-half or as a holding midfielder, his versatility marks him out as a useful member of any squad.

His considerable ability has not been lost on City, who are prepared to spend big on new additions this summer.

Heitinga admits he has ambitions of joining a club fighting for top honours, which the Blues hope to be in the near future, but insists he is happy at Goodison Park for now.

Focus

He penned a long-term contract upon his arrival on Merseyside in 2009 and insists he has no intention of breaking that agreement any time soon.

"I have heard the reports, but nothing is serious as yet," Heitinga told De Telegraaf.

"City have ambitions and I am always looking to move to a bigger club.

"But I have a contract for four years, without any get-out clause in it, so I will fully focus myself on Everton. I am very happy at this club."

Heitinga is currently away with the Dutch national side preparing for this summer's World Cup finals.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6179608,00.html

[size=6]Barca won't break bank for Fab[/size]

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has warned he will not pay an 'exorbitant' fee for Cesc Fabregas.

The Catalan giants have made securing the midfielder's signature their top priority this summer, with the Arsenal skipper having been strongly linked with a return to his roots for some time.

The Spain international is reported to have told Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he wants to move on, despite being contracted to the club until 2015.

The issue at present is that Arsenal are reluctant to part with their prized asset, well aware that losing their captain would represent a sizeable step backwards.

An outrageous offer could force their hand, as they could pump the funds back into the team, but they are prepared to hold firm until they get what they want.

Strengthen

Barca, though, have made it clear that they are not prepared to pay over the odds and will look elsewhere should the Gunners refuse to play ball.

A tentative enquiry has already been made in an effort to determine Arsenal's stance, but Laporta admits his club will not be held to ransom in their pursuit of Fabregas.

"We will not sign any players for above market value," he said.

"We are interested in signing Cesc and Arsenal know that but we will not pay an exorbitant price for any player.

"When it comes to market prices, we'll strengthen where we can but will not pay an unrealistic price"
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6179228,00.html

Barca, though, have made it clear that they are not prepared to pay over the odds and will look elsewhere should the Gunners refuse to play ball.

We will not sign any players for above market value

[size=6]Cardozo seeks Benfica exit[/size]

Prolific Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo has signalled his wish to leave the Portuguese club, alerting a host of top clubs.

The 27-year-old scored 38 goals in all competitions last term, including two against Everton and three against Liverpool in the Europa League.

His exploits have not gone unnoticed at Manchester City, allegedly, where boss Roberto Mancini is keen to draft in a new big-money striker.

Benfica boss Jorge Jesus is reluctant to lose his star man but, despite his desire to leave, Cardozo admits the club are in the driving seat.

"I want to play for a big club from a different league, but the one to decide will be Benfica," the Paraguay international told RTP.

"The coach spoke to me yesterday and he told me he wants me to stay for one more year, but I do not know. That will depend on Benfica."

Jesus is reportedly already lining up replacements for Cardozo, with an expected swoop for Milan forward Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in the pipeline should he depart.

Benfica, who won the Portuguese Liga last season, paid Argentine club Newell's Old Boys €11.1million for Cardoza's services in 2007.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12876_6179921,00.html

[size=6]Reds urged to up Wilson bid[/size]

Rangers are waiting for Liverpool to make an improved bid for highly-rated teenager Danny Wilson after they rejected a £2million offer from the Reds.

The Scottish champions confirmed the Anfield club were interested in signing the 18-year-old around two months ago.

Gers manager Walter Smith has revealed the club have recently turned down an offer for the promising youngster.

"We are currently waiting to hear back from Liverpool after we rejected their original £2million offer," he told The Sunday Post.

Refused

Left-sided centre-half Wilson has refused his club's attempts to extend his contract - which has just one year remaining.

Rangers would receive just several hundred thousands of pounds in compensation should he leave Ibrox next summer.

Livingston-born Wilson made 25 first-team appearances last season and with his club resigned to losing the hot prospect, they will try and hold out for as much money as the Scottish Football Writers' Young Player of the Year could attract.

Rangers chief executive Martin Bain admitted the club had rejected approaches from two English Premier League clubs back in January, with Tottenham strongly linked with a move.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12874_6180899,00.html

The Continuing Theme Gossip

FRANK AND KAKA IN SWAPSIES?
With some reasonably important football coming up on the horizon, one might think that the uber transfer sleuths of Fleet Street wouldn't be on top of their game at the moment.

No chance.

The News of the World kicks things off with a good 'un, that nonetheless reeks of 2+2=5 journalism.

They report that Jose Mourinho, all set to be unveiled as the new Real Madrid manager, wants Frank Lampard at the Bernebeu, and will offer some players in return.

And what players.

The paper claims Kaka could be involved in a swap, with Carlo Ancelotti 'desperate' to bring the Brazilian to Chelsea.

Chelsea would prefer a deal in cash only, and the paper claims Roman Abramovich has set aside a fair old chunk of change - £50million, since you ask - to make a bid.


...AND CASHLEY TOO?
The Mail on Sunday picks up on this theme too, reporting that Mourinho is about to 'intensify his efforts' to bring both Lampard and Ashley Cole.

Apparently Jorge Mendes, Jose's agent, will travel to London in order to persuade Chelsea to let either/both join their old boss in Madrid.

Chelsea will apparently 'do their utmost' to keep the pair, but as well as Kaka, Real will chuck Gonzalo Higuain into the mix.

Could be interesting this.


CITY GET BUSY
Couple of quick lines about Manchester City now, and it looks like they are talking to/about a couple of targets already.

It says here that they're talking to Valencia about David Silva, and in a rather more unlikely move, are also chasing Johnny Heitinga.

Hmmmm.


ADE ON HIS WAY?
And here's one man who might be leaving Eastlands.

The Mail on Sunday reports that Emmanuel Adebayor could be on his way out, with AC Milan the possible destination.

The paper reports: 'The Italians made their first move for Manchester City's powerful African forward earlier this week when the two clubs met to consider an offer for AC's Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato.

'The bid for the 20-year-old was dismissed by Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, who then enquired about Adebayor, the highest-paid player on the Eastlands staff.'

Adebayor would cost the Italians around the £25million that City paid for him a year ago, but that apparently wouldn't be a problem.
http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8671_6180616,00.html

Arveladze closing in on Boyd

Kris Boyd has held talks with Shota Arveladze over a move to Kayserispor, the Turkish club's manager has revealed.

Former Rangers striker Arveladze is hoping his personal phone calls to Boyd will help him win the race for the prolific forward, who is set to leave Ibrox when his contract expires this summer.

Arveladze now plans to meet Boyd face to face, the Georgian saying in the Sunday Mail: "I have had conversations with Kris and we will talk some more.

"I'm hopeful he will decide to come here but I know he has other options.

"I really want him to join me. I've made this a priority and hope the personal touch I've added to the move will work in my favour.

"Some coaches prefer to let the club president do the talking but I think the coach should always speak to the player and outline plans."

Birmingham, Newcastle, Blackburn, Wolves, Ankaragucu and Bursaspor have all been linked with Boyd, who this season became the Scottish Premier League's all-time record goalscorer.
http://football365.com/story/0,17033,14018_6180370,00.html