Saturday, January 31, 2009

Rafa Benitez to sign £20million deal to stay at Anfield


Rafa Benitez will sign a new £20million four-year contract at Liverpool this week.

Co-owner Tom Hicks arrived at Anfield to tell Benitez that the valuation of transfer targets will no longer be the remit of chief exec Rick Parry. And the owners will sanction the sale of £20million misfit Robbie Keane.

Boss Benitez rejected a four-and-a-half-year contract extension because of his anger that Parry refused to pay Aston Villa £18million for Gareth Barry last summer. Instead, Parry agreed a £20million fee for Keane with Tottenham.

A source close to Hicks said: “The owners have had a number of conversations with Rafa Benitez. They agree with his view on how transfer business will be conducted. Tom Hicks and George Gillett hope to conclude the contract while they are in England.”



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£9 million summer signing set to leave Spurs


Tottenham are on the brink of selling £9 million summer signing Giovani Dos Santos to Portsmouth. The Mexico international has had failed to make an impact in North London since his summer move from La Liga giants Barcelona and now Spurs are ready to sell him for £7 million to Pompey.

The 19-year old was brought to White Hart Lane by former Spurs boss Juande Ramos and unfortunately for him, he has only made a handful of appearances under current Spurs boss Harry Redknapp. It was speculated earlier this month that Dos Santos may move back to Mexico, however Pompey boss Tony Adams looks set to welcome him to Fratton Park before the transfer window closes on Monday.

It is a real shame that it didn't work out for the lad at Spurs. When he signed for the club in the summer, I must admit, I was tipping him for big things in the Premier League, however that hasn't really happened. You never know, with first team football at Pompey virtually guaranteed, he may still prove his critics wrong in England. I for one hope he does.



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LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA TEAM NEWS



Chelsea will be without defender Ricardo Carvalho for Sunday's trip to Liverpool.

The Portugal international is still troubled by a hamstring strain but winger Salomon Kalou should be fit after sustaining a minor knock against Middlesbrough in midweek.

Midfielder Michael Essien (knee) and Joe Cole (knee) are sidelined.

Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera are expected to return to Liverpool's starting line-up.

All three started on the bench for the midweek 1-1 draw at Wigan - although both Kuyt and Riera came on during the match - as manager Rafael Benitez rested key players ahead of the Chelsea showdown.

Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were substituted at the JJB Stadium with Benitez claiming they were tired, but both should start against Chelsea.

Teams:

Liverpool (from): Reina, Arbeloa, Skrtel, Agger, Hyypia, Carragher, Dossena, Aurelio, Benayoun, Babel, Alonso, Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard, Riera, Torres, Kuyt, Keane, Cavalieri.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Hilario, Taylor, Ferreira, Bosingwa, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic, Mancienne, A Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Mikel, Deco, Kalou, Malouda, Drogba, Anelka, Stoch, Belletti.

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TORRES: LETTING RAFA GO WOULD BE BIG MISTAKE


Letting Rafael Benitez leaves Liverpool would be the biggest mistake in the club’s history, Fernando Torres said in an interview with the Liverpool Daily Post.

Benitez’s future is in doubt after rejecting a proposed new contract but Torres hopes everything will be sorted as soon as possible.

“Negotiations always take time and there’s a lot to sort out but I’m sure he’ll end up renewing his contract,” said Torres.

“Sooner or later they’ll come to an agreement. Rafa wants the best for him and for the club, so I’m not worried.

“He’s been like a father to me and I hope and trust that he continues.
“He’s been very important for me: he gave me confidence and taught me so much. He’s one of the coaches you learn the most from.

“He’s given a lot to the club and brought in some great players. Some of us wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him. If you ask the other players, they’d tell you the same thing.

“Letting Rafa go would be a mistake and a great pity.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED v EVERTON TEAM NEWS



Wayne Rooney will not figure for Manchester United against Everton on Saturday - although the striker is expected to return to action at West Ham next Sunday.

Rooney limped out of United's Barclays Premier League clash with Wigan earlier this month after picking up a hamstring injury but could now be available for England's friendly with Spain in Seville on February 11.

Patrice Evra and Nani could also return next weekend, while Ferguson reports no fresh injury worries from Tuesday's 5-0 win at West Brom.

Neither Rio Ferdinand nor Wes Brown have suffered any reaction to their comebacks while young Brazilian full-back Fabio is also in contention as United look to complete an unprecedented 12th top-flight clean sheet in a row.

Everton could be without key midfielders Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford.

Cahill, who has scored four goals in eight starts as a makeshift striker, injured his right foot in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal.

Although X-rays have revealed only severe bruising and no break, he remains a doubt to face United.

Fellaini injured a shin against the Gunners and manager David Moyes will not risk either player if there is any doubt.

Teams:

Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Foster, Kuszczak, Neville, Ferdinand, Brown, Vidic, O'Shea, Fabio, Chester, Eckersley, Ronaldo, Scholes, Giggs, Carrick, Park, Gibson, Possebon, Tevez, Berbatov, Welbeck.

Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Lescott, Baines, Anichebe, Gosling, Castillo, Rodwell, Neville, Osman, Arteta, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Nash, Yobo, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Jutkiewicz.

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Man City Make Approach For Liverpool Flop?


Manchester City are believed to have begun making enquiries for Liverpool striker Robbie Keane.

Republic of Ireland International Keane has had a rather disappointing spell at the Reds since his £20million transfer to Anfield from Tottenham Hotspur last summer.

It has been suggested that Keane could be on his way back to Spurs during this transfer window, with Harry Redknapp expressing great desire to work with the former Inter Milan striker.

However, recent reports claimed that City are also keen on the player, with boss Mark Hughes already contacting his Premier League rivals over a possible deal to bring 28-year-old Keane to the Eastlands Stadium.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has insisted that Keane was not for sale, but did not dismiss suggestions that he had been contacted regarding the situation at the Merseyside club regarding the Irishman.

"We've had four or five approaches for players and the answer has been the same - 'no'," Benitez told the Daily Post.

"We want all our players. We don't want to sell. Robbie could be one of the ones we had an approach about, I won't say.

"Is Keane one? I'm not saying, you can guess yourselves. For me when you sign a player the main thing is not the price, the main thing is that they just keep working.

"Keane is now back in the squad, so we can stop talking about him and his future."



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Tottenham Hotspur to STUN Manchester City with £20million bid!


Could Tottenham Hotspur be about to pinch Manchester City’s long-term transfer target?

Mark Hughes has made no secret of his desire to be reunited with Roque Santa Cruz, yet he has failed with two bids of which the highest has been around £15million.

Blackburn Rovers are believed to be in no rush to let the Paraguayan international hitman leave, and reports suggest only an offer of £20million could persuade them to consider a sale.

However, whilst City weigh up another bid ahead of the transfer deadline, The Mirror claim Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is about to enter the race for the player.

According to the reports the White Hart Lane chief will meet Rovers asking price for Santa Cruz over the weekend, as he looks to team him up with Jermain Defoe.



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MASCHERANO SEARCHING FOR BEST FORM


Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano admits he has struggled to find his best form this season.

The Reds are on a 15-match unbeaten run, but seven draws in their last 11 Barclays Premier League outings have been very damaging to their title hopes.

It has allowed Manchester United to regain top spot - with Chelsea, Sunday's visitors to Anfield, moving into second place on goal difference.

There could hardly be a better time therefore for the Argentina captain to bounce back to his best - and he is determined to do so.

"I know I have not played like my old self this season. I can do much better," he said.

"I think maybe it is because it has been a long season already for me and that maybe my confidence is not as full as it was last season.

"The Olympics (last summer) have definitely had an effect on my form and my ability this season. I should be playing better for Liverpool than I am at the moment." Mascherano is hoping he can put things right soon.

"I want to promise people one thing - I am trying every day in training and in games to get back to my best performances.

"This is not my best season, I know that last season I was a lot better. I am not a liar and I am not stupid.

"I know I can do it - that is why I don't mind admitting it. If you cannot see the problem to analyse it, you are not going to be able to resolve it." Mascherano's dip in form, plus the failure of Robbie Keane to make a genuine impact, are two of the roots of Rafael Benitez's problems with tactics and team selection.

Benitez said: "Javier is right, because he needed time after the Olympic Games. But now he is coming back to his best.

"He just needs to keep working like he is doing every single day. You can see his commitment in training."

Xabi Alonso, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera - all rested to the bench for the 1-1 draw at Wigan on Wednesday - will return to Benitez's side.

Despite the controversy of the past month and Liverpool's fading form, Benitez insists he does not feel under pressure.

He said: "I am pleased to be where we are - because trying to avoid relegation is not nice.

"We are close to the top; we have improved the squad, and if we can beat Chelsea people will say we are back in the title race.

"But it is a very long race. I have confidence in my team and my players - and they have a good mentality. They must go on to the pitch to show their qualities."

Benitez is heartened to note Liverpool are still faring better this season than last.

"We know our players; we speak to them every day and we know the decisions to make - and thanks to those decisions, we are eight points better than at this stage last season," he added.

"This has always been a must-win-game - as they all are. After my comments about Mr Ferguson, we still knew we had to win at Stoke. Those words didn't change anything on the pitch.

"The same applies to other games this month that have followed some controversy.

"Every point is important - it doesn't matter what is being said off the pitch. This season, we are in a much better position than before."



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Arshavin flies in for Arsenal talks


Russia international Andrei Arshavin.is finally flying into London to discuss terms over his long mooted move to Arsenal.

The Zenit St Petersburg player has been linked with the Gunners throughout the transfer window but it is only now that he seems clear for talks.

Zenit St Petersburg have made it clear throughout the process they are willing to sell the wantaway 27-year-old playmaker, at the right price.

However, the Gunners have remained resolute in their offer of £12 million plus add-ons amid reports of Arshavin being ready to slash his wage demands in order to push the move through.

The fact that Arshavin is now flying into the capital would suggest that things are finally going to be pushed through after some doubts still remained on Friday.

Then, when asked if the deal was nearly done, Arsene Wenger declared "Whether we are close or not has little meaning - it does not matter how close you are, what is important is that you agree. At the moment, we have no agreement with anybody for any transfer.

"We are always confident, we try our best and respect our budget. If we can find an agreement, we will do it, if we cannot we will not overspend what we have planned to do."

The playmaker, who was one of the stars of Euro 2008, has reportedly agreed to repay Zenit half of a £4m signing-on fee to leave the club, and he is thought to have agreed to a salary cut in order to secure a move to the Emirates.



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Chelsea and City join chase for Tevez


Chelsea and Manchester City will join Real Madrid in the scramble for the services of Carlos Tévez if the Manchester United forward prices himself out of a long-term contract at Old Trafford.

United are in negotiations to sign Tévez on a permanent basis once their two-year lease arrangement expires in June, but progress has been awkward, with Kia Joorabchian, head of the companies that own the player’s economic rights, maintaining that they must pay a fee of £22 million in addition to the downpayments of about £10 million that have already been made and a salary well in excess of £100,000 a week.

Other clubs have been alerted to the impasse and while Real’s interest is well known, Chelsea and City have also made clear their desire to be kept informed of developments.

The Argentina forward has expressed a preference to stay with United but, as well as the financial complications, he has been frustrated at times this season by his demotion to third choice behind Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney. Madrid would be his preferred destination if he were to leave United, but Chelsea and City would offer further options.

City officials have discussed the feasibility of such a coup with Mark Hughes, the manager, since the failed bid to sign Kaká, the Brazil forward, from AC Milan this month. The fee for Tévez would be £32 million, but Chelsea appear to be willing to match that valuation in the summer while also bidding to sign Luis Fabiano, the Brazil forward, from Seville.

City are hoping to make one last, big splash in the January transfer window as Hughes prepares to pursue an alternative striker in the event that Blackburn Rovers do not accept the club’s final £18.5 million offer for Roque Santa Cruz.

While Shay Given, the Newcastle United goalkeeper, moved to break the deadlock over his proposed switch to City by submitting a transfer request yesterday, Hughes’s chief concern is signing another striker to complement the £14 million acquisition of Craig Bellamy from West Ham United. Didier Drogba’s name has been discussed, although it is unclear how prominently the Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker figures in Hughes’s thoughts or whether the London club would be prepared to sell him with little time to find a suitable replacement.

City are eager to sign Santa Cruz — the latest bid was their fifth for the Paraguay striker in the past six months — but Blackburn remain reluctant sellers. Tottenham Hotspur have expressed an interest, but they believe that City are more likely to meet Blackburn’s £22 million valuation.

Sam Allardyce, the Blackburn manager, wants to keep Santa Cruz, mindful that he will be a potent weapon in their relegation battle, but last night the club were in talks with El-Hadji Diouf after lodging a £1.5 million bid with Sunderland for the Senegal forward who played under Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers.

City’s pursuit of Given is not without its problems either, but the goalkeeper’s desire to move may ultimately help to force through a deal. Newcastle say that any transfer fee for the Ireland goalkeeper will have to be more than the £6 million offer made by City that Joe Kinnear, the manager, described as derisory.

Newcastle are holding out for at least £8 million, but Given, who withdrew from Kinnear’s squad before the 2-1 defeat by City on Wednesday evening because of a knee injury, hopes that his transfer request will speed up the process.



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Zidane urges Real Madrid to make £15million Liverpool bid


Zinedine Zidane has urged Real Madrid to go for Xabi Alonso in the summer.

As the presidential elections at the Bernabeu begin to gather pace in Spain, the usual transfer propaganda campaign is set to swing into full action in the coming weeks.

Candidate Florentino Perez has already been heavily linked with renewed interest in Cristiano Ronaldo, but Manchester United continue to insist the forward is not for sale.

Reports in The Mirror claim he has now sought the advice of Real legend Zidane, who has advised the potential new president to go for Liverpool’s £15million-rated Alonso.

The Spanish midfielder was on the verge of joining Juventus in the summer, but the deal to the Italians fell through and he has gone on to have an impressive season for the Reds.



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Man City Planning £40million Swoop For Aguero?


Reportedly, big spenders Manchester City are believed to be eyeing the capture of Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero at the end of the season, which could be one of their major signings in the summer.

A bid somewhere around the region of £40million could be sufficient to tempt the La Liga side to sell their striker, but persuading Argentine International Aguero to move to the Premier League could be a challenge after he expressed his desire to stay in Spain.

"I am tired of all the buzz about where I might be going - the club does not want to sell me and I want to continue at Atletico so things are clear," said Aguero.

"I do not know what will happen in the summer.

"But I have a contract with Atletico. I know from my agent that many clubs have asked about me and some even submitted a bid but I have not thought about leaving because I am happy here."



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Defoe suffers injury blow


Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe looks set for a three-week spell on the sidelines after suffering a foot injury in training.

While some early reports suspected Defoe could be out for the rest of the season, it is more likely he will be out of action for just less than a month.

However, that still leaves him in a race to fit for the Carling Cup cup final against Manchester United which takes place on March 1.

The former Portsmouth frontman has scored three goals in five games since his return to White Hart Lane but is now set to miss key Premier League matches against Bolton and Arsenal as Spurs battle to avoid relegation.

With Defoe set for a short spell on the sidelines manager Harry Redknapp may now step up his efforts to bring in another forward before the transfer window closes at 5pm on Monday.



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Everton agree loan deal for Rennes striker Asamoah


Everton have agreed a loan deal for Rennes striker Gyan Asamoah.

The Sun says Toffees boss David Moyes has persuaded French club Rennes to accept a loan-now, buy-later deal for the £8million-rated Ghanaian hitman.

And Moyes will complete a permanent deal in the summer, when he has more funds available.

Part of the deal for Gyan, 23, will see forward Lucas Jutkiewicz go the other way.



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N'Zogbia deal set to be sealed


Charles N'Zogbia's move to Wigan is likely to go through in the next few days, with Ryan Taylor moving in the opposite direction to Newcastle.

Magpies midfielder N'Zogbia insisted on Thursday he will not play for the club again while Joe Kinnear is manager - after claiming the United boss insulted him by mis-pronouncing his name.

He had been linked with a move to France or even Arsenal recently. But it emerged on Friday Wigan is his most likely destination, in a part exchange with Latics full-back Taylor.

The exact fee is unknown at the moment, but the transfers are likely to go through before the close of play on Monday.

N'Zogbia, 22, effectively went on strike at the "insult" of Kinnear mis-pronouncing his surname as "insomnia" during a television interview.



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Real Madrid closing deal for West Ham's Faubert


Real Madrid have snapped up West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert on a six-month loan deal.

The French international midfielder, 25, made the shock move after weeks of speculation over his future at Upton Park.

Real’s ex-Tottenham boss Juande Ramos will be able to call on Faubert for Champions League action, as he has not played in Europe this season.



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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Zlatan slams Ronaldo award


INTER star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has branded the prestigious Ballon d'Or as a publicity stunt.

The award, voted for by sports journalists around the globe, was given to Cristiano Ronaldo last month for his sparkling season at Manchester United.

The winger fired his side to the Premier League and Champions League crowns, scoring 42 goals en route.

But Swedish ace Ibrahimovic, who was overlooked despite his stunning exploits in Italy, believes the gong means nothing.

He said: "Now the Ballon d'Or has become a publicity stunt. It all depends on what people see in order to judge.

"For me it is more important to win with the team rather than anything else."



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Wigan tell Real Madrid: £18M cash for Valencia


Wigan Athletic have slapped an £18 million price-tag on Real Madrid target Luis Antonio Valencia.

The Spanish giants had a £12million bid for the 24-year-old winger rejected yesterday.

Manchester United are keen on the Ecuadorian star and may have to act sooner than planned.



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Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is a liar


Brazilian striker Fred accused Harry Redknapp of being a "liar" after his £4 million move to Tottenham broke down last night.

Spurs boss Redknapp claimed Lyon striker Fred did not show up at a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the move.

But Fred's agent and brother Rodrigo claims it was Redknapp who stood them up in France last weekend. He said: "What Redknapp said is a lie, Fred never said he would come to a meeting.

"Redknapp said he would come to see us in France on Sunday but he did not come.



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Wigan offer £6M for Newcastle's N'Zogbia


Wigan Athletic have launched a bid for Newcastle United midfielder Charles N'Zogbia.

Toon boss Joe Kinnear admits he's keen to raise funds for his own signings and The Sun says Latics rival Steve Bruce is offering £6 million for Frenchman N'Zogbia.

Aston Villa and Arsenal are also interested in the midfielder.



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Wednesday, January 28, 2009

RAFA: PAIR WILL BOOST TITLE PUSH


Rafa Benitez believes Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are ready to get Liverpool's title push back on track after renewing their lethal partnership against Everton.

he pair combined to create an equaliser in Sunday's Cup derby following an audacious flick from Torres.

Benitez believes few players in world football could have pulled off such a move.

The Spaniard sees the goal as proof that last season's 53-goal partnership is ready to fire on all cylinders once more after a series of injuries.

He said: "We know the understanding between both was crucial last season and it will be again this season now they are back together again.

"In some games they can really push defenders with their skills. The goal they created was excellent against Everton in the Cup.

"The piece of skill from Torres to create the goal shows that he is getting very close to his best again.

"He showed that the understanding between him and Gerrard will be crucial for us for the rest of the season.

"What he did to send Gerrard away is something you do not see from many players. He certainly needed a good runner to get on the end of it.

"Fernando also needed to be aware of where Gerrard was, to see him and to find him with the ball. It was certainly something very special."



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GERRARD: `WE`RE STILL IN RACE`


Steven Gerrard remains confident that Liverpool can upset the odds this season and take the Premier League title.

The Reds have not taken the top-flight crown for 19 years, but remain well placed to end that drought this term.

They have surrendered top spot to arch-rivals Manchester United in recent weeks, with precious points dropped in consecutive draws with Stoke and Everton.

Some critics have begun to question whether Rafa Benitez's side are capable of lasting the distance, with experienced heads such as United, Chelsea and Arsenal expected to prevail in the end.

Gerrard, though, has welcomed the underdog tag that has been placed on the club and believes it will serve as an added incentive to a squad desperate to bring domestic glory back to Merseyside.

"Are we out of the title race? No, we're not," the Reds skipper told the Liverpool Echo.

"If anything, the couple of setbacks we've had lately just make us even more determined to get back on track.

"We're nobody's favourites for the Premier League title but we don't really care. We're in the mix and that's where you want to be.

"We've got a great chance this season - probably the best in my time in the first team - and we believe in ourselves.

"There's a lot of pressure that comes with being in our position but we think we can cope with that. We're confident we can match United and Chelsea stride for stride and then see what happens in the closing stages of the campaign."



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Robinho bailed over assault


Manchester City's Robinho has been arrested and bailed following a police investigation into an alleged sexual assault.

The Brazilian met with police as part of a criminal investigation following a complaint made by an 18-year-old woman.

West Yorkshire police have confirmed that a man had been arrested on Tuesday in connection with an incident that occurred on 14th January.

The player's spokesman Chris Nathaniel said: "We can confirm that Robinho met the police today, as pre-arranged and as part of a criminal investigation.

"He strenuously denies any allegation of wrongdoing or criminality."



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Liverpool line up super swap deal with Spurs?


While it is true that Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would love to see Robbie Keane pull on a Spurs shirt again, the chances of him offering Aaron Lennon in part-exchange appear to be zero.

The same applies to Jermaine Jenas, recently described as 'outstanding' by Redknapp.

Nonetheless Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is supposedly weighing up an offer from Spurs, which would mean the Reds would not have to pay the balance of the £20.3m still owed.

So, according to the report, the Reds would save £11m plus Keane's wages if a deal is done.

The question is would Rafa prefer to save money than have the player?

The answer must surely be Liverpool will be keen to keep Keane!



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Barcelona declare Arsenal star waste of money


Barcelona have left the door open for AC Milan to grab Emmanuel Adebayor if they wish after a source at Barcelona told Spanish radio that Adebayor would be a waste of money.

The report said the source had stated that the only Arsenal player they have any interest in would be Cesc Fabregas and that any move for him would have to wait until at least the end of the season and then it depends on how he returns from his injury.

Adebayor has not shown the form of last season that had him being linked with the major clubs in Europe and anyone reading Arsenal forums will see that its not only Barcelona that see him as a waste of money, in fact some of the Arsenal fans would be more than glad to see him sold.

AC Milan’s interest in the player has also declined with virtually no mention of him being linked to Milan this winter.

That said if Adebayor picks up over the last five months of the season then Arsenal may find interest in the player back on, it all depends on how he performs from now on if he is to return to the value he once was, both to his present club and any would be suitors.



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Juventus will pay €20 million for Liverpool duo


Rumours have been circulating in Italy that Juventus have made an approach for two Liverpool players and offered €20 million for the pair.

Add that to the fact that Rafa Benitez has admitted that a few clubs have made approaches for some of his players and the speculation has an air of truth to it.

The players were not named on the Italian radio show but it is thought that they are Robbie Keane and Daniel Agger and both have more or less indicated that they would like to seek pastures new.

Juventus manager Claudio Ranierri knows both players and is an admirer of Robbie Keane and so any Juve link is more realistic than some other links that have been touted.

Juventus have the money and have good relations with Liverpool though these have been soured in the last year over the Alonso saga.

Both Keane and Agger continue to be linked with different clubs and if Juventus do not get the players it is still thought that at least one of those two if not both will still leave Liverpool this winter.



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VIDIC RED CARD DECISION TO COME ON FRIDAY


Manchester United are set to discover on Friday what punishment Nemanja Vidic must face for his red card at the Club World Cup.

Vidic was sent off in the final victory over LDU Quito when he elbowed Claudio Bieler.

At the time, the issue of disciplinary sanctions was clouded in uncertainty, although it subsequently transpired FIFA would hand the matter to UEFA to deal with as United were competing in Japan on their behalf.

UEFA will now hear the case before delivering their judgement.

If Vidic receives a one-match suspension he will miss the first leg of United's Champions League encounter with Inter Milan at the San Siro on February 20.

Should the punishment be three games, the Serbian would be ruled out of both legs of the Inter tussle, plus the first match of the quarter-finals should United get past Jose Mourinho's men.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt be looking for similar leniency as Kakha Kaladze received, when he was dismissed for AC Milan in the same competition two years ago.

On that occasion Kaladze escaped a suspension, a fact United will bring up in their defence of Vidic, who has been a key figure in the Red Devils' run of 10 successive Premier League clean sheets.



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KUYT KEEN TO EXTEND LIVERPOOL STAY


Dirk Kuyt has pledged his future to Liverpool, with the forward's agent stating that talks are taking place over a new deal for the Dutchman.

The forward has 15 months remaining on his current deal on Merseyside and recent rumours have suggested that Juventus are monitoring the situation.

However, Kuyt - who joined the Reds in 2006 from Feyenoord - has pledged his future to the Premier League title-chasers.

"I am enormously happy here and I want to continue for as long as possible at Liverpool," he told Voetbal international.

And a representative of Kuyt, John Smith, has confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Liverpool hierarchy.

Smith added: " Furthermore, we are in discussions with Liverpool about a contract extension for Dirk."



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Liverpool & Spurs target - dubbed the new Gerrard


Lazio have made a £1.5m bid for Hamilton's teenage sensation James McCarthy - dubbed the "new Steven Gerrard".

Hamilton rejected it with chairman Ronnie McDonald saying: "I made a promise to [manager] Billy Reid at the start of the season, I told him I would not be selling anyone in January and I will not break that promise no matter who is offering what."

Around 18 months ago, Liverpool reportedly offered £1m for McCarthy.

Celtic, Rangers, Reading, Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in McCarthy.

At the time, his agent Bill McMurdo said: "Liverpool wanted to take him to Italy for a tournament.

"They agreed to meet Hamilton's asking price, which would have earned them around £1m if James made the grade.

"Sheffield United were also desperate to sign him and said they would put him straight into their reserve side.

"They said he would be in the first team within a year.

"Reading and Spurs were also after James, while here [in Scotland], Rangers and Celtic are interested."



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Manchester City plot final £12million Gunners bid


Manchester City Football Club will make a final bid for Kolo Toure before February 2.

Mark Hughes is keen to bolster his back four at Eastlands during the course of the winter transfer window, and the Ivory Coast international has long been his first choice.

It was reported earlier this month that an offer of £10million was discussed but rejected by Arsenal, who are now bracing themselves for an improved and official bid for the player.

The Times claim Hughes will table an offer of £12million for Toure before the weekend, yet Arsene Wenger is likely to resist all bids to part with the 27-year-old in mid-season.



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NEMETH GETS FIRST SENIOR ACTION


Reserves hotshot Krisztian Nemeth could not prevent loan club Blackpool slumping to a 3-0 defeat to QPR on Tuesday in his first senior game in English football.
The Hungarian, who was the star of Gary Ablett's title-winning reserves last term, came on after 59 minutes for the Championship side.

The 20-year-old agreed a month-long loan at Bloomfield Road on Monday.

Already part of the Hungary national squad, he has yet to feature in a competitive clash for Rafa Benitez's first team.



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Spurs seal double deal for Cudicini and Chimbonda


Tottenham Hotspur have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini on a free transfer and have also wrapped up a deal for ex-Spurs defender Pascal Chimbonda.

Cudicini, who was out of contract in the summer, has been given the security of a contract of at least 18 months at White Hart Lane.

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager, is desperate for experienced goalkeeping cover after loaning out César Sánchez to Valencia and with doubts over the suitability of Ben Alnwick.

Meanwhile, Sunderland defender Pascal Chimbonda is on his way back to Tottenham after just six months on Wearside.

Chimbonda left White Hart Lane in the summer but failed to settle in the north-east and will now provide Spurs boss Redknapp with cover across his defence.

The 29-year-old Frenchman will not, however, be available for the home Premier League clash against Stoke City on Tuesday evening.

''I've signed him and he's coming here,'' Redknapp said. ''The deal should have been done in the morning but it's over-run the deadline for him to play against Stoke. It was done 15 minutes too late which was disappointing. Otherwise he would have been available.''

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia said: ''Since he came to the club, he has struggled to settle. We had the opportunity of maybe making things a little bit happier for him.

''He's a good player but he just had issues with himself and he has struggled, really from day one, to get things going at the club. It was an opportunity for him and for the club.''

The deal is something of a strange move for Tottenham, having already recruited three right-backs at the cost of over £20m in Alan Hutton, Vedran Corluka and Chris Gunter.

The French defender had made just 16 appearances for Sunderland since his summer move from White Hart Lane, but has started the last four games. After a promising first few weeks at the Stadium of Light, he lost his place in the side under former boss Roy Keane amid rumours of disciplinary problems.

Chimbonda arrived on Wearside in July as part of the deal which also brought Teemu Tainio and Steed Malbranque to the club.

The fee for the three players remains undisclosed, but it is understood Sunderland will recoup their investment in the former Wigan full-back if the move goes through.

The development came as something of a surprise a day after Spurs boss Redknapp confirmed the club had made an offer for striker Kenwyne Jones.

Black Cats manager Ricky Sbragia has previously insisted none of his better players would be allowed to leave this month, although it remains to be seen whether or not that stance has changed amid suggestions that the Londoners have offered £6million plus Darren Bent in return.



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Sunday, January 25, 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo not as good as Steven Gerrard, says Guus Hiddink


Russia coach, Guus Hiddink, claims Steven Gerrard should have been crowned World Footballer of the Year ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, likening the Liverpool midfielder's quality and ability to that of George Best.

Full of praise for Rafael Benitez's captain, the former Real Madrid manager said he did not even rank Ronaldo in his top three.

"Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Lionel Messi or Xavi from Barcelona deserved the award more," he told the Mirror. "Ronaldo is only focused on finishing in front of goal.

"I love Gerrard's qualities as a player and a leader. Technically and tactically he is the best. His passion is enormous, he means as much for a great team as George Best.

"He is a player who fans can identify themselves with and a man who carries the love for his club on his club badge. There is not another player in the world who combines all those qualities.

"I like him so much more than Ronaldo."

Hiddink continued to say that coaches and captains who voted on the award were duped by the "glamour" that comes with the Portuguese winger, insisting that his constant media exposure and good looks won him the accolade.

"Of course, Ronaldo entertains the crowds and has great skills. But it is too much glamour and show," he said. "Cristiano Ronaldo is a good-looking footballer, he looks fit and, oh yes, his hair is always in place. But him winning the award is too much about glamour."

Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the 23-year-old will be fully fit to face West Brom on Tuesday.

With an already lengthy list of injuries to worry about Ferguson was almost without Ronaldo for their FA Cup fourth round contest with Spurs due to illness. But while discussing the calf and ankle injuries Fabio and Danny Welbeck picked up respectively, Ferguson confirmed that Ronaldo was not one of his worries.

"Cristiano has picked up a little bug," he said. "We had to get the doctor to him and I didn't think he was anywhere near ready but he showed the appetite to play and it is always good to have him on the pitch.

"He will be better by Tuesday."



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Dubai INTEREST STILL IN RECKONING


Dubai interests may again emerge as the main player in the battle to buy Liverpool.

Speculation is growing in the Middle East that Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, thought to have lost interest in the Anfield club last year as the credit crunch started to bite, may be preparing another move for the club.

But if that does happen, it will only be during the summer as Liverpool's current American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett try to extend their £350million loan with the Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia - a prospect which, in the current financial climate, looks remote.

Sheikh Maktoum is the ruler of Dubai and founder of Dubai International Capital, who were involved in lengthy and ultimately unsuccessful negotiations to buy the club last year.

The Sheikh then took on the potential takeover on a personal level, but also opted to pull away several months ago.

But with the intense rivalry between the Arab states over ownership of Premier League clubs, the Sheikh is again believed to be reviewing the situation.

It emerged last week that a Kuwaiti group, the oil-rich Al-Kharafi family, were involved in talks - initially with Hicks - over a potential buyout, plus the £400m financing of the club's proposed new stadium.

But the £600m asking price was considered too high and, following the amount of publicity the offer generated, it is now believed consortium leader Nasser Al-Kharafi has pulled out of negotiations.

A source close to the Middle East groups said: "The price was too high and the Kuwaitis were annoyed that their interest was leaked.

"Surely in the current climate, and with time running out on the Americans who must repay or re-finance their loan in July, nobody is going to buy Liverpool at this present time.

"The price drops with every passing day, and any prospective buyer would now wait until the summer before making a move. By then, the Americans would have to accept a much lower price - around £400m or lower."

That applies if the Americans fail to re-negotiate their current deal, although there have been suggestions they still have hopes of achieving that.

RBS were prepared to give them a six-month extension on that loan this month. But that was an existing deal, and they are highly unlikely to take on a new agreement with the Americans.

The source said: "With the Government now with majority control of RBS, it would seem unlikely that Liverpool would be allowed a huge new loan while other businesses around the country are not."

It has already been suggested there is a new interest from Dubai, plus half a dozen other interested parties who will to talk to Hicks and Gillett.

Talks involving Liverpool's finance director Phillip Nash and the commercial director Ian Ayre - along with high-level Hicks negotiators from Dallas - were held talks last week in London and the Middle East with the Kuwaitis.

But the £600m price was a sticking point, as were attempts by Hicks to continue as a minority shareholder. That looks to have brought him back into conflict with Gillett, who wants both Americans to leave on the same terms.

Reports of internal friction at Anfield have therefore surfaced again, with manager Rafael Benitez and chief executive Rick Parry seemingly supporting different factions.

Last season it was Hicks who blocked the bid from DIC that was supported by Gillett - and now the co-owners appear to be at loggerheads again.

They will both be at next Sunday's home game against Chelsea, Hicks arriving a few days earlier in the hope of breaking the impasse over Benitez's new contract.

Sheikh Maktoum and his Dubai associates, meanwhile, are watching and waiting.



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Real Madrid plot £15million Liverpool bid


Real Madrid are lining up a summer raid on Liverpool Football Club.

The Spanish giants have made one move for a Premier League star this month, when they lured Lassana Diarra from Portsmouth in a £20million deal.

And now reports suggest the Bernabeu club hope to team the France international up with Xabi Alonso next season, in what would be an impressive central midfield pairing.

The Reds star looked set to leave Anfield for Juventus ahead of this season, but this move fell through and he has since played a key role for Rafael Benitez’s side.

Sport claim Real will test the resolve of the Merseyside club at the end of the campaign, with an offer of £15million set to be tabled to the Premier League club.



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Mourinho talking up Liverpool's title credentials


Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes Liverpool possess 'everything they need' to claim the Barclays Premier League title this season.

Rafael Benitez's Reds sit second in league, level on points with leaders Manchester United but behind on goal difference having also played one game more.

While firmly in the title race, Liverpool have been guilty of squandering points at home to less-fancied opposition this season, but Mourinho, now the boss of Inter Milan, believes they can keep their championship challenge on track.

'It has been interesting watching Liverpool this season,' Mourinho wrote in the Sunday Telegraph.

'I think they have everything they need to win the title.

'I still can't understand why they didn't do it in the last four years. Why wouldn't they be able to do it this season? Of course they can.

'The manager is good, the players are good, the crowd is unique, the tradition of the club is big, so why can't they do it? I think they can.'

Mourinho warned, however, that the resumption of the Champions League at the end of next month could again be a distraction for the Anfield club.

'Usually it is when the Champions League starts that they lose their focus on the Premiership,' he continued. 'It was like this in previous years when they did very well in the Champions League but they lost too many points in the championship.

'They have already lost 10 points at home by drawing the kind of matches they used to win. Against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham, Hull and Everton it has been two points lost. So if you can imagine that they had those 10 points now, they would be top of the league.'

The Portuguese also played down the recent spat between Benitez and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

'As for these stories I read about Rafael Benitez and Alex Ferguson exchanging words, this is all part of the game,' he said.

'It is part of the fight you have to make to win a title, part of the pressure that managers try and put on other managers, clubs and structures to try to get an advantage.

'I think Benitez and Ferguson respect each other and both know they are contenders for the title. I don't think it is personal.'

Meanwhile, Mourinho hailed the decision of Kaka to snub the advances of Manchester City and remain in Serie A with AC Milan.

'I am happy that Kaka didn't go there,' he said. 'I want the best players to be in my league. I want my league to be as strong as possible and of course Kaka is absolutely top.

'It would have been very, very bad for Italian football if Kaka had left Serie A.

'When a player like him decides to join City it will be because they have proved there is a big project; because I don't think a player like Kaka is going to leave a club like Milan because of one euro more or one euro less.'



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Gerrard: Chelsea clash won't decide title destiny


Steven Gerrard insists next weekend's crucial clash against Chelsea at Anfield won't decide the Premier League title and isn't worth six points. Liverpool go head to head with Luiz-Felipe Scolari's men on Sunday knowing victory would be a massive boost towards achieving their dream of winning their first title since 1990.But despite beating Chelsea away from home and Manchester United at home already this campaign, Gerrard says match-ups against the Big Four aren't necessarily the key to title glory.

That much has been proved in recent weeks after Liverpool dropped crucial points by drawing against both Everton and Stoke.

So it means Wednesday's trip to Wigan could prove every bit as important at the end of the season as the big match against Chelsea four days later.

Gerrard warned: "I don't agree that the title race comes down to the matches between the big four, I don't agree with that at all.

"I think it's important you do take points off the other top sides. But the games against teams below you and those down at the foot of the Premiership table are just as important.

"You only get three points for a win at the end of the day, so to beat someone in the bottom three is just as crucial as beating someone in the top three. It's worth the same. It's important we don't slip up against teams we should be beating."

Gerrard believes Liverpool are still on target to be title contenders despite allowing Manchester United to take over top spot in the last fortnight. But he admits it won't be easy.

He added: "We're up against some fantastic teams in Chelsea, United, Arsenal and Villa. Other teams are putting pressure on the top four as well.

"There's so much pressure week in week out to deliver results. We need to learn to handle that pressure. We need to learn how to deal with it. We need to keep doing the things that got us to the top in the first place."



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Robinhio Pal is £25m City Target


MANCHESTER CITY are ready to placate hothead Robinho — by spending £25million on ANOTHER Brazilian trouble-maker!

For City’s new target Diego has his own bad-boy tag after being caught up in a string of unsavoury incidents.

The 23-year-old midfielder defied his German club Werder Bremen by insisting on playing for Brazil at the Beijing Olympics and has been in trouble for turning up late for training.

Diego is currently serving a four-match ban for allegedly attempting to strangle a Karlsruhe opponent.

And last week he had to explain himself to the Bremen board after being stopped by police for an alleged drink-driving offence.

The Brazilian, who is dating German pop singer Sarah Connor, admitted: “I had a couple of glasses of wine at dinner and was stopped by the police but I did not lose my licence as some reports claimed.”

But City still want to team up Diego with his best pal Robinho in the heart of midfield.

City’s failure to land Kaka was a crushing disappointment to Robinho, who stormed out of the club’s training camp in Tenerife last week and returned to Brazil.



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Michael Owen To Partner Emile Heskey At Aston Villa?


After snapping up Emile Heskey, reports claim that Michael Owen is next on Martin O'Neill's shopping list.

Michael Owen could be set to renew his strike partnership with Emile Heskey at Aston Villa after manager Martin O’Neill refused to rule out a move for the Newcastle United striker.

Owen’s contract at St James’ Park expires at the end of the season and, having failed to agree a new deal with the club, he may well leave in the summer.

One possible destination may be Aston Villa, who yesterday added Emile Heskey to their ranks, and manager O’Neill hinted that he would love to be able to bring Owen to the club.

“I’m not saying that I will move for Owen in the summer – I’ve not looked at anything at that remote a distance,” he told The Sun, “But that’s not to say Michael Owen is not a terrific player. We wait to see. Anything is possible. Kaka is a possibility!”

Owen and Heskey played together for both England and Liverpool and proved a complementary partnership.

A return to form has seen Heskey regain his place in Fabio Capello’s England team and now secure a move to Villa, and with Owen also keen to force his way back into the international reckoning, a move to the West Midlands may prove tempting.

Certainly Villa are enjoying an impressive season, currently fourth in the Premier League, and looking to be in with a realistic opportunity of qualifying for the Champions League, another prospect which will surely entice Owen.

The Villans take on Doncaster Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup this afternoon, but O’Neill did admit that talk of a move for Owen was premature and ruled out anything happening in the January transfer window.

However, he did hint that this is a situation that may change in the summer and concluded: “We want to try and compete at this level but what’s happening in the future? I have no idea.”



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Liverpool Set To Hijack Everton's Bid


Liverpool are considering making a move for Werder Bremen striker Hugo Almeida, who is a target for their local Premier League rivals Everton, according to The Mirror.

It is well documented that Toffees boss David Moyes is keen to recruit a striker to Goodison Park this month, with long-term injuries to Yakubu and James Vaughan along with summer signing Louis Saha’s persistent hamstring problems leaving Moyes short of options upfront at the Merseyside club.

However, due to financial constraints at Everton, Moyes has little to spend in the transfer window and is hoping to land 24-year-old Almeida on a loan-deal, with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

Now Reds boss Rafa Benitez is understood to be ready to hijack Everton’s bid to bring Almeida to the Premiership, by launching his own bid for the former Porto player, who revealed recently that he was “open to offers” and dreamed of playing in England.

Should Benitez beat Moyes to the signature of Almeida then it is believed that the Everton boss could turn his attention to former Chelsea forward Eidur Gudjohnsen, who is now at La Liga pacesetters Barcelona.

One thing that could count in Moyes’ favour though is Almeida’s friendship with Toffees defender Nuno Valente, who Almeida has been in contact with regarding any move to Everton, which could make all the difference to Everton’s chances of beating their Merseyside rivals to the striker.

Almeida has been at Bremen since joining from Porto in 2006 and has scored 17 goals in 57 Bundesliga appearances and has been capped by Portugal 14 times.



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Carragher still upset


Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admits he's still unhappy over the way they were outbid by Manchester United for Nemanja Vidic.

“United have got that edge on us financially,” Carragher told the The Times. “[Nemanja] Vidic is a classic case. He had a buyout clause of four or five million.

"We met that but United came along and paid seven or eight. But we can’t make excuses given the money we’ve spent.”

Sir Alex Ferguson’s biggest fan, Jamie Carragher, has today confessed that he is embarrassed at the disappointing years he’s had as a Liverpool player. In the 12 years he’s been playing for the first team, Liverpool have been in contention for the title on just one occasion.

Mr Liverpool, as he is dubbed by the club’s official website, also admits he has great respect for Manchester United. Of course, he’ll be forced in to having even more respect for us when we equal Liverpool title record this season…

“Being involved in the mind games is a good thing. We’ve always been on the outside looking in, something we’re not proud of,” said Carragher.


“I’ve always had respect for them (Manchester Utd). They’re a proper club, like us, and they should have respect for us as well.”

Carragher has refused to deny Ferguson’s claims that Liverpool will bottle it, acknowledging he is no position to say how his team will react to being second in the league at this stage of the season.

“Will we get nervous? I haven’t got a clue,” Carragher added. “I’m not going to put an act on and say no, because I’ve never been there. It’s only January. It’s embarrassing, really, that I’ve only been in this position once, with Gerard Houllier.”



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Arsenal boss Wenger hits out at United


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at the ''unexplainable advantage'' handed to Manchester United by next week's fixtures in the Premier League.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has repeatedly claimed the league has been ''handicapped'' this season in a bid to stop United sauntering to a third successive title

But while Wenger had added his support to a fair schedule for all of the four Champions League teams when the issue was raised earlier this season, the Gunners manager has been left less than impressed by the arrangements for next week.

United are in action on Tuesday at West Brom, before they then have a break until the visit of Everton on the following Monday, February 2. Arsenal, meanwhile, are away at Cardiff in the FA Cup on Sunday, before they travel to Goodison Park on Wednesday night.

''I feel that next week [Liverpool manager Rafael] Benitez has a case if you look at the way the fixtures are arranged,'' said Wenger. ''You can say that Manchester United have been extremely advantaged, unexplainably advantaged.

''But that is what we have to cope with. 'It is difficult to explain why one team plays on Tuesday and the others are all on Wednesday. It is unfair competition.

''Next week the fixtures are advantaged for Manchester United, who before had a point against Liverpool - I supported them when they had a case. But this week, I think Benitez has a case.

''Manchester United play on Tuesday at West Brom, after they play against Everton who will have played on Sunday, again on Wednesday night.''

Wenger continued: ''I do not think you need to be a specialist in football to understand that in this case it is an unfair advantage for Manchester United.

''Will it have an advantage on the global season? I don't know, you would have to analyse that better. It is not Manchester United's fault, it is not Liverpool's fault. It is the organisers of the fixtures. They have a case to explain.''

The Gunners have improved their form lately, but remain outside the top four.

Wenger, though, declared: ''We have not sacrificed the league yet. It is the most important competition. What counts is the points - we are only six points from the top team at the moment.''

The Arsenal manager added: ''We have come back into a good position and the league is the most important competition for me because that tells you how strong we are after 38 games.

''Our focus is on the league, the Champions League and the FA Cup - we do not especially choose.''


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Magpies star set for £10m exit


Manchester City are expected to sign Shay Given from Newcastle this week in a deal that could be worth in excess of £10million.

City have already had at least two bids turned down for the goalkeeper but the latest reports suggest a new offer of over £10million will finally persuade the Magpies to sell.

Given is desperate to leave St James' Park after growing increasingly frustrated with all the off-field uncertainty and has reportedly agreed personal terms with City.

The Republic of Ireland international, 33, is set to be offered a lucrative contract by the Eastlands club and is being tipped to sign a three-and-a-half year deal with Mark Hughes' side in the next few days.

There are suggestions Magpies boss Joe Kinnear has targeted Portsmouth and England keeper David James as Given's long-term replacement but is set to call upon current second-choice stopper Steve Harper until the end of the season if, as expected, Given does depart.



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Chelsea goalkeeper will sign at White Hart Lane


CHELSEA goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is set to sign for Tottenham today.

The Italian is due for talks at Spurs to discuss a switch from Stamford Bridge. The long-serving keeper, 35, is in the last six months of a lucrative Chelsea contract, with the Blues ready to reward his loyalty by granting him a free transfer to their London rivals.

Cudicini, 35, joined Chelsea in 1999 from Italian village side Castel Di Sangro and soon established himself as one of the top keepers in the Premier League. But when the Blues signed Petr Cech in 2004 he lost his first-team place.

Henrique Hilario, 33, will now become Cech’s understudy. Redknapp has been looking for cover for Heurelho Gomes after a nightmare start to his Premier League career.



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Aston Villa complete £3.5m deal for Heskey


England striker Emile Heskey has signed for high-flying Aston Villa on Friday after they agreed a £3.5m fee with Wigan Athletic.

England man Heskey is ready for a reunion

Heskey has been reunited with his former Leicester boss Martin O'Neill after signing a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The 31-year-old put pen to paper after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the midlands club.

He becomes O'Neill's first signing in the January transfer window and is set to make his debut in Tuesday's Premier League clash at Portsmouth.

O'Neill said: "I am absolutely delighted. Emile has been a brilliant player for a number of years and this is great news. It gives us all a big boost - the football club, myself and the players.

"He has arrived at a really important time. We have got a bit of momentum going. We haven't the largest squad in the world. John Carew is coming back from his back injury but is still a week or two away from being ready to return and Emile couldn't be arriving at a more opportune moment.

"I think he could play with Gabby (Agbonlahor) and John (Carew) and I think he will give us an enormous lift. I have got no doubts that he will improve us and will help to improve Gabby and other players around him.

"When people like Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen say Emile is good to play with, that is good enough. I am delighted he has come now because he would have had a lot of interest in the summer when his contract was ended.

"I think he should be not only happy in the environment here, I think he should thrive in it."

O'Neill added: "I know Emile from my days at Leicester, and he was fantastic for us. He had plenty of natural talent, even though he was only a young kid.

"He played out wide for a season and did the sort of work that Ashley Young and James Milner now do for us at Villa.

"We were sad to see him leave. But he wanted to go to Liverpool and play with Michael Owen - and he has done exceptionally well in his career.

"I will be delighted to renew acquaintances with him. He is still relatively young at 31, and in good shape."

Heskey's expected arrival has come too late for him to be involved in tomorrow's FA Cup clash with Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium.

But he will be eligible to play later in the competition if Villa make progress, after not featuring for Wigan in their third-round tie against Tottenham.



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Liverpool to approach Mourinho for €12.5million winger


Liverpool Football Club could be about to make a huge signing from Serie A.

Question marks have been raised against the Reds credentials to win their first league title since 1990, with champions Manchester United leapfrogging them in the table.

However, Rafael Benitez could be about to play an ace by landing Amantino Mancini from Inter Milan, after the winger admitted he is unhappy with life at the San Siro.

"I am not happy about this situation," Mancini told Sportmediaset.it. "I am not playing enough and, even though I am in a team full of great players, I thought I would be used even more."

The Brazilian only joined Inter from Roma in the summer for €12.5million, and now Benitez could ask his old foe Jose Mourinho for the loan of the player for the rest of the season.



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Pennant blasts Benitez


Jermaine Pennant claims Rafael Benitez bombed him out of Liverpool because he is English.

Pennant launched an astonishing blast at Benitez as he prepared to make his debut for new club Portsmouth in the FA Cup clash with Championship Swansea.

The former England under 21 international believes Liverpool's Spanish boss will risk the Merseysiders' title hopes on dodgy foreigners rather than trust home grown talent.

Pennant said: 'I am looking forward to Tony Adams speaking English. I don't know if it is the English mentality he dislikes but there are not a lot of English players at Liverpool.
Jermaine Pennant

'I have mentioned that before when I was at Arsenal so I guess I have not had much luck with foreign managers.

'Last season I played 34 games and in a Champions' League final the previous year for Rafa but now he has had a change of plans.

'It is not for me to question the manager because he has done so well for Liverpool but it seems very strange to go from playing every week to training on my own on Saturday afternoons.

'But that is Rafa for you and I don't think half the players at Liverpool can work him out.

'I have been speaking to a lot of the other Liverpool players and they could not understand why I was not being selected, especially in the games at home where they have struggled to win.

'It was the same with Peter Crouch and he had to get away too.

'I spoke to Crouchy a lot before I came here and he told me to join Portsmouth. He said it was a good club and that Tony would give me more chances to play.'

Pennant has the option of a permanent move to Fratton Park at the end of his loan but admitted he could yet join AC Milan or Real Madrid.

He added: 'It is weird that I cannot get into Liverpool's team but Real Madrid want me.

'It is very flattering to be linked with a club of their size because they are one of the best teams in the world.

'I did not speak to Madrid directly but my agent may have done. I did not speak to Milan either but again my agent may have.

'I am here for six months because I want to play regular football and we will have to see what happens after that.

'It would be a great experience to play abroad and I am not ruling it out.'

Portsmouth face Swansea without Croatian playmaker Niko Kranjcar who has a groin injury. Richard Hughes returns after a hamstring injury.



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