Thursday's B*ll*x
Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 8:59 amHarry Redknapp wants Emmanuel Adebayor at Tottenham long term
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell.
The Togolese striker, 28, scored twice in Wednesday's 4-1 win at Bolton to maintain Spurs's chances of reaching the Champions League next season.
The money they earn from qualifying for Europe's elite competition could help to sign Adebayor from Manchester City.
"Of course I would [sign him]. I love Adebayor. He's a real character and a good player," said Redknapp.
"We'll see what the summer holds. I've not spoken to the chairman yet, Daniel Levy has been busy, but when he gets back we'll sit down and have a chat, but Adebayor has done very well for us."
Spurs are fourth in the Premier League, ahead of Newcastle on goal difference and a point behind third-placed Arsenal with two games left.
Adebayor has scored 16 goals this season to play a crucial part in Tottenham's push for the top four.
He moved to White Hart Lane on loan last summer after a fall-out with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, having spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Redknapp said he was monitoring Ajax skipper Jan Vertonghen.
"He's a player I've watched, he's a very good player," said Redknapp of the Belgian defender.
"But there are lots of clubs interested in him. We've not spoken to the club, he's just a player I've watched along with loads of other players this year."
Eden Project: City and United target Hazard was at the Manchester derby
Lille playmaker is adamant he will be playing in the Premier League next season - could watching Mancini's men win on Manic Monday have helped him decide who for?
Manchester City target Eden Hazard was a surprise visitor at the Etihad to watch the team beat rivals United 1-0 on Monday.
One of Europe’s hottest prospects, the Belgian star, 21, wants to quit the French club for the Premier League this summer.
Both City boss Roberto Mancini and United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson have a confirmed interest in the player.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is understood to have been aware of Hazard being at the Etihad, but it is unclear whether there was any contact.
Hazard scored twice for Lille on Sunday – watched by City’s football development executive Patrick Vieira and United scout Martin Ferguson.
He said: “My objective is the Premier League, I want to play in England.”
Afterwards, Hazard ended talk of a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"My objective is to go to the Premier League, because I have had my time in France," he said.
“Maybe in the future I will return to France but for now I am concentrating on finishing the season with Lille to the best of my ability, and then going to England.”
Arsenal and Tottenham are also in the hunt for his services.
Mancini - Toon tougher than Utd
City boss preparing for 'two Champions League finals'
Roberto Mancini has claimed that Manchester City's meeting with Newcastle at St James' Park will be tougher than their derby duel with Manchester United.
City regained the initiative in their battle for the Premier League crown with victory over their arch-rivals in a tense derby on Monday.
Mancini's men now lead the table on goal difference with two games remaining but the Italian, who has continually played down City's chances over the past month, is wary of the high-flying Magpies, who triumphed 2-0 away to Chelsea on Wednesday night.
And he claims the Etihad Stadium outfit are facing 'two Champions League finals' as they look to hold off Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the race for the crown.
He said: "Newcastle will be our hardest game - harder than United. It is strange but it is like this.
"They have had a fantastic season and are playing to get into the Champions League. Their manager is one of the best managers here and it will be a tough game.
"It is another Champions League final on Sunday. We have two - Newcastle and QPR. We have to keep a big concentration until May 13."
Mancini maintains United, with games against Swansea and Sunderland to come, are the favourites to retain their title.
Despite having lost to both of those sides this season, Mancini has referred to United's run-in as "two easy games".
Mancini said: "We have done nothing yet. We are at the top but we need to win two games. We need to play well and we need to score if we want to win. They will get six points.
"We are happy for the crowd but it is important our supporters do not think it is finished. We need to be very calm. We need to concentrate on the next game, work well, recover.
"The message is to keep calm, like one and two weeks ago. Nothing has changed."
City appeared to be out of contention as they fell eight points behind after a damaging defeat at Arsenal just over three weeks ago.
Since then they have won four in succession while United have won just one from four.
One of the most instrumental figures in City's late surge has been controversial striker Carlos Tevez.
Despite his well-publicised dispute with the club earlier this season, the Argentinian was quoted on the day of the derby saying he would like to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Mancini has not ruled out that possibility but has reiterated it is a matter he intends to address in the summer.
When asked if Tevez staying was a possibility, Mancini said: "Why not? He has a contract, he is a good player. But now our concentration should be on Newcastle."
City and Chelsea on red alert as £28m-rated Lavezzi prepares to leave Napoli
Manchester City and Chelsea target Ezequiel Lavezzi, 26, is ready to leave Napoli after a dispute with president Aurelio de Laurentiis. However, the Italians want £28million for him.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
OTHER BOLLOX
Chelsea defender David Luiz, 25, has emerged as a shock summer target for Spanish giants Barcelona, despite a mixed opening season at Stamford Bridge. Daily Mirror
Shanghai Shenhua head coach Nicolas Anelka hopes to lure Manchester United striker Michael Owen to China. The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer. the Sun
Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, the 32-year-old Mali international thought to be wanted by Liverpool, could be about to snub the Anfield side and agree to a switch to AC Milan. talkSHYTE
Nemanja Vidic's agent Silvano Martina has dismissed suggestions that the Manchester United skipper is poised to join Juventus. Daily Mirror
Sochaux's Marvin Martin, a possible target for Arsenal, looks set to replace Eden Hazard at Lille if the midfielder moves to an English club as expected this summer. talkSHYTE
Southampton want to mark their return to the Premier League by signing £4m-rated Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, 25. Daily Express
Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, 22, has reportedly expressed a desire to play for Manchester United or Arsenal next season. Inside Futbol
Tottenham could be embroiled in a summer battle with Benfica and Inter Milan for PSV playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum, the 21-year-old Dutch international who has a £20m release clause in his contract, according to Portuguese paper A Bola. talkSHYTE
Meanwhile the Gunners have joined the long list of clubs interested in the services of SC Heerenveen striker Bas Dost, 22, who rejected a move to Aston Villa because he will only move to a "big club". Footy Latest
Reading manager Brian McDermott has axed 13 players - including Andy Griffin, Brian Howard and Tomasz Cywka - from his promotion winning squad due to the Premier League's 25-man squad rules. the Sun
Martin Olsson, Junior Hoilett, Yakubu, Paul Robinson and Steven Nzonzi will all leave Blackburn Rovers this summer if the club are relegated to the Championship. Daily Mail
Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila was forced to miss his side's clash with Ajaccio this weekend after his arrest for allegedly attacking a teenager, frustrating scouts from Arsenal and Inter Milan, who were due to watch the 21-year-old. Metro
A drunken fan was reportedly prevented from attacking Blackburn manager Steve Kean by a security guard, after the offender broke into the club's training ground. Daily Star
Arsenal's new signing Lukas Podolski, 26, claims he rejected a host of "interesting offers" in favour of joining his German team-mate Per Mertesacker at Emirates Stadium. Metro
England manager Roy Hodgson hopes to persuade West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster, 31, to come out of international retirement, but the Baggies stopper looks set to stand by his decision. the Sun
Hodgson is set to receive good news from Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand. The 33-year-old is reportedly planning to tell the new national manager he will make himself available for selection for Euro 2012. The Times
Everton captain Phil Neville, 35, and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, 41, are being targeted by Hodgson for the job of assistant manager. Daily Telegraph
Meanwhile, there are reports Paul Ince has already been offered a spot on the England coaching staff. The 44-year-old played under Hodgson at Inter Milan. Daily Star
Britain's number one tennis player Andy Murray and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville are among those to have criticised the Sun's front page story about Hodgson's appointment. Metro
West Bromwich Albion fans are planning to don England shirts and Hodgson tribute masks to see off their departing boss at the Baggies' final home game of the season against Arsenal. Birmingham Mail
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp wants to sign Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell.
The Togolese striker, 28, scored twice in Wednesday's 4-1 win at Bolton to maintain Spurs's chances of reaching the Champions League next season.
The money they earn from qualifying for Europe's elite competition could help to sign Adebayor from Manchester City.
"Of course I would [sign him]. I love Adebayor. He's a real character and a good player," said Redknapp.
"We'll see what the summer holds. I've not spoken to the chairman yet, Daniel Levy has been busy, but when he gets back we'll sit down and have a chat, but Adebayor has done very well for us."
Spurs are fourth in the Premier League, ahead of Newcastle on goal difference and a point behind third-placed Arsenal with two games left.
Adebayor has scored 16 goals this season to play a crucial part in Tottenham's push for the top four.
He moved to White Hart Lane on loan last summer after a fall-out with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, having spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Redknapp said he was monitoring Ajax skipper Jan Vertonghen.
"He's a player I've watched, he's a very good player," said Redknapp of the Belgian defender.
"But there are lots of clubs interested in him. We've not spoken to the club, he's just a player I've watched along with loads of other players this year."
Eden Project: City and United target Hazard was at the Manchester derby
Lille playmaker is adamant he will be playing in the Premier League next season - could watching Mancini's men win on Manic Monday have helped him decide who for?
Manchester City target Eden Hazard was a surprise visitor at the Etihad to watch the team beat rivals United 1-0 on Monday.
One of Europe’s hottest prospects, the Belgian star, 21, wants to quit the French club for the Premier League this summer.
Both City boss Roberto Mancini and United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson have a confirmed interest in the player.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak is understood to have been aware of Hazard being at the Etihad, but it is unclear whether there was any contact.
Hazard scored twice for Lille on Sunday – watched by City’s football development executive Patrick Vieira and United scout Martin Ferguson.
He said: “My objective is the Premier League, I want to play in England.”
Afterwards, Hazard ended talk of a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"My objective is to go to the Premier League, because I have had my time in France," he said.
“Maybe in the future I will return to France but for now I am concentrating on finishing the season with Lille to the best of my ability, and then going to England.”
Arsenal and Tottenham are also in the hunt for his services.
Mancini - Toon tougher than Utd
City boss preparing for 'two Champions League finals'
Roberto Mancini has claimed that Manchester City's meeting with Newcastle at St James' Park will be tougher than their derby duel with Manchester United.
City regained the initiative in their battle for the Premier League crown with victory over their arch-rivals in a tense derby on Monday.
Mancini's men now lead the table on goal difference with two games remaining but the Italian, who has continually played down City's chances over the past month, is wary of the high-flying Magpies, who triumphed 2-0 away to Chelsea on Wednesday night.
And he claims the Etihad Stadium outfit are facing 'two Champions League finals' as they look to hold off Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the race for the crown.
He said: "Newcastle will be our hardest game - harder than United. It is strange but it is like this.
"They have had a fantastic season and are playing to get into the Champions League. Their manager is one of the best managers here and it will be a tough game.
"It is another Champions League final on Sunday. We have two - Newcastle and QPR. We have to keep a big concentration until May 13."
Mancini maintains United, with games against Swansea and Sunderland to come, are the favourites to retain their title.
Despite having lost to both of those sides this season, Mancini has referred to United's run-in as "two easy games".
Mancini said: "We have done nothing yet. We are at the top but we need to win two games. We need to play well and we need to score if we want to win. They will get six points.
"We are happy for the crowd but it is important our supporters do not think it is finished. We need to be very calm. We need to concentrate on the next game, work well, recover.
"The message is to keep calm, like one and two weeks ago. Nothing has changed."
City appeared to be out of contention as they fell eight points behind after a damaging defeat at Arsenal just over three weeks ago.
Since then they have won four in succession while United have won just one from four.
One of the most instrumental figures in City's late surge has been controversial striker Carlos Tevez.
Despite his well-publicised dispute with the club earlier this season, the Argentinian was quoted on the day of the derby saying he would like to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Mancini has not ruled out that possibility but has reiterated it is a matter he intends to address in the summer.
When asked if Tevez staying was a possibility, Mancini said: "Why not? He has a contract, he is a good player. But now our concentration should be on Newcastle."
City and Chelsea on red alert as £28m-rated Lavezzi prepares to leave Napoli
Manchester City and Chelsea target Ezequiel Lavezzi, 26, is ready to leave Napoli after a dispute with president Aurelio de Laurentiis. However, the Italians want £28million for him.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]OTHER BOLLOX
Chelsea defender David Luiz, 25, has emerged as a shock summer target for Spanish giants Barcelona, despite a mixed opening season at Stamford Bridge. Daily Mirror
Shanghai Shenhua head coach Nicolas Anelka hopes to lure Manchester United striker Michael Owen to China. The 32-year-old is out of contract this summer. the Sun
Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, the 32-year-old Mali international thought to be wanted by Liverpool, could be about to snub the Anfield side and agree to a switch to AC Milan. talkSHYTE
Nemanja Vidic's agent Silvano Martina has dismissed suggestions that the Manchester United skipper is poised to join Juventus. Daily Mirror
Sochaux's Marvin Martin, a possible target for Arsenal, looks set to replace Eden Hazard at Lille if the midfielder moves to an English club as expected this summer. talkSHYTE
Southampton want to mark their return to the Premier League by signing £4m-rated Wolves winger Matt Jarvis, 25. Daily Express
Montpellier captain Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, 22, has reportedly expressed a desire to play for Manchester United or Arsenal next season. Inside Futbol
Tottenham could be embroiled in a summer battle with Benfica and Inter Milan for PSV playmaker Georginio Wijnaldum, the 21-year-old Dutch international who has a £20m release clause in his contract, according to Portuguese paper A Bola. talkSHYTE
Meanwhile the Gunners have joined the long list of clubs interested in the services of SC Heerenveen striker Bas Dost, 22, who rejected a move to Aston Villa because he will only move to a "big club". Footy Latest
Reading manager Brian McDermott has axed 13 players - including Andy Griffin, Brian Howard and Tomasz Cywka - from his promotion winning squad due to the Premier League's 25-man squad rules. the Sun
Martin Olsson, Junior Hoilett, Yakubu, Paul Robinson and Steven Nzonzi will all leave Blackburn Rovers this summer if the club are relegated to the Championship. Daily Mail
Rennes midfielder Yann M'Vila was forced to miss his side's clash with Ajaccio this weekend after his arrest for allegedly attacking a teenager, frustrating scouts from Arsenal and Inter Milan, who were due to watch the 21-year-old. Metro
A drunken fan was reportedly prevented from attacking Blackburn manager Steve Kean by a security guard, after the offender broke into the club's training ground. Daily Star
Arsenal's new signing Lukas Podolski, 26, claims he rejected a host of "interesting offers" in favour of joining his German team-mate Per Mertesacker at Emirates Stadium. Metro
England manager Roy Hodgson hopes to persuade West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster, 31, to come out of international retirement, but the Baggies stopper looks set to stand by his decision. the Sun
Hodgson is set to receive good news from Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand. The 33-year-old is reportedly planning to tell the new national manager he will make himself available for selection for Euro 2012. The Times
Everton captain Phil Neville, 35, and Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer, 41, are being targeted by Hodgson for the job of assistant manager. Daily Telegraph
Meanwhile, there are reports Paul Ince has already been offered a spot on the England coaching staff. The 44-year-old played under Hodgson at Inter Milan. Daily Star
Britain's number one tennis player Andy Murray and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville are among those to have criticised the Sun's front page story about Hodgson's appointment. Metro
West Bromwich Albion fans are planning to don England shirts and Hodgson tribute masks to see off their departing boss at the Baggies' final home game of the season against Arsenal. Birmingham Mail
