Ladies & Gentlemen, start your engines: The Wacky Race for the Premier League season has already begun... and it's only just finished
Start your engines gentlemen – the season has only just ended but the race for next season's Premier League title has already begun. While players are sunning themselves on beaches around the world, managers are already busily at work.
Did you really think it was over? It has been only 16 days since the last ball of the Premier League season was kicked, but club bosses have been hard at work stealing a march on their rivals and planning, implementing and finalising transfers for new players. Tens of millions of pounds are already exchanging hands. Deals cannot officially go through until the transfer window opens on July 1, but FIFA rules allow clubs to announce transfers before then.
Manuel Pellegrini has not even signed on the dotted line of his own contract at Manchester City, but club officials have been securing the services of Sevilla midfielder Jesus Navas for him, agreeing a fee of £22.9million. Last week, while still preparing for former club Malaga's final game of the season, he outlined almost £90m he wanted to spend on five La Liga players to City's board.
Last month David Moyes was snapped at Manchester United's training. He greeted back-room staff in an unofficial capacity and met with Sir Alex Ferguson – more than a MONTH until he officially begins his job on July 1. That has not stopped the incoming United boss exploring the possibility of deals for Barcelona and former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas and bringing Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo back to the club.
And not wanting to miss out, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been discussing a potential deal to take unsettled United striker Wayne Rooney to north London. He said on Monday: 'Rooney could be an interesting player for everybody in the world, who would turn him down?'
New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has returned to the club a month before the transfer window opens – but already has his work cut-out to catch up. He has outlined five players he is interested in – Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, Porto centre half Eliaquim Mangala, Roma enforcer Daniele De Rossi and Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho of Shakhtar Donetsk – but will have to work fast if he wants to beat other clubs to their signatures.
Even Liverpool and West Ham have been grafting behind the scenes, with Andy Carroll ironing out the final details of his switch from Merseyside to east London, and Brendan Rodgers adding Kolo Toure to his ranks.
Yet, like so often has been the case in recent seasons, Tottenham are lagging just a little behind their top-four rivals and it could be a summer of turmoil ahead. While the others are strengthening, Spurs are yet to make a signing and are instead having to fight off Real Madrid's interest in their star player Gareth Bale. If an astronomical £80m-plus deal is struck for the player, chairman Daniel Levy will want to make it sooner rather than later so there are still world-class players for Andre Villas-Boas to spend it on.
Since the transfer window restrictions were made compulsory by FIFA in 2002, having been adopted optionally across Europe before that, there has been a shift towards making big signings at the end of the transfer window.
One of the first big deadline-day deals was Chelsea's £16.5m purchase of Claude Makelele from Real Madrid in the summer of 2003.
Some managers believe waiting until the end of a transfer window forces the price down. No club wants to be left with an unhappy player who was denied a transfer late in the window if it was slightly below their valuation. But that is not always the case.
Ferguson famously left it late in the 2008 summer window to sign Dimitar Berbatov but the ruthless Levy squeezed £30.75m out of them. United also signed Wayne Rooney from Everton for a deal worth £27m late on deadline day in 2004, leaving the Merseyside club no time to bring anyone in.
Chelsea have been known to splash the cash late on. They spent £71m buying Fernando Torres from Liverpool, for £50m, and David Luiz from Benfica, for £21m, on deadline day of January 2011.
They also used it more shrewdly in August 2006, securing a deal to sign Ashley Cole from rivals Arsenal for £5m plus William Gallas. Arsenal were holding out for a deal worth £25m, but Chelsea held their nerve and the transfer was completed narrowly after the deadline and was only confirmed by the Premier League an hour-and-a-half later.
Arsene Wenger also used deadline day to make a flurry of signings in August 2011. He had £58m from Fabregas's transfer to Barcelona and Samir Nasri's to Manchester City two weeks previously, but waited until the last minute to shell out £24.8m on Mikel Arteta (£10m) from Everton, Andre Santos (£6.8m) from Fenerbahce and Per Mertesacker (£8m) from Werder Bremen.
The down-side to these late deals is that the Premier League season has already kicked off and players join their new team-mates without a preseason. But then Chelsea paid £30m for Andrei Shevchenko on May 31, 2006 – and the rest of that transfer is history.
While all this summer's transfer activity is going on, the current crop of Premier League players are sunning themselves across the globe.
Manchester United's Chris Smalling is in Barbados recovering from surgery to his right foot and has spent some time between the beach and a luxury yacht with his girlfriend Sam Cooke.
Fellow defender Rio Ferdinand jetted off to a stag do in Marbella, Spain, when the season ended. And a number of their United team-mates have been spotted in Ibiza.
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, recovering from a shoulder injury, has been celebrating his 33rd birthday in Portugal with wife Alex. He might have bumped into former Sunderland defender Titus Bramble who was there too, while QPR striker Jay Bothroyd today flew out to Hollywood.
Players must be given a minimum 28 days – or four weeks – holiday by their clubs from when they play their final game, but can and usually have up to 40. For top-flight managers, the season is never over.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 5-6-1913
Peter Doherty is born in Magherafelt, Ireland
The treasured image of a million cigarette cards and a true Roy of the Rovers type figure, Doherty, was one of the greatest players ever to play for City.
Though he was at Maine Road for a decade, seven of those were during wartime and his 133 appearances amounted to a mere fraction of the amount he would have made had he played at almost any other time for the club.
Signed from Glentoran for a club record £10,000, Doherty was the star of the Championship-winning side of 1936/37, scoring 32 goals in 45 matches.
The outbreak of war meant no competitive football for seven years, though he still played 89 times, scoring 60 goals during wartime for the club.
If those were added to his official total, he would have scored 141 goals in just 222 games. He occasionally turned out for other sides during the war and it was City's refusal to allow him to play for Derby in a cup match that made him quit the club almost as soon as the war ended. Peter died in April 1990.
Fernandinho gets his wish and joins Manchester City from Shakhtar Donetsk
Manchester City will issue another statement of intent in their quest to regain the Premier League title by completing the signing of Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho.
A day after Seville announced a deal to sell Spanish winger Jesús Navas to City in a deal that could rise to £22million, the English club are close to confirming another eye-catching acquisition.
City tracked Shakhtar Donetsk Fernandinho all season and the 28-year-old had made it clear he wished to move to the Etihad to improve his chances of breaking into Brazil’s World Cup squad.
His club inserted a buy-out clause of £42.5million, which was £15million above City’s initial valuation, but it is understood negotiations have significantly progressed and a compromise has been reached to allow Fernandinho to become the latest player to join the Manuel Pellegrini era before the manager is even in place.
Fernandinho caught the eye for the Ukrainians in the Champions League — he scored against Chelsea in the group stages — and has been outspoken in his desire for the move to be completed. Earlier this month he suggested Shakhtar were asking for too much money for his services and feared the buy-out clause would prove an obstacle.
“The day I signed, the club’s director guaranteed me that was normal with his players, and that in a transfer, we could negotiate and reach an agreement on the price,” he said. “I trusted them, and I didn’t think about the consequences it would bring me in the future. My dream is being threatened because of the high valuation.”
That issue would now appear resolved, with Shakhtar having prepared for the loss of Fernandinho and Liverpool target Henrikh Mkhitaryan by signing two Brazil internationals: Wellington Nem of Fluminense, and Fernando of Gremio for a combined £18million.
City have not yet confirmed Pellegrini’s appointment — it appears to be a formality – but being without a manager is not preventing their activity in the transfer market. Evidently they have heeded the lessons of a static start to business under Roberto Mancini this time last year, which played a major part in such a timid title defence. Mancini felt City’s failure to sign Robin van Persie enabled Manchester United to regain the initiative before a ball was kicked last summer.
With director of football Txiki Begiristain leading the player recruitment process, Pellegrini can anticipate plenty of fresh blood to try to mould into another Premier League-winning team.
Navas and Fernandinho’s arrival will signify City’s evolution from a methodical unit under Mancini to a more attractive side under Pellegrini.
The likelihood of further reinforcements suggests City are not intent on limiting their spending power in the light of the new Financial Fair Play regulations. They are evidently confident of raising funds through player sales and commercial ventures to keep within the boundaries of the rules.
Having being set the target of five trophies in five years, at least Pellegrini can depend on the same economic muscle that benefited his predecessors.
Navas, joining for an initial £17million, has overcome a serious anxiety disorder to become the Premier League’s latest exciting Spanish import. He suffered from chronic homesickness earlier in his career, a problem that delayed his international career.
The 27-year-old has surmounted those issues, but it is widely acknowledged that his global profile would have emerged sooner but for difficulties that first became prominent as a teenager.
Only as recently as 2009, in the build-up to the World Cup in South Africa, was the right winger finally able to deal with the stresses and strains of being away from home.
He once left Seville’s training camps event though it was based just 60 miles from home, and once walked out of the Spanish Under-19s camp because of homesickness.
In 2008, his brother Marco — also a professional footballer – explained how Jesus was working with a psychologist to overcome the problem caused by spending prolonged periods away from home.
At the time, there were concerns the midfielder would be unable to join the Spain squad for that World Cup, having just made himself unavailable for successive international fixtures.
“Not even Jesus knows what his real problem is,” Marco said. “The question is in the hands of doctors. It is serious. He is shy and it overwhelms him to be so known in Seville and he is not comfortable when in the centre of the stage. We must be very careful and not put him under the slightest pressure.
“One of the things that makes my brother happy is playing football. He feels very comfortable with what he does. He wants to play for the Spanish team, but there are barriers that still have to be overcome.”
However, City’s new City signing finally felt in control of the problem ahead of the tournament and returned to the international game. “To play for your country is the greatest thing and I hope to be able to, too,” he said at the time. “Playing in the World Cup is the best thing a player can do. I have to be calm and make my decision. I have to continue taking the right steps.”
That seemed a turning point as there have been no incidents since. Now the player has taken a decision that would have been too difficult for him five years ago – to play abroad full-time.
Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez, 27, is on the verge of a move to Napoli, but incoming coach Rafael Benitez would reportedly prefer to sign Manchester City's Edin Dzeko, 27. TuttoSport
MOURINHO MOVES FOR DZEKO
JOSE MOURINHO has made Edin Dzeko his No.1 transfer target at Chelsea – and has a plan to get him there.
The new Blues manager has wasted no time in identifying the main striker he wants as he begins his second reign at Stamford Bridge.
Manchester City won’t want to sell to title rivals, but Mourinho has plotted a tactic to persuade them.
And any move for Dzeko could be smoothed through by the Londoners stepping aside in the race for the Uruguayan.
Dzeko was heavily backed by punters yesterday to be Mourinho’s first signing on his return to the club.
The Portuguese manager had wanted Chelsea to land Atletico Madrid ace Falcao, but his amazing move to moneybags Monaco was wrapped up in March.
Dzeko, despite an up-and-down career at the Etihad, is the type of tall, strong and skilful target man that Mourinho always has in his squads, most notably with Didier Drogba in his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old Bosnian joined City in January 2011 for £27m from German side Wolfsburg, where he was their top league scorer ever, with 66 goals in 111 matches.
At the time Mourinho was also interested in signing the hitman for Real Madrid.
City are believed to want £20m to sell the striker abroad this summer, with Borussia Dortmund linked with a move.
But if Chelsea are the buyers, rather than a return to Germany, the fee looks sure to rise.
Dzeko remains a popular figure at City but a sale of him to the Blues looks unlikely to cause the same uproar as Arsenal’s Robin van Persie’s departure to Manchester United did a year ago, especially if it helps land Uruguayan hotshot Cavani in his place.
GOLDEN BOLLOX 5-6-2010
Milner deal back on
MANCHESTER CITY are poised to renew their interest in James Milner as soon as his World Cup is over.
Eastlands boss Roberto Mancini wants the Aston Villa star, 24, alongside Barcelona's Yaya Toure in a new-look midfield next season.
City were interested to hear that Milner had talks with Villa boss Martin O'Neill earlier this week.
And the fact Villa have placed a £30million tag on his head is unlikely to deter City's moneybags owners.
Rivals Manchester United are also interested but City are confident they will be able to secure the services of the former Newcastle favourite.
City have also been keeping a close eye on talks between Toure - brother of their captain Kolo - and Barca.
Sources at the Premier League club have denied they have already struck a deal for the Ivory Coast ace, 27.
But Mancini has been keen on Yaya since he arrived at Eastlands in December and that has not changed.
Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for Anderlecht midfielder Mbark Boussoufa IF they lose Milner.
But O'Neill's men would face stiff competition from Hamburg and Bayer Leverkusen for the £10m-rated Morocco international, 25, who has been player of the year in Belgium for the past two seasons.
Barcelona join Arsenal & Manchester City in race for Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel
Barcelona are understood to be keeping tabs on Ajax star Gregory van der Wiel, according to Sport.
The 22-year-old defender is believed to be Barca's prime target as they look for back-up for Brazilian defender Daniel Alves, but had also been on the radar of Arsenal and Manchester City.
While he is under contract with the Amsterdam outfit until 2013, it is claimed that Ajax officials may be willing to cash in on the youngster for a fee of between £8-10 million [€10-12m]
While that figure would be outside of Barcelona's propsed expenditure for a back-up player, El Mundo Deportivo suggests that the Blaugrana are preparing to make a bid of between £4-5m [€5-6m] for the talented right back after the World Cup finals.
Barca are reportedly keen to have two options at right-back as they currently have at left back with Maxwell and Eric Abidal vying for the one place.
Manchester City deny bidding for Lazio's Zarate and Kolarov
Manchester City, inevitably linked with every available player under the sun, have denied bidding for Lazio’s Mauro Zarate or Aleksandar Kolarov .
“We made no offer for Mauro Zarate or Aleksandar Kolarov ,” Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini told the Italian Radio Incontro.
“The fact is that now City are regularly linked with any player on the market,” he continued. “Perhaps people want to use us to raise their price-tag.”
“At the moment there is nothing in it,” added the Italian. “Kolarov is a great player, but for now we’re now looking at other goals.”
Mancini said that despite his poor form last season, Argentine Zarate was an excellent player,” but stressed that “for Zarate, as with Kolarov, we have made no offer, nor contacted the club.”
Serbian left-back Kolarov, recently linked with Inter Milan and Real Madrid , scored four goals and chipped in with two assists in 38 appearances for the Rome side last season, while striker Zarate scored seven in 39 games, providing four assists.
Benitez wants Manchester City striker and to send Cavani the other way
That Rafael Benitez and Napoli president De Laurentiis haven't fallen out yet is quite amazing. The Napoli boss no doubt frequently has arguments in empty rooms and has ranted repeatedly at the press and anyone else who will listen for years. His rants over the past couple of years have usually consisted of him telling everyone that Edinson Cavani isn't for sale, and then telling everyone how much he wants for the Uruguayan.
We haven't fallen for it, and think he'd be quite happy to sell the striker but would have to settle for a lot less than the €60m/€70m figures he's been throwing around. A fee closer to €40m and he'd probably have to seriously consider it. De Laurentiis had wanted something of an auction market and that scenario has been helped by Falcao being removed from the market, so if clubs like Chelsea and Real Madrid get involved then the price could go a little higher. If not, then we just can't see the mega deal figures happening.
Today's Tuttosport says that Rafael Benitez doesn't want Mario Gomez, who had been linked with the Italian side, but would rather take Edin Dzeko from Manchester City. The big striker would love to be main man at a club again and that doesn't look likely to happen at the Etihad, with the Spanish style system being pushed into view increasingly. Dzeko has scored his fair share of important goals for the Manchester club and has received a lot of unfair criticism, he's certainly no flop.
However, if he'd like a move and it gives Manchester City a route to get Cavani then it's something which may work for everyone. Tuttosport say that Dzeko going to Naples would be part of 'bringing Cavani to Manchester City'. The Bosnian has been mentioned in almost as many player-plus-cash and swap deals as Javier Hernandez and they rarely come off, but this one could have something to it. Cavani would be a huge signing for Manchester City and he can play in a quick attack as part of a fluid forward line, De Laurentiis would be able to make out he'd got a huge amount for the player (by overvaluing Dzeko) and Dzeko himself would get to be first choice at a club who qualified for the Champions League.
Liam Gallagher Brands Roberto Mancini's Sacking 'Insane'
The Beady Eye musician expressed his sadness at the dismissal in light of his past triumphs, including a first ever Premier League title, but conceded he was not surprised
Manchester City fan Liam Gallagher has branded the decision to sack manager Roberto Mancini as "insane".
The former Oasis and current Beady Eye star had been a strong advocate of City keeping the Italian despite watching the club relinquish the Premier League title to rivals Manchester United before being beaten by Wigan in the FA Cup final.
Mancini was sacked 48 hours after their Wembley loss, a year to the day after securing a first title in 44 years, with Manuel Pellegrini revealing he is due to hold talks with the Etihad Stadium outfit about succeeding the Italian - and Gallagher expressed his sadness at the former Inter manager's dismissal.
"I am [sad to see him go]," Gallagher told Absolute Radio. "He won us the league for the first time in 40 years, got us the FA cup, got us in Europe loads of times, that’s just how it is these days, isn’t it?
"This time last year, we were champions and now the guy’s been sacked.
"It’s just insane, man, the world’s gone mad. But that’s what happens if you don’t keep on top of your s***."
Isco is destined to be a worldwide star, and Manchester City is the perfect platform
The Malaga and Spain schemer looks like he could be headed for the Etihad, a move that would propel him further to super-stardom
If there is anyone that epitomises the current quality and format of the Spanish production line, then it’s Francisco Román Alarcón, or as we’ve become to know him, Isco.
If there was a factory located somewhere in Spain, producing players to maintain the shape of football in the country, then Isco would be the prototype.
The career trajectory of Isco has been sensational already, and the 21-year-old still has much room to improve and many heights to scale. Manchester City represents the perfect platform for the player, from the point of view of playing in the Premier League, to the fact the club is heading in a direction in which it will require such players of Isco’s skill set.
One of the most intriguing aspects of his career has been his time with Valencia, which coincided with his rise on the International stage with various Spanish youth teams. His club didn’t seem to recognise just how much talent he had; despite him guiding their ‘B’ team to promotion with 15 goals from his attacking midfield position.
The talent was evident, but it wasn’t utilised in a white shirt, in the red of Spain however, Isco was highly rated and he swiftly moved through the ranks - experiencing huge success at U-19 level especially.
Málaga recognised his talent straight away, and had no qualms in meeting his €6m release clause to take him away from the Mestalla where he was never truly valued.
In many ways the boy was returning home, given that he was born in the town of Benalmádena – and it was here where his star would truly ascend. Signed in the midst of a raft of more glamorous buys, the then 19-year-old went under the radar.
It was under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini when he would truly emerge.
Over the course of the 2011/2012 Isco was sensibly used by Pellegrini, alternating his role from left sided attacking midfielder to central figure. The use of Isco on the left suited Pellegrini, as it allowed him to use one of his favoured interiors; a player who although set out wide, is given license to roam inside and form part of the central system.
Isco worked it wonderfully, ironing out the kinks in his game and progressing ever more. Although not blessed with great pace, Isco would find it in short bursts to combine with his delicate close control and change of direction. His ability to ghost one way then go another coupled with his vision put him ahead of opponents.
Isco, being the prototype as such, harnesses all the attributes of what puts Spanish football at the top of the footballing ladder.
He’s blessed with an abundance of technical ability, vision, intelligent and desire to be on the ball controlling proceedings.
Celebrate! Isco dazzled in his maiden Champions League campaign
Jasper Juinen
His relationship with the ball is one of respect and admiration. The belief that if he treats it in the correct manner, great things will happen. Often for Isco, they have indeed done so.
It’s why now, his star continues to ascend and he remains one of the most exciting young players in the world.
This season saw a different side to his game, and more importantly character. One of maturity and responsibility. With Cazorla’s sale, Pellegrini had to rework his system and his first action was to allow Isco freedom.
The youngster revelled in the role, providing a series of heart-stopping performances with his grace and guile. This was most apparent against Zenit St Petersburg, as he produced a solo display of the highest quality in what was his debut Champions League season.
This was his stage, and he didn’t disappoint.
He has dictated games with more composure and confidence, bringing others into play while also allowing himself individual moments of brilliance and trickery.
Isco, without doubt, is on the verge of becoming a world star.
It’s not a case of him being ready for his next team - it’s if they’re ready for him, if they’re ready for the Isco Show.
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[/spoiler]GOLDEN BOLLOX 5-6-2011
'I’m never going back to Manchester' says Tevez in astonishing attack on the city
Carlos Tevez has launched a vitriolic attack on Manchester – and admitted that he can’t wait to quit the city.
The Argentine striker, who became the star of the iconic ‘Welcome to Manchester’ poster when he quit United for City two years ago, has risked alienating fans of both clubs by claiming their city has “nothing”.
Tevez, back in Buenos Aires after captaining City to their first trophy triumph in 35 years three weeks ago when they beat Stoke in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, is currently deciding whether to leave Eastlands despite still having three years left on his contract.
He has hinted recently that he wants to stay – but his comments on an Argentine talk show will not go down well with Mancunians proud of their city’s heritage and culture.
Tevez was being interviewed by Susana Gimenez – Argentina’s equivalent of Oprah Winfrey – when he was informed that South American model Evangelina Anderson has just bought a villa in Marbella.
His response was: “Yes but Marbella is different from Manchester. You can buy a holiday house in Marbella, but I’m never going back to Manchester, not even on holiday, not for anything.
“Of course I would buy a house in Marbella.
“The weather, everything. Manchester has nothing.
“For example in Marbella you can buy a house by the beach, relax there and later you can go there on holiday and everything.
“But a house in Manchester? On top of that a house in Manchester costs six or seven million pounds. Pounds!
“It’s better to rent and that’s that.”
Susana said “It’s very expensive there” and Tevez replied: “It’s another world.”
Tevez, 26, demanded a transfer in January only to withdraw his request after being told by City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak that he was not for sale.
But he continues to miss his daughters Katia and Florencia, who live in Argentina with his estranged wife Vanesa.
And despite sharing the Premier League golden boot with Dimitar Berbatov after scoring 21 goals for City last season, the club have been expecting their captain to once again ask to leave.
Tevez added: “I don’t have any new friends in Manchester. I am always with my family and lifelong friends. I don’t even leave my house. I’m the stay-at-home type.
“When I have my dad and friends over we have a barbecue, we have fun. But I’m always on my own, especially in the last few months. I was with friends, but I’ve found the past few months very hard.”
On Friday, Tevez’s agent Kia Joorabchian insisted that Tevez could stay with the Blues.
Joorabchian said: “I think it all boils down to his family. If they feel comfortable about moving to Manchester then there’s every chance he will stay at Manchester.”
Manchester City are ready to launch a £40million bid for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale
MANCHESTER CITY are ready to launch a £40million British transfer record bid for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.
Following a recent high-powered meeting in Abu Dhabi, involving chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO Garry Cook, football administrator Brian Marwood and manager Roberto Mancini, the go-ahead was given to add the fi nal expensive pieces of what City hope will be a Premier League title-winning jigsaw.
Mancini has persuaded the City money men that more quality is vital if the FA Cup winners are going to take the next step, having also qualifi ed for the Champions League.
That means attempting to bring in Tottenham’s Bale, the PFA’s Player of the Year, in addition to making Everton an offer they can’t refuse for left-back Leighton Baines.
Spurs have told interested clubs that it would take a sensational bid to make them part with Welsh fl ier Bale. But Mancini has been given the green light to do just that and City are prepared to go up to £40m for the former Southampton player – smashing the British record they created when they signed Robinho for £32.5m from Real Madrid.
Spurs would fi nd an offer of that magnitude hard to resist – something City are well aware of.
They are also relying on hard cash doing the business as they move in on Everton’s Baines with an offer of around £20m plus Wayne Bridge, who spent the latter half of the season on loan at relegated West Ham.
Premier League - Giggs 'flees UK over affair with sister-in-law'
The Sun reports that Ryan's brother Rhodri Giggs has split up with his wife, Natasha, after she was quoted in the News of the World as having had a long-term affair with the Manchester United superstar.
And the Daily Express and Daily Star report that the Welshman has now fled the country to avoid the inevitable media glare after the latest tawdry revelations which now threaten to irrevocably overshadow his playing career.
The 37-year-old winger's glittering career was already tarnished following his alleged affair with model Imogen Thomas and his subsequent attempts to gag the media and Twitter.
With his reputation now seemingly sullied forever, serious questions will now be raised about whether or not his football career will continue as even his aunt joined the chorus of condemnation of a man once universally admired as a clean-living family man.
"It's horrendous. He has no morals," Giggs's paternal aunt Joanna Wilson told the Daily Mirror. "It was one thing having an (alleged) affair with Imogen, but this is said to be with his brother's wife, for God's sake."
Manchester United have increased their efforts to sign Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, and they are prepared to offer £65m plus a player to prise him from the Spanish club. Sun
Tottenham have offered 30-year-old England striker Jermain Defoe plus cash to Aston Villa in exchange for Christian Benteke, 22. Spurs face competition from Atletico Madrid, who are ready to bid £25m for the Belgium forward. Daily Mirror
New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho hopes to hijack Arsenal's £23m move for Fiorentina's Montenegro striker Stevan Jovetic, 23. Times
And Mourinho faces a fight to persuade Romelu Lukaku, 20, to stay at the club, with the Belgian striker believed to favour another loan deal next season in order improve his chances of making the 2014 World Cup. Guardian
Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, 32, is poised to join his former club Monaco - paving the way for Leighton Baines to move from Everton to Old Trafford. Daily Mirror
Monaco will offer John Terry, 32, a tax-free salary of around £150,000 a week in an effort to persuade the Chelsea defender to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. Daily Telegraph
Bayern Munich want Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26, and are prepared to offer winger Arjen Robben, 29, as part of a swap deal. Sun
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny, 27, a £15m summer target for Bayern Munich, admits he could leave the Gunners if they fail to show ambition in the transfer market. DSSC
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan says he would let Latics players join manager Roberto Martinez at Everton, with midfielders James McCarthy and Callum McManaman, both 22, the Toffees' targets. Guardian
France international midfielder Etienne Capoue, 24, has admitted he will be looking to leave Toulouse this summer, with Arsenal and Tottenham both interested. Metro
Andy Carroll, 24, wants a pay rise to take his wages to £100,000-a-week to complete his £15.5m move from Liverpool for West Ham. Daily Mirror
Liverpool hope to keep Denmark defender Daniel Agger, 28, at Anfield despite interest from big-spending Monaco. Guardian
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 28, has fuelled speculation he could leave the Spanish capital this summer by putting his stunning villa up for sale. Daily Express
Corinthians' Brazilian midfielder Paulinho, 24, has spoken of his dream of playing for Inter Milan in an interview with Italian media. La Gazetta dello Sport
Former France national coach Laurent Blanc, 47, is in discussions with Roma over a two-year contract, although Paris St-Germain are also said to be interested. TuttoSport
Hull City are facing a fight to keep hold of manager Steve Bruce, 52, after Wigan Athletic made an approach for the former Latics boss. DSSC
Liverpool fear captain Steven Gerrard, 33, could be out for longer than expected following shoulder surgery and he is facing a race against time to be fit for the start of next season. Sun
Stuart Pearce will open talks with the Football Association this month after stating a desire to stay on as England Under-21 head coach. DSSC
Former Chelsea FA Cup winner Ruud Gullit, 50, believes Jose Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge will be a big mistake. Daily Star
Norway's Under-21 squad, who play England on Saturday, tried to get an upgrade on their flight to the European Championship by singing to their Turkish air hostesses. It did not work. Metro
GOLDEN BOLLOX 5-6-2012
Manchester City FC @MCFC
ANTI SNUB OF THE DAY
No way Jose! Good news for Man City as Silva snubs talk of Madrid switch
David Silva is not interested in swapping the champions of England for the champions of Spain.
The Spanish playmaker's agent has dismissed talk of a switch from Manchester City to Real Madrid.
Jose Mourinho picked Silva out as a potential target to bring to the Bernabeu as he aims to build on his success in the country's capital.
But Julio Llorente said: 'David has signed a long deal with Manchester City and is very happy at the club.
'Football is always unpredictable but he wants to stay in England.
'Real Madrid is a big club as well and they were interested when he was at Valencia [whom he joined City from] but the deal was not possible.
'We are ignoring the plans of Real Madrid because he is very integrated at City and winning the Premier League has only increased his commitment to the club.'
This is more good news for City, after Sergio Aguero pledged his future to the club.
Aguero, who along with Silva was a key part of the title-winning side, was another player linked with a move to Madrid.
COULDN'T WISH THIS MORE ON ANYONE ELSE BOLLOX (Except K***e obv.)
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