Thursday's B*l**x
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 7:48 amTHE BOLLOX
Round-up
City are keen to add a former Manchester United man to their ranks this summer, according to today's reports.
A story in the Daily Express claims that the Blues and Arsenal are set to go toe to toe in the pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who left Old Trafford 12 months ago and has since enjoyed a fruitful year with the Serie A Champions.
James Dickenson writes: “Pogba is becoming an important player for both Juventus and France after making 37 appearances for club and country last season, with his form attracting interest from the Premier League.
“The 20-year-old left Manchester United on a free transfer in July 2012, but could return to England this summer with Arsenal and Manchester City tracking the central midfielder.
“Reports on the continent suggest a €20 million (£17m) fee could be enough to make Juventus consider selling their number six, which would be all profit after they brought him in as a Bosman.”
Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez could be moving in the opposite direction – that one is according to the Daily Mail.
The Argentinian finished the 2012/13 campaign as City’s top scorer in all competitions, and his form is said to have attracted the attention of the Italian giants if they don’t succeed in the pursuit of their top target.
“Juventus will step up efforts to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez if they fail to prise Arsenal and Chelsea target Stevan Jovetic away from Fiorentina,” explains John Edwards.
“Tevez has one year left on contract and City, as with Javi Garcia, Edin Dzeko and Joleon Lescott, are prepared to listen to offers as they look to continue recruiting with Real Madrid's Pepe and Malaga's Isco still on their wishlist.
“Jovetic, 23, is valued at £30m and Juventus fear they will struggle to beat Chelsea, particularly, in the bidding.”
Finally, it could be a while before Edinson Cavani’s name stops being mentioned in the media round up if a report in the Manchester United Evening News is anything to go by.
A quick conclusion isn’t said to be on the cards, with Napoli insisting the Blues must splash the cash if they want to take the Uruguayan frontman to the Etihad Stadium.
The paper’s Stuart Brennan writes: “The Blues still need a new front man as a priority, and Napoli have dug in their heels over the sale of Cavani, for whom they want the full release clause of £54m.
“Edin Dzeko is understood to have been proffered as part of the deal, but Napoli want to extract as much as they can for their star striker.
“With Juventus poised to move for Carlos Tevez, City will consider no bids for any of their current strikers until they have a replacement in the bag.”
Brennan adds that City could be in for a “long, hot summer of negotiation and brinksmanship.”
Hold your fire: City must wait to add Cavani alongside Navas and Fernandinho
The Blues, who are also close to tying up a deal for Spain international winger Jesus Navas, may have to wait a while for their number one target Edinson Cavan
City are close to securing their second major signing of the summer after Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho had a medical in Manchester yesterday.
But the Blues, who are also close to tying up a deal for Spain international winger Jesus Navas, may have to wait a while for their number one target Edinson Cavani.
After last summer’s frustrating summer-long wait for the men identified by Roberto Mancini – which ultimately proved almost fruitless – City have moved quickly this year.
Football director Txiki Begiristain has fixed a £22.5million deal for Navas, although the player is away with his national team in a Spanish training camp and is unlikely to complete the move for a week or two.
And yesterday’s arrival of Shakhtar Donetsk star Fernandinho for a fee thought to be initially worth around £22m, will also not come to a quick completion.
In fact, the 28-year-old may not complete the move until next week, partly as there are details to be thrashed out and partly as City want to announce new manager Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment before unveiling any new players.
But the Blues still need a new front man as a priority, and Napoli have dug in their heels over the sale of Cavani (inset left), for whom they want the full release clause of £54m.
Edin Dzeko is understood to have been proffered as part of the deal, but Napoli want to extract as much as they can for their star striker.
With Juventus poised to move for Carlos Tevez, City will consider no bids for any of their current strikers until they have a replacement in the bag.
Former boss Roberto Mancini, expected to land the job of Roma coach, has tried to up the ante by declaring Cavani would be his main target.
But Roma cannot match City’s spending power, and even Real Madrid are said to have backed away from interest in the Uruguay international.
That could mean City are in for a long, hot summer of negotiation and brinksmanship.
Another player who has attracted City’s interest, Argentine defender Diego Novaretti, has told Mexican club Toluca he will not sign a new contract – though the Blues, if they follow up their interest, face competition from Monaco for his free transfer.
Juve hoping to lure Tevez away from City if Italian giants miss out on Jovetic .. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Juventus will step up efforts to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez if they fail to prise Arsenal and Chelsea target Stevan Jovetic away from Fiorentina.
Tevez has one year left on contract and City, as with Javi Garcia, Edin Dzeko and Joleon Lescott, are prepared to listen to offers as they look to continue recruiting with Real Madrid's Pepe and Malaga's Isco still on their wishlist.
Jovetic, 23, is valued at £30m and Juventus fear they will struggle to beat Chelsea, particularly, in the bidding.
They also have a deal lined up with Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid but want one other. They have held talks over Tevez and he is the cheaper alternative.
Equally risible goal.com.bollox reports that Liverpool set to join race for £7m Tevez
The Anfield club are already making contingency plans in the event that Luis Suarez leaves this summer and have added the Manchester City striker to their wish list
Liverpool are considering an audacious swoop for Manchester City star Carlos Tevez as they continue to make plans should Luis Suarez force a move away from Anfield this summer.
As Goal revealed last week, Udinese frontman Luis Muriel is a prime target of the Reds' should Suarez, who spoke of his desire to leave amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, force through a move away from Anfield.
But Liverpool have long admired Tevez, have made two approaches to sign him on loan in recent seasons and are now ready to reignite their interest in the Argentine, who could be available for as little as £7 million.
German fancied by Chelsea & Manchester City
Both Chelsea and Manchester City fans are looking interested here in the Football Transfer Tavern as it is claimed by German publication Stuttgarter Zeitung via ESPN that both sides could be tracking Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez as a forward option this summer.
The former Suttgart man has been linked with a move away from the champions of Europe after it was claimed that Pep Guardiola was not as big a fan as many had thought of the player and is set to meet the club for crunch talks this week over his future. Not only this but soon to be Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski will expect to become the main man for Guardiola and this leaves Gomez’ future in even more doubt.
Both Chelsea and Manchester City are in need of a forward and Jose Mourinho wants a striker who is a proven goalscorer at the highest level and Gomez is certainly one of those. Given the fact that both Radamel Falcao and Robert Lewandowski are off the market this summer it only really leaves Gomez and Edinson Cavani up for grabs meaning that the choice is Gomez’ over where he feels that his future lies.
It is thought that the player would prefer a move to England over the likes of La Liga or Serie A and the fact that two of the biggest and the richest clubs in the Premier League are interested in him will not be an unwelcome piece of news.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]
Harry Redknapp may quit Queens Park Rangers following row over signing Wayne Bridge
Relegated Hoops dragging their heels over bringing new faces in, even on frees, because they can't shift their big earners
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has threatened to quit after a furious bust-up over transfers.
QPR manager Redknapp has had massive rows with their chief executive Philip Beard, who has been left in charge of player recruitment for next season by chairman Tony Fernandes.
Redknapp is desperate to bring free-agent defender Wayne Bridge to Loftus Road, and the Hoops' failure to agree a deal for the former England left-back sparked a huge behind-the-scenes argument that engulfed the club.
Angry Redknapp could now walk as QPR struggle to get big earners off the books following their relegation from the Premier League, leaving them reluctant to bring in new signings - even free transfers.
Former Tottenham boss Redknapp is now seeking showdown talks and assurances from Fernandes.
In an attack on Beard and the club’s new transfer policy, the 66-year-old said: “If we don’t change it, and I don’t get the players that I want to bring in, then we have not got a chance.
“You can’t have other people having a say at all, I’m a football person and I’ve got a staff around me of football people.
“We’ve got to make the decisions, and if we make the right ones we will have a chance. Otherwise, if other people want to make decisions we’ve got no chance.
“If I don’t get that, then I wouldn’t stick around.
“I’ll speak to Tony Fernandes. They’ve got to back me with the people I want.
“I’m not asking him to spend money, I’m looking at a couple of free transfers.
“I’m trying to get Wayne Bridge, I thought he did fantastically well with Brighton, he’d be a good left-back for us.
“He’s got great experience, looks in great shape and is a player I want to bring in on a free. I’m hoping that’s the first deal I can do.
“Tony is away, but I’ll speak to him and see if we can get the deal done.”
Bridge, 32, is available after his contract finally expired at Manchester City, following three seasons spent largely out on loan at West Ham, Sunderland and, most recently, Brighton.
But QPR are now likely to miss out on signing him because he has offers from other clubs.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has made a £35m move for Zenit St Petersburg's Brazil forward Hulk, having missed out on top target Radamel Falcao. Hulk, 26, almost joined the Blues last summer but a deal could not be agreed with his then-club Porto, who were demanding £40m, and he joined Zenit instead. Daily Mirror
Wayne Rooney, 27, is set to stay at Manchester United after the club dropped a big hint by making the striker the centrepiece of their new kit advertising campaign. Daily Star
New Stoke City manager Mark Hughes will give winger Jermaine Pennant a chance to revive his career and is considering offering the 30-year-old a new contract. Daily Telegraph
West Ham are poised to offer striker Andy Carroll a six-year contract worth £100,000 a week. Manager Sam Allardyce expects an answer from Carroll this week before the 24-year-old returns from holiday. DSSC
Aston Villa have placed a £40m price tag on in-demand Christian Benteke in an effort to put off Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Tottenham, who are all keen on the 22-year-old striker. Daily Mirror
Arsenal have further boosted their financial firepower in the transfer window by freeing up around £10m from their annual wage bill after Andrey Arshavin, 32, Denilson, 25, and Sebastien Squillaci, 32, finally ran down their contracts and were allowed to leave for nothing. Daily Telegraph
Johnny Russell, 23, could become a Derby County player next week after the Championship side had a bid for the striker, believed to be in the region of £700,000, accepted by Dundee United. Derby Telegraph
Birmingham City are considering a surprise new contract offer for 32-year-old striker Nikola Zigic. The 6ft 8in Serbia forward has 12 months to run on a deal that nets him £65,000-a-week but Birmingham are struggling financially and mulling over an idea to award the striker an extra 12 months. DSSC
The agent of 23-year-old Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao has refused to rule out a move to Tottenham this summer. Daily Express
AC Milan may make a move to bring Real Madrid playmaker Kaka, 31, back to the club next season. The Brazilian is said to be a favourite of Milan president Silvio Berlusconi. Tuttosport
Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski, 24, says he is seeking a "new challenge" in his career. The Polish striker has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Bild
Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle, 22, is set to become Jose Mourinho's first signing in his second spell as Chelsea manager. Cologne Express
Michael Laudrup's future as Swansea City boss is in doubt after it emerged that relations have soured dramatically with the club's owners and there has been minimal contact between Laudrup and club chairman Huw Jenkins since the end of the season. South Wales Evening Post
Managerless Wigan want Steve McClaren as they launch their search for Roberto Martinez's successor. Daily Mirror
The Jordanian Football Association is to ask Fifa to explain why no-one from Football Federation Australia was available to help them sort out arrival issues at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday ahead of their World Cup qualifier with the Socceroos next Tuesday. Jordan FA/Reuters
more bollox soon ....
Round-up
City are keen to add a former Manchester United man to their ranks this summer, according to today's reports.
A story in the Daily Express claims that the Blues and Arsenal are set to go toe to toe in the pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, who left Old Trafford 12 months ago and has since enjoyed a fruitful year with the Serie A Champions.
James Dickenson writes: “Pogba is becoming an important player for both Juventus and France after making 37 appearances for club and country last season, with his form attracting interest from the Premier League.
“The 20-year-old left Manchester United on a free transfer in July 2012, but could return to England this summer with Arsenal and Manchester City tracking the central midfielder.
“Reports on the continent suggest a €20 million (£17m) fee could be enough to make Juventus consider selling their number six, which would be all profit after they brought him in as a Bosman.”
Meanwhile, Carlos Tevez could be moving in the opposite direction – that one is according to the Daily Mail.
The Argentinian finished the 2012/13 campaign as City’s top scorer in all competitions, and his form is said to have attracted the attention of the Italian giants if they don’t succeed in the pursuit of their top target.
“Juventus will step up efforts to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez if they fail to prise Arsenal and Chelsea target Stevan Jovetic away from Fiorentina,” explains John Edwards.
“Tevez has one year left on contract and City, as with Javi Garcia, Edin Dzeko and Joleon Lescott, are prepared to listen to offers as they look to continue recruiting with Real Madrid's Pepe and Malaga's Isco still on their wishlist.
“Jovetic, 23, is valued at £30m and Juventus fear they will struggle to beat Chelsea, particularly, in the bidding.”
Finally, it could be a while before Edinson Cavani’s name stops being mentioned in the media round up if a report in the Manchester United Evening News is anything to go by.
A quick conclusion isn’t said to be on the cards, with Napoli insisting the Blues must splash the cash if they want to take the Uruguayan frontman to the Etihad Stadium.
The paper’s Stuart Brennan writes: “The Blues still need a new front man as a priority, and Napoli have dug in their heels over the sale of Cavani, for whom they want the full release clause of £54m.
“Edin Dzeko is understood to have been proffered as part of the deal, but Napoli want to extract as much as they can for their star striker.
“With Juventus poised to move for Carlos Tevez, City will consider no bids for any of their current strikers until they have a replacement in the bag.”
Brennan adds that City could be in for a “long, hot summer of negotiation and brinksmanship.”
Hold your fire: City must wait to add Cavani alongside Navas and Fernandinho
The Blues, who are also close to tying up a deal for Spain international winger Jesus Navas, may have to wait a while for their number one target Edinson Cavan
City are close to securing their second major signing of the summer after Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho had a medical in Manchester yesterday.
But the Blues, who are also close to tying up a deal for Spain international winger Jesus Navas, may have to wait a while for their number one target Edinson Cavani.
After last summer’s frustrating summer-long wait for the men identified by Roberto Mancini – which ultimately proved almost fruitless – City have moved quickly this year.
Football director Txiki Begiristain has fixed a £22.5million deal for Navas, although the player is away with his national team in a Spanish training camp and is unlikely to complete the move for a week or two.
And yesterday’s arrival of Shakhtar Donetsk star Fernandinho for a fee thought to be initially worth around £22m, will also not come to a quick completion.
In fact, the 28-year-old may not complete the move until next week, partly as there are details to be thrashed out and partly as City want to announce new manager Manuel Pellegrini’s appointment before unveiling any new players.
But the Blues still need a new front man as a priority, and Napoli have dug in their heels over the sale of Cavani (inset left), for whom they want the full release clause of £54m.
Edin Dzeko is understood to have been proffered as part of the deal, but Napoli want to extract as much as they can for their star striker.
With Juventus poised to move for Carlos Tevez, City will consider no bids for any of their current strikers until they have a replacement in the bag.
Former boss Roberto Mancini, expected to land the job of Roma coach, has tried to up the ante by declaring Cavani would be his main target.
But Roma cannot match City’s spending power, and even Real Madrid are said to have backed away from interest in the Uruguay international.
That could mean City are in for a long, hot summer of negotiation and brinksmanship.
Another player who has attracted City’s interest, Argentine defender Diego Novaretti, has told Mexican club Toluca he will not sign a new contract – though the Blues, if they follow up their interest, face competition from Monaco for his free transfer.
Juve hoping to lure Tevez away from City if Italian giants miss out on Jovetic .. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz
Juventus will step up efforts to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez if they fail to prise Arsenal and Chelsea target Stevan Jovetic away from Fiorentina.
Tevez has one year left on contract and City, as with Javi Garcia, Edin Dzeko and Joleon Lescott, are prepared to listen to offers as they look to continue recruiting with Real Madrid's Pepe and Malaga's Isco still on their wishlist.
Jovetic, 23, is valued at £30m and Juventus fear they will struggle to beat Chelsea, particularly, in the bidding.
They also have a deal lined up with Gonzalo Higuain from Real Madrid but want one other. They have held talks over Tevez and he is the cheaper alternative.
Equally risible goal.com.bollox reports that Liverpool set to join race for £7m Tevez
The Anfield club are already making contingency plans in the event that Luis Suarez leaves this summer and have added the Manchester City striker to their wish list
Liverpool are considering an audacious swoop for Manchester City star Carlos Tevez as they continue to make plans should Luis Suarez force a move away from Anfield this summer.
As Goal revealed last week, Udinese frontman Luis Muriel is a prime target of the Reds' should Suarez, who spoke of his desire to leave amid interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid, force through a move away from Anfield.
But Liverpool have long admired Tevez, have made two approaches to sign him on loan in recent seasons and are now ready to reignite their interest in the Argentine, who could be available for as little as £7 million.
German fancied by Chelsea & Manchester City
Both Chelsea and Manchester City fans are looking interested here in the Football Transfer Tavern as it is claimed by German publication Stuttgarter Zeitung via ESPN that both sides could be tracking Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez as a forward option this summer.
The former Suttgart man has been linked with a move away from the champions of Europe after it was claimed that Pep Guardiola was not as big a fan as many had thought of the player and is set to meet the club for crunch talks this week over his future. Not only this but soon to be Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski will expect to become the main man for Guardiola and this leaves Gomez’ future in even more doubt.
Both Chelsea and Manchester City are in need of a forward and Jose Mourinho wants a striker who is a proven goalscorer at the highest level and Gomez is certainly one of those. Given the fact that both Radamel Falcao and Robert Lewandowski are off the market this summer it only really leaves Gomez and Edinson Cavani up for grabs meaning that the choice is Gomez’ over where he feels that his future lies.
It is thought that the player would prefer a move to England over the likes of La Liga or Serie A and the fact that two of the biggest and the richest clubs in the Premier League are interested in him will not be an unwelcome piece of news.
[spoiler]
[/spoiler]Harry Redknapp may quit Queens Park Rangers following row over signing Wayne Bridge
Relegated Hoops dragging their heels over bringing new faces in, even on frees, because they can't shift their big earners
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has threatened to quit after a furious bust-up over transfers.
QPR manager Redknapp has had massive rows with their chief executive Philip Beard, who has been left in charge of player recruitment for next season by chairman Tony Fernandes.
Redknapp is desperate to bring free-agent defender Wayne Bridge to Loftus Road, and the Hoops' failure to agree a deal for the former England left-back sparked a huge behind-the-scenes argument that engulfed the club.
Angry Redknapp could now walk as QPR struggle to get big earners off the books following their relegation from the Premier League, leaving them reluctant to bring in new signings - even free transfers.
Former Tottenham boss Redknapp is now seeking showdown talks and assurances from Fernandes.
In an attack on Beard and the club’s new transfer policy, the 66-year-old said: “If we don’t change it, and I don’t get the players that I want to bring in, then we have not got a chance.
“You can’t have other people having a say at all, I’m a football person and I’ve got a staff around me of football people.
“We’ve got to make the decisions, and if we make the right ones we will have a chance. Otherwise, if other people want to make decisions we’ve got no chance.
“If I don’t get that, then I wouldn’t stick around.
“I’ll speak to Tony Fernandes. They’ve got to back me with the people I want.
“I’m not asking him to spend money, I’m looking at a couple of free transfers.
“I’m trying to get Wayne Bridge, I thought he did fantastically well with Brighton, he’d be a good left-back for us.
“He’s got great experience, looks in great shape and is a player I want to bring in on a free. I’m hoping that’s the first deal I can do.
“Tony is away, but I’ll speak to him and see if we can get the deal done.”
Bridge, 32, is available after his contract finally expired at Manchester City, following three seasons spent largely out on loan at West Ham, Sunderland and, most recently, Brighton.
But QPR are now likely to miss out on signing him because he has offers from other clubs.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has made a £35m move for Zenit St Petersburg's Brazil forward Hulk, having missed out on top target Radamel Falcao. Hulk, 26, almost joined the Blues last summer but a deal could not be agreed with his then-club Porto, who were demanding £40m, and he joined Zenit instead. Daily Mirror
Wayne Rooney, 27, is set to stay at Manchester United after the club dropped a big hint by making the striker the centrepiece of their new kit advertising campaign. Daily Star
New Stoke City manager Mark Hughes will give winger Jermaine Pennant a chance to revive his career and is considering offering the 30-year-old a new contract. Daily Telegraph
West Ham are poised to offer striker Andy Carroll a six-year contract worth £100,000 a week. Manager Sam Allardyce expects an answer from Carroll this week before the 24-year-old returns from holiday. DSSC
Aston Villa have placed a £40m price tag on in-demand Christian Benteke in an effort to put off Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Tottenham, who are all keen on the 22-year-old striker. Daily Mirror
Arsenal have further boosted their financial firepower in the transfer window by freeing up around £10m from their annual wage bill after Andrey Arshavin, 32, Denilson, 25, and Sebastien Squillaci, 32, finally ran down their contracts and were allowed to leave for nothing. Daily Telegraph
Johnny Russell, 23, could become a Derby County player next week after the Championship side had a bid for the striker, believed to be in the region of £700,000, accepted by Dundee United. Derby Telegraph
Birmingham City are considering a surprise new contract offer for 32-year-old striker Nikola Zigic. The 6ft 8in Serbia forward has 12 months to run on a deal that nets him £65,000-a-week but Birmingham are struggling financially and mulling over an idea to award the striker an extra 12 months. DSSC
The agent of 23-year-old Brazilian forward Leandro Damiao has refused to rule out a move to Tottenham this summer. Daily Express
AC Milan may make a move to bring Real Madrid playmaker Kaka, 31, back to the club next season. The Brazilian is said to be a favourite of Milan president Silvio Berlusconi. Tuttosport
Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski, 24, says he is seeking a "new challenge" in his career. The Polish striker has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Bild
Bayer Leverkusen striker Andre Schurrle, 22, is set to become Jose Mourinho's first signing in his second spell as Chelsea manager. Cologne Express
Michael Laudrup's future as Swansea City boss is in doubt after it emerged that relations have soured dramatically with the club's owners and there has been minimal contact between Laudrup and club chairman Huw Jenkins since the end of the season. South Wales Evening Post
Managerless Wigan want Steve McClaren as they launch their search for Roberto Martinez's successor. Daily Mirror
The Jordanian Football Association is to ask Fifa to explain why no-one from Football Federation Australia was available to help them sort out arrival issues at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday ahead of their World Cup qualifier with the Socceroos next Tuesday. Jordan FA/Reuters
more bollox soon ....