United announce shirt sponsorship deal with Chevrolet

Manchester United have signed a new deal to sponsor their shirts with Chevrolet.

The deal was signed for an undisclosed amount and is for a period of seven years beginning from the 2014-2015 season.

Chevrolet, owned by General Motors, takes over sponsorship from the current sponsors Aon.

Forbes magazine recently called Manchester United the most valuable club in sport (worth $2.23 billion, around £1.43 billion).

Chevrolet will become the clubs fifth shirt sponsor in the club's history.

United's commercial director Richard Arnold said that the deal was a "fantastic, long term deal for the club".

He continued to say that they have been a key partner on the club's current preseason tour and that he knows that they have enjoyed the buzz from the club's fanatical support and the sell out crowds on their preseason travels to South Africa, China and Europe. Chevrolet signed the deal to become the club's car sponsor in May of this year and has also signed a similar deal with United's rivals from Mersyside, Liverpool.

Earlier this month, the club applied to be listed on the US stock market in an attempt to reduce the debt that has accumulated at the club since the take over by the Glazer family, who own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers American football franchise.

Hopefully this new sponsorship deal with Chevrolet and the club being listed on the US stock can significantly reduce the debt the has accumulated at the club due to the Glazer family.

Watford on a spending spree after recent takeover

Watford have made seven new signings including former Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia as well as former QPR defender Fitz Hall.

Almunia, 35, and Hall, 31, have both agreed one year contracts with the club and will add experience to Gianfranco Zola's side.

The other five players that have joined the Hornets are on season long loan deals from Italian Serie A side Udinese and Spanish side Granada, which are both owned by the Pozzo family who recently took over Watford last month. Midfielders Daniel Pudil and Almen Abdi as well as forwards Matej Vydra, Steve Leo Beleck and Ikechi Anya have all joined the club.

Watford's technical director Gianluca Nani told the club's website that he expects the new signings to have a positive impact on the team and that the club are constantly looking to add to the side.

Manuel Almunia, who joined Arsenal in 2004 and made 175 appearances for them, will fill the void left by Scott Loach after he left the club to join Ipswich. And Fitz Hall, who joins from QPR and has played for Oldham, Southhampton, Crystal Palace, Wigan, as well as a loan spell at Newcatle, will have the job of replacing Adrian Mariappa who left the Hornets to join Premier League new boys Reading.

Though, from the other signings only Ikechi Anya, who was born in Glasgow, has played in England before with Wycombe and Northhampton before making the move to Granada in Spain.

Daniel Pudil and Udinese midfielder Abdi are both full internationals, the Czech Republic and Switzerland respectively, and have both impressed during preseason.

Though, some fans have had concerns over some of the loan signings as the feel that the Pozzo family, who own Granada and Udinese, might use the club as a 'nursery' to help provide experience and develop Udinese's youngsters.

Aquilani's Liverpool nightmare finally ending!

On his way to Fiorentina!

Liverpool have accepted an undisclosed offer for Alberto Aquilani from Serie A side Fiorentina.

The 28 year old Italian midfielder flew to Italy from Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States to complete his move to Fiorentina.

If Aquilani's deal to Fiorentina is completed as expected then it is likely that Liverpool will step up their attempts to sign Swansea's talented midfielder Joe Allen, who is currently with Great Britain's Olympic side.

Aquilani has failed to settle and secure a place in Liverpool's starting eleven since his £20 million pound move to the Anfield club from Roma in 2009, and have been sent out on loan for the past two seasons.

Aquilani spent last season on loan at AC Milan and the year before at the current Serie A champions, Juventus which means he didn't play under former Liverpool manager and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish.

During Roy Hodgson's tenure at Anfield he only made two appearances.

Former Reds' manager Rafael Benitez bought Aquilani as he viewed him as an ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso who departed the club to join Real Madrid, but struggled with injuries and mad only 26 appearances during his first season at Anfield.

And even though Aquilani has appeared for Liverpool during pre-season under new manager Brendan Rodgers, and still has two years left to run on his current contract, it seems as though his unhappy time at Anfield is finally coming to an end.

Ryan Giggs inspires Team GB

Inspired performance the captain!

Yesterday Team GB defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-1 at Wembley and ensured that progression to the quarter finals is only a draw away.

The captain Ryan Giggs headed in the opener and his Manchester United team mate Tom Cleverley hit the post as Team GB went into the half time break in the lead.

In the second half the UAE found an equalizer through Rashed Elisa after a composed finish from the midfielder.

Scott Sinclair then came on and scored almost instantly and a deft chip from Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge sealed the win for Great Britain.

Although the score line seems convincing it was far from comfortable for Stuart Pearce's team, and after the UAE equalized the occasional boo could be heard.

Though there was definitely a better mood in the stadium after GB went up 3-1 though there is room for improvement when they play Uruguay on Wednesday in Cardiff.

Though, Uruguay were stunned 2-0 by a 10 man Senegal yesterday at Wembley. Senegal now sit on level on four points with Great Britain and take on a UAE side that have lost both of their group games thus far. Uruguay sit on three points and a draw for Team GB would see them progress to the quarter finals.

Hargreaves trains with QPR

Owen Hargreaves, a former England international, has not signed with Queens Park Rangers but is currently training with the club in an attempt to recover from injury.

Hargreaves, who has suffered from injury in the last few years, then signed a one year deal last season with Manchester City but his playing time was limited to 13 minutes of Premier League action and was then released by the club in May.

QPR manager Mark Hughes confirmed on the clubs website that Hargreaves is currently training with the club, though there is no obligation for either party.

Hughes aslo said that Owen Hargreaves is keen to remain fit and that him and the club are happy to assist him.

Canadian born Hargreaves spent seven years with the first team at Bayern Munich after joining the club when he was 16 years old. His England debut came in 2001 in a friendly against the Netherlands, and had was arguably one of England's best players in the 2006 World Cup in Germany and the in July 2007 Manchester United paid £17 million pounds for him.

Though, Manchester United decided not to renew his contract in 2011 after failing to play for almost two years due to a troublesome knee injury which he failed to recover from despite United's best efforts.

After his release from United, Hargreaves used YouTube to demonstrate that he was still fit and able to play and because of the video had talks with West Brom and Manchester City.

At the beginning of last season he made a shock move to the blue half of Manchester making a scoring debut in a Carling Cup match against Birmingham, though, struggled to play any major part due to injury and only made three more appearances.

His final appearance for City Was in the FA Cup loss to neighbors Manchester United in January at the Etihad Stadium, though he did take part in City's Premier League victory parade.

Shevchenko retires!

Hangin up his boots!

Former Chelsea and AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has retired from football to pursue a career in politics.

His club, Dynamo Kiev, released a statement in which the 35-year old Ukrainian striker revealed that he would be retiring from football.

In his statement he said that the news could shock everyone and he continued to say that he's future is no longer in football.

He won his 111th and final international cap for Ukraine during Euro 2012, which was co-hosted by Ukraine, where he came on as a substitute during his country's group stage loss to England.

Shevchenko started his career in 1994 at Dynamo Kiev and went on to become one of the most, if not the most lethal strikers in Europe after his move in 1999 to AC Milan. During his time in Italy with AC Milan he won the 2003 Champions League - scoring the winning spot kick in the penalty shoot out - as well as the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and UEFA Super Cup. He also won domestic silverware in England, with Chelsea winning the FA Cup and League Cup in 2007, and Ukraine.

In 2006 the then 29-year old striker signed for Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, for a huge fee of £30 million, and spent two largely unproductive seasons at Stamford Bridge before returning to the San Siro with AC Milan. Though, he was unable to reproduce the deadly form that made him one of the most lethal and feared strikers in Europe. In 2009 he returned to Ukraine with the club where it all started, signing a two year deal with Dynamo Kiev.

Shevchenko was Ukraine's talisman for over a decade and had a national goal scoring record, scoring 48 goals. In 2006 he captained Ukraine to the World Cup quarter finals, he also won the Ballon d'Or in 2004 as the European player of the year and captained Ukraine in Euro 2012.

In his statement he said he will be going into politics and he is expected to elaborate on his plans in the near future.

Shevchenko's honors:

• Ukrainian Premier League: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
• Ukrainian Cup: 1996, 1998, 1999
• Ukrainian Super Cup: 2011
• CIS Cup: 1996, 1997, 1998
• Serie A: 2003-04
• Coppa Italia: 2003
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
• Uefa Champions League: 2003
• Uefa Super Cup: 2003
• FA Cup: 2007
• League Cup: 2007

Hammers make record breaking bid for Carroll!

On his way out?

West Ham United have stepped up their interest in Liverpool striker Andy Carroll by making a record breaking 17 million pound bid for the striker.

The deal in place would see the Liverpooland England striker move to Upton Park on an initial loan deal with a commitment to buy the 23-year old striker after 12 months. However, Carroll doesn't view West Ham as a serious offer and has already spoken of his desire to stay at Liverpool and fight for a spot in Brendan Rodgers team but if he had to leave Anfield he would prefer a move back to the North East with Newcastle United.

The Tyneside club have retained a strong interest in their former striker and are currently monitoring Andy Carroll's current situation at Anfield.

Newcastle United have made an initial bid for the striker which was turned down as Liverpool said it was nowhere near their valuation of the striker and judging by that it seems Liverpool, who bought the striker in January 2011 for a massive fee of 35 million pounds, are not prepared to consider any offers below 20 million pounds. Though, the Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has said that Liverpool should be prepared to take a big loss on the player instead of keeping him on the bench at Anfield.

Though, it seems West ham United are serious contenders and extremely keen to land the former Newcastle United striker as they are looking to build their team around Carroll but his uncertainty over a move to Upton Park could damaged West Ham's chances of landing the striker despite his strong friendship with former Newcastle United team-mate Kevin Nolan, who made the switch to West Ham last year.

Jack Sullivan, who is the son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, added to the speculation surrounding a possible move for Andy Carroll by tweeting: "Dad is working on the biggest signing in the history of the club - twice as big as anything the club have done before!"

Kompany extends stay at Manchester City

Manchester City's captain Vincent Kompany has signed a new six year deal with the Premier League Champions. The influential 26 -year old Belgian defender signed for the Manchester club in August 2008 from Hamburg and last season captained the side and led them to a first league title since 1968.

Kompany told the club's website that, in his opinion, if your "good somewhere then there is no reason to look elsewhere".

He continued to say that the club is not only a project of the owners or the people who the club employ but also his project.

The defender started out in his homeland with Anderlecht before moving to Germany and then later signed by City during Mark Hughes spell in charge.

His arrival came shortly before the takeover of the club by Sheikh Mansour, which then kick started City's massive spending spree which transformed the club's fortunes.

And since the take over by the super wealthy Arab Sheikh, City have already added silverware to their throphy room by winning the FA Cup in 2011 as well as the Premier League title last season.

And considering the fact that City have found success in the past few seasons, its no wonder Vincent Kompany wants to stay at the club and with the wealth of talent and with the backing of Sheikh Mansour City look to be on the up and look like they will continue to challenge for top honours on home soil and in Europe.

And the Oscar goes to Chelsea!



Off to London



Chelsea have secured a deal for the highly rated Brazilian midfielder Oscar, from Internacional.

The attacking midfielder signed a five year deal at Stamford Bridge for a fee in the region of £25 million.

The midfielder who is currently in the Brazilian Olympic squad joins Chelsea from Internacional after previously playing for Sao Paulo and in Brazil has been liked to his fellow countryman Kaka.

The player first said that he would make up his mind about his future after the Olympic Games in London before undergoing a medical and completing his move to the Bridge.

Oscar also said that all Brazilian players have a dream to play in Europe and the Premier League.

Chelsea, who won the Champions League last season, are on a mission to rebuild the club and have shown their intention to fight for the Premier League as well as the Champions League by completing deals for some of the hottest young talents in world football.

The likes of Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin, Eden Hazard who was undoubtedly one of the most sought after players in Europe as well as his brother Thorgan who is probably the more talented from the two and now the Brazilian and former Internacional midfileder Oscar, have all joined the club.

Chelsea will be looking to overthrow the dominant Manchester clubs next season and are looking a whole lot stronger after completing deals for some of Europe's and South America's best young talents during this summer.

Mix that in with players such as Lucas Piazon, who has massive potential, and the experience of others such as John Terry and Frank Lampard and you have a team that can challenge on all fronts, domestically and in Europe.

I'd go as far as saying that, even as a Manchester United fan, this Chelsea team has the quality and ability to win the Premier League next season and continue to win silverware for years to come!

Cahill off to the Big Apple

Off to the Big Apple!

Everton have agreed a terms for the transfer of Tim Cahill to Major League Soccer side the New York Red Bulls.

The fee agreed for the 32-year old Australian midfielder is believed to be around £1 million and Cahill has already agreed outline personal terms with the New York based side.


The 32-year old Australian signed for Everton from Millwall in 2004 for a fee of £1.5 million after he impressed in Millwall's run to the FA Cup final in that year.

Cahill made the move to England in August 1997 and joined Millwall from his hometown club, Sydney United on a free transfer.

In Millwall's run to the Fa Cup final the Australian scored three goals which included the winner against Sunderland in the semi-final, though the London club lost 3-0 to Manchester United in the final at the Millennium Stadium.



Cahill with NY Red Bulls team Thierry Henry



He made his international debut in 2004 and has featured for Australia in the past two World Cups in Germany and South Africa.

Cahill, who recently signed a new contract at Goodison Park in May 2010, is a fan favorite at Everton but only had a disappointing three goals last season after not finding the back of the net the whole of 2011.

Fergie wants Moura!!

Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Manchester United are still interested in Lucas Moura, the Brazil and Sao Paulo midfielder. Fergie is keen to land the midfielder but denied any deal had taken place.

He told the club's official website that the stories are incorrect and that no agreement has been reached for the talented Brazilian.

He continued to say that United do have an interest in the player.

Lucas Moura is currently with the Brazilian Olympic squad and has attracted a whole lot of interest from clubs within the Premier League, namely Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as La Liga champions Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Ferguson has already acted quickly in the close season by sealing deals for the highly rated Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa from Borrussia Dortmund and Nick Powell from Crewe, in an attempt to regain the Premier League title which Ferguson says is the main goal for next season.

He also said that the club are looking at other options in terms of bringing players in to the club.

Fergie has also revealed that he could be missing Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans for their opening fixture of the new season against Everton.

Will Moura be the next to join United

Vidic has just returned to full training after a knee ligament injury that kept him out for most of last season, though, Ferguson has urged caution and doesn't want to risk losing players early in the campaign.

Spurs fine Modric due to absence



Modric fined by Spurs



Spurs playmaker, Luka Modric, has been fined for refusing to train as well as his absence from the club's preseason tour of the US.

The Croatian who wants to join La Liga champions Real Madrid, did not report for training last week and was not on the plane that left for the US on Saturday.

He did, however, train at Tottenham's Essex base on Monday and is expected to report daily for training there.

He was fined two weeks wages which is around £80, 000. Modric, who has four years left on his current contract, openly stated his desire to move to Chelsea last season but Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy refused to let one of the club's star players to leave.

Now it looks more likely that Levy will let Modric leave but only for the right price.

Spurs are looking at a figure closer to £40 million for the Croatian midfielder but the best offer Real Madrid have come up with at this stage is £27 million plus a couple players that the Spanish champions are looking to get rid of.

The big spending Paris Saint-Germain have been monitoring the situation and can definitely match Tottenham's asking price for the player. The club will play games against New York Red Bulls, Liverpool and LA Galaxy while Luka Modric reports to the clubs training ground.

New Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas expressed his anger at Modric on Sunday saying that he is wrong and only worsening his situation.

Though Villas-Boas did acknowledge the fact that Modric will be a major loss to the club.

Modric's representatives held talks with Real Madrid today to discuss the deal, though Modric may hand in another formal transfer request if the situation is not resolved quickly.

Brazil's Oscar has medical at Chelsea

Brazilian midfielder Oscar has said he has undergone a medical at Stamford Bridge but will only resolve his future after the Olympic Games.

The 20 year old Internacional player has been constantly linked to a move to Chelsea during the transfer window. Though, he has maintained that he has not agreed any move to Stamford Bridge.

"I only had a meeting with the doctor, nothing else. I haven't signed any contract yet," he said when asked about Chelsea's interest.

"I will wait until the end of the Olympic Games to decide my future.

"All Brazilian players have this dream. I have, like everybody, the dream to play in Europe and the Premier League."

Chelsea have already acquired the services of Lille midfielder Eden Hazard and Werder Bremen's German winger Marko Marin.

Brazil outclass Team GB

Tottenham midfielder, Sandro, puts Brazil ahead

Brazil outclassed Team Great Britain, in what was Team GB's first and only serious outing before they start their Olympic campaign.

This game was an indication to Stuart Pearce and Team GB of just how difficult it will be for them to win the gold in the Olympics, as one of the tournaments favourites, Brazil, cruised to victory over Team GB at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

Although, this was just a friendly it was always going to be tough for Team GB as they faced a hugely talented Brazil squad, which boasts the likes of Neymar and Hulk, who are intent on winning their first ever gold medal and also at the same time are preparing for the 2014 World Cup which they will be hosting.

Neymar doubles Brazil's advantage

Brazil were already 2 up before the half time break after Tottenham midfielder, Sandro headed Brazil ahead after 12 minutes and Neymar doubled their advantage from the penalty area just before the half time break. Mario Menezes's side controlled the game though there were encouraging signs for Team GB as they gradually grew into the game.

Brazil maintained the cutting edge though and begin their Olympic campaign against Egypt in Cardiff.

By the end of the game there had been 12 subs used and the tempo had dropped considerably, but Team GB will need to step it up their game quickly if they want to qualify from a group that includes Uruguay and United Arab Emirates as well as Senegal.

Paris Saint-Germain spending money wisely...as long as its not mine!

Milan duo head to Paris!

Paris Saint-Germain have gone big this summer and have made some major signings. The QSI group who own PSG are intent on bringing instant success to the club and are seemingly willing to do just about anything to ensure success not only in Ligue 1 but also in European competition.

The club closed a deal for Napoli's Argentine forward Ezequiel Lavezzi and for AC Milan's Brazilian centre back and in my opinion the best centre back in the world, Thiago Silva. And the club have also recently announced the acquisition of Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is arguably one of the best strikers in the game.

It seems that Paris Saint-Germain are determined to become champions of France after being pipped to the title last season by Montpellier.

They are on a quest to attain success in Europe, and few would doubt them after their recent signings. In Thiago Silva they have arguably one of the best if not thee best centre back in the world, he's comfortable on the ball and can get forward but also defends brilliantly and is a rock at the back.

Lavezzi: Another of PSG's big money signings!

Ezequiel Lavezzi brings pace to the PSG forward line and is a tireless worker with loads of goals in him, though he doesn't only score goals he creates them too. And last but not least Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he just brings a completely different class to the club that they haven't had before, he's great in the air, brilliant with his back to goal and scores some stunning goals.

Put them together with players like Javier Pastore and Jeremy Menez and PSG look like title contenders not only in Ligue 1 but also in European competition.

With mega rich owners and a wealth of talent at the club, PSG definitely look like a team that can compete for top honours for seasons to come...guess everybody's got to watch out cause there's a new kid on the block!

Ledley King retires!

The King steps down!

Tottenham Hotspur and former England defender Ledley King has announced his retirement from football due to persistent and chronic knee injuries.
The naturally gifted English centre back has struggled throughout his career with injuries and had even been unable to train on a daily basis.

He will now stay at Spurs in an ambassadorial role. He told the club's website that he's saddened by the fact that he's injuries have hindered his training and cut his career short but is pleased to be continuing to work with the club. Ledley King spent his entire career at the North London club after joining as a trainee and made his debut in 1999 and went on to make 264 league appearances, winning the Carling Cup in 2008, and was club captain.

He also represented England 21 times and was selected to represent England at the 2010 World Cup Squad in South Africa, making his last appearance against the United States.

Speaking on his career at the club he said that he's been at the club since he was a child and that th club is like a second home to him. He continued to say that he's always considered Tottenham his club and would find it hard to wear the shirt of another club. He went on to thank everyone at the club and all the fans and for all of their support and patience through the years and all his difficult periods at the club.

Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy praised Ledley King's character and how he managed to sustain such high standards of performance on the pitch while still being a fine leader. Spurs have announced that a testimonial will take place at the end of the 2012-13 season for King.

In my opinion Ledley King was arguably the most gifted players pull on a Spurs shirt and probably one of the most gifted centre backs in the game and its sad to see a player of his quality to be retiring at only 30.

Is Clint Dempsey on his way to Anfield...

Reports on an American website claimed that Liverpool had acquired the services of Fulham's American midfielder Clint Dempsey, but Brendan Rodgers came out and rubbished reports of the move.

The American website has subsequently removed the post.

Though, it is true that Liverpool have inquired about a possible move for the attacking midfielder but Fulham have told BBC Sport that they haven't received any bids for American midfielder.

Liverpool haven't published details on how the story came out. Dempsey has been linked with a move to Anfield but Rodgers continued to say that the clubs managing director, Ian Ayre, has spoken to Fulham to see what the position is.

The United States midfielder scored 23 goals in 46 appearances last season and has 12 months left on his contract at Craven Cottage, but is keen to extend his stay. Liverpool are currently in North America on the pre season tour.

Liverpool ready to pounce on Walcott!

Liverpool are ready to pounce on Arsenal and England winger Theo Walcott, though they face tough competition from Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea.

The winger has a year left on his contract with Arsenal and could follow star striker Robin Van Persie out the exit door at the Emirates if the club refuse to raise his wages to £100 000 a week.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is apparently pondering a bid for the pacy winger and could use the money from a possible sale of Andy Carroll to pay for the deal.
Carroll may find opportunities hard to come by because of the way Brendan Rodgers sets out his teams, plus he has already got Luiz Suarez and he's just completed the signing of Fabio Borini, who has played under Rodgers at Swansea City.

Rodgers has also failed to give any assurances about Carroll's prospects at the club when asked last week. Personally I doubt that Carroll's physical and powerful approach would fit in with intricate passing style which Rodgers favors and which has also worked for Rodgers last season at Swansea City.

Though, it looks unlikely that Liverpool would allow him to leave Anfield unless they receive a suitable bid for the striker or or loan deal with a commitment to make the deal permanent after 12 months.

Personally I feel Walcott would be good addition at Anfield as they lack any real pace, besides Stewart Downing, and Walcott is also accustomed to Rodgers intricate passing style.
The Arsenal and England winger has also attracted some interest from big spending Paris Sait-Germain as well as Chelsea.

Rangers to play in Division Three

Rangers destined for Division Three

Rangers newco was voted into the Third division of Scottish Football on friday, after 25 of the 30 Scottish Football League clubs voted against Rangers playing in Division One next season. Rangers chief executive Charles Green has said that he will not be challenging to the vote.

Green's Sevco consortium were forced into applying for entry into the SFL after the SPL clubs voted against Rangers newco being admitted into the top flight of Scottish Football with the old company seemingly destined for liquidation. Neil Doncaster (SPL chief executive) and Stewart Regan (SFA chief executive) had both warned of dire financial consequences if Rangers were not accepted into Division One.

After negotiations with the Scottish Football Association and Scottish Premier League, the Scottish Football League clubs had been offered play-offs to the play in the Scottish Premier League as well as a working party into an expansion of the Scottish Premier League in return for Rangers being admitted into the second tier.

But, Rangers were voted into the third division and David Longmuir, SFL chief executive, was quoted as saying that the decision was the most difficult decision to make by all concerned and that the decision has been taking in the interests of sporting fairness.

Though, Longmuir said that his members clubs were all united and in favor of a reorganizing Scottish Football. As a football fan it would be sad to see this great club with so much history to be playing on the bottom tier of Scottish football but its a chance to start of with a clean slate and rebuild the club and get them back to playing in the top tier of Scottish Football.

 

Rangers crisis:

•Rangers went into administration. owing up to £134m to unsecured creditors and will eventually be liquidated

•As a result its registrations with the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League were terminated

•Charles Green led a consortium which bought Rangers' assets for £5.5m

•The former Sheffield United chief executive is reforming Rangers as a new company

•But the 'newco' did not get the required votes for re-admittance to the SPL

•Instead, the new Rangers will start life in Division Three.

Today's Latest Transfer Gossip

Manchester City's Carlos Tevez is poised to make a move to AC Milan this week, paving the way for Roberto Mancini to sign Arsenal's Robin van Persie. Manchester United are also in the hunt for the striker.

Full story: Mail on Sunday 

Arsenal striker Van Persie is expected to be part of the club's pre-season tour to Asia unless Manchester City, who the Gunners play in Beijing, or Juventus make a move before then.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

Real Madrid are confident of signing Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric in the next 48 hours.

Full story: the Sun 

Chelsea are set to beat Tottenham to the signing of Brazilian midfielder Oscar, 20, who plays for Internacional.

Full story: Sunday Express 

Ajax are thought to be in talks with two clubs about Denmark playmaker Christian Eriksen, who is keen on a move to Manchester United or Barcelona.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

Reports in France suggest that Laurent Koscielny, who is believed to have opened new contract talks with Arsenal, is a target for Barcelona.

Full story: Metro  

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew says the club can sign two or three players without the need to sell any of his squad.

Full story: Sunday Mirror 

Cardiff are set to knock back Fulham's £2.5m bid for winger Peter Whittingham.

Full story: the Sun 


Scotland striker Kenny Miller will fly to the United States this week for talks over a two-year contract with Vancouver Whitecaps in a move approved by Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay, who aims to make Liverpool's Craig Bellamy his replacement.

Full story: The Sun 

Celtic are interested in signing 22-year-old Spanish goalkeeper Joel Robles, who is third choice at Atletico Madrid, as back-up to Fraser Forster, who has made his loan permanent from Newcastle.

Full story: Sunday Mail 






Source: BBC Sport

Pompey dealt another blow

Portsmouth have been dealt a major blow before the new campaign ha even begun. They suffered a 10 point deduction, meaning they will start the season with negative points and with just 8 senior players left on the books.

On top of this 10 point deduction, Pompey's prospective new owners must agree that only a limited proportion of the secured debt can be carried forward into the new company. The new owners must also agree to certain restrictions on future borrowings, loan repayments and playing budgets.

They are also obliged to pay all football related creditors in full, unless an alternative agreement is agreed upon. Portsmouth administrator Trevor Birch admitted that the penalties imposed upon Portsmouth by the Football League have come as a massive blow and he was also quoted as saying that he felt the club have been "punished twice for the same crime". Although they are trying to overturn the decision of the Football League, Birch has admitted that it would be difficult as the Football League will not tell them exactly what to do to reduce the penalty.

Birch also said that until the "uncertainty is dealt with" manager Michael Appleton will be unable to bring in new players, although player exits are expected which will atleast have a positive effect as it will reduce the club's crippling wage bill. Hopefully a new buyer can come in rescue this great club as it would be a sad day to see them go...

Fabio Borini to join Liverpool

Roma striker Fabio Borini is set to join Liverpool and become Brendan Rodger's first signing after Liverpool agreed a deal with Roma.

The fee is reported to be £11 million, although the Merseyside club have refused to disclose how much they paid for the Italian forward.

Borini worked with Rodgers at Swansea City in 2011 as well as at the Chelsea academy. During his time with the Swans he scored 6 goals in 12 appearances.

He moved to Parma on a free transfer after his contract at Chelsea expired before making the switch to Roma.

With Liverpool already having forwards Luis Suarez and Craig Bellamy, Rodgers admitted that he would consider sending striker Andy Carroll on loan, with AC Milan and West Ham United reportedly interested in the England Striker.

Factfile: Fabio Borini

•Joined Bologna in 2001 as a youth player.

•At age 18 he made his senior debut for Chelsea, replacing Nicolas Anelka in the final minute of a 3-0 win over Spurs in 2009.

•On his Swansea debut he scored twice in a 3-2 win ove Nottingham Forest on 19 March 2011.

Adebayor to join Spurs!

Lol yet again another post concerning Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs have agreed a deal for Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor for an undisclosed fee. Manchester City could now be ready to make a move for want away Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie once Adebayor completes his move to Spurs.

The 28 year old Togolese striker spent a successful loan spell at White Hart Lane last season scoring 18 goals in 37 appearances and also contributing with 12 assists.
Adebayor will become Spurs third signing, after already completing deals for Jan Vertonghen and Gylfi Sigurdsson, as the AVB revolution at White Hart Lane continues. Adebayor moved to Manchester City from Arsenal after £25 million deal in July 2009, scoring 15 goals in 34 appearances in his first season.

Although he fell out of favor under Roberto Mancini and joined La Liga side Real Madrid on loan in January 2011 but Madrid chose not to make Adebayor's move permanent.

Last season he helped Spurs finish in fourth place and this week Villas-Boas said that the club are extremely willing to have Adebayor at the club. Adebayor moved to Arsenal from Monaco in January 2006 and scored 46 goals in 105 appearances for the club.

Fulham snap up freebie Rodallega

Former Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega has joined Fulham on a free transfer. The 26 year old Colombian striker was available on a free transfer after he saw out his contract with Wigan Athletic.

A number of Premier League clubs, including Everton, were interested in signing the striker after he left Wigan who he joined in 2009 from Mexican side Necaxa in a deal worth £4.5 million.

Fulham manager Martin Jol was delighted to snap up Rodallega after he lost out on Pavel Pogrebnyak to Reading, even though the Russian striker spent the second half of the season on loan at Craven Cottage.

Hugo Rodallega will bring a bit of quality to Craven Cottage and add another dimension to their attack and will contribute to the style and philosophy of Martin Jol's Fulham team.

AVB revolution continues...

The AVB revolution at White Hart Lane continued today as Tottenham finalised a deal for defender Jan Vertonghen from Ajax Amsterdam. Vertongghen is AVB's second signing following the arrival of Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Although, Spurs have not disclosed how much they have agreed to pay for the Belgium defender, who had 12 months left on his contract with Ajax Amsterdam.
It was a case of third time lucky as Spurs had seen two bids rejected as the Dutch club wanted a fee of £12 million for the central defender who made 220 appearances for the Dutch club. Spurs had been tracking the Belgium defender, who captained Ajax to a second successive Eredivisie title last season, for some time.

He won the 2011 - 2012 Dutch player of the year award as well as Ajax's player of season award and scored 10 times in 37 games last season. Vertonghen will offer Andre Villas-Boas more defensive options with Ryan Nelson moving to QPR and Ledley King's future still uncertain.

Shawcross to switch to Wales?

New Welsh manager Chris Coleman looks to strengthen his side by calling up Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross. Chris Coleman will consult his captain, Aaron Ramsey, on whether to make the decision to include Shawcross in the squad but admitted that Ramsey could be reluctant to play alongside the Stoke City defender.

But considering the fact that Shawcross's tackle on Ramsey, during a Premier League fixture between Stoke City and Arsenal in 2010, resulted in his leg being broken in six places he would be reluctant to play alongside the defender.

Shawcross, who is English, qualifies to play for Wales after spending the five years of compulsory education in Wales. Though Shawcross has stated that he does not want play for Wales and prefers to attempt to break into the England squad.
Coleman is also looking at recruiting Cardiff City defender Ben Turner and Swansea City right-back Angel Rangel. Rangel, although born in Spain, qualifies on the grounds of residency while Turner qualifies due through his grandparents who are Welsh. Coleman believes these players are good players who could possibly strengthen Wales.

Brazil name Olympic squad

Coach Mano Menezes has named his squad for London 2012, and a strong squad at that. He included the likes of Neymar, Alex Pato and Hulk.

Hulk is one of the three over age players allowed in the team, the other two being Real Madrid defender Marcelo and the other Thiago Silva who plies his trade in Serie A for Ac Milan.

Two english based players were picked as well, Rafael of Manchester United and Sandro of Tottenham Hotspurs. Several of Brazil's promising youngsters have also been included, all of whom have senior caps: Leandro Damiao and Oscar (Internacional), Lucas Moura (Sao Paulo) as well as Ganso (Santos). Brazil have been drawn in Group C along with Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand and are aiming to win the one prize that has eluded them.

Something a little different

Corinthians finally win Copa Libertadores!

Brazilian side Corinthians won their first Copa Libertadores after beating Boca Juniors on aggregate 3-1. Corinthians have won just about everything from FIFA Club World Cup to 26 state championships, though South America's continental crown had eluded them up until this season. Boca looked intent on playing conservatively and it seemed Corinthians wouldn't break them down in open play, but in the 55th minute they were awarded a free kick and after a scramble in the box Danilo found Emerson who then put the Brazilian outfit ahead. A defensive mix up lead to Corinthians and Emerson's second goal of the game in the 72th minute. It finished 2-0 at the end the game and 3-1 on aggregate, thus handing Corinthians the one title that had eluded them for so long. Corinthians Copa Libertadores 2012 winners!