EPL Gossip Thread

[SuSHi]

Sir Alex Ferguson wants to spend his £50m summer transfer budget within the next fortnight, with Micah Richards and Sevilla’s Brazilian duo Luis Fabiano and Daniel Alves top of his wish-list. (Daily Mirror)

United would need to cough up more then the £50m in order to sign those three players. Richards and Alves alone would eat up most of that £50m budget. I can understand United adding a 3rd striker but I don’t understand why United wants to ticker with the back line. Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand and Brown made up the backbone of the United team. Add Gary Neville, Danny Simpson, and John O’Shea even the cover is pretty good.

While Alves/Richards are better then Brown, what message does that send to Brown who signed a new contact? Where will Brown play next season? Evra is going into the final year of his deal and once he hears what either of the new players make you know he is going to call his agent right away.

Having a newspaper throw big names out there looks good in print. The resulting effect on a team is often over looked.

future replacement for gary neville i'm guessing, and wes brown isn't a true sideback, he's never been a real offensive threat barring that wicked cross in the CL final, adding richards or alves to that backline would be amazing

[sinnacle]

Real Madrid have joined Inter Milan in the race to sign Arsenal’s £15m-rated midfielder Alexander Hleb. (Various)

If Arsenal are smart and history has proven that, look for them to sell Hleb sooner rather than later and avoid creating a distraction.

Peter Crouch has told Rafa Benitez that he will stay at Anfield to see out the remaining year of his current contract in protest at his £15, price tag. (Daily Star)

Good for you Peter Crouch. We both know you aren’t worth £15 million. Tell Rafa that you don’t want him holding you back anymore.

Tottenham have won the race to sign Barcelona wonderkid Giovani Dos Santos and will arrive at White Hart Lane in a £12.5m deal. (Daily Star)

Now who will win the race to sign Tottenham current midfielder Aaron Lennon.

Sir Alex Ferguson will fly out to Portugal’s Euro 2008 training camp in Switzerland to persuade Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)

It’s doubtful that Sir Alex Ferguson and Luiz Felipe Scolari will be sharing a bottle of wine during this trip.

Bolton have been told they will need to pay at least £16m for Sporting Lisbon’s Miguel Veloso. (The Sun)

There is no way that Bolton will ever sign Miguel Veloso.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is lining up a £3.5m bid for Newcastle’s Charles N’Zogbia. (Daily Mirror)

If N’Zogbia grows up whatever team he is on will have a great player on there hands. Top 4 talent but quite immature.

Arsenal are bracing themselves for tough contract talks with Cesc Fabregas after it emerged that his new agent is Darren Dein, son of former vice-chairman David Dein. (Daily Telegraph)

Whatever Fabregas wants Arsenal should pay him. He is the heart and soul of that Arsenal team . Fabregas is one of a few players in today’s game you just can’t replace.

[sinnacle]

Cristiano Ronaldo could make a definitive step in forcing his exit from Manchester United by putting himself on the transfer list. (Spanish sports paper Marca, 0815 BST)

Consider the source here. Marca is basically the mouth piece of Real Madrid. Sure, Ronaldo could request a transfer but Marca has as much inside knowledge of Ronaldo’s plans as I do.

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is still in contention to take over at Stamford Bridge. (Daily Express)

For the love of god why? If Chelsea got rid of Mourinho partly basically Roman Abramovich wanted Chelsea to play with more offensive flare, the last thing in the world you’d want to do is bring in Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Chelsea’s England wide-man Shaun Wright-Phillips is a £10m target for Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp. (The Sun)

Wright-Phillips needs to move on. He was just starting to get regular playing time under Mourinho before he left. Wright-Phillips then turned into an after thought under Avram Grant. The last thing he should want to do is start all over again with another coach. Playing at Portsmouth he will play week in and week out.

Tottenham are on the verge of signing Sevilla winger Diego Capel after agreeing to match an £11.5million buy-out clause. (Daily Mail)

When will Tottenham a central defender that won’t break down time and time again? (Looking at you Ledley King)

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is on the verge of joining Juventus for £16m. (Various)

Good going Liverpool if you can get Juventus to pay that kind of money for Alonso.

Aston Villa will launch an £8m bid to sign England’s rising goalkeeper Joe Hart from Manchester City. (Daily Star)

Aston Villa will be linked to just about every EPL goalie during the summer transfer window.

Sunderland manager Roy Keane wants to sign Newcastle’s Damien Duff, Reading’s Stephen Hunt and Aiden McGeady of Celtic. (Daily Mail)

Just like every French player gets linked to Arsenal. Every Irish player gets linked to Sunderland.

[NDman]

Sunderland manager Roy Keane wants to sign Newcastle’s Damien Duff, Reading’s Stephen Hunt and Aiden McGeady of Celtic. (Daily Mail)

Just like every French player gets linked to Arsenal. Every Irish player gets linked to Sunderland.

Strong presentation as usual, sinnacle. But this one in particular got me going this morning. Almost spilled my coffee reading this! That was clever

[sinnacle]

Strong presentation as usual, sinnacle. But this one in particular got me going this morning. Almost spilled my coffee reading this! That was clever

Thanks, I can see why Sunderland like each player (well maybe not Duff) but pulling the trigger on signing them would be another thing altogether. It doesn't shock me that every Irish player not named Robbie Keane gets linked to Sunderland.

[sinnacle]

Tottenham have agreed a £12m deal for Barcelona’s Mexican 19-year-old wonderkid Giovanni Dos Santos. (The Sun)

I would wait until either Tottenham or Barcelona confirm this but wow Dos Santos must really be hungry for the money if he wishes to leave Barcelona. At Barcelona, Dos Santos would be playing in the Champions League year in and year out. At Tottenham, they throw a parade in North London if the Spurs ever cracked the top four.

Manchester City defender Richard Dunne is also on the brink of signing a £5m deal at Tottenham, a move that could spark a player exodus from Eastlands. (Daily Express)

Way to listen to what I had to say yesterday. (Yeah I know they don’t read this but I’ll take credit for it none-the-less)

And Man City midfield playmaker Michael Johnson, 20, is a shock £8m target for Everton. (The Sun)

City could use a player of Johnson’s talent. They have creative wide midfielders in Cahill, Pienaar, and Arteta. They don’t have that touch of quality who can play went behind the strikers. Johnson would be a good fit in that area for Everton.

Arsenal expect to complete the £12.8m signing of Marseille’s attacking midfielder Samir Nasri before next week, according to the player’s agent Jean-Pierre Bernes. (The Times)

This will be wrapped up before Euro 2008. Should be a matter of crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s.

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has put £5m-rated defender Anton Ferdinand up for sale as part of his summer clear-out. Spurs have bid for the 23-year-old in the past. (Daily Mirror)

West Ham have over 30 players in there squad. That is way too much for a club the stature of West Ham.

Fulham want Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood but face competition from Rangers and Stoke. (Daily Mail)

Harewood didn’t start all that often at Villa but he was the perfect change of pace striker. Harewood always seemed to cause some havoc when he entered into a game last season.

One of England’s most popular footballers - a Premier League star and England international - owes a staggering £1m in gambling debts. (Daily Express)

I wish I knew who he liked in tomorrow’s games.

[NDman]

Dang cliff hanger. Did they even speculate or drop hint on who that footballer might be? Rooney? But he's not that well-liked :P

[sinnacle]

Dang cliff hanger. Did they even speculate or drop hint on who that footballer might be? Rooney? But he's not that well-liked :P

Nope, they was all they give away. Rooney has said he quit gambling when it became public knowledge. Michael Owen is another one who never meet a bet he didn't like.

[sinnacle]

And Liverpool have finally backed down over their £15m asking price for striker Peter Crouch… paving the way for the England international to join Portsmouth next week. (The Sun)

What do you mean finally? The season only ended two weeks ago. At £15m no one will come calling for Crouch services. At £10m, a half dozen teams would be interested.

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is on the verge of hijacking central defender Richard Dunne’s £5m move from Manchester City to Spurs. (The Sun)

All I know is that Dunne is going somewhere. He soured on Manchester City the second half of the season.

Sunderland are plotting a £4m swoop for unsettled Aston Villa striker Shaun Maloney. (Daily Mirror)

If Sunderland have long term plans of getting into Europe, Maloney won’t be the kind of player that will take them there. Not a bad player, just not fit to be a regular starter on a a top 6 EPL team.

Savvy defensive midfielder Yaya Toure - younger brother of Kolo - could be joining Arsenal as part of the deal that takes Alexander Hleb to Barcelona. (Daily Star)

Maybe then that can keep his brother Kolo happy.

Liverpool are ready to unload left-sided attacking full-back John Arne Riise with Newcastle likely to target the Norwegian. (Daily Star)

Liverpool were ready to unload Arne Riise the second he hit the top of the net against Chelsea. If that was a striker people would be applauding the form taken in that header.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos has put £12m-rated Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo at the top of his hit-list of replacements for Dimitar Berbatov. Ramos is sending one of his top spies to watch the powerful Benfica hitman, 25, in action for his country against France on Saturday eveing. (Daily Mirror)

If Benfica can make a profit from Cardozo, sell him. He didn’t exactly stand out in big games for them this season. Good player mind you, he is good in the air and he no trouble scoring with either foot in front of the net.

David Beckham is the shock contender to captain England in Sunday evening’s international friendly against Trinidad & Tobago as boss Fabio Capello continues his auditions. (Various)

Why it is a shock? The man handles himself with class, good with the media and can still deliver on a set piece like few in this world can.

Patrice Evra is close to ending the uncertainty over his future at Manchester United after reaching an informal agreement over a new five-year contract. The French international full-back, 27, is in line to earn more than £60,000-a-week plus bonuses though manager Sir Alex Ferguson is still keen to sign defensive reinforcements. (The Times)

Hope he gets every last penny out of United. Over came a rocky start to his United career to become one of the best left backs in the world.

[thug-life]

Also Liverpool is ready to offer ₤20m for Ribery.

The French international, widely tipped to star for Les Bleus at EURO 2008 next month, has catapulted himself to superstardom since his arrival in Bavaria last summer.

The 25-year-old journeyman is now recognised as one of the most dangerous wingers in the game, alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

His performances for Bayern have alerted some of the biggest clubs in Europe, and reports from Germany claim Liverpool will offer ₤20 million for the former Marseille man.

Benitez is keen to strengthen his attacking options over the summer, and has been monitoring a number of wide players, including La Liga stars Maxi Rodriguez and Albert Riera.

Ribery’s ability to play right across the pitch will no doubt attract the former Valencia boss, as will the Frenchman’s supreme understanding with Bayern hitman Luca Toni.

Benitez is planning to build a team around star striker Fernando Torres, and Ribery could prove a stunning addition alongside Dutch youngster Ryan Babel and Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard in the Reds’ 4-2-3-1 formation.

However, as Bayern paid around ₤17 million for the former Marseille man only a year ago, Rafa and co may have to up their bid if they wish to prise one of Europe’s most exciting talents away from the Allianz Arena.

LINK---->http://goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=717666
PS. Im a big Liverpool fan so i will keep ypu up to date with Liverpool, if i can.

[sinnacle]

Made mention of the Ribery rumor on my site. I have European news and EPL Gossip. Since the European news day was somewhat light yesterday decided to add it there.

Anyway this is what I had to say on my site regarding the goal article.

Not nearly enough and Rafa Benitez should of had the foresight to go after Ribery last year. Bayern Munich are not going to be pushed around in the transfer market. Plus Bayern pays top dollar and are always a force in their home league and in Europe. Liverpool would be better off looking elsewhere, like Porto for example.

Thanks for checking out the thread b.t.w T.L

[maebach]

My take on the rumours:

Gareth should not leave Villa. As a Villa fan, we're desperate to keep him. Let Liverpool chase the other fishes in the pond. Will he leave? I dont think so. I tihnk MON will show Gareth Villa's targets and plans in the next few years and Barry will stay.

Harewood - he can leave. He had 2 important goals last year, but we need more .
Goalie - I would say MON should sign Carson for 10m. He will only go up in value. Also, Guzman from the MLS is suppose to be one of the top targets for MON.

Chelsea - Will go for Inter Milan manager (forgot his name)

Ribery - Will not leave Bayern. Bayern gave up Hargreaves for Ribery basically and they need him on midfield.

Nasri - He will be a gunner soon. Wenger almost always gets his ways with young french stars.

Also:

Benitez is on crack. He values Barry as 10m, who is an English star, but values Carson as 10m as well. And then Crouch as 15m? Barry could rip Crouch to shreds. It doesnt make sense.I would value Carson at 8m, and Crouch at 7m. Barry is about to book his place in the English midfield, and Crouch floats in and out of games for England.

[thug-life]

Also:

Benitez is on crack. He values Barry as 10m, who is an English star, but values Carson as 10m as well. And then Crouch as 15m? Barry could rip Crouch to shreds. It doesnt make sense.I would value Carson at 8m, and Crouch at 7m. Barry is about to book his place in the English midfield, and Crouch floats in and out of games for England.

Well said, being a liverpool fan, i strongly agree with you. But then again take a look at our owners. Wont support us with any money, so we gotta sell crouch for a lot. As for Barry, and carson, rafa is high as for what hes offering them. Your price range is good. For crouch, id want him to leave for 15 mil. More money for us in the off- season

[sinnacle]

Manchester United will make a record-breaking offer for Lyon’s French striker Karim Benzema in a deal that could top £30m. (The People)

I’ll wish them luck with that. Benzema has always maintained he is happy at Lyon and if he were to leave he’d rather be to Spain. It’s doubtful he’d jump at the chance to join a team that he wouldn’t be a lock to play for week in and week out.

Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb will join Barcelona this week in a £12m deal. (Sunday Mirror)

Good move by Arsenal getting this done sooner rather than later. Now they can focus on other targets.

Arsene Wenger is ready to raid Hamburg for midfielder Piotr Trochowski to replace the departed Matthieu Flamini. (The People)

This will excite the masses.

Newcastle want to hijack Portsmouth’s bid to sign Liverpool’s Peter Crouch and will offer £8m for the England striker. (The People)

Crouch making his way to Newcastle should mean the end for either Owen or Martins at Newcastle.

Juande Ramos is planning a summer clearout at Tottenham with Paul Robinson, Darren Bent, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Gilberto, Younnes Kaboul, Adel Taarbet and Jamie O’Hara all set to be axed by the Spaniard. (Sunday Mirror)

They just signed Gilberto is the last transfer period. If this is correct, Tottenham sure did sour on him quick.

Spurs are also hoping to hijack Liverpool’s bid for Blackburn winger David Bentley and are prepared to offer £7m plus Aaron Lennon and Hossam Ghaly. (The People)

I’d consider it. I like Lennon. He isn’t that much of a downgrade from Bentley. Of course I’d try to squeeze some more out of Tottenham.

West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is set for a £6m move across London to join Tottenham. (Various)

Anton Ferdinand/Younnes Kaboul = no difference. Both are big, strong and molded like the perfect center back but both make too many errors.

Arsene Wenger will leave Arsenal when his contract expires in 2011 to become president of French side Paris St Germain. (Sunday Telegraph)

Really, you mean Arsene Wenger is already planning what he is going to do three years from now? Rolls eyes.

Liverpool are officially the best team in Europe. The Anfield club top the official Uefa rankings that are based on European performances over the last five years. AC Milan are a point behind in second, Chelsea make into third while European champions Manchester United only make it to seventh. (Sunday Express)

I’m sure Liverpool fans would still prefer winning one EPL title in the last five years.

[flexwong]

Manchester United will make a record-breaking offer for Lyon’s French striker Karim Benzema in a deal that could top £30m. (The People)

I’ll wish them luck with that. Benzema has always maintained he is happy at Lyon and if he were to leave he’d rather be to Spain. It’s doubtful he’d jump at the chance to join a team that he wouldn’t be a lock to play for week in and week out.

benzema would be united's 3rd striker, behind tevez and rooney. if he does go to United, he will see some decent time. as a united fan, i'd rather see manucho come to england and show us some of the prowess he showed at the ACN.