The latest Cristiano Ronaldo interview.

This interview was done by the Portugese newspaper Publico, and the article was published by The UK Guardian.....

" Sir Alex Ferguson said this week that it was "the end of the matter" and that Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing at Manchester United next season. Is this true?

Yes. My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge. It was a very honest conversation between two people that respect one other and that I'm sure share a mutual affection and friendship.

What we said to each other will remain private. Sir Alex listened to me, I listened to him and we established that the best for both sides would be for me to continue at Old Trafford. So, I can confirm that I'll be playing for Manchester United next season. And before there are any rumours and speculation about me staying against my will, I want to make one thing clear: whoever says or writes anything to that effect is lying. I'll be playing at Manchester United with my heart and soul. I will fight and honour the shirt with the same desire and dedication as I always have.

And how do you think the people at Real Madrid will feel hearing you say that you're staying at Manchester United?

I want to say that I was the one that was responsible for all this controversy. It wasn't their fault because it was me that said publicly that I wanted to move to Real Madrid. It was also me, although wholly unintentionally, that caused the friction between the two clubs.

Your statements after the Champions League final and during and after the European Championship demonstrated your enormous desire to leave Manchester United and move to Real Madrid. What did you actually want?

I knew that Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had, allegedly, made a very substantial offer to Manchester United. For a while, I wanted Manchester to accept the offer and for me to move to Madrid. If I denied it I would be deceiving everyone, including myself. Anyone who knows me knows that it would have to be something very important for me to admit such a thing. If there's one thing I've never been - nor do I ever want to be - it is ungrateful.

Manchester United - from the Glazer family, the directors, namely David Gill, to the coaches, team-mates and backroom staff - is a club that will always be dear to my heart. Whatever happens in the future, that will never change. I'm very aware of what this club has done for me and I'll be eternally grateful, come what may. But it was because of this, because I knew this club was different and extraordinarily human, that I hoped that my wishes and my reasons would be understood.

And what were the reasons that made you want to leave?

After we'd won the Champions League, I felt that in five years I had helped win everything there was to win. We'd won the Premier League twice and I'd won a host of individual awards, including the best goalscorer in the Premier League, Champions League and in Europe. So I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought this could be the right moment.

Manchester United and Real are probably the two biggest clubs in the world and it would never be an easy decision to make. Apart from the challenge, everyone realises that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar. Those were the reasons that made me consider the change.

Nothing else? The attraction of an even more generous wage that Real Madrid are said to be willing to pay, for example?

I'm aware that, whatever the circumstances, there will always be speculation about me. I knew that there would always be someone who'd say that my main concern was making more money. Others would insist that my vanity couldn't resist being linked to the biggest transfer fee of all time at the age of 23. Of course I am proud to see my work recognised, but none of this had any major effect on what I wanted. In fact, if it was just a question of money, I would never leave Manchester United.

Apart from the reasons I've just given, I also have to recognise that my family would welcome the change. The chance of being an hour's flight from my mother and the rest of my family was very attractive, even more so playing for a club like Real Madrid. I know I have to deal with these circumstances, even though it's difficult sometimes, but it's harder to ask the same of the people I love the most.

The best proof of what I've just said is the fact that I've just made a major investment in a house in Manchester, even though I didn't have to. I did it not just for my own comfort but also for those closest to me. The people at Manchester United, particularly the manager, understood my reasons. But we all eventually concluded that I should continue to wear that No7 United shirt. It's no sacrifice for me, it's a great honour. I have important things to win in England. I will give everything I have to Manchester United. I want to defend the European title and help United become world champion, not forgetting the Premier League and other competitions.

Are you afraid of the reception you'll get from the Manchester United fans?

No, to be honest. It's possible but I hope it doesn't happen. I know I'm a good professional, I know that no one's harder on me than myself and that's never going to change, under any circumstances. The high point of my career was winning the Champions League. No one will ever erase that from my memory, in the same way that no one will ever erase the fact that I did it in a Manchester United shirt.

What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. People have to understand one thing: at the age of 18 I arrived at a dream club like Manchester United. It was a dream come true. But, even at that moment, I was thinking about playing in England for some years and then going to play in Spain. Even at that time I was thinking that way, and I always gave 100% everything. Why lie? I'm not going to be a hypocrite and say the opposite of what I think, like some others do. I said exactly what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on. People can't be upset about me fulfilling a childhood dream.

But would it be fair for Manchester United to lose you while you are still under contract?

I'm very aware of what this club has done for me. I'll be forever grateful. Manchester United and its fans can be sure that I'll never forget them, no matter what happens. They're special and they'll always have a place here [puts hand on heart]. In fact, I confess that one of the reasons I had the courage to say what I did was the fact that Manchester United would be fairly compensated.

The figure mentioned, which would be a world record, would serve as some compensation for the debt of gratitude that I owe the club, as least in material terms. I'm going to say something here that I've never told anybody: if we hadn't been European champions I probably wouldn't have even thought about going to Madrid. And there is something else that should be mentioned: I never wanted to leave against United's will. When they turned down the offer, the people at United made it very clear how much they wanted me. I didn't fully understand it at the time, but now I can really appreciate it.

But you agreed with Sepp Blatter when the president of Fifa said that long-term contracts between players and clubs were a form of "modern slavery"?

That makes no sense, nor do I believe that's what he meant, as he himself has already stated. My comment was about something else. I was saying that players should be where they feel happy. Nothing more.

Sir Alex Ferguson was always intransigent and denied any possibility of a transfer ...

Believe me, it makes me proud to know how much he thinks of me. And he knows I feel exactly the same way about him. He has been one of the most important people in my playing career. Not only because of what I've learnt and continue to learn from him in sporting terms but also in human ones as well. I love the passion he has for football. If it were humanly possible I would like to have him always by my side. Of course it's not possible but it shows how much affection, admiration and respect I have for him.

He has always been like a second father to me at Manchester United. I'll never forget that it was him that explained the significance of the No7 United shirt, which will always be my shirt. When I was at Sporting I had a number of offers, some of them very lucrative. One of them offered eight million Euros just as a signing on fee and meant that I would play for Sporting for one more year and then leave as a free agent. But money isn't everything. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, Milan, Juventus, Valencia and practically all the big clubs were also interested.

At the time, Jorge Mendes explained that Manchester United also wanted me and that Sir Alex Ferguson had told him that he would be very careful with my playing career. So I would play at least 50% of the games in the first season, which is what happened. This shows that I also chose Manchester United and that money wasn't the deciding factor. Alongside my agent [Mendes], Sir Alex Ferguson has been the most important person I've ever known in my career. Because of this, because of the special relationship that exists between us, I know that he'll understand that there are times when a father has to worry only about what's best for his child.

The Spanish press continues to say that your future is at Real Madrid

There's no point in making predictions. It's not worth speculating because nothing is set in stone and things change all the time in football. Today there are opportunities that no one knows if they will come round again in the future. There are only two certainties: I'll be playing at Manchester United, a club I'm proud to represent; Real Madrid will continue to be a great club without me and I will continue to admire the Spanish club, as I have done since I was a boy.

I'm saying what I think and I hope that all the speculation will stop. The press has written some terrible things about me and about this whole thing. They've invented a thousand and one things and that's one of the reasons why I decided to talk about this now. And people can be sure of one thing: everything I've said comes from the bottom of my heart and is the only truth.

Which means you don't exclude the possibility the dream of playing for Madrid?

I'm 100% professional and I've always given my heart and soul to this club. I even played a major part of the season injured, which was verified by my operation. I played in excruciating pain while taking anti-inflammatory medication every day. And I'd do it again if necessary. This club deserves it because the United staff and the fans are fantastic, not forgetting the affection and respect I have for Sir Alex Ferguson. If one day I leave the club, I want to do it knowing that I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible. If that happens, I'll leave with the feeling of having done my duty to the maximum."

Latest transfer news.

Accoding to the UK Daily Mail, Spurs has agreed a £17million deal for Blackburn midfielder David Bentley. This was after Manchester United a £30m deal with Tottenham on Berbatov.



Sunderland boss Roy Keane is being linked with a loan swoop for Manchester United striker Louis Saha.
Keane has turned his attention towards Saha after growing frustrated with his attempts to lure Darren Bent or Andrew Johnson to the Stadium of Light.


Manchester City officials flew into Barcelona last night with hopes raised and chequebook open - refusing to accept defeat in their bold attempt to capture Ronaldinho's signature and the completion of the biggest transfer coup in their history.
City's £22m offer - exclusively revealed in Sportsmail - has been accepted by the Spaniards and City's wage offer is more than double the Italian one. Only the lure of Milan's status is keeping them in the hunt with the player still preferring the San Siro.
A four-year deal is expected with wages of around £200,000 a week, partly supported by sponsors.

A City source said: 'If this happens, can anyone question the ambition of the owner now. First Mark Hughes, then Jo and now the very serious prospect of Ronaldinho.'

Meanwhile, Mark Hughes has confirmed there will be more new arrivals at Manchester City over the coming weeks - but he has stayed well clear of mentioning the 'R' word.


Greek striker Georgios Samaras is set to sign a three-year contract with Scottish champions Celtic.

The 23-year-old impressed Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan when he was on loan from Manchester City last season.

City bought Samaras from Dutch side Heerenveen for £6m in January 2006 and will make a substantial loss in offloading the Greek international.


Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is eyeing up a double swoop for Chelsea pair Wayne Bridge and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Bridge is understood to be ahead of Reading’s Nicky Shorey as Redknapp plots to bolster his squad further following the £11million capture of Peter Crouch last week.

"Real Madrid will be a stepdown" Steve Coppell warns Ronaldo

In a report by Goal.com, Reading manager, Steve Coppell advise Ronaldo that joining Real Madrid will be a stepdown!

The saga surrounding Ronaldo’s future remains utterly unresolved, with Real Madrid remaining as fervent in their pursuit as United are steadfast and constant in their rebuff.

The Portuguese winger has always dreamed of a move to the Santiago Bernabeu and seemed keen to make the switch this summer, but recent reports suggest the 23-year-old is having second thoughts.

And Coppell has sought to nurture that seed of doubt by claiming that the Red Devils are a level above los Merengues – and every other club on the planet, for that matter.

"I can only repeat what Tommy Docherty said to me," the ex-United midfielder replied when asked about Ronaldo’s situation.

"I will never forget it. Many years ago when I signed for United he said any move from United is a move down. I very much echo those thoughts."

Mike Maguire

Cristiano Ronaldo on holiday.

Check out these photos of Cristiano Ronaldo with girlfriend Nereida Gallardo in the Sardinian sunshine.
He guess he is taking his mind of the transfer to Madrid.

Latest rumour is that he is stay at United!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1029387/Its-tough-Cristiano-Ronaldo-laps-attention-model-girlfriend-holiday.html

A very good article from Peter Gill of Football365.com.

He talks about Ronaldo's ego and his intension.

I do agree with him that Ronaldo having won all the major titles in England and Europe, he has no more desire to win more with United. If United were to sell him, United should be asking for a higher price than 75M. Make the offer harder for Madrid to buy as the best footballer in the world will not come cheap.

Here the article :-

'Why would Ronaldo want to leave the champions of Europe?' asked one perplexed Mailboxer this week. Only the man himself can produce the definitive answer, but it is probably precisely because Manchester United are the champions of Europe and England that Ronaldo wants to leave.

As a Manchester United player, he has nothing left to prove or win. If he has concluded that two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one Carling Cup and one European Cup amount to a satisfactory haul from his five-year haul in England, then who can argue? He has become a visitor from his own success.

The wording of the statement with which he finally confirmed his intention to leave Manchester this summer depicted money as fundamental to his choice. Yet what is money to Ronaldo, already a multi-millionaire at the age of 23? If simple greed was paramount in his outlook then his representatives would currently be in negotiations with United over a new deal, striving to engineer a bidding war between United and Madrid.

A £300,000-a-week wage - the amount Madrid are supposedly offering - is a sum that would capture anyone's attention, but the status that such a deal would confer on Ronaldo is equally persuasive. The supreme egoist, Ronaldo wants to be regarded as the best player in the world. Is there a more trenchant cause to claim that title than becoming the best-paid player in the world as well as the most expensive? Note that his statement stipulated that he was willing to join Madrid only if they "pay what Manchester United ask of them". Money matters to Ronaldo but not necessarily in the way that his detractors claim.

Not that labelling Ronaldo the supreme egoist is necessarily a rebuke either. Ronaldo's game is based on confidence and arrogance in much the same way as Thierry Henry's is/was on pace. Without belief, the tricks and outrageous showmanship would be redundant. Madrid's trick has been to feed that swollen ego by making Ronaldo the subject of the summer. He is, it is reasonable to presume, loving the attention as well as the blatant implication from Madrid's pursuit that only he alone - the greatest player on the planet - can save the Spanish giants from becoming also-rans on the continent (they may have won La Liga in successive years but it is four years since they progressed beyond the first knock-out stage of the Champions League).

There was a telling sight in the immediate moments after United's Champions League victory in Moscow. As the rest of the squad rushed forward, seemingly joined at the hip, towards Edwin van der Sar, Ronaldo stood alone before throwing himself to the turf. Perhaps it was an instinctive reaction of relief following his failure to score in the penalty shoot-out. Or perhaps it was the response of a showman still striving to hog the limelight, unable to share the drug of adulation. Only Ronaldo himself really knows, but the moment was memorable in so much as it was the first public indication that he had bought into the notion that he was the core individual in Manchester United's legendary one-man team.

Regardless of the money involved, Madrid's approach, dressed up as a plea for a one-man rescue act, has thus become too good for Ronaldo to turn down. Without it, another year, and the risk of relative failure, at Old Trafford would await. He may lack the modesty to ask himself such as question, but how could Ronaldo realistically improve on a season of 42 goals, a Premier League title, Champions League glory and another Player of the Year award? The challenge of resurrection that awaits in Spain is the one that his ego craves and requires to sustain itself.

United have repeatedly and strenuously insisted that they will not sell their prized asset and the issue now becomes collision of two truisms: the first that Sir Alex Ferguson never sells a player he wants to keep and the second that clubs, even the biggest kind, never keep players who want to leave. The likelihood is that Ferguson will eventually be worn down by Real's resolve and Ronaldo's agitating into accepting a deal. United will surely eventually follow Ronaldo's example and regard Madrid's offer as too lucrative to refuse. With the fee bound to exceed £70m, Ronaldo's departure would finance at least two high-profile signings, most probably either Dimitar Berbatov or Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and, given Carlos Queiroz's increasing influence, Porto's Ricardo Quaresma.

Although Quaresma would be a like-for-like replacement for Ronaldo, the arrival of a second striker would also enable United to move in a new direction. The flexible, interchanging 4-3-3 formation of last season was designed in part to reflect Ronaldo's evolution into a forward who was neither a winger nor a striker. As such, their development was reliant on his. Independent and once again masters of their own collective destiny, United could revert to a 4-4-2 system that would instead make Wayne Rooney and partner its centrepiece.

The question is whether Ferguson, now openly discussing his retirement, still possesses the energy for another rebirth. The 'Ronaldo team' should have been the last of his reign. Suddenly, and without warning, that plan has been scotched.

Yet the doom-mongers should tread carefully. Queiroz has already accepted the bulk of Ferguson's day-to-day responsibilities and the loss of Ronaldo will no doubt be offset by headline-grabbing arrivals. The temptation will be to depict Ronaldo's departure as a 42-goal reduction. It will be no such thing. Just as the £2bn supposedly lost by the British economy in the wake of England's elimination from Euro 2008 didn't go up in smoke at a giant bonfire, the player(s) who replace Ronaldo will provide their own number of assists and goals. It may not equate to the amount he produced in 2007/08 but it should suffice.

Regardless of whether Ronaldo stays or goes, Manchester United will still begin 2008/09 as the favourites to retain their domestic and European crowns.

Pete Gill

Transfer rumours.

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has agreed a deal to move to AC Milan but the asking price from the Gunners could prevent any switch.

Out-of-contract Zoltan Gera is close to signing for Fulham and turn down the offer of a new contract from West Brom.

Speculation on Ronaldo leaving United is still on. Barcelona are to join Real Madrid in the race to sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, with Sandro Rosell using a pledge to sign the winger as his main weapon to be voted the next president at the Nou Camp. Real have again suggested that they are ready to abandon their attempts to sign Ronaldo as United do not want to sell him. But the Spanish club are prepared to pay Ronaldo £300,000-a-week after tax in a £75m deal over five years to lure him to the Bernabeu.

Blues striker Didier Drogba is unlikely to join Inter Milan as new boss Jose Mourinho has not put any strikers on his transfer list for the club.

Manchester City will sign Brazilian pair Jo, who plays up front for CSKA Moscow, and Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho.

Manchester United CHAMPION OF EUROPE.

My prediction was right.

Manchester United has got their double over Chelsea.

What a season and my sympathy to Chelsea, how close they came to clinch the both titles.

Well done to the Champions.

Manchester United or Chelsea?

The title race is down to the last game of the season.

So who will win the Premier League?

My feeling is Manchester United will take the title, and Chelsea will blame Wigan for letting United in for an easy win.

Further more Manchester United will also beat Chelsea in Russia for the Champions League. They are now in neutral ground so it does not mean Chelsea cannot be beaten as in Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea will have empty trophies this season. I am sorry Avram Grant!

So what do you think?

Changes in the Chelsea camp this summer.

It been reported in The Daily Mirror says that 'Roman Abramovich is ready to defy the wrath of Chelsea fans and hand Avram Grant a £100million summer spending kitty', The Times claims it has learnt that the club is preparing for a mass clear-out of players.

Up to ten players could leave, although whether the first-team coach will be around to undertake the process is unclear.

Among the players expected to be put up for sale are Andriy Shevchenko, Claudio Pizarro, Steve Sidwell and Tal Ben-Haim. The futures of Florent Malouda, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Carlo Cudicini and Juliano Belletti are described as 'uncertain', while Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Wayne Bridge are filed under 'unsettled'.

The problem for Chelsea, however, could be finding clubs crazy enough to match the wages these players are currently enjoying at Stamford Bridge.

Transfer rumours - April'08

Rafa Benitez has made Aston Villa's £12m-rated captain Gareth Barry his top summer transfer target.

The Liverpool boss is also keen to bring Manchester City midfielder Michael Johnson to Anfield in a £12m deal.

Arsenal want to sign 6ft 5ins Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes from PSV Eindhoven for £12m.

Sven-Goran Eriksson wants to sign Werder Bremen's Brazilian midfielder Diego for Manchester City for £10m.

Bayern Munich want Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Alexander Hleb could also be on his way out of Arsenal with Inter Milan close to agreeing a £12m deal for the midfielder.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has stepped up his bid to sign £10m-rated Lyon midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

Wigan manager Steve Bruce wants to sign highly-rated West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea rejected the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo before he joined Manchester United.

Man Utd striker Frazier Campbell, who has been on-loan at Hull this season, has vowed to stay at Old Trafford and challenge Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo for a starting place.

Transfer rumours.

Liverpool John Arne Riise, is not happy that Fabio Aurelio keeps getting picked ahead of him, and wants out of Anfield. No word on where he might go, but a certain Midlands club have long been rumoured to be interested.

Arsenal are close to wrapping up a £5million deal for 'Serbian midfield ace Zdravko Kuzmanovic, who is currently playing for Fiorentina, and apparently Arsenal 'representatives are understood to have flown out already to meet officials of the Italian club to thrash out a deal'.

The Daily Mirror reports that Man City are reportedly preparing a hugely optimistic move for Barcelona whipper-snapper Gio Dos Santos.

Chelsea will probably be in the market for a striker in the summer, what with Drogba and Shevchenko on their way, and Claudio Pizarro being a bit rubbish. Well, The Sun claim they know exactly who that striker will be - that's right, Hajduk Split striker Nikola Kalinic. He is twenty, has a pretty impressive goalscoring record for Hajduk, and will set Chelsea back around £7.8million.

Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza has rejected loan moves to Leicester and Cardiff...Derby are prepared to take a £2million hit to ditch record signing Robert Earnshaw in the summer.

Aston Villa are set to make a £3million move for Crystal Palace's young winger Sean Scannell.

Champions league night #1

Manchester United 1 - Lyon 0

Manchester United 1:0 Lyon (footballshirtshopuk.com)

AC Milan 0 Arsenal 2

Milan AC vs Arsenal Resume Frabregas Adebayor

Barcelona 1 Celtic 0

Resumé - Barcelone vs Celtic

Premier League Title Chase

What the teams have to do and guard against for glory....

by Don Howe

ARSENAL

Mathieu Flamini exemplifies everything that is good about my old club. Not only has young French midfielder fulfilled he role of midfield anchormen with intelligence and tenacity, he also urged to get forward by manager Arsene Wenger.

Flamini's endeavours this season have tpified the way Wenger approaches football that he combines a demanding work ethic with a strong desire to see his players express themselves in attack. Aresenl might not boast as many match-winning individuals on the books as Old Trafford, but the way they work for each other and play off each other is splendid.

Flaminin is an unsung hero. He complements the more attack Cesc Fabregas perfectly by sitting back when the Spaniard heads forward, but he judiciously joins the attack when the opportunity arises.

His efforts against Newcastle a  fornight ago showed what an asset he has become setting up a goal for Adebayor and scoring one himself. It obviously helps the midfield that they have the best pair of Premier League ahead of them in Adebayor and Eduardo.


MANCHESTER UNITED


When they're not on song collectively United have a terrific advantage in that they have several individuals capable of winning matches on their own in the shape of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.

They possess the flair and ingenuity to sway matches United's way when their team is flat because players like Ronaldo can rise above mundane performances - a great asset that Arsenal and Chelsea can't really match.

It's great that Sir Alex Ferguson has maintained the club's proud tradition of attractive, passing football, but he must be aware that his defence could be more resilient. United are very capable defensively, and in Rio Ferdinand they have appear an excellent centre-half, but they still appear vulnerable at set-plays- due to a mixture of lapses in concentration and the failure to attack the ball in these situations. It is an area of weakness they will have to work on in the training ground or it will end up costing United their Premier League crown.


CHELSEA

Jose Mourinho may be long gone but he certainly hasn't been forgotten by the players at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese coach was shown the door beacuse the people upstairs wanted the club to head into a more attractive direction where goals are plentiful. Against Liverpool, when things didn't click, Chelsea reverted to their old defensive ways instead of preservering . It showed that they remain locked into Mourinho's style.

Chelsea remain very efficient defensively ut they are still finding it difficult to score goals, which explains why they bought Nicolas Anelka. Against Liverpool there was the tendency to lose sight of the basic objectives which are, of course, to score goals and win matches. I wonder whether this desire to play eye-catching football will scupper Chelsea's chances of regaining the title.

Shaun Wright-Phililips remains a key player for thie hopes, having become more of an attacking threat inside and outside the penalty box. - Telegraph Group Ltd, London.

Premier League transfer rumours.

Rangers are believed to be interested in Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras.

Aston Villa central defender Gary Cahill finally looks poised to complete a move to Bolton.

Spurs have also agreed a £9.3m fee for Juventus midfielder Tiago, but may lose out to Atletico Madrid.

Middlesbrough are in talks with Brazil striker Afonso Alves after agreeing a fee in excess of £12m with his club Heerenveen.

Bolton manager Gary Megson also wants to sign Barcelona's former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Aston Villa will sign Tottenham misfit Wayne Routledge, but will lose defender Olof Mellberg to Juventus at the end of the season.

Transfer rumours 26/1/08

Wigan manager Steve Bruce is closing in on Watford striker Marlon King, with talks apparently having already taken place between the two clubs. "We've shown an interest and it's ongoing," said Latics assistant boss Eric Black.
Sir Alex Ferguson is still determined to land Dimitar Berbatov and will monitor the £30m-rated striker when Spurs visit Old Trafford for their FA Cup fourth round tie on Sunday. (Manchester Evening News)
Meanwhile, Spurs boss Juande Ramos has admitted that there is still a slim chance the 26-year-old could leave while the transfer window remains open, but "it would have to be an offer from a very big club with a very big contract to make him leave us."
Arsenal have rejected an audacious attempt by Liverpool to take Theo Walcott on loan for the rest of the season - but Sven-Goran Eriksson is still hopeful of luring the player to Manchester City.
Kevin Keegan is planning to snatch David Bentley for £10m - but that planned raid could be ruined by Blackburn's proposed takeover. (The Sun)
Middlesbrough face the prospect of losing both Stewart Downing and Jonathan Woodgate before the end of the month with Spurs and Newcastle interested in the England pair. (Daily Star)

Dean Ashton is a £7m target for Manchester City and West Ham may sell their striker if they can land Darren Bent from Spurs. (The Sun)

Transfer rumours - 22/1/08

Blackburn have signed 18-year-old defender Jonathan Flynn from irish side Ballymena United for an undisclosed fee.

Fulham are close to signing veteran Finnish international Jari Litmanen and will undergo a trial with the club.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is planning a swoop to bring David Beckham to St James' Park. (Mirror)
Kevin Keegan is ready to offer Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards £70,000 a week to join him at Newcastle. (Daily Mail)

Spurs have also agreed a fee with Juventus for former Chelsea midfielder Tiago Mendes. (Various)

Sunderland manager Roy Keane is planning a £1.5m bid for Manchester United full-back Philip Bardsley. (Various)

Harry Redknapp wants Peter Crouch to quit Liverpool and join him at Portsmouth. (Various)

Redknapp has also been linked with a move for former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros, who currently plays for Lyon. (Various)

Pompey will also make a move for Villa's Czech Republic midfielder Patrick Berger. (Various)

Arsenal are considering a £7m summer move for West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green. (Daily Express)

Juventus are hoping to resurrect a move for Liverpool midfielder Mohammed Sissoko. (Various)

West Ham have been linked with a move for Villarreal's £3m-rated Argentine midfielder Leandro Somoza. (Independent)

Everton are interested in signing Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis. (Times)

Transfer rumours 21/01/08

Tottenham are poised to sign Brazilian utility player Gilberto from Hertha Berlin. (Press Association).

Portsmouth are interested in Milan Baros and Patrik Berger, but say Sol Campbell is not going anywhere (Sportinglife.com).

Newcastle have joined West Ham in the race to sign Reading's Nicky Shorey (eatsleepsport.com).

Everton are ready to offer £2m for out-of-favour Portsmouth midfielder Sean Davis (Mail).

Portsmouth are interested in taking Bobby Zamora from West Ham either on loan or in a permanent move (Mirror).

Newcastle want to take Sol Campbell from Portsmouth, with Manchester City's Micah Richards and Manchester United's Michael Carrick also on their shopping list (Star).

Tottenham boss Juande Ramos has decided he wants to keep Jermain Defoe at the club despite suggestions he could join Aston Villa (Times).

Transfer rumours 20/1/08

Chelsea are prepared to pay £40m to sign Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o should Didier Drogba leave Stamford Bridge. (Sunday Express)

Meanwhile, Drogba has told Ivory Coast team-mate Yaya Toure he wants to join Barcelona, AC Milan or Real Madrid. (Mail on Sunday)

Chelsea's Peruvian centre-forward Claudio Pizarro is a target for Italian side Lazio. (News of the World)

Newcastle and Manchester United are battling it out for the signature of Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov. (Mirror on Sunday)

And the two teams could do an £18m deal that would see midfielder Michael Carrick leave Old Trafford for St James' Park. (Daily Star Sunday)

Manchester City and Aston Villa are interested in Real Madrid forward Julio Baptista, the Brazilian who played on loan at Arsenal. (News of the World)

Liverpool's unsettled midfielder Momo Sissoko is wanted by Monaco and Inter Milan. (News of the World)

Everton want Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing but face competition from Tottenham. (News of the World)

And Toffees boss David Moyes may also move for Chelsea's Steve Sidwell, if the midfielder will consider a pay cut. (News of the World)

Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid are all interested in 15-year-old Brazilian prodigy Neymar. (News of the World)

Birmingham are set to make a £2.5m bid for Manchester City forward Georgios Samaras. (News of the World)

Newcastle want Portsmouth centre-back Sol Campbell and Rangers defender Carlos Cuellar. (Sunday Express)

Transfer rumours 18-1-08

West Ham and Fulham are interested in signing Hertha Berlin striker Marko Pantelic. (sportinglife.com)

Tottenham may be encouraged in their attempts to sign midfielder Tiago from Juventus after the player said it would be "best" if he left the Italian club. (Goal.com)

Charlton winger Jerome Thomas has yet to agree a new deal with the club and Derby or Middlesbrough could pounce. (thisislondon.co.uk )

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has not ruled out Tottenham target Fred leaving in the January transfer window. (Press Association)

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is wasting no time getting involved in the transfer market and has targeted Jermain Defoe and Shaun Wright-Phillips. (Various)

Deco, Scott Brown, Daniel van Buyten and Wes Brown are also on Keegan's 'money-no-object' wanted list. (Daily Telegraph)

But Defoe has been at Aston Villa's training ground with a view to sealing a £10m move from Tottenham. (Daily Mirror)

Aston Villa are eyeing Steaua Bucharest's 6ft 5in Dorin Goian and Tottenham's Pascal Chimbonda in their search for a defender. (Daily Telegraph)

Villa are also vying to sign defender Nedum Onuoha for £6m from Manchester City. (The Sun)

Everton are keen on Barcelona striker Santiago Ezquerro. (Daily Telegraph)

Liverpool could raid Spain again as they look at Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta and Javi Martinez, while Gabriel Heinze is still a possible arrival. (Daily Telegraph)

Spurs boss Juande Ramos signed Russia striker Alexander Kerzhakhov while at Seville and could sign the player - offered to West Ham and Manchester City - again. (Various)

Tottenham's hopes of signing Brazilian striker Fred have been dealt a blow after the club and player failed to agree personal terms. (Times)

Kevin Keegan the new Newcastle United manager.

Kevin Keegan to return to Newcastle United.
The 56-year-old former Manchester City boss managed the Magpies from 1992 to 1997 and will return to St James' Park as Sam Allardyce's successor.

The ex-England coach was running his "Soccer Circus" in Glasgow after quitting his job at City in March 2005.

He was also linked with a return to the club last summer as director of football following Mike Ashley's takeover. Keegan took Newcastle to promotion back to the top flight in 1993 and came close to winning the league title in the 1995-96 season when they led Manchester United by 12 points before finishing as runners up.

Transfer rumours 15-01-08

Everton have told Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish that striker James McFadden would cost him £5m. (The Express)

Spurs keeper Paul Robinson could be used as bait to land Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing and they look to have won the race to sign £8.5m striker Fred from PSG.(The Sun)
Tottenham are willing to accept £12.5m for striker Darren Bent, £3m less than they paid for him a year ago. (The Times)

Manchester United could move for Hertha Berlin left-back Gilberto as cover for Patrice Evra. (Daily Mail)

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has offered £1.5m for Crystal Palace defender Lee Hills  and they are also showing an interest in former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman. The 28-year-old is currently at Turkish side Fenerbahce. (Daily Mail)
Portsmouth will beat Spurs to the signing of Arsenal's £5.5m Lassana Diarra. (The Mirror)

Bolton boss Gary Megson has agreed a £4m deal with AZ Alkmaar to sign Icelandic defender Gretar Steinsson. (The Mirror)

Liverpool and Chelsea are battling it out to land £10m Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres, 19. (The Sun)
Liverpool have joined the race for Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. (The Times)

Fulham are in talks with 23-year-old American striker Eddie Johnson, who plays for the Kansas City Wizards. (The Guardian)

Derby manager Paul Jewell is hoping to sign Wigan full-back Emmerson Boyce. (The Guardian)

Sunderland lead the race to sign Blackburn's £2m-rated striker Jason Roberts. (The Mirror)

Wigan have launched a fresh bid for Hibernian left-back David Murphy after Birmingham's latest offer was rejected. (The Sun)

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is trying to sign Wigan's Paul Scharner for £3m. (The Mirror)

West Ham are closing in on Ipswich's teenage star Danny Haynes. The Hammers are willing to pay up to £3m for the winger. (The Sun)

Transfer rumours. 14/1/08

Harry Redknapp will try to sign Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe for Portsmouth this week. (The Mirror)

The Mail on Sunday reckons that Tottenham 'are expected to make a £7 million move this week for Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.'

Spurs, meanwhile, are ready to move for Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. (The Mirror)

The Sunday Mirror also claims that 'Bolton are set to sign former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse for £4million after earmarking the French international as the man to replace Nicolas Anelka And Bolton boss Gary Megson has agreed a £4m deal with AZ Alkmaar to sign Icelandic defender Gretar Steinsson.

Blackburn are ready to snap up Amdy Faye from Rangers as a replacement for Robbie Savage. (The Mirror)

Alex McLeish is ready to spend almost his entire January transfer window budget on Aston Villa's Gary Cahill.

The People reports that 'The Scot has lodged a firm bid with opposite number Martin O'Neill after running short of cover' and 'has been quoted £4million - with a further £1million due to Villa in add-ons'.  
Derby boss Paul Jewell is set to rival Birmingham's Alex McLeish for the signature of Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill. (The Mirror)

Sunderland manager Roy Keane will finally sign Stephen Hunt after tabling an improved £5m bid for the Reading midfielder. (The Mirror)

Amantino Mancini has turned down a move to Manchester City and will remain at Roma. (The Sun)

Portsmouth are set to sign Juventus midfielder Tiago for £8m after the midfielder fell out of favour with the Italian giants. (The Sun)

Steve Sidwell is joining Sunderland on loan with a view to a permanent move from Chelsea. (Various)

Transfer rumours

Aston Villa and Portsmouth are the first two names to be linked with Jermain Defoe after the striker was told he could leave Tottenham by Juande Ramos. Villa are known to want a striker and would be willing to pay the ten million asking price to bolster their attacking threat. Portsmouth have already has a loan bid rejected but are said to be monitoring the situation.

With Defoe expected to leave Ramos has wasted no time in finding a potential replacement. Lyon's Brazilian striker Fred is reportedly on the Spaniard's radar, who will have to spend all of the Defoe money if he wants to get his man. The 24 year old has scored goals wherever he has played scoring 124 goals in just 207 appearances to date, including 34 in 78 for Lyon. He has also made his mark on the international scene scoring five goals for Brazil in his nine caps and has become a regular under Carlos Dunga. Spurs will face opposition for his signature however with West Ham believed to be keeping tabs on him as well.

Manchester City have been looking in to the possibility of signing Tottenham right back Pascal Chimbonda. The 30 year old is one of the players whom Juande Ramos would be willing to let go should the right offer come in. The Frenchman was the subject of a failed bid from Chelsea in the Summer is said to be furious with Tottenham for trying to sign another right back. He has spent the last few weeks playing as a centre back due to the club's crippling injuries in defence and sees the attempts to sign a rival in his position as betrayal.

Didier Drogba has stunned Chelsea by revealing he does want to leave Stamford Bridge in the Summer after all. The Ivorian first spoke of his desire to leave after Jose Mourinho was sacked earlier in the season but he and the club insisted that he had been misquoted. But now Drogba, 30, has said he is 'more convinced than ever' that this is his last season at the club. He told The Star: "I said what I am thinking, that I wanted to leave. The problem is that I've said that I have wanted to leave for two or three years now. Mourinho's departure didn't help. On the contrary, it made me want to leave even more.' He has been linked with a number of top continental sides including European Cha,pions AC Milan and Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Transfer's rumours.

Tottenham manager Juande Ramos will pay £8m to make Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim his first signing.

Spurs are also weighing up a £9m bid for former Chelsea midfielder Tiago, who has struggled to make an impact since joining Juventus.

Jermain Defoe has revealed he has been told by Ramos he can leave White Hart Lane if he wants to - but the 25-year-old has vowed to fight to stay at the club.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is set to spend £7m on Slovakia international defender Martin Skrtel.

Birmingham are continuing to track Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras.

Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is wanted by Barcelona, but the Finn intends to remain at the Reebok stadium until the summer.

Chelsea need to increase their bid for Bolton's Nicolas Anelka from £10m to £15m if they are to secure the Frenchman's services.

Manchester City are set to sign a forward, with Peter Crouch, Fred, Lukas Podolski, Amanto Mancini and Vagner Love all on their list.

Fulham are interested in signing Falkirk's Portuguese striker Pedro Moutinho and they are set to sign Jean-Alain Boumsong on loan from Juventus.

Everton manager David Moyes is close to signing Sheffield Wednesday defender Frank Simek.

Sunderland boss Roy Keane is confident he will sign Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, despite having an improved £3m offer rejected.

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri is keen on signing unsettled Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko.

Portsmouth and Reading are interested in signing Lille forward Nicolas Fauverge.

Middlesbrough are in talks to sign Heerenveen's Brazilian striker Afonso Alves.

Transfer's rumours

Derby County are possibly on the verge of securing the services of former Newcastle and Portsmouth winger Laurent Robert but one thing is for sure that manager Paul Jewell is looking to confirm his third January signing by Tuesday. The Frenchman is currently on trial with the Rams.

Tottenham Hotspur are linked with Portuguese international midfielder Tiago Mendes and playmaker Maniche.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic apparently could splash the cash now and break the club record £30m that he spent to sign Andriy Shevchenko in 2006 summer, as reports suggest a £32m bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov, who is also reportedly interesting defending champions Manchester United.

Angola forward Manucho Goncalves is waiting for the work permit to complete his move to Manchester United.

With Derby County and Sunderland believed to be interested, Robbie Savage does not want to remain a squad player at Blackburn Rovers and wants to move on for a ‘new challenge.’

Pedro Geromel has ruled out a move to the Premiership in the ongoing transfer window as reports suggest Bolton Wanderers are interested in the Vitoria Guimares centre-back.

After a move to AZ Alkmaar failed to materialise, Afonso Alves is looking for a move to the Premiership with Manchester City linked with a £14million swoop for the prolific Brazilian striker.

Bolton Wanderers are in talks with Real Madrid over a possible transfer of Argentinian striker Javier Saviola.

Mourinho keen on returning to Premiership club.

According to the Observer ...

"Jose Mourinho is growing increasingly restless in his search for a return to management and, after possible openings at Real Madrid and Barcelona failed to materialise, is monitoring the position of Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. If the Spaniard pays the price for failing to keep the Reds in serious contention for the Premier League title, then the former Chelsea boss would be interested in talking to the club's American owners.

There has been no approach to Mourinho by the Americans, but Hicks and Gillett are understood to be actively considering replacement managers and are well aware of the abilities of the Portuguese, who discussed becoming Liverpool manager before joining Chelsea in 2004. Asked last night to comment on the pair's interest in employing Mourinho, Hicks declined.

Mourinho's family were keen to live in London again when he was considering becoming England coach, although they do not hold the same enthusiasm about the wetter, colder and (in their view) less cosmopolitan North-West. 'Liverpool is not the same as London,' said a friend. 'But Liverpool is a big club and Jose loves English football. For now we have to wait.'

Mourinho had received indications that Real Madrid or, more likely, Barcelona would move for him during the Spanish league's winter break, but has been disappointed by Barcelona's continued faith in Frank Rijkaard and Bernd Schuster is still in place at Real. Mourinho has dismissed reports that he has agreed to take over from Carlo Ancelotti at AC Milan next season, issuing a strongly worded formal denial. He believes Milan will stick to their policy of appointing former players.

Mourinho would be interested in an approach from Bayern Munich, who are set to replace Ottmar Hitzfeld at the end of the season, and club president Franz Beckenbauer wrote in a recent newspaper column: 'Mourinho, why not? Our club needs a big name.' Mourinho's camp has interpreted these words as a clear statement of intent. However, the Portuguese would prefer a return to England and reports he is learning German are untrue.

Mourinho came close to accepting the England job in December, despite long-held plans not to move into international management until the latter stages of his career. At the time, Mourinho's assistants were so confident that he would take the post, ultimately filled by Fabio Capello, that they talked openly of being back in London by January and discussing where they would live.

There were several reasons for Mourinho's late change of plan. Senior FA figures are understood to have held reservations about his radical plans for creating a 'Club England' national team. The Portuguese wanted unprecedented control over support structures and involvement in the training regimes of Premier League clubs. Mourinho was also concerned about media intrusion into his private life, discussing this with the FA before withdrawing his candidacy. Though still an issue, it would not be such a great concern if he took the less public position of club manager.

Berti Vogts has admitted that his future as Nigeria coach is in doubt just two weeks before the start of the African Nations Cup. Vogts said delays in salary payments were making him consider quitting 12 months into his four-year contract. 'I love Africa, but I don't know how long I can put up with these problems,' the German said."

Transfers rumours.

Manchester United have slapped a £75m valuation on Cristiano Ronaldo in a bid to ward off the unwanted attentions of Spanish giants Real Madrid.

United, meanwhile, could hijack Tottenham's £8m move for Rangers full-back Alan Hutton. Newcastle, along with leading clubs on the continent, are also showing interest.

Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has had an audacious bid for Blackburn's Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz rejected. He will now turn his attention to Vagner Love and Peter Crouch.

Bolton manager Gary Megson is closing in on Portsmouth utility player Matt Taylor.

Birmingham are keen to secure the services of occasional Man United midfielder Darren Fletcher and Spurs defender Anthony Gardner. The pair could cost £5m.

Seemingly disgruntled by his lack of opportunities at Upton Park, Dean Ashton could leave West Ham with Manchester City, Tottenham, Newcastle, Portsmouth and even Chelsea possibly interested.

Blackburn's Robbie Savage tops Derby manager Paul Jewell's transfer window wishlist. Other targets include Savage's team-mate Jason Roberts, along with Crystal Palace midfielder Ben Watson, Tottenham's Hossam Ghaly and former Newcastle star Lauren Robert.

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly monitoring the situation of Javier Mascherano at Liverpool. Italian giants Juventus are also tracking the Argentine international, who Liverpool have still not secured on a permanent deal.

January transfer's rumours

Chelsea have agreed an £8.5m deal with Lokomotiv Moscow for Serbia international defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka is also set to move to Stamford Bridge for a £10m fee and Blues manager Avram Grant is considering making it a triple swoop by offering £26m for Tottenham forward Dimitar Berbatov.

Chelsea are set to make a double swoop for Sevilla defender Daniel Alves and Valencia striker David Villa, at a cost of £45m.

Derby and Fulham have joined the race to sign Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage, who is also wanted by Sunderland.

Derby will sign former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert.

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is preparing to offer former club Leicester £1m for 20-year-old defender Richard Stearman.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set for a major clear-out at the club, releasing five players. Martin Taylor, Rowan Vine, Olivier Tebily, Neil Kilkenny and Neil Danns are all on their way out.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish has his eye on Manchester City's out-of-favour Greece international striker Georgios Samaras.

Manchester United face competition from Barcelona for the signature of Bayern Munich left-back Philip Lahm.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is lining up a move for Espanyol's 20-year-old keeper Kiko Casilla. And German stopper Jens Lehmann is set to leave the Gunners to join Borussia Dortmund.

Derby manager Paul Jewell is set to sign Tottenham midfielder Hossam Ghaly on a loan deal.

AC Milan are confident they will capture Barcelona's Brazil superstar Ronaldinho in the summer, despite interest from Chelsea

More transfer rumours.

Manchester United contacted Tottenham about signing Dimitar Berbatov four weeks ago, but they are thought to want to sign him in the summer rather than now (Times).

Chelsea could hijack Manchester United's interest with a £26m offer for Berbatov (The Sun).

The Daily Mirror reckons that Barcelona are interested in Kasper Schmeichel as a back-up to Victor Valdes, after Jens Lehmann turned down the chance of swapping the Ashburton Grove bench for the Nou Camp one.

Reading's Kevin Doyle is a surprise name on Chelsea's January shopping list, along with Bolton's Nicolas Anelka (Independent).

Mark Hughes can't wait for Roy Keane to take moaning midfielder Robbie Savage out of Ewood Park - as soon as he meets his £1.75million valuation.

Richard Dunne will sign a new four-year £40,000-a-week deal with Manchester City this month to reflect his emergence as a top Premier League defender.

Chelski expect to land Nicolas Anelka in time to play in the FA Cup third round this weekend.

Everton boss David Moyes has made a move for unsettled Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra. Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is also keen on the 22-year-old, who only moved to the Emirates from Chelsea in August.

Manchester City are bracing themselves for a transfer asault from Inter Milan to prise Brazilian ace Elano away from Eastlands. Nerazzurri boss Roberto Mancini is ready to bid £11million to land the player.

Derby boss Paul Jewell is ready to sign Argentine striker Emanuel Villa for £2million.

Spurs are preparing a £4million raid for former Chelsea midfielder Maniche. Juande Ramos considers the 30-year-old the perfect playmaker for the Tottenham midfield.

Everton have attempted to ward off interest in Scotland striker James McFadden by offering him an improved deal. Birmingham and Celtic are both willing to pay around £3.5million for the 24-year-old hitman. Meanwhile Toffees boss David Moyes is ready to step up his bid to sign Bayern Munich's Belgian central defender Daniel van Buyten.