Liverpool & Glen Johnson Update
June 16th, 2009
David Prentice at Liverpool Echo and the Portsmouth News are both reporting that a deal has been agreed upon for Glen Johnson. However one is claiming the deal is for £17million while the other is claiming £18.5million.
June 16th, 2009 According to ESPN Soccernet, there are reports stating that Liverpool signed Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson for £18million.
June 14th, 2009 According to Sky Sports News, Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie admitted that he will not stand in the way if a big club wants Glen Johnson. He also hinted that somebody tabled an offer for him. Storrie said,
“He [Glen Johnson] said, ‘If one of the big four come in with Champions League football, would you stand in my way?”
“I told him I couldn’t do that. Providing the deal is right for Portsmouth and Glen then we will look to try and do something in the right way.”
“It is very hard to try and hold people back when they have a chance to play in the Champions League. I accept that.”
When asked if an offer of between £15million and £18million had been tabled, Storrie said:
“You may not be a million miles away from the mark … I wouldn’t think it would be too long [before a deal is struck].”
Stephane Mbia “Keen To Join” Everton
June 16th, 2009
UPDATE: According to Giscard Gourizro at Sky Sports News, Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia is interested in joining Everton. Mbia said,
“I have been aware of Everton’s interest since last year when I almost joined them … I am keen to join them because, if what is reported is true, they have said that they want me and that they value me as a player.”
“I am waiting on news. I have not heard anything yet, but for me it is time to move on in my career … I have already told the club (Rennes) of my desire to leave but they have the final say … They know and understand my position.”
June 5th, 2009 According to Robin Hackett at Setanta Sports, there are reports stating that Rennes midfielder Stephane M’Bia has agreed to join Everton. According to Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi, the club is willing to let M’Bia leave if they receive a good offer. He said,
“Mbia is the only player we are willing to let leave, but that is only if we get a suitable offer, which has not been the case so far.”
Arsenal have also been linked with M’Bia before.
Manchester City Pursuing Joleon Lescott
June 16th, 2009
UPDATE: According to Ian Herbert at The Independent, Manchester City are interested in Everton defender Joleon Lescott. However City have not made a bid for Lescott yet.
June 7th, 2009 According to Everton’s official website, Everton boss David Moyes does not plan on selling his players this summer. He said,
“There is no way that we are going to be letting any players go … I would like money to spend, but I certainly wouldn’t give up any of my players to raise that money.”
“People are always going to be linked with your players, especially if they see Everton as a Club with not that much finance.”
“The one thing we have got at Everton is stability. There is a good continuity of players, most of them are on relatively long-term contracts and signed up.”
Tottenham To Offer Two Players For Ashley Young?
June 16th, 2009
According to Darren Lewis at the Daily Mirror, Tottenham are looking to offer David Bentley and Jermaine Jenas to Aston Villa for winger Ashley Young.
Chelsea & Manchester United Made Bids For Ribery
June 16th, 2009
According to ESPN Soccernet, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Barcelona have made bids for Franck Ribery, but Real Madrid have not. However Bayern Munich still do not wish to sell Ribery. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told Bild,
“No [Real Madrid have not made an offer] but other clubs have done. Chelsea have lodged a bid, as have Manchester United and Barcelona.”
“We are relaxed and proud that we have one of the best three players in the world under contract. The power lies with Bayern Munich.”
“I don’t want to talk about sums of money because it is not in our interest. The amount is irrelevant.”
Arsenal Nearly Signed Enyeama Last Week
June 16th, 2009
According to Tom Kell at Setanta Sports, Arsenal nearly signed Hapoel Tel Aviv goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama last week. His agent Tony Martich said,
“Vincent was very close to sealing a move to Arsenal, he had already agreed personal terms but Hapoel demanded €2 million – and Arsenal pulled out.”
“Israeli clubs need to understand that the Ligat Ha’Al doesn’t mean much to the biggest clubs in the world.”
Yaya Toure Wants To Stay At Barcelona
June 16th, 2009
UPDATE: According to Lucas Brown at Sky Sports News, Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure wants to stay at the club. His agent Dmitri Seluk told Sport,
“He is very happy at Barca and in the city … The atmosphere within the club is excellent and the team is marvellous and for those reasons he wants to stay and we should have a deal done this week.”
June 9th, 2009 According to Lucas Brown at Goal.com, it is being reported that Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure’s agent admitted that his client is not respected by the club. His agent Dmitri Seluk told Sport,
“If he is not good enough to play in this team then that will be that … He has spent two seasons earning a minimum salary. He earns less than many of the first-team regulars and less even than some of those that hardly play at all.”
“We have put our faith in the word of the club, but they have not respected it.”
Manchester City and Arsenal have been linked with Toure but Seluk said Toure will not go to Arsenal. He said,
“He will not go to Arsenal because he has better offers and nor will he go to Germany, but his future could be in Italy or in England.”
Arsenal’s Eboue Might Leave Club
June 16th, 2009
According to ESPN Soccernet, Arsenal defender/midfielder Emmanuel Eboue admitted that he might leave the club. He told France Football,
“It would be hard … But I think it would be harder to experience another season like this one, too far off the pitch … In any case, if I leave Arsenal, it would be for another league because it is out of the question that I develop elsewhere in England.”
Everton Want Sheffield United’s Kyle Naughton
June 16th, 2009
UPDATE: According to Adam Marshall at Setanta Sports, Everton are going after Sheffield United right back Kyle Naughton. Sheffield United are looking for around £5million for the 20-year-old.
May 26th, 2009 According to Alan Biggs at the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are preparing a “multi-million pound bid” for 20-year-old Sheffield United footballer Kyle Naughton.
Bentley In Talks With Aston Villa?
June 16th, 2009
According to Pat Sheehan at The Sun, Tottenham midfielder David Bentley is in talks with Aston Villa. He said,
“I’m in talks with Villa at the moment … I really don’t want to say much more. But we’ll see what happens … I’m hopeful of sorting it out as soon as possible.”
Chelsea Want £12million For Deco & Carvalho
June 16th, 2009
UPDATE: According to Martin Lipton at the Daily Mirror, Chelsea want at least £12million for Deco and Ricardo Carvalho.
June 11th, 2009 According to Luis Mira at Sky Sports News, Chelsea midfielder Deco wants to leave the club. He told Maisfutebol,
“I have a contract with Chelsea, but there are offers from other clubs … I want to feel fine, and that is not happening at Chelsea … I want to find a club that can bring the joy of playing football back for me.”
“Of course I would like to work again under Mourinho, he is a guarantee of success. He is a great coach, perhaps the best one of my career … I have a contract, I know the two clubs have been in talks. Anyway, I have to respect and wait.”
“I do not want to stay, I have said that. I have not liked my experience at Chelsea.”
June 3rd, 2009 According to Richard Bailey at Sky Sports News, Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho would not mind moving on from the club. He said,
“I am available for a club who wishes to have me … But before being approached, an agreement must be found with Chelsea, although I am delighted that several clubs are interested in me.”
“I have had four extraordinary years at Chelsea till this year, which has not been very good, indeed the worst of my career. I wasn’t in great shape because I haven’t played … But if there is no transfer, I will be fine at Chelsea.”
Benjani Wants To Stay With Manchester City
June 16th, 2009
According to Adam Marshall at Setanta Sports, Manchester City striker Benjani Mwaruwaru wants to stay with the club. He told Soccer Week,
“I still have a contract with Manchester City and I’ve not received any offers from anyone … I enjoy a good relationship with my fellow team-mates, the technical team and the fans and don’t see any reason to leave.”
“I want to score as many goals as I possibly can for City and look forward to winning trophies and playing in the Champions League with them.”
Saha Wants To Stay At Everton Despite Interest
June 16th, 2009
According to Giscard Gourizro at Sky Sports News, Besiktas are planning to bid £1.7million for Everton striker Louis Saha. However Saha admitted that he wants to stay at the club. He said,
“I have not been contacted by any team … I want to repay David Moyes for taking a chance on me. Unless he decides he does not want me, I can’t see myself leaving.”
Sagna Committed To Arsenal Despite Rumors
June 16th, 2009
According to Arsenal’s official website, Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna is fully committed to the club despite being linked with Real Madrid. Sagna said,
“I have seen the quotes attributed to me in the French media today and I just want to put the record straight. These comments are not accurate and I’m not aware of any speculation linking me to another club. I am 100 per cent committed to Arsenal. ”
“This is a great Club and I’m proud to wear the shirt. I’m looking forward to returning for pre-season training in July and preparing for the challenges that next season will bring. We have a great squad of players at the Club and I know that we can achieve something together at Arsenal, my focus is nowhere else.”
Tottenham’s Dervite Might Head To France
June 16th, 2009
According to Robin Bairner at Goal.com, L’Equipe is reporting that Tottenham defender Dorian Dervite is drawing interest from Racing Club de Lens and Montpellier.
Portsmouth Interested In Tyrone Mears
June 16th, 2009
According to Football Spy at the Daily Mirror, Portsmouth are planning a £750,000 bid for Derby defender Tyrone Mears. However this is based on whether Glen Johnson is sold or not.
Burnley & Wigan Interested In Jason Scotland
June 16th, 2009
According to Tom Kell at Setanta Sports, Burnley and Wigan Athletic are interested in Swansea City striker Jason Scotland. His agent Mike Berry said,
“I’ve heard nothing official but I wouldn’t be at all surprised if [Wigan manager] Roberto [Martinez] came in for Jason because he has had him before.”
“I know that Roberto rates Jason very, very highly and thinks that he can play at the highest level so it’s a case of ‘watch this space’ really.”
“The other interesting one is Owen Coyle at Burnley who I know is very, very interested in Jason having had him before at St Johnstone. Once again, it’s a case of watch this space.”
Fulham Sign Stephen Kelly
June 16th, 2009
According to Fulham’s official website, Fulham have signed Birmingham City defender Stephen Kelly to a three-year deal.
Crouch Linked With Wolfsburg
June 16th, 2009
According to Sky Sports News, Peter Crouch is being linked with a move to Wolfsburg. When his agent Jonathan Barnett was asked if a move to Germany is possible, he said:
“This emerges to me as an interesting option for the future of Peter Crouch.”
Vermaelen’s Agent Confident Of Move To Arsenal
June 16th, 2009
UPDATE: According to ESPN Soccernet, Thomas Vermaelen’s agent is confident his client will join Arsenal. Sjaak Swart told Ajaxlife,
“It’s more a question of when than one of if it will take place.”
June 8th, 2009 According to ESPN Soccernet, Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad,
“Moving to Arsenal is the right path for me … It is a great sporting challenge and I will also be financially better off. I think everything is going to be okay … In the coming days there will be more talks.”
June 7th, 2009 According to Tom Adams at Setanta Sports, there are reports in Belgium stating that Arsenal have signed Ajax captain Thomas Vermaelen for €13 million. The reports also say that the two are close to a four-year deal.
