Bayern Munich strongly deny they are considering selling Franck Ribery following comments by president Franz Beckenbauer in Germany’s Sport Bild magazine (see 1252). In an official statement the club said: “The FC Bayern Munich AG board of directors have made the overwhelming resolution that the player Franck Ribery is not for sale.”
Arjen Robben’s father, Hans, has given his thoughts on his son joining Tottenham. “Absolute nonsense” he told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. “We don’t talk with Tottenham. At the moment we don’t talk with any club. Of course, things can change overnight, but one thing is sure: Arjen will certainly not join Tottenham.”
Bayern Munich appear to be ready to allow in-demand midfielder Franck Ribery to leave. “We discussed the issue at our last board meeting and we all agreed that, if he really wants to leave, then we will deal with the issue,” Franz Beckenbauer told Germany’s Sport Bild magazine.
Liverpool right-back Alvaro Arbeloa has one year left on his contract and says it is down to the Anfield club if they sell him. (Spanish newspaper Elmundo)
Barcelona are to make a move for Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina after the Nou Camp club’s talks with current number one Victor Valdes broke down.
Full story: Daily Mail
Monaco boss Guy Lacombe has ruled out a move for Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko. (Setanta Sports)
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Real Madrid are leading the race to sign Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, who is also being targeted by Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Full story: The Sun
Chelsea are actually the favourites to sign Ribery as Real are not happy with the price tag put on the France international.
Full story: Guardian
And Manchester United may ditch a move for Ribery as they do not want to sign players aged 26 or over for large transfer fees.
Full story: Guardian
Manchester United and Chelsea have a chance of landing Valencia striker David Villa in excess of £40m after his move to Real Madrid was put in doubt.
Full story: Daily Star
But Villa would only leave La Liga for England’s top flight if it was to join Liverpool and their Spanish boss Rafael Benitez.
Full story: The Sun
Barcelona’s courting of Liverpool’s Javier Mascherano has resulted in the Argentine’s international team-mate Lionel Messi, who plays for the Catalan club, saying it would be “beautiful” if the combative midfielder joined him at the Nou Camp.
Full story: The Sun
Liverpool winger Ryan Babel could be offered a route out of the club, with new Galatasaray manager Frank Rijkaard interested in signing his Dutch compatriot.
Full story: Daily Mail
Manchester City playmaker Robinho is also a target of Champions League winners Barcelona and they are ready to bid £35m for the Brazilian.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may help Real Madrid recoup some of their extravagant summer spending by thrashing out a £37m deal to sign winger Arjen Robben, striker Klass-Jan Huntelaar and defender Gabriel Heinze.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Italian midfielder Gennarro Gattuso has not ruled out following new Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti from AC Milan to Stamford Bridge.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Ancelotti is also weighing up a £30m move for Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Full story: Daily Express
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will step up his attempts to sign Fiorentina midfielder Felipe Melo with a £15m bid.
Full story: Daily Mail
Arsenal right-back or right-sided midfielder Emmanuel Eboue wants to move abroad if he is not going to get more first-team football.
Full story: Daily Express
West Ham have landed Inter Milan’s Mancini and Luis Jimenez on season-long loans and will have first refusal on signing the winger and forward next summer.
Full story: The Sun
Manchester City are close to capturing striker Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn in a deal worth £15m, plus more depending on the success of the Paraguyan.
Full story: The Sun
Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna insists he is committed to Arsenal after reports linking him with a switch to Barcelona. (The Sun)
Everton boss David Moyes has had a bid for Sheffield United right-back Kyle Naughton knocked back. (Press Association)
Fulham are keen on some Brazilian flair as they want to bring Manchester City striker Jo to Craven Cottage for £8m. (The Sun)
Middlesbrough managing director Keith Lamb says it “wouldn’t be the easiest of negotiations from their (Spurs’) point of view” but he would take Tottenham’s call if they wanted to sign winger Stewart Downing.
Full story: The Sun
Premier League new boys Birmingham have agreed a deal to sign defender Roger Johnson from Cardiff and are also interested in Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora.
Full story: Daily Mirror
Fellow top-flight newcomers Wolves are in talks with former Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann about signing him as cover for Wayne Hennessey. (Daily Mail)
Source: BBC Sport
