Transfer Rumours Thread

[unitedfan]

Originally Posted by Goal.com

Liverpool And United Join Garay Race

Liverpool and Manchester United have been linked with a move for Racing star Ezequiel Garay after Racing Santander coach said he was likely to be sold next summer.

Marcelino recognised last week that the Argentinian defender would join a big club in the summer as the Cantabrian outfit would be unable to turn down a major offer for him.

That announcement has alerted both the Reds and the Red Devils, but they are already one step behind Real Madrid who declared their interest before the season began.

Racing are preparing to put a €15m price tag on the 21-year-old's head after he has enjoyed another string of powerful displays at the heart of the Racing defence.

As well as his aerial presence and strength on the ground, Garay can score goals as his haul of ten last term proved.

Marcelino expects that Racing will be forced to accept a realistic off for the former Newell's Old Boys centre-back and named Madrid as the first club in line to make a bid.

"He is 21 year old and, despite being 1.87m, he a very good central defender. He has a superb touch, is phenomenal in the air and reads the game so well," he said last week.

"I have no doubt that next year he will be playing for one of the big clubs.

"How much would he cost? That is for Real Madrid to decide.

"I do not know that, but we should assume that he could leave because we are a selling club."

Liverpool are said to be keen on bolstering their rearguard after manager Rafa Benítez expressed his concerns at the club's lack of defensive options this term.

Originally Posted by Goal.com

Garay Fancies English Move

Ezequiel Garay has admitted that he would like to play in England after Manchester United and Liverpool were reported to be watching his progress at Racing Santander.

The Argentinian defender has attracted attention with some powerful display at the heart of the Cantabrian rearguard and would fancy trying his luck in the Premiership.

Racing admitted recently that they may have to let him leave next summer after Real Madrid were rumoured to be preparing an offer that would be difficult to turn down.

Now Garay has revealed that he would be open to a transfer, but admitted that he has heard nothing concrete about interest from any clubs.

"To play in England is a dream," he told Sky Sports. "But I insist that I do not want to talk about the hypothesis. I do not have any preferences about any clubs.

"My head is in Racing but like all professionals I would like to progress.

"But I have spoken with the directors of Racing only this week and there is no real news about me."

Another Veloso, Giovanni, etc - class player, but we're up to our eyes with his position. Another one from Spain:

Originally Posted by Goal.com

Kameni: I Want To Play For A Major Club, Even Barça

Carlos Kameni has revealed that he dreams of playing for one of Europe's biggest clubs and even named Espanyol's arch rivals FC Barcelona as a team he would love to join.

Despite listing the clubs he fancies playing for, Kameni also stated that he is still has plenty left to achieve with Espanyol before he thinks about leaving.

"The start of my career was so tough that I'm absolutely thrilled with what's happening to me now," he told fifa.com.

"I've still got my dreams of course, and I picture myself playing the Champions League, winning the World Cup and playing for one of Europe's big teams.

"Manchester United, Arsenal, Milan, Inter, Real Madrid or Barcelona; it would be an honour to play for any of them."

Kameni was then asked whether his desire to play for Barça would upset Espanyol supporters, but he admitted that attraction of a move across the Catalan capital would to be hard to resist.

"I don't think the fans would be too happy about that," he joked. "But you know, I'm a professional footballer and Barcelona is a great club. So if the chance comes up, then why not?"

From a young age Kameni wanted to play at the highest level and after tasting life in Spain, he has admitted that the Premiership and Serie A are still attractive to him.

"I'd always wanted to play in one of the world's big leagues. Having hopes and dreams keeps me going and I've always aimed to be among the best;" he explained.

"Spain wasn't a specific goal of mine, though. I was always attracted to the idea of playing in England and Italy as well."

To pacify Espanyol though, the custodian explained that before he even thought about joining another team he wants to help Espanyol to a top four finish.

"Our dream is to qualify for the UEFA Champions League," he continued. "The way I see it you have to really believe in your dreams and work hard to make them come true.

"I don't think it's out of the question for us to be in the top four places by the end of the season and to make it into the competition."

Well he certainly won't be in the hearts of Espanyol supporters with that one, but we've got Foster, Kuszczak and VdS, which is enough.

[unitedfan]

Spurs To Go Back To The Future With Carrick?

Juande Ramos wants former Spurs midfielder Michael Carrick to lead the re-birth of Tottenhan Hotspur - according to the Daily Mail.

Tottenham's new coach Juande Ramos sees the return of midfielder Michael Carrick to White Hart Lane as a key part of his plan to revive the fortunes of the North London.

That at least is the claim of the Daily Mail, which reckons Ramos will bid for Carrick in the January transfer window, having identified him as someone who can add vital creativity to the Spurs side.

Other media sources are also suggesting that a transfer could materialise. The Daily Telegraph reports that Ramos is prepared to pay Manchester United £18 million to bring back the England midfielder who left Spurs for Old Trafford just 16 months ago.

At that price, though, United, would be losing £600,000 on the £18.6million they splashed out for Carrick - formerly at West Ham United - last July.

Geordie Carrick spent two seasons at White Hart Lane - 2004-05 and 2005-06 - making 64 Premier League appearances and scoring two goals. Last season he played 33 times in United's title winning campaign, and was on the score-sheet three times.

He was not included in Steve McClaren's England squad for the upcoming matches against Austria and Croatia, but the injury problems of Owen Hargreaves have meant that Carrick has been a regular in the Manchester United team this season.

A fully fit Hargreaves will compete directly with Carrick for a central midfield role, however, while the Newcastle-born 26-year-old also faces competition from Anderson this season.

However, he has said he welcomes the added pressure to win and hold a firtst-team place at Old Trafford.

"It wasn't that long ago I was in the same position, trying to establish myself," he said.

"I have seen these boys in training for the last year or so and I know how much quality they have got.

"There is no better place to learn your trade than here. I am sure they will improve bundles just by having the opportunity to train with some of the lads we have here."

Of course, United are known admirers of Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, whom Ramos has said can leave if he is unhappy at the Lane. Berbatov insists he wants to stay, but if United were to suggest a player exchange to test how badly Tottenham want Carrick back, who knows what might develop?

Watch this space...

No thanks.It sounds like rubbish anyway, even if it does make sense from Spurs' point of view. It doesn't from our's, he's been brilliant.

[unitedfan]

And we're linked with another midfielder:

Originally Posted by Goal.com

Marino: Hamsik Is Going Nowhere

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has warned all interested parties that they have no chance of signing Slovakian youngster Marek Hamsik.


The 20-year-old Hamsik signed for the Partenopei in the summer from Brescia, and along with fellow new boys Ezequiel Lavezzi and Walter Gargano, he has made a stunning start to life in Serie A.

Napoli are going well in ninth position in the standings and have already achieved some noticeable results in the form of a 3-1 win over Juventus, and a 4-4 draw at Roma.

“I wouldn’t sell any of the new boys,” Marino told Il Corriere dello Sport. “Not for all the money in the world – it’s just not an option.

“Whoever is putting around these rumours obviously thinks that we are the same Napoli of years ago. Nowadays under President Aurelio De Laurentiis things have changed a lot and the investment that has taken place shows that.

“Now everybody is aware of Hamsik’s potential and they are queuing up for him.

“But why didn’t they come forward when he was still playing for Brescia? At that time maybe they could’ve signed him, but there’s no chance now.”

Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid and Manchester United are all admirers of the starlet and are believed to have sent scouts to watch him play for Slovakia against the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Covered in this position, but this is probably Goal.com eith dropping our name amonst the other big clubs (as it usually is), or them trying to build from their Carrick article. Not buying it, even though I like this player.

O'Shea Set To Extend United Stay

John O'Shea has revealed that he is on the verge of penning a new contract with Manchester United.

The versatile defender is in the final 18 months of his contract, but could be the next to extend his contract as Manchester United go about securing their players to new contracts.

"The manager feels I am part of his plans, so we will wait and see," O'Shea said the Sunday Mirror.

"I have this season and the next on my current contract, but I am very close to signing a new deal that will keep me at United into my 30s," added the 26-year-old Irishman.

"It is something I want to do.

"I want to stay here, everything is good and this is where I want to be.

"I have never looked to go elsewhere."

Brown To Pen New Four Year Deal

Manchester United defender Wes Brown is set to extend his stay at Old Trafford.


The versatile defender has seen a lot of action this season in a variety of roles, and looks set to stay on.

His deal runs out next summer, which would make him eligible to sign a pre-contract in January, but the Red Devils have moved to tie him down.

There have been two meetings between David Gill and the player's agent over the last month, and a deal appears close.

Brown, 28, will be handed another four year deal, with his weekly wage increasing from £30,000 to a very healthy £50,000.

There have also been reports that Patrice Evra will pen a new five year deal, effectively a two year extension to his current contract, which runs out in 2010.

[unitedfan]

Originally Posted by Goal.com

Ferguson Seriously Considering Hutton?

There seems to be some truth to the rumours that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is interested in Scottish international defender Alan Hutton.

Hutton was many pundits choice as Scotland’s finest player in the 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifier defeat to Italy last weekend.

It was his rampaging run down the right flank that led to Scotland’s equalising goal, a fact that sits alongside his sterling defensive display to hint at a bigger future for the full-back.

The Rangers man has also impressed in the Champions League, particularly in the home games against Stuttgart and Barcelona, and reports had been circulating over the weekend that Ferguson sees him as a long-term replacement for Gary Neville.

And now the veteran Scot has added fuel to the fire as he lauded over Hutton's rise to prominence in the Italy game.

Speaking in the Daily Telegraph, Ferguson said: "Hutton was exceptional."

"He has come from nowhere and looks as though he will become a superstar once he gets that little extra bit of experience."

A move to Old Trafford will hardly hurt the process of achieving stardom either.

Ferguson's comments are sure to fuel speculation that he could bid to lure Hutton away from Rangers, but the Scottish club will be determined to keep hold of the fleet-footed defender having tied him down to a new five-year contract recently.

This one gains a little more weight . . .

[russe||]

What bollocks.

Random quote from Alan Hansen's BBC column last week:

"One of those prospects, right-back Alan Hutton, looks exceptional. He has come from nowhere, but at 22 years of age he looks as though he will be a superstar once he gets that little bit of extra experience."

Sound familiar?

[unitedfan]

Miguel Veloso's agent claims that there has been some informal contact between Manchester United and Sporting Lisbon.

The Portugal international is being tracked by a host of clubs from across Europe - but United appear to be hot on his trail.

Veloso has left little doubt about his desire to join United and his agent Paulo Barbosa claims there is some interest.

Interest

When asked on Sky Sports News about any interest, he said: "We think so, some talks with Sporting.

"Informal contact, nothing official."

Barboso reaffirmed that Veloso would like to ply his trade at Old Trafford.

"I think any player would like to play for Manchester United, Miguel would - it would be an honour if it is possible," he continued.

Sporting have already insisted that there is no way Veloso be allowed to leave before next summer and Barboso confirmed that: "January no [he won't move], but perhaps next summer."

So Veloso's agent expects us to sign him in the summer.

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he has tried to sign Nicolas Anelka 'several times'.

The Bolton striker is being strongly linked with a move in January when the transfer window re-opens.

And there is unlikely to be a shortage of interest with most of the Premier League's top clubs looking - including Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, Portsmouth and former clubs Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.

Now United boss Ferguson has confirmed his admiration for Anelka ahead of a possible bid - but he admits he has never been able to land the French international.

Attempts

"We have tried to buy Anelka several times," Ferguson revealed.

"He is a very talented player. You always assess players with pace and ability to score and he comes into that category, and has done throughout his career."

Ferguson would not reveal the details of his past failures to land the 28-year-old.

"Sam (Allardyce) showed great faith in bringing him to Bolton because he had been around a few clubs before that," said Ferguson.

"But, for the first time, he seems to be feeling very settled and happy, which is important for a player like Anelka.

"Sam took the risk and it has worked. Bolton are getting their dividends and Anelka seems to have found the right club for himself in terms of enjoying the environment and the training."

Saha

Many feel a United move for Anelka will be dependent on what Ferguson decides to do with injury-prone Louis Saha.

"The situation with Louis is simple," he said.

"We are managing his appearances, trying to make sure we give him the right opportunities so we have him for the whole season, not just half.

"He has been unfortunate with a couple of the injuries he has had because they have not been easy ones to get over.

"We are trying not to put him under intense pressure in terms of playing time that could reverse the situation he is in at the moment. We want him to be playing in May."

And Ferguson adds fuel to the fire in Anelka

[kyan]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has been linked with a January move for Jermain Defoe after Tottenham boss Juande Ramos refused to rule out a White Hart Lane exit for the England striker. (The People)

hmmm not really the type of striker we need I don't think.

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez is close to signing a new long-term deal with the club. (Various)

And I hope this is true, since he's settled he's been phenomenal, he's got the tenacity of Smith but more ability and a better footballing brain (with all due respect to Smith)...

[unitedfan]

Carlos Queiroz has confirmed Manchester United's interest in Miguel Veloso, but says signing the Sporting Lisbon midfielder is not a 'priority'.

Veloso has been tipped to follow former Sporting players Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani to Old Trafford after impressing in the UEFA Champions League this season.

The youngster's agent Paulo Barbosa told Sky Sports News last week that 'informal contact' had been made between the two clubs.

United's assistant manager Queiroz - a former coach of Sporting - acknowledged Veloso was among a string of Portuguese players the Premier League champions have been watching.

But Queiroz downplayed suggestions of an imminent deal for Veloso, saying the club are well stocked in the midfield department.

Ridiculous

"The scouting department is everywhere and it would be ridiculous to say that good players are not referenced," said Queiroz in Record.

"Miguel Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Quaresma, Bruno Alves, Bosingwa - all have been watched by us.

"Do we want to get these players? Of course, everyone does, however we can not work with 200 players!

"We have six players in Veloso's position, we signed Hargreaves this season and, at this point, he is not part of our options to buy as a priority."

Well the papers tomorrow will have a different spin on that, but I'd say that's basically saying "We wont be bidding for Veloso anytime soon."

He has acknowledged that we're stacked there, and also acknowledged that we're aware of him as a potential target, but not while we've got 6 midfielders in the squad.

The acrticle would even suggest that we're as/more likely to sign Bosingwa as we are to sign Veloso.

[unitedfan]

Bolton Wanderers striker Nicolas Anelka is 'very flattered' by reports of interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and former club Manchester City.


Anelka marked his return to the Bolton side after injury with the only goal against United on Saturday, and has been linked with a January move to the Premier League champions.

New Bolton boss Gary Megson has recently acknowledged the France international could leave, with Anelka keen to play for a club competing for the UEFA Champions League.

And while he conceded there has been no firm contact from any other clubs, the 28-year-old is waiting to see if there are any developments.


Speculation

"As in the window this summer, there is a lot of speculation," Anelka told his official website. "No offer has been made yet.

"When this happens, I will talk publicly, but for the moment, I can confirm that there is nothing at all."

Regarding interest from the likes of Chelsea and United, Anelka added: "I feel very flattered by these comments, but I keep my feet on the ground. Nothing has been communicated to me, so for me there's nothing.


Glad to stay

"I feel well in Bolton, but as I have said before, I want to evolve at a big club that seeks to be in the Champions League.

"Now, if nothing happens, I would be glad to stay."

Anelka is also honoured by Sir Alex Ferguson's comments that he is a 'very talented' player, with the Red Devils boss having tried to sign the former Arsenal man previously.

"I was extremely flattered, he's a great football personality," commented Anelka. "It is always an honour to be encouraged by a person such as him."

SkySportsNews

[unitedfan]

Bento Resigned To Veloso Departure

As far as Manchester United fans are concerned, there might be a happy by-product from the Red Devils’ elimination of Sporting Lisbon, as top midfield target Miguel Veloso now looks a cert to leave the Portuguese capital.



The player’s coach himself admitted that Veloso was now sure to go, thus pushing him ever closer to the welcoming arms of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Speaking after the 2-1 loss, Sporting coach Paulo Bento said: “I don't think we shall be short of offers for Miguel Veloso. When you consider the teams that are reported to be interested in him, I'm sure we will lose him.”

Bento’s candid admission contrasted sharply with recent comments made by Sporting president Felipe Soares Franco, who insisted there was “no chance” that Veloso would be allowed to go.

Despite being on the losing end, the 21-year-old managed to impress the United brass yet again with another accomplished performance at the heart of Sporting’s midfield.

Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the £10m-rated Portuguese international, but Veloso has already let it be known that Old Trafford is his dream destination.

Goal.com

[unitedfan]

Nasri Coy Over Future

Samir Nasri has announced that he is not thinking about his future and has spoken to nobody despite continuing reports linking him with a move away from Marseille.



zoom - galleria The 20-year-old is one of the hottest properties in France and he has received interest from such luminaries as Real Madrid, Inter and Manchester United.

Having represented France at every junior level before making his full debut in March, Nasri has been cited as the New Zinedine Zidane.

That pressure has not had much affect on the attacking midfielder and nor has the speculation over his future at Stade Vélodrome.

“Leaving is not part of my plans for the moment,” he told La Provence.

“My goal is to help L’OM to return to the top of the table. Today, my head is at Marseille.

“We will talk about the rest later, let people talk. We have not discussed it with my representatives yet.”

Last summer he refused to even consider leaving Marseille, stating that he "would have to be mad" as he still had to prove himself in Ligue 1.

Goal.com

Just a name drop, I'd say