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**Official Football (Soccer) Thread"

Bridge hits jackpot with City

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MANCHESTER CITY want to make Wayne Bridge the highest-paid full-back in the world — by handing him a £21million contract.

City last night agreed a £12m fee with Chelsea for the left-back, who will be given a four-year deal worth £5.2m a season.

That is a rise of £30,000 a week on his deal with the Blues as well as a guarantee of first-team football at Eastlands.

Bridge, 28, has made just 70 appearances for Chelsea in the last 2½ years since the arrival of Ashley Cole from Arsenal.

Chelsea have accepted City’s impressive bid and given boss Mark Hughes permission to speak to the England star.

However, Stamford Bridge chief Luiz Felipe Scolari has made it clear that he is not eager to see the defender leave.

Bridge is highly rated by England boss Fabio Capello — who sees him as a genuine challenger to Cole for a place in the national side.

But with no money to spend in the January window unless he sells, Scolari is likely to accept Bridge’s departure and look to buy a striker.

Bridge is expected to travel to Manchester today to finalise terms and arrange a medical.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article2087454.ece
 
Appiah chases Tottenham contract

Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah is training with Tottenham this week, with a view to earning a permanent move.

_45348831_appiah_getty226.jpg


The 28-year-old has been without a club since ending his deal with Turkish side Fenerbahce in August and has previously been linked to Arsenal and West Ham.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: "He had a bit of a problem with his knee but he is fine now - he's fit and looks OK. If he is fit he's a terrific player.

"He is going to train with us and we'll have a chat and see what the deal is."

The Ghanaian captain, who looks set to be offered a deal until the end of the season, was also on Redknapp's radar when the Spurs manager was in charge at Portsmouth.

"I watched him an awful lot for Ghana - about six times - but I ended up taking Sulley Muntari because Juventus were asking £14m for Appiah," added Redknapp.

Muntari arrived at Pompey from Udinese in May 2007 but is now at Inter Milan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7813007.stm
 
MCP said:
Appiah chases Tottenham contract

Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah is training with Tottenham this week, with a view to earning a permanent move.

_45348831_appiah_getty226.jpg


The 28-year-old has been without a club since ending his deal with Turkish side Fenerbahce in August and has previously been linked to Arsenal and West Ham.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said: "He had a bit of a problem with his knee but he is fine now - he's fit and looks OK. If he is fit he's a terrific player.

"He is going to train with us and we'll have a chat and see what the deal is."

The Ghanaian captain, who looks set to be offered a deal until the end of the season, was also on Redknapp's radar when the Spurs manager was in charge at Portsmouth.

"I watched him an awful lot for Ghana - about six times - but I ended up taking Sulley Muntari because Juventus were asking £14m for Appiah," added Redknapp.

Muntari arrived at Pompey from Udinese in May 2007 but is now at Inter Milan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7813007.stm
Click to expand...

damn good buy..that one really steams me b/c he was virtually free...now you all have a motor in the midfield

we will soon too ;)

Gunners open talks over Arshavin deal​


Arsenal appear ready to break with recent tradition and spend big on an experienced player in January following the news that they are in talks with Zenit St Petersburg regarding a transfer for Andrei Arshavin.

Arsene Wenger has freely admitted that his side requires an injection of creativity with Cesc Fabregas sidelined for the foreseeable future and it appears that Russia international Arshavin fits the bill for The Gunners.

Arsenal were first linked with the playmaker no less than 12 months ago and talk of a move to Emirates Stadium continued after his inspirational performances that helped Zenit secure the Uefa Cup last season and his displays for his country at Euro 2008.

After helping Russia defeat Sweden and Holland with two outstanding individual performances that caught the attention of the European public, Arshavin was linked with a number of top clubs and spoke openly of his wish to join Barcelona.

It appeared increasingly likely that a move to Tottenham would then materialise after Barca withdrew from the race, but Zenit’s excessive transfer demands meant that a move to Arsenal’s North London rivals fell through in August.

With Arshavin’s form dipping off following the constant uncertainty over his future and with Zenit finally relenting to his publically stated desire to leave the club, it appears that Arsenal are now in pole position to recruit the 27-year-old following the opening of the winter window.

Reports in Russia claim The Gunners have tabled an official bid for the player who can operate in midfield or in attack and Zenit have further confirmed that talks are taking place between the two parties.

A reported transfer fee of £20 million would make Arshavin Arsenal’s record signing and, although remaining typically coy on the matter, Wenger himself recently hinted at a possible interest in the man recently named Russia’s Athlete of the Year, stating: "If there is any progress made you will be informed.”

Having played for Zenit St Petersburg in their Champions League campaign this season, Arshavin would be ineligible for Arsenal in the knockout phase if he does indeed join The Gunners.

Meanwhile, The North London club have confirmed that young midfielder Conor Henderson has signed professional terms at Emirates Stadium.
Click to expand...

http://www.setanta.com//uk/Articles...League-Arsenal-make-Arshavin-move/gnid-34217/​
 
Last edited:
matt357 said:
damn good buy..that one really steams me b/c he was virtually free...now you all have a motor in the midfield
Click to expand...

The funny thing about this is that Arsenal had the oppurtunity to buy him but decided not to pursue him.

Oh well, our gain, your loss.
 
All day i've been hearing about Jermaine Defoe, and Stuart Downing. What's the skinny?
 
DJCandle said:
All day i've been hearing about Jermaine Defoe, and Stuart Downing. What's the skinny?
Click to expand...

Skinny? :confused:

Anyway. Spurs has confirmed that they have bought Jermain Defoe.

Can't fucking believe it.

Half time. Tottenham 0 Burnley 1 :angry::angry:
 
Thats more like it.

Tottenham 4 Burnley 1 (1st Leg)

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Welcome back Jermain.

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MCP said:
The funny thing about this is that Arsenal had the oppurtunity to buy him but decided not to pursue him.

Oh well, our gain, your loss.
Click to expand...

yep....our gain ;)

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Euro 2008 star Andrei Arshavin was last night on the verge of signing for Arsenal in a cut-price £10million deal.

The 27-year-old playmaker arrived for talks with Gunners chiefs at London’s Landmark hotel with his wife Yulia at lunchtime yesterday.

Arsene Wenger is ready to offer Arshavin a three-year deal as his club Zenit St Petersburg concede they can no longer command the unrealistic £20m they had been demanding with the player’s desperation to quit the club so well documented.

Zenit last night confirmed talks were underway and Arshavin’s agent Dennis Lachter said: "It’s like that famous movie ‘show me the money’ (Jerry Maguire). It’s just like that. The appetite of Zenit is huge. If they realise times have changed then the Andrei move (to Arsenal) could be very possible."

Arshavin had even threatened to buy himself out of his contract earlier this week because Zenit wanted so much for him even though he is not eligible for the latter stages of the Champions League.Signing Arshavin will finally appease frustrated Arsenal fans who had been angered by Wenger’s stubborn loyalty to his youngsters and his refusal to dip into the millions available to him at the Emirates.

Arshavin’s versatility will also be a massive asset to the north Londoners as he can play as a second striker, an attacking midfielder or as a winger - all areas in which Arsenal have been weakened by injury.

He was a key player as Zenit stormed to the Russian League title and the UEFA Cup last year and was nominated for European Footballer of the Year.
Click to expand...



http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...i-arshavin-signing-exclusive-115875-21021457/​
 
I think that Arsene had a hard long look at his team and now decided to go and spend some money.

I'm sure that with the fiasco with Jose Reyes move from Sevilla Wenger has been very reluctant to spend money on players. Its taken Arsenal's wobble in the league to go ahead with the purchase of Arshavin.
 
Villarreal warn clubs off Jozy

altidore-412.jpg


Villarreal have confirmed there is interest in young American striker Jozy Altidore, but they have no intention of letting him leave.

It had been reported that Everton were keen on taking the highly-rated 19-year-old on loan for the rest of the season, but Villarreal want their summer signing from MLS to continue adapting to life in La Liga, despite only using him sparingly so far during his Spanish career.

Yellow Submarine coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he told the club's directors that he wanted to keep Altidore, as they geared up for the second half of the season.

"The squad is prepared for the battles of the second part of the season," said Pellegrini. ''I have demanded the continuity of Altidore within our club, but the final decision lies with the directors."

The club admitted a number of other sides had asked about the American international - but revealed no bids were on the table after they confirmed they had no intention of letting him leave.

"Some clubs have asked about Altidore, but formally there is nothing on the table," said a spokesman. "Altidore is a player of the future and Villarreal is not interested in a sale."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=607837&sec=transfers&cc=5901
 
Arsenal would suit me, says Andrei Arshavin

andrei_arshavin_1237603c.jpg


Andrei Arshavin has dropped a clear hint that he would be well suited to Arsenal after comparing the style of Zenit St Petersburg to Arsene Wenger's young team.


Zenit say they have already turned down one bid of £10 million, but it is understood that Arsenal remain in negotiations over the Russia forward who impressed with his performances during Euro 2008.

"In some games last season, we played football which was very similar to that of Arsenal," said Arshavin, who also appears well aware that his favoured No 10 shirt is already taken by William Gallas. He added: "I would prefer my present No 10 but in the team where I hope to move it's not vacant. So I'm ready for any number they are going to offer me."

Arshavin's comments come just as Zenit manager Dick Advocaat admitted that the uncertainty was affecting his plans in January transfer window. "We didn't even start negotiating about new players," he said.

"We are still waiting until the bosses decide if they should let Andrei Arshavin, Pavel Pogrebnyak and Anatoliy Tymoschuk go to other teams or not. In this situation my hands are tied."

Zenit value Arshavin at closer to £20 million and will be aware that Manchester City could become interested if they fail to clinch deals for their main attacking targets.

Arsenal are set to be without injured captain Cesc Fabregas until around April, while wingers Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky are also sidelined. However, their Croatia striker, Eduardo, continues his return to fitness following almost a year out with a broken leg.

"Eduardo is fit now and available to play, but he has played 45 minutes for the reserves after nine months out, so that means he is not ready to play in the Premier League just yet," Wenger said.

"I have, though, been impressed with his performances in training. We will see how he develops. Everybody is so impatient with him. Let's not rush it too much."

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Danish striker, Nicklas Bendtner, said that the players have resolved to put last year's disappointments behind them.

"We have talked among ourselves that 2008 was not the strongest, so we want to come out in 2009 and show what we are really about," said Bendtner, who scored Arsenal's winner against Bolton on Saturday.

"We have won both of our games in the new year and have shown that we are strong. I have got a few late goals now, but as long as I can help the team win, I am happy."
Click to expand...

Way to kill those rumors. :cool:
 
Cole ruled out for rest of season

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury.

_45385934_joecole282.jpg


The 27-year-old England international ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in Wednesday's 4-1 FA Cup win at Southend.

Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "I am very sad for Joe to have suffered this injury and I am disappointed to have lost a very important player."

Cole will also miss England's World Cup qualifier with Ukraine in April and the friendlies with Spain and Slovakia.

He is also a doubt for the June qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Andorra.

Chelsea and England skipper John Terry added: "We're all behind Coley to get fit as soon as possible. He's going to be a big miss for us and I keep on saying he's the one who really opens things up in tight moments.

"He did it again on Wednesday against Southend. What a pass he produced for Salomon Kalou's goal.

"We're all gutted for him and we know how much it means to him to be playing. No-one will be more hurt at missing games through injury.

"But one thing we all know is that he'll work just as hard off the pitch to get fit as he does on it."
Click to expand...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/7835275.stm
 
MCP said:
Who's gives a hoot about beckham, the most overrated player in the world.
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Player yes, but the best dead ball specialist in the world.

2nd to no human being playing this game on a professional level to date.
 
Nil-Nil @ Whitehart Lane. I say Jermaine Defoe knocks one in before its all said and done.
 
Now that's a counter. :yes:

1-nil Pompey.

Credit David James on the save, and then Nugent for that blast.
 
PinoleroNicoya85 said:
Villarreal warn clubs off Jozy

altidore-412.jpg


Villarreal have confirmed there is interest in young American striker Jozy Altidore, but they have no intention of letting him leave.

It had been reported that Everton were keen on taking the highly-rated 19-year-old on loan for the rest of the season, but Villarreal want their summer signing from MLS to continue adapting to life in La Liga, despite only using him sparingly so far during his Spanish career.

Yellow Submarine coach Manuel Pellegrini confirmed that he told the club's directors that he wanted to keep Altidore, as they geared up for the second half of the season.

"The squad is prepared for the battles of the second part of the season," said Pellegrini. ''I have demanded the continuity of Altidore within our club, but the final decision lies with the directors."

The club admitted a number of other sides had asked about the American international - but revealed no bids were on the table after they confirmed they had no intention of letting him leave.

"Some clubs have asked about Altidore, but formally there is nothing on the table," said a spokesman. "Altidore is a player of the future and Villarreal is not interested in a sale."

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=607837&sec=transfers&cc=5901
Click to expand...

Shit, Villareal needs to start playing him!
That said, Jozy's not trying to go anywhere.
 
Tottenham agree deal for Palacios

Tottenham have agreed a deal with Wigan to sign Wilson Palacios for £12m.

The midfielder has passed a medical after agreeing terms and the transfer will be completed once the Honduras international receives a work permit.

Palacios, 24, has been at Wigan since January 2008 after signing from Deportivo Olimpia on a three-and-a-half year deal for £1m.

Wilson_Palacios_713708a.jpg


He has agreed a five-and-a-half year contract at White Hart Lane after deciding to leave the JJB Stadium.

It is understood that Palacios had reservations about moving to London from north-west England, where he was settled.

But Spurs boss Harry Redknapp said he was always confident the deal would go through and has now got his man.

"He will come in here and get after it and play aggressively. He will work and close and run. I feel that we need a bit of that around the place," he said.

"Palacios is a player I have liked since I first saw him, and he has the ability to go on to become a top, top player.

"I just like the way he plays. He is an all-round modern midfielder - he gets after it, he is box-to-box.

"I speak to people who have played against him, like Frank Lampard, and no-one has had an easy game against him. He is after you all the time."

Wigan boss Bruce said: "The club record transfer fee will be smashed if the deal goes through, but that was never mine or the club's motivation here.

"The club is not in the business of trying to make a profit on players. I want to build a winning team here and keep my best players together.

"We did everything we could as a club to keep Wilson. We sat down with him last week and offered him a very good new deal, and tried to convince him his interests were best served by staying here at Wigan Athletic.

"However, I'm a big believer in not standing in the way of players' careers, as long as the terms are right for our club and I wish him all the best.

"He has served the club well in short time with us and has been a credit to both himself and the club.

"It is no wonder we have some big clubs enquiring about our players because they have done very well this season. I always said that my biggest challenge this month was to keep the squad together, whilst trying to add to it at the same time.

"There are always tough decisions to make, but it's my job to make what I see as the right choices for the long-term good of Wigan Athletic."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7840642.stm
 
Cudicini makes Tottenham switch

Tottenham have completed the signing of goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini on a free transfer from Chelsea

_45413042_cudicini_226get.jpg


The 35-year-old joined the Blues on loan in 1999 from Italian side Castel Di Sangro and signed a permanent deal a year later, costing the club £130,000.

Cudicini will provide competition for Heurelho Gomes who has been the subject of much criticism this season.

"Chelsea can confirm Carlo Cudicini has signed for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer," read a Chelsea statement.

"The club would like to take this opportunity to thank Carlo for his years of service and wish him well."

Tottenham paid PSV Eindhoven £7m for Brazilian Gomes in the summer and he struggled with his form initially before a string of improved displays.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, who also signed defender Pascal Chimbonda from Sunderland on Monday, has been looking for a goalkeeper after releasing reserve team keeper Cesar Sanchez earlier this month.

"I met Heurelho Gomes and Ben (Alnwick) so it will be fantastic to work with them and we'll try to push each other," Cudicini said.

"I think it will be a fair competition and that is good for the team.

"At this moment the team is not in the best position but it doesn't matter - I'm here to bring some experience and try to push this club forward."

Voted Chelsea Player of the Year in 2002, Cudicini has found his chances limited since Petr Cech's arrival in 2004.

"I'm really happy to be here to take on this new challenge and I'm really looking forward to being part of this great team and great club," said Cudicini.

"I'm really happy with this choice. This was the time to find a new challenge and push for other success - and for the club as well.

"I was at Chelsea for 10 years - nearly a third of my life. It was a fantastic experience but now we move forward."

In total, he made 208 starts for Chelsea and he featured four times this season, most recently in the 1-1 FA Cup draw with Southend on 3 January.


Meanwhile, Tottenham have agreed the transfer of Hossam Ghaly to Saudi Arabian side Nassr Saudi Club.

The 27-year-old Egyptian midfielder joined Spurs in January 2006 from Dutch side Feyenoord and made 34 appearances, scoring three times.

He was booed by Spurs fans as he warmed up among the substitutes in the FA Cup win over Wigan on 2 January.

Ghaly has not played for the first team since May 2007 when he threw down his shirt in anger when he was replaced after coming on as a substitute.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/tottenham_hotspur/7851011.stm
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This looks like a good buy to cover for Gomes, I'm not sure about Chimbonda. Didn't like his attitude the last time he was playing for Spurs.
 
West Ham are set to announce the signing of 19-year-old Brescia striker Savio Nsereko.

_45413209_nsereko226_getty.jpg


The Uganda-born German will be a direct replacement for Craig Bellamy, who moved to Manchester City last week.

The fee for Nsereko has not been revealed but it is expected to be a club record, topping the £7.5m West Ham paid Liverpool for Bellamy in 2007.

Hammers technical director Gianluca Nani worked with the Germany Under-19 international when he was at Brescia.

The forward can play in a variety of attacking positions and was named player of the tournament at last year's Uefa Under-19 Championship in the Czech Republic, which was won by Germany.

He was also reported to have attracted interest from Italian giants Roma and Juventus.

Nsereko has scored three goals in 17 appearances for Serie B side Brescia this season.

His signing will reassure fans who had feared the Londoners would only be a selling club during the January transfer window.

Owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has been beset by financial problems in recent months and is considering selling the club.

But other than Bellamy, who was determined to leave Upton Park, West Ham have only sold fringe players Matthew Etherington, Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins.

Meanwhile, both the Hammers and Juventus have quashed speculation that Carlton Cole could be about to move from east London to Turin.

"We are very happy with the players we have in the team and we will not make any moves in the January transfer market," said Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/7851056.stm
 
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