There Is Only One Sinnacle

Seedorf: Ronaldinho Not Needed

Clarence Seedorf has warned AC Milan that money should be spent on needed reinforcements and not on out-of-form Ronaldinho..

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I’m sure these comments wouldn’t be caused by the fact that Ronaldinho would partner up with Kaka in attack instead of Seedorf.

Barcelona seek to send Henrique away on-loan

Barcelona are seeking to loan out new signing Henrique for the coming season.

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Smart move, Didn’t see Henrique cracking this Barcelona team on the upcoming season so I figured that this transfer had to be one for the future as they say.

Zenit ready to make shock move for Barcelona’s Messi

Zenit St Petersburg’s backers are ready to make a sensational offer for Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

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Sometimes I have no idea how people say these things with a straight face.

New Tottenham signing Giovani Dos Santos, 19, has revealed he turned down Man United, Chelsea and Ajax to sign at White Hart Lane from Barcelona. “I also had good offers [from them], but I loved Juande Ramos’ ideas. I am going to do great things with the Spurs,” he said. (Setanta Sports, 1110)

Once he does great things for Spurs he is then going to want a transfer to a bigger team. Dos Santos should walk around the streets of London with a shirt saying that getting playing time for Tottenham is just a stepping stone for bigger and better things. He’ll spend two years at Tottenham, three tops.

Barcelona are being linked with a loan move for Chelsea’s unwanted striker Andriy Shevchenko, a deal which could suit both parties. The Spanish club would not have to pay a transfer fee and while the Londoners could remove the Ukrainian’s wages from their books. (El Mundo Deportivo, 1140)

A Shevchenko, Henry partnership would be a dream pairing in 2004.

Arsenal are poised to move for Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins - if Emmanuel Adebayor is sold. Nigerian striker Martins has a £13m release clause in his contract if he requests a move. (The Sun)

Martins to Arsenal has been mentioned for a year now but nothing has ever happen. Somewhere Michael Owen must be wondering when his transfer rumors will flare up again.

New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari is considering a £27m swoop for Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Robinho, who is unhappy at the lack of movement on an improvement on his £30,000-a-week deal at the Bernabeu. (Daily Mail)

Kaka? Ribery? little too no chance. Robinho however Chelsea can convince Real Madrid to sell. I wonder if Robinho is going to come out and say. “If you want me to play like Raul, pay me like Raul.”

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill has told Gareth Barry he can have his dream move to Liverpool - but that the Anfield club will have to splash out £18m to land the midfielder. (The Sun)

At this point Christmas points will not be exchanged between the two.

Arsenal are weighing up a move for Werder Bremen’s French-born midfielder Amaury Bischoff. (The Sun)

Perfect Arsenal target. Talented yet a year or two away from fulfilling his promise so Arsenal can then sign him at a lower fee before all the other big clubs come calling.

An estimated record 300 million TV viewers worldwide are believed to have watched the Euro 2008 final in which Spain beat Germany 1-0 in Vienna. (Daily Express)

Speaks for itself.

Torres Clinches Euro 2008 For Spain

Spain overcame a nervy start to outclass and control Germany in a largely one-sided Euro 2008 final…

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Who would of guessed that in 2008 not only would Eli Manning and the New York Giants would be Super Bowl winners but Spain would also win a major event. Much like the 2004 final one moment, one mistake and the game was decided as Torres who ran his lungs out the entire game fought through Phillip Lahm and chipped it over Jens Lehmann for the deciding goal. History will more than likely remember Lahm for his deciding goal against Turkey but it must be said that his defence was below par the entire tournament.

Adebayor: I’ll Play Like Henry When I’m Paid Like Henry

Emmanuel Adebayor has elaborated on his Arsenal ultimatum, insisting he will only stay if the club pays him as much as they paid Thierry Henry…

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Apparently Adebayor goal scoring touch wasn’t the only thing lost when he cut his hair. The boys common sense must of gone along as well.

Juventus make contact with Valencia for Banega

Juventus have expressed interest in Valencia midfielder Ever Banega.

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Highly unlikely that Valencia will want to offload Banega often paying 30 million euros just 6 months ago. The only way this deal gets done is if Juventus floor Valencia with an offer or if the Spanish club is in need of the transfer fee. Each seem unlikely.

Ballack A Doubt For The Final

Germany captain Michael Ballack is a major doubt for the Euro 2008 final after sustaining a calf injury during the side’s 3-2 win over Turkey.

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Just can’t see Ballack missing this game. If he can walk he’ll play. Also think this is just mind games on Germany’s part to make Spain feel more comfortable with the idea that they will beat Germany with ease now that Ballack is hurt.

Chelsea will hijack Barcelona’s move for Russian playmaker Andrei Arshavin. The Blues also hope to sign Franck Ribery and Kaka. (The Sunday Times)

Still see no sense in paying double what you would of a month ago for a 27 year old player. Ribery and Kaka make a nice headline but the reality is both players have little desire leaving their current clubs.

German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is a £10m target for Manchester United and Chelsea. (Daily Star)

Schweinsteiger sure didn’t hurt his stock this past month that’s for sure. Bayern Munich will not even return a call for someone willingly to pay 10 million pounds for Schweinsteiger much less accept an offer.

Spanish holding midfielder Marcos Senna could move to Arsenal as a replacement for Mathieu Flamini . (The Sunday Telegraph)

The 30 and over crowd usually move away from Arsenal and not to Arsenal.

Martin O’Neill has blown his chance of keeping Gareth Barry, Villa’s captain is furious that his manager has found time to be a pundit at Euro 2008 but not to talk to him about his future. (News of the World)

O’Neill could of moved next door to Barry and the two could have breakfast everyday. That wouldn’t stop Barry desire for a Liverpool move.

Liverpool want to swap Peter Crouch for Spurs striker Robbie Keane in a player-plus-cash deal. (News of the World)

This is a new rumor. Can’t see Keane wanting to jump ship and can’t see Tottenham being able to replace him despite their lavish spending this off season.

Inter Sign Quaresma - Report

TV station SIC reports that Inter Milan have completed the signing of FC Porto star Ricardo Quaresma in exchange for 35 million euros and midfielder Pele.

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Not a done deal yet but it makes sense for all sides. I like Quaresma, I really want to like Quaresma but he makes it hard. Mourinho use to get mad at Joe Cole for not playing defense. Quaresma makes Cole look like Claude Makelele when it comes to defensive responsibilities.

Zenit reveal Barcelona approach for Arshavin

Zenit St Petersburg’s sporting director Konstantin Sarsaniya has revealed they’ve received an approach from Barcelona for midfielder Andrei Arshavin.

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I don’t get the fuss over Arshavin. A couple of months ago he was Newcastle or Manchester City class now after two great games he is Barcelona class? Somebody is going to over paid and end up regretting it over two well played Euro 2008 games.

Porto Track Falcão

News daily Record suggests FC Porto are hot on the trail of River Plate sensation Radamel Falcão.

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Falcao has been a big part of River’s turn around this season in Argentina. If Porto can sign Falcao and get rid of Ernesto Farías and Mario Bolatti who haven’t taken to the European game it would be a win-win for Porto.

Madrid Striker Flirts With Roma

Real Madrid benchwarmer Julio Baptista has opened up the possibility of a move to Roma by declaring his admiration for the Giallorossi.

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The only problem with Baptista is that he needs to find a team that will play him every week. Whatever happens Real Madrid fans will remember him fondly for scoring the only goal at the Camp Nou in Madrid’s 1-0 win over Barcelona last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo is on the brink of a remarkable U-turn to declare his allegiance to Manchester United as he is unhappy with Real Madrid’s public quibbling. (Daily Express)

Real will ask Ronaldo to take a pay cut to leave United . The Spanish club are only prepared to offer the winger a £5.5m-a-season deal, leaving him £1.5m out of pocket. (Daily Star)

This is no closer to being resolved one way or another today as it was yesterday which is why I often don’t include Ronaldo stories here. Added this one over the fact that Madrid would ask Ronaldo to take a paycut. I’d be like you kidding me? You are willing to offer United 100 million in a transfer fee and then ask the player to take a paycut. This story can’t be true.

Inter Milan have reportedly agreed on a deal for England midfielder Frank Lampard, although Chelsea sources maintain they have yet to receive an offer from the Italians. (Various)

Lampard has agreed in principle to a four-year deal worth £6m a year, with Chelsea receiving a £7m transfer fee. (Daily Mirror)

Good as gone at this point. Been saying since day one that the best thing for Lampard’s career is a move away from Chelsea.

But Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has asked chief executive Peter Kenyon to sign AC Milan’s Kaka and Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery before the club go on a pre-season tour of Malaysia, China and Moscow. (Daily Mail)

They mention it so matter of fact. Like Scolari is asking Kenyon to pick up a loaf of bread of the grocery store. Kaka has already said he doesn’t want to leave Milan and isn’t the type to be motivated by money. If Kaka wanted to leave due to A.C Milan not being in the Champions league we’d all know it by now.

Despite on Friday declaring his intentions to stay at Arsenal, Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor has changed his stance and is now welcoming interest from Barcelona and AC Milan. (Various)

Adebayor is simply not worth the hassle. If I were Arsenal I’d make up Adebayor mind for him and sell him to the highest bidder.

Paul Ince wants to make Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini his first signing as Blackburn boss. (The Sun)

Don’t get this at all. Brad Friedel is not only one of the leaders of this team but one of its better players as well. You can still make the case that Friedel is a top 5 EPL goalie. Yes, Friedel is up there in age but it isn’t like Cudicini is that young either.

Tottenham will need special dispensation to sign Heurelho Gomes because the Brazilian goalkeeper has not played in the required 75% of international matches during the past two years. (The Times)

He’ll get it, maybe on appeal but he’ll get it. If you are good enough to crack the Brazil national team you are good enough to get a work permit to play in England.

Galatasaray have signed Liverpool goalkeeper Charles Itandje for £2m, scuppering Scott Carson’s chance of a quick exit from Anfield. (Daily Mail)

Itandje won’t be missed. Liverpool will gladly accept that transfer fee.

Arsenal will sign Oguzhan Ozyakup from AZ Alkmaar when the midfielder turns 16 in September. (The Times)

Liverpool are close to signing Danish youngster Nikola Saric, 17, on a three-year deal from Herfolge. (The Sun)

Few things bug me more than these signings. Forget about the 6+5 rule, Fifa and UEFA need to way a find to stop this talent drain. I’m still waiting for Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle to become the next Zidane and Henry.

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is ready to make a move for Manchester United defender Jonny Evans, who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. (The Sun)

Just keep him away from the Christmas parties. Oh and hopefully this transfer would work out better than the last player purchased from Manchester United that being Alan Smith.

Striker Fernando Torres believes Spain will dominate world football for years to come after breaking their major championship jinx by reaching the Euro 2008 final. (The Sun)

Easy there, first focus on winning against Germany before taking over the world. B.T.W need you to score on Sunday since I have a Torres more goals then Ronaldo at Euro 2008 prop that I’d like to cash in. Thanks.

Emmanuel Adebayor has insisted he is ’staying at Arsenal’ and that money would never be his motivation to move clubs.

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Well that should put this transfer rumor to bed until next summer at least. Not sure if it’s a good thing or bad thing that Arsenal won’t cash in on Adebayor but I would think most Arsenal fans are happy with the news.

Spurs to sign keeper Gomes from PSV Eindhoven

Tottenham have agreed a deal with PSV Eindhoven for the transfer of Brazil goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes - seemingly spelling the end of Paul Robinson’s stay at White Hart Lane.

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The best choice Tottenham could make since they decided that Paul Robinson wasn’t in their future. With alittle luck Gomes just may turn into Brazil’s number 1 heading into the next World Cup.

McClaren Sets Sights On Robinson

According to the latest transfer speculation, new FC Twente boss Steve McClaren is hoping to convince former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson to follow him to the Netherlands.

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That will have to be some sell job by McClaren to convince Robinson to make the switch. Robinson I’m sure is desperate to be considered for the England number one again. Going to FC Twente he would run the risk of becoming out of sight, out of mind.

Benfica swoop for Real Madrid pair

Benfica have swooped for Real Madrid midfielder Javier Balboa and could add goalkeeper Jordi Codina to the new deal.

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Good move for Benfica getting Balboa who was always going to be on the outside looking in at Real Madrid but has the talent to blossom at Benfica.

Daring Mourinho Ready To Go Robben In Madrid

Jose Mourinho is ready to cause a stir in Madrid as he attempts to try and lure Arjen Robben to the San Siro according to SportMediaset.

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Can’t see this one happening. When Robben left Chelsea last year he threw his old team under the bus blasting the boring style of play. Unless he is forced out of Madrid, Robben will have no intention of jumping ship.

Donadoni: One Penalty Got Me Sacked

Now former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni says that his reign only came to an end due to one missed penalty.

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Donadoni bugs me here. He may of got the shaft, he may of never been given a fair shake but saying one penalty did him in is utter foolishness. Naturally he didn’t mention that if Mutu made his penalty that Italy would of been dead and buried. You can easily make the claim that Donadoni was out coached in 3 out of his 4 games at Euro 2008.

Brazil playmaker Ronaldinho will reject a move to Manchester City as the 28-year-old wants to stay at Barcelona. (Daily Mirror)

Shocking

There is some good news for City fans however as the club will clinch the £18m signing of Brazilian striker Jo from CSKA Moscow on Friday - free of third-party complications. (Daily Express)

Jo can’t do any worst than Nery Castillo. Still remember Jo and Vagner Love (great name) putting on impressive performances against Inter Milan in the previous Champions League. Jo has all the physical tools to succeed in the EPL.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate is ready to fight Liverpool to keep £12m England winger Stewart Downing. (Various)

Southgate is lucky that Downing signed a contact extension at the end of last season. In doing so Middlesbrough can at least ask top dollar for Downing. If Liverpool really want Downing, Middlesbrough may fight the good fight but in the end they will sell.

Blackburn chairman John Williams has said David Bentley’s future at Ewood Park will be decided when the midfielder comes back for pre-season training on 7 July. (The Sun)

Speaking of fighting the good fight and selling at the end, we have Blackburn. Keeping an unhappy Bentley at Blackburn when he doesn’t want to be there would sabotage Paul Ince reign at Blackburn.

Everton will reluctantly sell £10m-rated striker Andy Johnson in a bid to generate urgently-needed transfer funds. Sunderland, West Ham, Wigan, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Middlesbrough are interested in the 27-year-old. (Daily Mail)

Why would they reluctantly sell Andy Johnson? 10 million pounds for your number two striker you should gladly sell. If Andy Johnson wasn’t English and didn’t play in the EPL he’d be worth half what Sunderland are offering for him.

Arsenal have made an approach for Portugal midfielder Miguel Veloso, according to the Sporting Lisbon player’s agent. (Various)

For the love of god Sporting Lisbon does not exist. It’s Sporting Clube de Portugal. Even if you want to white wash it just call it Sporting. Arsenal are not going to pay top dollar for Veloso. This is just Veloso agent trying to dump up business for his client.

New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has written to the Blues players who were not involved in Euro 2008 telling them to cut short their holidays - because he is starting work a week early. (Daily Mirror)

To bad he didn’t give the courtesy of writing the Portuguese players that their holidays were starting a week early when he took the Chelsea job.