There Is Only One Sinnacle

photo credit: Jan S0L0

Nightclub owners in Rio de Janeiro can rejoice once again, after losing Adriano to Roma they have more than made up for his absent with Flamengo bringing in Ronaldinho from A.C Milan.

There was never any doubt how the this story would end for the former World Player of the Year. After not being able to reclaim his Barcelona form for A.C Milan it was time to go back home for his last serious run in football but not with boyhood club Gremio instead he signs with Brazilian gaints Flamengo.

Interesting how it worked out for Flamengo who two years ago missed out on Ronaldo who grew up a Flamengo fan but now Ronaldinho has traded in one red and white jersey for another. Hope Ronaldinho can reclaim his love of football playing at home again.

Liverpool have been given the green light to make a £17m bid for Sevilla’s 25-year-old striker Alvaro Negredo. Talksport

Money is a tad rich but I like what Negredo would bring to the table. He is built for the English game and would work well with Torres.

Manchester United are planning a £25m move for Barcelona’s 22-year-old defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets. Caughtoffside.com

Barcelona could use the money but can’t see Barca wanting to cash in on Sergio Busquets.

Manchester City full-back Wayne Bridge will sign a loan deal with West Ham in time to face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday. The Hammers have agreed to meet the full cost of Bridge’s £70,000-a-week wages. Daily Star

I’d hate to see the Manchester City books and see what some of these players are making. Manchester City will have to end up giving some players away for free provided the new club picks up their contract.

Former England captain David Beckham, 35, is willing to take a pay cut to force through a loan move from Los Angeles Galaxy to Tottenham. Daily Mirror

David Beckham is the Brett Farve of soccer. Minus the cell phone pictures.

Spurs are interested in Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, 28, and the Toffees could agree a swap deal for striker Robbie Keane with the north London club. Daily Mirror

In the end it will be about the money for Pienaar but considering all the talent Tottenham has in his position I’d be on the lookout for another club if I was him.

Chelsea are also pondering a £3m bid for South African Pienaar. Daily Mail

You wouldn’t say this a couple of years ago but Pienaar would have a better shot at first team football with Chelsea than Tottenham at this point.

Aston Villa have raised their bid for Blackpool skipper Charlie Adam to £3.5m as they battle with Midlands rivals Birmingham to sign the 25-year-old midfielder. Daily Mail

Only a matter of time and money before Blackpool say yes.

Fulham want to sign Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips in a £4m deal, although the 29-year-old would have to take a drop in wages to move to Craven Cottage. the Sun

Shaun Wright-Phillps should run not walk to London in order to link up with old boss Mark Hughes again.

Argentina legend Diego Maradona will hold talks next month about managing an English club – and Blackburn could be favourites to land him. the Sun

Any coach who comes out in the press to say he is talking to a club usually does not end up having the job. Diego just likes having his name in the papers.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish says his West Ham counterpart Avram Grant should ask Karren Brady to stop discussing his team. Daily Mirror

Speaking of people who love talking to the papers we have Karren Brady who does more harm than good when talking to the press.

What everyone figured would happen did happen and Roy Hogdson was finally paid off by Liverpool. The last thing I want to say about Hogdson is that he would of been a great manager of those 1970′s Leeds United teams but the game has moved on since then.

I can understand tipping Kenny Dalglish as the manager til the end of the season. He’ll buy time for the Liverpool ownership group to make the right long term choice going forward and with Kenny Dalglish in charge the pressure will finally fall where it belongs, on the players. Many of them who don’t not deserve to be with this club going forward. King Kenny shouldn’t be the long term answer going forward, makes for a great story but the sequel is never as good as the original.

One of Roy Hogdson fatal flaws and the only one I can’t fault him for is the fact he wasn’t able to change the culture inside the Liverpool locker room with the ownership mess. Jose Mourinho goes to Madrid, soon after Raul and Guti move on. I know I’m going to take heat for saying this but Liverpool need to send Gerrard and Jamie Carragher on their way. While I am a huge fan of having home grown local talent in the lineup Gerrard and Carragher have had 10 years to make it right and while it’s not all their fault if Liverpool want to move forward they have to put the past behind them. One of the failings of Liverpool these last 10 years in there is no local homegrown players to replace Gerrard and Carragher, something every club should have. Notwithstanding this Liverpool club should be built around Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina going forward with the likes of Danny Wilson, Jonjo Shelvey and Daniel Pacheco given long looks.

22 goals in 18 games qare you kidding me? What a season Ronaldo is having adding three more goals to his tally against a very good Villarreal side. My favorite is the hustle on the 3rd goal where Ronaldo actually got up right away after falling to the ground. What a battle between Barcelona and Real Madird this season. As for the Jose Mourinho doing the fist pump to the crowd in front of the Villarreal bench? I’m pretty sure he regrets it but I’ll also believe he was celebrating in the heat of the moment with his son who was seating right behind the Villarreal bench (they might have to move him in future games.)

Taking a moment to talk about Mourinho old team in Inter who showed my heart in the 2-1 come from behind victory against Catania than at any point during Rafa’s regin of terror in Milan. After two wins in two games and seeing A.C Milan drop points in a 4-4 thriller against Udinese don’t think Massimo Moratti regrets dumping Rafa for Leonardo.

Even Andrea Pirlo would be proud of that strike. The way that ball was dipped away from the goal was impressive. My favorite part is Guarin reaction like he couldn’t believe it himself.

Kenny Dalglish is lining up a move for Stoke centre-back Ryan Shawcross and Utrecht striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel as his first signings as Liverpool manager. Metro.co.uk

Again, Kenny Dalgish has as much say in Liverpool’s transfer policy as you and I. While Shawcross has done well for himself at Stoke can’t see a former Manchester United player being the first player Liverpool signs in the transfer window.

Newcastle defender Sol Campbell could be in line for a remarkable third spell with Arsenal as he is unhappy at a lack of first-team action with the Magpies. Daily Express

Could see why Sol Campbell wants to leave. Usually a new coach doesn’t look to a 103 year old defender when remaking the squad.

Arsenal are to move for Bolton defender Gary Cahill or Werder Bremen’s Per Mertesacker after Sebastien Squillaci joined Thomas Vermaelen on the injury list. Daily Mirror

Arsenal are not going to spend 15 million for a defender.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is ready to put in a significant January bid to land Anderlecht teenager Romelu Lukaku. Wenger will look to complete a deal for the £16m-rated 17-year-old this month and will then immediately loan him back to the Belgian champions. Caughtoffside.com

Arsenal should however spend 16 million for Lukaku.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be keen on being reunited with AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato. Ancelotti coached the 21-year-old Brazilian when he was in charge at the San Siro.
Full story: IM Scouting

Never understood the Pato hype. Sure, he is a good player but a couple of years ago you’d figure he would join the likes of Messi and Ronaldo as one of the game’s top young players.

Birmingham boss Alex McLeish is set to beef up his squad with four big-name signings. Tottenham winger David Bentley, 26, is on the verge of completing his switch and moves are in the pipeline for his Spurs team-mate Robbie Keane, 30, Rangers striker Kenny Miller, 31, and Boca Juniors forward Pablo Mouche, 23. Daily Mirror

There is a world of difference between Boca Juniors and Birmingham. Pablo Mouche would have a hard time trying to adapt to the Alex McLeish style of football.

Aston Villa will step up their bid to sign midfielder Joey Barton, 28, from Newcastle this week and could offer 26-year-old Nigel Reo-Coker in part exchange. Daily Mail

Signing Joey Barton won’t endear Gerard Houllier to Aston Villa fans.

Bolton hope to finalise a £2m deal for Middlesbrough defender David Wheater over the next 24 hours. Wolves, Everton and Aston Villa are also interested in the 23-year-old centre-back.
Full story: Daily Mail

Great move for Bolton if this happens and allows them to sell Gary Cahill at the end of the season.

photo credit: wonker

Interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia is hotting up with Turkish side Galatasaray joining a list of teams that include Malaga and Atletico Madrid vying for the 33-year-old Spaniard. goal.com

Considering his age I’d shocked Almunia didn’t wear out his welcome a lot sooner. Also why would Almunia go to Atletico Madrid when he is surely going to be a backup to David De Gea.

Arsenal are favourites to land Belgian winger Eden Hazard. Lille’s 19-year-old has been a target for Manchester United and Real Madrid and is reported to be worth £15m. caughtoffside.com

Still can’t believe for a country loaded with young talent like Belgium how awful they are in qualifying.

Wolves admit defeat to Fulham in race to sign Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell who had looked set for West Ham. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: “Fulham have come in for him, and, rather than take over his contract which runs to the end of the season, they have offered him a long-term deal.”

I’m tired of reading about Steve Sidwell. Way too much ink has been wasted wondering what Sidwell’s next move is.

Manchester United are tracking Brazil keeper Julio Cesar as boss Sir Alex Ferguson prepares for the retirement of Edwin van der Sar. Inter Milan’s 31-year-old shot-stopper said recently: “England is sensational for football because of the atmosphere and fans’ passion.” the Sun

Just because Julia Cesar says something nice about life in England doesn’t mean he wants to move there.

Manchester City will not let striker Roque Santa Cruz return to Blackburn on loan until they agree to buy him in the summer. Daily Mirror

Dumb on Manchester City parts buying so many players they didn’t need. Smart on their part to only let them leave when a club offers something more than a loan deal for them.

Arsenal are weighing up another move for Porto striker Radamel Falcao, a year after an unsuccessful attempt to sign the Colombian, who has scored 18 goals in 24 games this season.
Full story: the Sun

What’s not to like about Falcao, he scores in Portugal, he scores in the Champions League, he’ll score in England as well but it won’t come cheap.

Speculation mounts regarding Hodgson’s replacement but Marseille boss Didier Deschamps has ruled himself out of taking the Anfield hotseat. Daily Star

Blessing in disguise for Liverpool.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has emerged as a surprise contender for the Liverpool job. Daily Express

Liverpool could make dumber choices. We all know Owen Coyle would jump and we all know Bolton will cash a cheque if Liverpool wants to sign Coyle away.

Chelsea are going to stick with their manager Carlo Ancelotti despite their disappointing recent form which has seen them slump to fifth in the table. Daily Telegraph

Scolari must wonder what in the world does Ancelotti have to do in order to get the axe.

Sunderland’s Asamoah Gyan had booked a winter break under the impression that English football stopped at Christmas. Daily Mirror

Wish I could see Gyan’s face when someone told him otherwise.

Tottenham will drop their interest in Newcastle striker Andy Carroll as they are unwilling to match the £25m they believe will convince the Magpies to sell. Spurs winger David Bentley could head to Tyneside on loan however. Goal.com

Tottenham have to sell Robbie Keane if they have no plans for him but sending David Bentley on loan hoping he increases his value isn’t the worst move Tottenham could make.

Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson has emerged as a target for Real Madrid Jose Mourinho.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Not after last night. Mourinho got rid of Johnson once at Chelsea, don’t see the Special One wanting a Glen Johnson reunion. Besides Johnson isn’t a striker.

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba is to opt for Arsenal over London rivals Tottenham and Chelsea as he seeks a move away from Ewood Park. Metro

Samba should leave but it wants the new Blackburn owners look really foolish selling one of their best players so soon after taking control of the club.

West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami is set to move to Italian side Fiorentina. the Sun

I like Behrami but it’s clear he needs to go back to Italian football.

Liverpool are being linked with Newcastle United winger Wayne Routledge. caughtoffside

Not that I believe this to be true but it’s sad reading this. Jermaine Pennant is a better player than Wayne Routledge.

AC Milan are ready to offer forward Alexandre Pato to Manchester City to convince them to part with striker Mario Balotelli. caughtoffside

If trades happen in football this one would actually make sense for both teams.

Midfielder Lassana Diarra has opened the door to a move to Manchester United after telling Real Madrid he wants to leave. talksport

Sell him and use the funds to buy a striker then.

Barcelona defender Gabriel Milito could move to Blackburn on loan after he was offered to Rovers and West Ham. Daily Mirror

Milito will go to Italian before joining the likes of Blackburn and West Ham.

photo credit: Jan S0L0

Gazzetta dello Sport claims AC Milan forward Ronaldinho has decided to join Brazilian club Gremio. That means Blackburn must look elsewhere for their first signing of the transfer window.
Full story: Gazzetta dello Sport

What a mickey mouse club Blackburn comes off as in these Ronaldinho rumours.

However, Blackburn manager Steve Kean would like to meet Ronaldinho face to face to ascertain whether the player wants to join the club. Daily Mirror

Ronaldinho wants to go back to Brazil case closed. He most likely has never even heard of Steve Kean before. Why would he want to make time for him?

Manchester United are considering a move to sign Real Madrid defender Pepe, with the Portuguese international’s contract renewal problems continuing. caughtoffside

Pepe is a younger Rio Ferdinand but still can’t see him leaving Real Madrid.

Tottenham have told David Beckham it is now or never if the midfielder wants to move to White Hart Lane on a nine-week loan deal from Los Angeles Galaxy. “It can’t go on too long because otherwise it would be a waste of time,” said Spurs boss Harry Redknapp. “By the time David comes here, settles in, and then he is only here for five or six weeks – it’s a waste isn’t it?” Daily Mirror

Some would say it’s a waste of time to start with. Why mess things up at Tottenham when all appears well at the moment.

Liverpool and Tottenham have asked about the availability of FC Utrecht forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel, who has been compared to Dutch great Marco van Basten. sport.co.uk

Hopefully without the attitude and knee problems.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is considering granting Bolton’s request to take Gunners reserve striker Carlos Vela on loan. Daily Mirror

A loan move to Bolton didn’t hurt Jack Wilshere so can see why Wenger would look favourable towards a loan move for Vela.