Footy In A Week

Dirk
Holland striker Dirk Kuyt is 'dreaming' of a move to Newcastle. Kuyt has made no secret of the fact he wants a move to England ahead of Italy. He said: 'I would love to play in the north-east.'When I was young I loved Italian football. But only because (Dutch trio Marco) van Basten, (Frank) Rijkaard and (Ruud) Gullit were playing for AC Milan.'Now I'd rather play in England. I love English football. I also think my style of play is completely right for the Premiership. A club like Newcastle would be my dream.'

Eidur 

Chelsea's Eidur Gudjohnsen is a transfer option for La Liga giants Barcelona as they bid to replace Henrik Larsson. As I mentioned yesterday, Forlan is Barcelona's number one option. But if that doesn't work, Gudjohnses is sait to be the next option. He has already been linked with Manchester United in the last few days, as part of a possible swap deal for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Other possible targets are Real Zaragoza's Diego Milito as well as Juventus duo David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Didier 

Not Drogba, but Zokora. Also an Ivory Coast international. Skysports.com can confirm Tottenham are keen on signing him. Arsenal and Manchester United have been linked with Zokora in the past, but the player's agent Franck Belhassen has confirmed Tottenham have joined the chase for the powerful midfielder's signature.

Pascal 

Spurs will have their £5 million offer for Pascal Chimbonda accepted by Wigan. Chimbonda's value has risen since his surprise inclusion in Raymond Domonech's French World Cup squad. Any deal for Chimbonda is likely to be completed ahead of the World Cup this summer.

Tomas 

Czech international Tomas Rosicky is reported to have passed a medical with Arsenal. According to the reports, he was allowed to leave the Czech training camp in Austria to finalise the transfer. Czech coach Karel Bruckner said: 'I am surprised that no one has found out about this before.'We have tried to keep quiet about it but I have to admit that Tomas is there for a medical.' So looks like a done deal. Rosicky will move from Borussia Dortmund for £6.8m.

Forlan

Barcelona offered a record £50m bid for Henry, but after the player decided to stay with Arsenal, Barcelona switched their interest to Villarreal striker Diego Forlan. Spanish daily Marca says negotiations between Barca and Villarreal are well advanced, and that Frank Rijkaard sees Forlan as the perfect man to replace Swede Henrik Larsson, who is heading back home to Sweden to finish his career after two seasons at the Nou Camp. Forlan reportedly has a buy-out clause of 23million euros in his Villarreal contract, but that could be reduced to ensure a deal goes through. Nihat Kahveci is also Villarreal bound, so all looks good for Barca.

Milan close on Buffon deal

Buffon has been linked with a move to the San Siro for a few months now and although the match-fixing scandal that Juve are currently embroiled in could see them relegated, which would lead to the sale of the Italy international anyway, reports are now suggesting that he had already set his mind on a change of scenery before the revelations came to light. There has been speculation that Buffon is not enjoying the best relationship with coach Fabio Capello and now eyes a new challenge, with Milan keen to sign the former Parma custodian as they look to sort out their problems with current first-choice Dida. His performance have been erratic this season and he is under contract only until 2007.

And the rest.. 

John Terry will become the highest-paid player in the world this summer, according to The Sun. Billionaire Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich wants to reward his skipper with a five-year deal topping £130,000 a week.

Daily Mirror claim that Villarreal are set to splash £4million on Reading midfielder Steve Sidwell!

Nistelrooy is a target for Chelsea. United want around £10million for the Dutchman – pocket change for Chelsea. It is believed that ManYoo would prefer to sell their top scorer abroad rather than to one of their Premiership rivals – and the two Milan clubs are leading the chase. But the Daily Mirror reports that 'Ferguson will agree to sell Ruud van Nistelrooy to Chelsea – as long as they give them Eidur Gudjohnsen in part exchange.'

The fans, the coach, the players the club director, all pleading for Sheva to stay

Flippo Inzaghi admits all the players want Andrey Shevchenko to stay at the club. "We know what the situation is. Sheva knows that we all hope that in the end he remains. Our hope is that he continuous to wear the Rossonera shirt, but in the case he leaves, we will have to respect his decision." Inzaghi said

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani also said: "Sheva is with Milan and is not for sale. An eventual negotiation for his sale would be possible only if the player asked us officially."

A group of Milan fans have set up their own website in an attempt to convince Andriy Shevchenko to stay at the club. www.shevarestaconnoi.com [Sheva remain with us] where fans can leave their stay pleas to the ace.

Chelsea are set to include Hernan Crespo and William Gallas in their £34 million offer for AC Milan striker Andrei Shevchenko. And Eto'o or Henry is the replacement

“Henry or Eto’o? The answer is still Shevchenko,” said Milan official Leonardo after last night’s Champions League Final.

Meanwhile in the other Milan camp..

Italian agent Federico Pastorello is convinced Real Madrid striker Ronaldo will return to former club Inter Milan.Pastorello says Inter Supremo Massimo Moratti will help Ronaldo rebuild his relationship with Inter’s fans ahead of bringing the Brazilian back to Italy over the summer.

Another name linked with Inter is £8.5m Mirko Vucinic. The name will be familiar with Football Manager 2006 addicts. The highly-rated forward netted 19 times in Serie A the season before last but struggled more in the recent campaign as Lecce were relegated.

Inter are also considering swap deals with Palermo. Officials from both spent yesterday locked in player-swap talks. Inter have been in negotiations for Palermo fullback Fabio Grosso, however yesterday the Italy international’s teammates Simone Barone and Alberto Santana were also discussed. Inter want Barone as a replacement for Juventus-bound Cristiano Zanetti, while Santana is seen as cover for Luis Figo. The key to the deal is Inter midfielder David Pizarro. Coach Roberto Mancini is ready to see the Chilean sold over the summer, however Pizarro would prefer a move to Roma over Palermo. If the midfield schemer can be convinced about moving to Sicily, then Inter will add youngster Hernan Dellafiore and around £7 million cash in exchange for the Palermo trio.

Rafa already swimming in the transfer market

It's a good thing to secure players before the World Cup, because prices usually sky rocket after the tournament. Rumours are saying that Benitez has made a new bid for Sevilla Brazilian full back Daniel Alves. His previous £8m bid in January was rejected. The player himself has confirmed an approach. Alves said: "Liverpool is an appetising option because of the Spanish coach they have and because of the players they have there because they are from Spain too. They will help me adapt and that makes it easier, I now have to weigh up and make a decision. It makes me very proud that some of Europe's big teams have shown an interest in me. For every player, playing at the highest level is an objective – and clubs like Liverpool are at the very top now. They are one of those big important clubs with a lot of history. The truth is, it is an attractive option. Liverpool have a great team and a great manager. It makes me very proud that they are interested in me."
The player likes Liverpool and Liverpool like him. If Rafa's improved offer fancies Sevilla, this is a done deal, although Barcelona is interested and could hijack the move.

Benitez is also close on getting a new striker and Jermaine Defoe is the name. The deal includes Harry Kewell moving the other way. Kewell's sale has been mentioned before, so there might be some truth in this rumour, especially since Mark Gonzales is on his way and Spurs recently signed Berbatov.

Another name mentioned was Boro's Stewart Downing. Nothing concrete though.
More exchanging

If you believe the reports, Chelsea are about to offer 3m + Del Horno to Real Madrid in exchange for Roberto Carlos. Carlos confirmed that Chelsea had been in contact about the potential transfer. The Brazilian is well into his thirties, but has the advantage over Asier Del Horno that he isn't rubbish. While Del Horno said "They're a great team and everyone would like to play for them. They're a giant and just the thought of playing there makes me happy." Real are also keen on Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, whose departure might see William Gallas remain at Stamford Bridge if he is offered a berth at centre-back.

Tevez not going to Chelsea

Chelsea's chief executive Peter Kenyon has rubbished reports that the club have made a £22million bid to sign Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez. The Blues have been heavily linked with the player ever since Jose Mourinho earlier this month watched the second leg of the Copa Libertadores tie in Brazil between Tevez's club Corinthians and River Plate. "We have looked at him [Tevez] and he is a good player and does a good job but all the reports of linking us with bids are not right. I would be surprised if I saw him in a Chelsea shirt this season coming." Kenyon said. Kenyon's surprise would also mean that he could be signed, and the rumour is not totally dismissed. It could also mean that they are in contact with another player, most likely Shevchenko or Eto'o, as both names were mentioned by Mourinho.

Liverpool garage sale imminent

According to rumours, Rafa Benitez will sell:

Neil Mellor: I think it's time for him to go. Although a top goal scorer in reserves, he struggled in the first team(except for that spectacular volley on Lehmann). Rate 4/5
Chris Kirkland: It's a shame he'll have to go. He showed good signs of becoming a star keeper for club and country, but his injured plagued career prevented that from happening. Rafa are already said he won't be needing him. Rate 5/5
Florent Sinama Pongolle: Florent was signed by Houllier as a young talent with a bright future at the club. Although he was given limited chances, he scored and showed good skills during those chances. I think Benitez would keep him,
but the player himself is fed up. He scored and he played well but he still wasn't given more chances. Rate 3/5
Anthony Le Tallec: Anthony was signed together with Pongolle, and he was a star player during the youth world cup that France won. Still, he struggled to adapt to the club, and was shipped on loan twice. And I think Benitez doesn't like him that much. I would give a second chance though and keep him at the reservers. Rate 3/5
Bruno Cheyrou: Houllier called him the next Zidane when he signed him, but unfortunately the only thing he had in common with Zidane was his looks. Defenitely sold or released. Rate 5/5
Salif Diao: A Houllier signing. Rate 5/5
Fernando Morientes: With classy performances with Madrid and Monaco, Rafa had high hopes. But Morientes failed to deliver. Rafa likes him and plays him alot, but he needs to sell him to raise cash. Probably will go back to Spain. Rate 4/5
Djibril Cisse: Signed by Houllier, Cisse was the top French League goal scorer for two seasons. Alot was expected from him, but a first season on the sidelines because of a broken leg, and the next one playing of position or given little chances, he struggled to show what he's really about, despite the fact that he's the leading goal scorer at the club this season. I think Cisse can deliver if played as a striker, but he's also another player that Rafa isn't fond of. France is his likely destination and he might be included in a part-exchange deal with another player. Rate 3/5
Djimi Traore: I think Benitez should have sold him last season. Rate 4/5
Luis Garcia: It would be a surprise if Benitez sold him. But the player wants to leave back to Spain because of his girlfriend (The bitch!). Benitez wouldn't sell him, but he also wouldnt' prevent Luis from going if he wanted to leave. Rate 2/5
Harry Kewell: Kewell has been good, and Benitez needs two left wingers at all times. Rate 2/5
Jan Kromkamp: Benitez just bought him in January. Rate 1/5
Scott Carson: It's a little bit hard to see where Carson will be heading. Dudek is still in the Squad and 2nd choice, Carson has said a few times that he wants more chances. He's probably going on a long loan. Rate 4/5
Stephen Warnock: Warnock has shown some good games. He's also been called up for England once, and with England's numbered left full backs, Benitez might keep him as a possible future star player, but might consider selling if an attractive bid comes. Rate 2/5

Burlusconi says he's going, Gilliani says he's not and Ancelotti says I don't know. 

Gilliani said 'Berlusconi's Milan has never sold a player for money. 'Shevchenko has a three-year contract and from our point of view he will remain at Milan. We talking about the player who has scored the most goals for Milan in the last 50 years, we are talking about a great player. 'If Shevchenko asks for a transfer, we will face that problem. I must be clear that Shevchenko will not be sold.'

While Ancelotti said about Shevchenko He has said what he wants, the club have to evaluate all the solutions. It would be sad if he left but Sheva has said it's to do with family so you have to respect that. He's always had a good relationship with his team-mates. If he decides to leave this great club then another great player will arrive.'

On the other hand Mourinho mentioned that he would be interested in signing a new forward this summer. On a side note, Mourinho said that he will leave Chelsea and head to Italy after his 4 year contract finishes.

Lyon interested in swap deal 

Lyon have indicated they may be prepared to do a deal with Manchester United for midfielder Mahamadou Diarra – in part exchange for out-of-favour striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. This one looks like a done deal with Man Utd keen on selling Nistelrooy.

Shevchenko and Gallas

I've mentioned in the previous Rumour Mill that Shevchenko was denied a new contract extension. It seems that these rumours are getting close to be correct, as Silvio Berlusconi admitted on Friday that Shevchenko wants to leave the Serie A club and move to the Premiership. 'Do you know that Shevchenko wants to leave? He wants to go to England,' Berlusconi, who is Italy's outgoing Prime Minister, told a group of students in front of the prime minister's office when asked to pass on their regards to the striker. Shevchenko's agent Oscar Damiani has not ruled out a move to Cheslea. 'Everything has yet to be decided. We don't know yet. Everything has to be discussed, It could be that he stays at Milan or that he goes.' He said. The most likely club to try and buy Shevchenko is Chelsea, with a likely deal that will include Crespo+Gallas. It's still unknown though the real reasons of selling Shevchenko, but most probably because Milan want to bring a star name like Henry. This one goes one rate up.
Rate 3/5

On the other hand, Gallas is said to be forced to stay. He has been offered a new 4-year contract and his current deal finishes at the end of next season. But, if Milan want Gallas and they start waving Shevchenko in Chelsea's face, they would jump on the deal. Also consider that Roman Abramovic has made bringing Shevchenko to Stamford Bridge his personal quest.
Gallas to any club. Rate 2/5
Gallas to Milan(if shevchenko is included). Rate 4/5

Arsenal want French veteran and Berbatov

Widespread press reports suggest that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will look to sign Lilian Thuram this summer in a bid to add experience to his young squad. Having played for Juventus for the last six years, it is likely that the 34-year-old would accept a fresh challenge, but he would almost certainly want a longer contract than the 12-month deal Arsenal would be prepared to offer him. In addition, the player's high wages could prove problematic, and he would also not be guaranteed regular first team football.
Rate 2/5

Long time spurs target Dimitar Berbatov is now a targer for Arsenal as well. The Bayer Leverkusen striker almost joined Tottenham in January, but was adviced against the move by coack Rudi Voller. Tottenham though have tabled an official bid.
Rate 2/5

Liverpool are still searching for a right winger

Real Sociedad midfielder Xabi Prieto has admitted he has been made a target by Liverpool. The midfielder admits he may leave the Spanish club if Liverpool did make an offer. Prieto said: "It is rewarding that a club like Liverpool follows you. It means that I'm doing things well. I have not thought about England, I am happy in Donosti, my city, where I have my friends, my fiancée. It would be complicated to leave here, although you never know …". Liverpool need a right winger, and Prieto would be alot cheaper than SWP or Simao. Could happen.
Rate 3/5

Reports are also saying that Rafa Benitez is looking to offload Harry Kewell to raise more funds for transfers. Valencia are mentioned to be keen on the player, with a possibilty that Rafa would use Kewell as a part exchange for one of his former players. Kewell's performance have been good this season which earned him a regular place in the squad. Liverpool have Kewell and Riise(AM,D,WB,L) operating on the left, and now that Mark Gonzalez(AM,L) will be able to join the club, and Fabio Aurellio(D,WB,L) being almost a completed deal, Rafa could consider selling Kewell despite the fact that Kewell dismissed the rumours.
Rate 3/5

Ruud's aftermath

Nistelrooy's axe on the Premiership's last day, means Manchester United will be linked with every striker(that match their transfer kitty, as only Chelsea can be linked with with every player on the face of the earth) out there. And that also means that Nistelrooy will be linked with every club out there. So in light of these events:

Manchester United are tabling a 21m euro plus Nistelrooy bid for Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres. With Ferguson still looking for a Roy Keane replacement, it's hard to see Manchester pay that sum of money, as they also don't have a big transfer kitty(according to the Glazer family).
Rate 1/5

Former Liverpool manager assistant Phil Thompson, has said that he wouldn't be surprised if current Liverpool manager tables a bid for Nistelrooy. The special thing about Rafa Benitez is that he doesn't care where the player comes from. If he thinks he will be good for the team, and the price is not crazy, he will get him. But considering that Ferguson will probably over price Ruud, and how the two teams are rivals, it's hard to see Ruud move to Anfield even if he wants to.
Rate 1/5

Nistelrooy is also linked to AC Milan, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. And I think that one of those club will possibly be his destination as he would like a new challenge.
Rate 4/5

Some newspapers say that he might return to Holland back to PSV. Could be possible as he said that he would like to finish his career there, but Ruud is at his peak so he's probably off to Spain/Italy.
Rate 3/5

Podolski to replace Ballack

Lukas Podolski, a 20 year old young rising German star, is rumoured to be set for a move to Bayern Munich. Lukas has also handed a transfer request to his current relegated club Cologne. The player is still young, and would probably want to stay in Germany. He wouldn't miss out on a move to Bayern, unless one of the other rivals like Bremen, Hamburg and Leverkusen try to get him, especially that he's transfer listed, so he wouldn't be expensive to get.
Rate 4/5

Chelsea garage sale

Mourinho has already mentioned that he's going to bring three players, forward, midfield and defence. Unless Roman Abramovic tries to personally brinh additional players himself. But it's yet to be seen if three new players means three old players leaving or even more.

The most likey forward to leave is Crespo, who's probable destionation will be Italy. Reports are already emerging that Crespo might be in a part exchange deal that includes Shevchenko moving to the other side. Roman Abramovich is said to be offering the Ukrainian a five-year, £120,000-a-week contract. The Times also repots that Shevchenko was declined a two-year extension, though his current contract ends in 2009.

Crespo to Italy. Rate 4/5
Shevchenko to Chelsea. Rate 2/5

Eidur Gudjohnsen and Shauwn-Wright Phillips(SWP) also look like on their way out. The latter being linked with Liverpool mostly. But a few facts raise on that rumour, the price and Mourinho's willingness to sell to a rival. It's already been rumoured that Liverpool are ready to pay a club record 14m pounds. This one is 50-50.
Rate 3/5

William Gallas is another player moving out of Stamford Bridge. The player has been complaining about playing out of position and has recently admitted that he will be leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer. Reports are saying that AC Milan have already tabled a bid. They also require some fresh blood as they will lose Jaap Stam in the summer after he agreed a two-year deal with Ajax. Gallas is also linked with Juventus and Barcelona, and could complete his switch to the San Siro before the World Cup Finals.
Rate 4/5