Football Corner

Phil Scolari is a bad appointment for Chelsea according to the readers of Football Corner. In a recent poll on the website, where the choices were; bad, great, good or brilliant, an astonishing majority of 30% deemed him to be a bad successor of Avram Grant. The results were as follows;

Bad-145 (30%)
OK-119 (24%)
Good-102 (21%)
Brilliant-122 (25)

Total Votes 488

Personally I think that Chelsea could have gotten a better manager especially after the conclusion of Euro 2008. It probably would have been a big risk taking him on but Slaven Bilic is a good young aspiring manager who I think would have done well for The Blues.

Who do you think was the player of the tournament in Euro 2008 ? Vote on our poll on this page.

Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are amongst the clubs looking to snatch up Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins as Kevin Keegan looks to give his transfer kitty a £15 million injection.

The Nigerian international came to Tyneside in 2006 from Inter Milan but because of an injury stricken few seasons the 23 year old has slightly failed in filling in the number 9 position after the exit of Alan Shearer. However he has still managed 20 goals in a little over 60 appearances for the Toon army giving them a decent return.

Kevin Keegan however is looking to offload the striker in an attempt to boost the club's transfer expenditure. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all thought to have an interest in the former Inter Milan striker despite his steep £15 million price tag.

Liverpool are planning a player plus cash exchange between Peter Crouch and Tottenham's Robbie Keane according to reports in the News of the World today.

The Irish international has spent the majority of his career at White Hart Lane making nearly 200 appearances for the Londoners and bagging 80 goals in the process. The former Inter Milan striker has also earned himself the captaincy role with the Republic of Ireland due to his good form for Spurs.

Now it seems as though he has caught the eye of Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez and with Peter Crouch looking almost certain to make an exit this Summer Robbie Keane would be an ideal replacement for the 6' 7" striker.

Arsenal have today joined Liverpool in the race to sign Valencia winger David Silva after weeks of speculation about the Spaniards future. Silva has been told he can leave the Mestalla this summer due to financially difficulty at Valencia with Liverpool and Arsenal said to be very keen on bringing him to the Premier League.



The 22-year old is widely regarded as one of Europe's top class wingers and is likely to cost either side as much as £20 million. He is currently on duty at the European Championships where Spain meet Russia in the semi-finals tomorrow. He has made just under 100 appearances for Valencia during his four years at the club, scoring over a dozen goals in the process.

I personally would love to see a player like Silva come to the Premier League. He is a very talented young player who in my view can and will develop into a real star. I feel both Liverpool and Arsenal fans would be thrilled to see Silva at their club next season but who he will choose, I do not know.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has today told the Anfield board that he wants £50 million to sign Dani Alves, David Villa, David Silva and Gareth Barry in order to challenge for the title next season. All four players have been linked with a move to Liverpool before and now Benitez wants to bring the quartet to the club.



Valencia's David Villa and David Silva have both been told they can leave the club due to bad debts at the Mestalla. Both players are believed to be interested in moves to the Premier League. Meanwhile Dani Alves has also been linked with England, but he was said to be close to joining Barcelona last week so Benitez may not get his man their.

Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry has been linked with Liverpool for weeks now as Villa boss Martin O'Neill continues to reject bids from the Reds. Barry has admitted he would love to play for the Merseyside club next season but wheter or not Villa let him go is another question. I personally feel all four players would be terrific acquisitions to Liverpool's squad and give them a real chance of challenging next season for major honours.

Tottenham are today preparing a £20 million move for Valencia striker David Villa after weeks of speculation over the players future. Villa has impressed whilst on international duty with Spain at the European Championships leading to intense speculation that he may move to the Premier League.



Spurs boss Juande Ramos is keen to bring the 26-year old to White Hart Lane this summer as he looks to strengthen his side this summer. It is thought Ramos will sell striker Darren Bent for £8 million in order to fund some of the money to sign Villa, who has been told by his club Valencia that he may leave, if their asking price is met.

I personally feel Spurs would be more than capable of challenging for the top four next season if they managed to sign Villa. He is a tremendous talent who I am sure every club in Europe would love to sign. I do however feel Villa may be more tempted by the likes of Chelsea or Liverpool if they were to come in for him.

Taken from Terrace Views.

Arsenal have today completed the signing of Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri after months of uncertainty over the players future. The French international admitted that he was interested in a move to the Premier League a few weeks ago leading Arsene Wenger to making a £13 million bid for him.



Nasri, 20, becomes Arsenal's second summer signing after Cardiff City striker Aaron Ramsey. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: "At 21 years old his whole future is ahead of him and he has (quite) a margin for progressing further. "He has, in any case, the qualities needed to assert himself at the highest level." Nasri is likely to provide cover for Alexander Hleb who is likely to leave the Emirates in the next few weeks.

I personally feel Nasri is a quality signing, that will prove many people wrong who think he is overated. His skill on the ball is terrific and he is not afraid to shoot and at £13 million I think he will prove to be a superb signing by Arsene Wenger. I feel the Gunners just need one more striker now and they will have a terrific squad for next season.

Tottenham are targeting PSV keeper Heurelho Gomes as a replacement for Paul Robinson whose exit from White Hart Lane is looking ever likelier.

Current Spurs shot stopper, Robinson has struggled to recover from some early season blips for both club and country even with a fairly eventless finish to the campaign. It seems he has lost the trust of a lot of the Spurs faithful and so an exit from the Lane this Summer looks quite likely.

One man who could come in to fill the gloves of Robinson is Heurelho Gomes of PSV. The Brazilian international has not only impressed on the European stage with the Dutch outfit but he also has 17 caps to his name for his national side. If the Londoners want Gomes though, he won't come cheap with the Eredivise side thought to be looking for £10 million for their number 1.

German international, Lukas Podolski is almost certainly set for an exit away from Bayern Munich after speaking about the club underrating him.

Competing for places up front at Bayern with Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni, Podolski has struggled to make a huge impact since joining the club from FC Koln in 2006. However, despite his misfortune at the Allianz Arena the 23 year old has clearly proved himself on the international stage bagging 28 goals in just over 50 appearances for the German side.

Podolski is attending Euro 2008 with the Germans at the moment as they prepare for a heated semi final with competition underdogs Turkey, so it is unlikely that there will be any more advancements on his future before the conclusion of their campaign.

Juande Ramos is thought to be planning a move for the Bayern number 11 but it is thought that because of his good form at Euro 2008 his price tag could rise top somewhere in the region of £15 million.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are to spend the summer battling it out for SV Hamburg play maker Rafael Van Der Vaart. The Holland international impressed during his country's run to the quarter-final of the European Championships in Austria & Switzerland and it now looks likely that three of the Premier League best sides will battle for his signature. (News of the World)



Van Der Vaart, 25, has previously been linked with moves to England, with Chelsea said to be close to signing him before his move to Hamburg in 2005 from Dutch side Ajax. Phil Scolari, Rafa Benitez and Alex Ferguson are all willing to meet Hamburg's £15 million price-tag for Van Der Vaart although that fee may rise to £20 million.

New Hamburg boss Martin Jol is keen to hold onto Van Der Vaart but that appears unlikely now after the player rejected a contract a few months back. I personally would love to see Van Der Vaart in the Premier League. I feel he would be a perfect signing for United considering Cristiano Ronaldo's likely departure from the club.

Fiorentina have said that a deal has been struck with Spurs which sees Mario Santana move to White Hart Lane.

The 26 year old has fallen out of favour at the club and so is looking for a move elsewhere. Fiorentina Sporting Director, Pantaleo Corvino, seems extremely confident that the move is in it's final stages,"I expect Santana to join Spurs within the next few days as he has been offered a three or four-year contract in London."

Juande Ramos bid of £4 million was more than enough to persuade the Serie A outfit to let Santana go. Corvino continued, "It is a figure that satisfies us because Santana does not feature in our plans for the 2008/09 season,".

The right winger has scored seven times in his two year spell with the Italian side and he has also made 7 appearances for the Argentine national team.

Liverpool are supposedly ready to step up the chase to sign Valencia winger David Silva according reports in the Daily Mirror today.

The 22 year old is currently attending Euro 2008 with Spain, where his performances have obviously reignited Rafa Benitez' interest in the player after missing out on him last year. Although his form in front of goal doesn't look to promising, his services on either wing would surely be much appreciated at Anfield.

Personally as a Liverpool fan I think that signing a quality winger should be our number 1 goal for the Summer, and the likes of Silva or David Bentley would fit in perfectly in Rafa's regime.

Barcelona are today closing on the signing of Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb after weeks of speculation over the players future. Hleb has also been linked with Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich but it looks more and more likely today that Barca will be the ones to sign him.



Hleb, 27, had admitted that he couldn't settle in London after three years at the club and that led to intense speculation about the Belarus international's future. He has made over 100 appearances for the Gunners and Arsene Wenger was said to be disappointed to be losing Hleb. Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla revealed on Catalunya Radio: "Barcelona's negotiations with Hleb are still in progress.

This move now clears the way for Marseille midfielder Samir Nasri to move to the Emirates after weeks of speculation over his future. The 20-year old is said to be very close to agreeing terms with the club which will see him join Arsenal for £12 million. I feel this move for Arsenal can only be good. Bringing in a terrific young talent like Nasri will quickly help the Arsenal faithful forget about Hleb.

Taken from Terrace Views.

Arsenal are looking to sign Russian midfielder Andrei Arshavin according to reports in the Daily Mirror today.

The 27 year has played his whole professional career with Zenit Saint Petersburg. However he has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for the last few seasons with Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton all looking like possible destinations for the attacking midfielder.

Arsene Wenger is thought to be very keen to snatch up the £12 million rated Russian, especially with the rumoured exit of Alexander Hleb to Barcelona. It is extremely unlikely that a deal will be struck with any club before the end of Russia's Euro 2008 campaign, and the UEFA Cup Champions are thought to be very stubborn with their £12 million evaluation of the player.

Italian side AS Roma are closing on the signings of both John Arne Riise and Louis Saha after weeks of speculation over both players future's. Liverpool defender Riise was told recently that he could leave Anfield this summer after a poor season at the club.



The 27-year old Norwegian, has also been linked with Aston Villa but it looks more and more likely now that he will join the Serie A giants within days. Meanwhile, Manchester United striker Louis Saha is also close to leaving to Premier League after he admitted he is likely to be sold this summer.

He has failed to nail down a first team spot at the club this season, with the terrific form of both Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney. The French international is to join Roma on loan first with a view to a permanent move. Both moves, in my view, are not at all surprising. Both Riise and Saha are simply average players that don't deserve to be playing for top teams like Liverpool and United and I feel both clubs will be better off without them.

Spurs and Man City are supposedly eying up a move for on form German striker Lukas Podolski according to reports in the Express.

The 23 year old who is currently playing with Bayern Munich is thought to be one of Juande Ramos top Summer transfer targets. Although Podolski has struggled to cement a starting place in the Bayern side competing with Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose for a place in the strike force, he has clearly shown his capabilities with his national side.

In an interview with Express he said,"I have been informed about both clubs' interest...That is very interesting for me." The striker was thought to be worth about £10 million , however with his stunning performances in Euro 2008 that price could even rise to £15 million.

Aston Villa have agreed a fee for Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell according to reports on Sky Sports today.

The 25 year old has had an awful time with the London club since completing his move there last year, making just 7 Premier League starts for the Champions League Runners Ups. However it was a successful move business-wise for Chelsea as they stand to make £5.5 million for the former Reading star, who they got on a free transfer.

Sidwell's move could be seen by some as a possible replacement for Gareth Barry whose £10 million exit to Liverpool is looking ever likelier. A good signing all the same as Martin O'Neill is looking to push into the top 6 next season.

Barcelona are today planning to hijack AC Milan's bid to sign Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The Togo international has reportedly told Arsene Wenger he wants to leave the Emirates this summer following the failure to win any trophies last season. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)



The former Monaco striker has attracted the interests of both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola with his terrific performances for the Gunners this season. The 24-year old scored 30 goals for Arsenal last season, impressing both fans and pundits in the process. Since his move from Monaco back in 2006 he has made just over 100 appearances for the London club.

Although I am not an Arsenal fan I personally hope Adebayor stays in the Premier League because he is a terrific player. He always has a smile on his face whilst playing and I am sure every Arsenal fan is hoping and praying that he stays at the club.

Liverpool quartet John Arne Riise, Peter Crouch, Xabi Alonso and Danny Guthrie could finally complete their moves away from Anfield in the next week or so with moves to Roma, Portsmouth, Juventus and Newcastle respectively looking on the cards.

Riise joined the Merseysiders in 2001 and has made nearly 250 appearances since his arrival bagging 21 goals in the process. The Norwegian has gradually drifted away from the Reds starting line up over the last few seasons and it is definitely time for the 27 year old to move on. His £5 million move to AS Roma looks set to be done and dusted later this week.

Peter Crouch's future at Anfield is currently hanging in the balance. Obviously out of favor last season especially with Rafa's one striker policy, Crouch is looking for regular first team football and although I'd say the majority of Reds fans would like to see him extend his time at the club, his international career will also start suffering because of the amount of time he spends in the Anfield dugout.

Xabi Alonso is the third player whose Liverpool career is in doubt, talks with Juventus are currently on going but a £17 million move could be completed after the conclusion of Spain's Euro 2008 campaign. And finally last seasons loanee Danny Guthrie could eventually make a permanent move away from Liverpool with Newcastle thought to be eying up the 21 year old in what could be a £1 million move.

Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City are to battle it out for Blackburn Rovers midfielder David Bentley after the player admitted he wanted to leave Ewood Park. The news comes days after Mark Hughes left the managers post at the club for one of the sides interested in him, Manchester City. (Various)



Bentley, 24, has admitted that he wants to play European football next season and the three sides in question will be doing so. Liverpool have been linked with the England international for some time now as Rafa Benitez looks to strengthen his side for a title challenge next season. All three managers are all willing to pay the rumoured £12 million price-tag.

I personally think Bentley will opt for Liverpool simply because they will be playing Champions League football next season. There is no doubt Bentley is an ambitious player and I feel Liverpool match his ambition although he may yet be tempted to reignite his relationship at City with Hughes.

Liverpool will try to tempt Valencia and Spain striker David Villa to Anfield this summer, according to his Spanish team-mate Carlos Marchena. Villa has been linked with several Premier League clubs in recent weeks after scoring an impressive hat-trick for Spain at the European Championships. (Mail on Sunday)



The Valencia striker has been told he can leave the club after it was confirmed that Valencia will need to sell due to financial problems. That means that players like Villa and team-mate David Silva will be on their way out of the Mestalla this summer, alerting Premier League sides including Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is very keen to pair Villa with Fernando Torres in the Liverpool attack just like they do for Spain. It is thought Benitez will have to bid at least £22 million to have any chance of signing the 26-year old. I personally think Villa would suit Liverpool tremendously well and it would be amazing to see how the Villa-Torres partnership would work in England.

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has today admitted his interest in bringing Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie to Inter Milan. Mourinho is said to have £50 million at his disposal to spend at the San Siro and his first target appears now to be Van Persie. (Corriere Dello Sport)



Van Persie, 24, has been at Arsenal for over three years now since joining from Dutch side Feyenoord. He has made 133 appearances for the Gunners scoring over 40 goals in the process. He is currently on duty with the Holland national side at Euro 2008, so any deal would have to wait until after the tournament ends.

I personally wouldn't be surprised to see Van Persie leave the Emirates this summer considering all the other players that appear to be leaving. There is no doubt Van Persie is a quality player and Arsene Wenger would obviously be keen to hold onto him but lets say if Inter did bid £20 million Wenger may not be able to resist.

Taken from Terrace Views.

Luiz Felipe Scolari has targeted Real Madrid striker Robinho as one of his first signings when he takes the reins at Stamford Bridge on the 1st of July. Robinho has been linked with several moves to the Premier League in recent months with Manchester United also said to be interested. (Daily Star)



The Brazilian international has failed to show his true potential at the Bernabeu since moving from Santos back in 2005. He has made over 130 appearances for the La Liga giants, scoring just over 30 goals in the process. Scolari has previously worked with the 24-year old whilst coach of the Brazil national team and he is said to be keen to restart the relationship at Chelsea.

It is likely that Chelsea will have to bid at least £20 million for the Samba star, a figure that Chelsea could easily meet. It has been rumoured that Scolari may have as much as £100 million to spend and his first signing may yet bet Robinho, although others have also been linked with a move to the London club.

Manchester United are today preparing a £25 million bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov. The Bulgarian international has been linked with numerous exits from White Hart Lane already this summer as his future at the club looks more and more in doubt. (The Sun)



Berbatov, 27, has attracted the attentions of some of Europe's top clubs including AC Milan and Barcelona, but is thought now that Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to steal a march on his rivals. Berbatov has been at Spurs since 2006, scoring 46 goals in that time. Spurs boss Juande Ramos has admitted he doesn't feel as though Berbatov would be with the North London club come next season.

I personally think Dimitar would be a tremendous signing for United. He is without doubt one of the Premier League's best striker and has amazed how well he has settled in England over these past two years. I feel it is vital United start planning for life after Cristiano Ronaldo now because they want to have a strong squad in place for when the Portuguese star eventually leaves.

Liverpool are to challenge Manchester United for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos after the player admitted he would be interested in a move to the Premier League should the chance present itself. (FootyLatest.com)



The Spanish international is currently on duty at the European Championships in Austria & Switzerland. Ramos, 22, was last week linked with a move to United as part of a possible deal which would see Cristiano Ronaldo head the other way.

It is now thought that Rafa Benitez will not let United have it easy in the race to sign the £30 million rated defender. Ramos is widely regarded as one of Europe's best defenders and it is understood Real won't let him go cheap if he is to leave.

I personally would love to see Ramos move to the Premier League. He is a very exciting defender who I feel will develop into one of the worlds best defenders wherever he ends up. I would favour United in the race, simply because I only think Real will let him go if they manage to buy Ronaldo.

Tottenham have targeted PSV Eindhoven goalkeeper Herelho Gomes as a solution to their problems in that position. The Brazilian international has caught the attentions of Spurs boss Juande Ramos, so much so he is ready to make a bid for the player. (Daily Mirror)



Gomes, 27, has been with the Dutch giants PSV for over four years now making over 120 appearances in the process. He is widely regarded as one of the best keepers playing in Europe at the moment and he has been linked with several of Europe's top clubs in recent months.

Gomes is my view is a terrific keeper that would be more than capable of filling the number one spot at White Hart Lane. I would personally value Gomes at around the £8 million mark and I feel Spurs would be much better off with him. This will almost certainly end Paul Robinson's spell at the North London club, with Middlesbrough thought to be interested.

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor has today admitted he is eager for a move away from the club, with rumoured interest from AC Milan. The Gunners top scorer last season, is just one of many players in the Arsenal ranks who have or want to leave the club this summer. (Daily Telegraph)



Adebayor, 24, joined the club back in 2006 from French side Monaco. He has since then proved to be a terrific signing by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, scoring just under 50 goals in two years at the club. AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to bring the Togoles striker to the San Siro.

I personally hope this is not true because without Adebayor, the Premier League would certainly be worse off. He is a terrific striker who has established himself as a firm fan favourite at the club in the previous two years and I am sure every Gunners fan wants him to be at the club next season.

Liverpool have today reached an agreement with Italian giants Juventus over the signing of Xabi Alonso. The player has been linked with a move to Juve for some time now and a £14 million deal has been reached between both parties.



Alonso, 26, has failed to feature regularly in Rafa Benitez' starting eleven this season, Javier Mascherano being preferd on most occasions. The former Real Scoiedad man had spent four seasons at the Premier League club, making over 100 appearances in the process.

It will be sad to see Alonso leave the Premier League, although no one can really blame him. He has been a terrific servant to the Reds and I am sure every Liverpool fan can appreciate that. Juventus are receiving a fantastic midfield player in Alonso and I feel £14 million is a fair deal for both parties involved.

Taken from Terrace Views.

Liverpool are readying to see off competition from Aston Villa to sign Newcastle United midfielder James Milner. The England under-21 international has been linked with a move away from St James' Park for some time now and Villa and Liverpool are favourites to sign him. (Daily Mirror)



The former Leeds United midfielder has impressed Rafa Benitez over the past few months, so much so, that Benitez is ready to spend £6 million on the 22-year old. Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill is also keen to sign the player but it is thought now that Milner would prefer a move to Anfield. Meanwhile, with James Milner likely to sign for the club soon, Jermaine Pennant is likely to be heading out of the club. Benitez is ready to axe the 25-year old after only two years at the club.

I personally think bringing in Milner is a bad idea. He is quite frankly a decent player at best. I don't think he has what it takes to improve Liverpool in any way and I feel the club should be aimer higher than somebody like James Milner. I do however think getting rid of Pennant is a good thing because he is muck and never should of been brought to the club in the first place.

Real Madrid are to offer Manchester United Sergio Ramos and Robinho in exchange for Cristiano Ronaldo. Real have been linked with a move for Ronaldo for months now and so far they have been turned away by Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. (Metro)



Madrid are now willing to offer two of their star players in order to bring Ronaldo to the Bernabeu. Ronaldo, 23, has told everyone that he will wait til the end of Euro 2008 before deciding his future. United boss Ferguson is adamant the player will stay at Old Trafford and is even threatening Ronaldo by telling him he'll leave him in the stands should he want to leave the club.

I personally am of the opinion that Ronaldo will move to Madrid this summer, although I am sure a lot of United fans have different opinions. There is no doubt the Premier League will be worse off without the Portuguese winger. Ramos and Robinho wouldn't be too bad a deal for United though.

Taken from Terrace Views.

Arsenal have today told Barcelona they must pay £5 million and exchange Yaya Toure if they are to have any chance of signing Alexander Hleb. The Gunners midfielder is almost certain to leave the Emirates this summer after admitting he can't settle in London. (Daily Star)



Barcelona were apparently willing to bid £8 million for Hleb, but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was not willing to let the Belarus international away that cheap. He has now purposed that Barca offer midfielder Yaya Tour (brother of Arsenal defender Kolo) and £5 million to secure Hleb's services.

I personally think the Camp Nou will be the final destination of Hleb, but wheter or not Arsenal get what they want for him is another question. Hleb, 27, has spent three years at Arsenal, becoming a firm fan favourite in that time and I am sure all Gunners fans will be sad to see him go, when he eventually does leave.

Chelsea have announced that Portugal manager Phil Scolari will be their new manager next season. Scolari was one of several managers linked with the vacancy over the past month or so since the club sacked Avram Grant.

Arsenal are today closing on the signing of Newcastle United keeper Shay Given after the club admitted they were preparing for life after the Ireland international. Given has been linked with a move to the Emirates for quite a while now, but it looks as though finally Wenger could be about to land his man. (Press Association)



The 32-year old has never hid his desire to one day win trophies and he just hasn't been getting that at St James' Park so it comes as no surprise to me to see him close to leaving the club. Given is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's best keepers. Although he is only six foot he still manages to throw himself about the goal, which I feel has persuaded Wenger to spend £5 million on him.

I have no doubts that Given will turn out to be a magnificent signing for the Gunners. With Lehman leaving earlier this month it was obvious that Wenger needed another goalie and in Given I feel he has found a quality replacement. Given has spent over a decade at Newcastle and I am sure all Magpies fans will be sad to see him go.

Liverpool are looking to complete the signing of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry within days after the player made his feelings known to Villa. Barry has been linked with a move to Liverpool for weeks and it looks as though finally the deal may come to a close very soon. (various)



The England international has impressed Reds boss Rafa Benitez over the past few months especially with his performances for Fabio Capello's England. It had been thought that Liverpool would offer cash and players to try and secure the players services but it is now understood that a £15 million has been tabled.

I personally can't wait to see how Barry adapts at Liverpool. There is no doubt he is a magnificent player and his partnership with Steven Gerrard in the Liverpool midfield could be vital for the side to push for top honours next season. This will almost certainly spell the end of Xabi Alonso's time at Liverpool, with the player likely to sign for Italian side Juventus.

Arsenal are today preparing a £4 million bid for Weder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings. The 31-year old is currently on international duty with Germany at the European Championships but Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is keen to bring him to the Emirates as soon as the tournament ends. (Daily Mirror)



The former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich player has been at Bremen for over three years now, making over 80 appearances in the process. He also has 73 caps for Germany scoring 10 times in that spell and was one of Germany's top performers at the last World Cup.

I am personally a big fan of Frings and I believe he would be a very welcome addition to the Arsenal squad. The Gunners really do need a few more midfielders, with the likes of Flamini and possibly Hleb leaving Arsenal. At £4 million I think Frings would be a real bargain for Wenger.

Tottenham are today considering making a £6 million bid for West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand. The England under-21 international has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane in the past after falling out of favour at Upton Park. (The Times)



Ferdinand, 23, has spent over five years with West Ham making over 150 appearances in the process. The often troubled centre-back is believed to be interested in a move away from West Ham and Juande Ramos is keen to bring him to Spurs as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging for a top 4 place next season.

I personally don't see why people think Ferdinand is such a good player. He has been decent at West Ham but nothing special if you ask me and I feel Spurs would be better off spending their money on someone else like Richard Dunne for example.

Everton are today closing in on the signing of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso after months of speculation over the players future. Arsenal and Manchester United are also said to be interested but it it the Toffees who are now favourites to land the Portuguese international. (A Bola)



The 22-year old has impressed whilst playing for Sporting last season in both the league and Champions League leading to speculation that a £18 million move to the Premier League could be on the cards but few predicted Everton may of signed him. Veloso has six caps for Portugal and is currently playing at Euro 2008.

I am personally very surprised to see Everton are close to signing Veloso because I was sure that United or Arsenal would definetly be Veloso's destination should he move to England. It would be a superb signing should David Moyes completed and one which I feel could give Everton what they need to challenge for the top 4.

Liverpool are to offer Steve Finnan and £12 million to try and secure the services of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry. The England international today admitted he wanted to sign for the Premier League giants after months of speculation over his future.



Barry, 27, has attracted the attentions of Rafa Benitez is recent months, with his terrific displays for England as well as Villa. It was thought that Liverpool would offer Peter Crouch and money for Barry but they have now revised their offer and have made a new one which they think could tempt Villa boss Martin O'Neill.

I personally think that Barry will eventually sign for Liverpool whether the Villa fans like it or not. There is no doubt Barry should be playing at the very highest level and at Liverpool he will be doing so. This will also give him an opportunity to play in the Champions League and I feel he will be more than capable of doing so.

David Villa has today firmly placed himself in the shop window by scoring an impressive hat-trick for Spain, as they beat Russia 4-1 in their opening Euro 2008 match.



Valencia confirmed last week that David Villa is up for sale due to the clubs bad debts and they are willing to listen to offers of £20 million and above. Personally, I feel he is worth way more than that.

His performance today was terrific and there is no doubt there will be several of Europe's top clubs taken a look at the Spanish ace now. I feel the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona and Tottenham could certainly do with a player like Villa and at £20 million it would be a bargain.

If you look at the performance of Torres compared to Villa today, you would have to say Villa was much better and just think how well Torres has

Taken from Terrace Views.

Arsenal have beaten Manchester United in the race to sign Cardiff midfielder Aaron Ramsey. Both clubs had bids of £5 million accepted for the 17-year old last week but it is now thought that Arsene Wenger has won the race to sign Ramsey. (the sun)



The Welsh under-21 international has impressed whilst playing for the FA Cup finalists this season. He made a total of 22 appearances for the Championship outfit last season, most of which came as a substitute. It is believed the influence of Wenger had a large part in Ramsey's decision to join Arsenal.

I am personally very excited by the prospect of Ramsey playing in the Premier League. There is no doubt he has a lot of talent and to pay £5 million for such a young player obviously means that Ferguson and Wenger think a lot of him.

Chelsea have today joined Tottenham in the race to sign Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o. The Cameroon international is more than likely to leave the La Liga giants this summer after four years at the club.



Spurs have held an interest in Eto'o for some time now as speculation mounts that Dimitar Berbatov is to leave White Hart Lane this summer. Juande Ramos sees Eto'o as a perfect replacement for Berbatov should eventually leave.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen to bring the 27-year old to Stamford Bridge to replace Didier Drogba who has been strongly linked with a move to AC Milan in recent days. Both sides are apparently willing to match the £24 million price-tag on Eto'o's head.

I personally wouldn't mind who Eto'o joined as long as he actually moved to the Premier League. He is a terrific striker that scores bags full of goals wherever he has been and I feel he would be a terrific signing for either of the London clubs.

It has been reported today that Barcelona play maker Ronaldinho has been offered a staggering £200,000 a week to join Manchester City after the Premier League club were granted permission to speak to the former World Player of the year.



Ronaldinho is almost certain to leave the Spanish giants this summer after a disappointing few months at the club. AC Milan are also said to be keen on the Brazilian international but it is thought now that City have the upper hand on the Serie A giants.

New City boss Mark Hughes said last week that he would be more than happy to see Ronaldinho at the City of Manchester stadium. As a City fan myself I must say I would be overjoyed to see Roanldinho swap the beautiful sunshine of Barcelona to for miserable Manchester.

Although he has shown his best form in recent times there is no doubting he is still a tremendous footballer and with City offering him £200,000 a week (which would make him the highest paid footballer in the world), how could he refuse?

Chelsea have today been told they must bid at least £30 million to have any chance of signing Bayern Munich midfielder Frank Ribery. The French international has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time now. (Daily Mail)



The former Marseille man has impressed during his first season at Bayern and Roman Abramovich is keen to bring him to the Premier League as soon as possible even though the club are still to appoint a successor to Avram Grant.

I personally would love to see Ribery come to England, although I think the asking price from Bayern is a bit much. He is a terrific play maker who I feel would be perfect for Chelsea and I think he could be the catalyst for several players to arrive at Stamford Bridge, or indeed stay at the club.

Newcastle United are today considering sacking midfielder Joey Barton unless he takes a 50% pay-cut. The troubled Barton has sentenced to six months in jail after been found guilty of assault and now the club want to take actions.



The former Manchester City star only moved to St James' last summer for a fee believed to be about £5 million. He is currently on £55,000 a week and the club want to cut his wages to £22,500 or else they will sack to England international.

I personally would be surprised if Newcstle stuck by Barton. He is simply uncontrollable and I have no doubts any other Premier League club would sack him immediately. Barton doesn't deserve to be earning anything like he is at the moment and I really hope Kevin Keegan gets rid of him.

Arsenal and Manchester United are to battle it out for Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz. The Paraguay international has been linked with several moves away from Rovers in recent weeks as speculation mounts that he will leave the club following the departure of Mark Hughes last week. (Mail on Sunday)



The former Bayern Munich striker has lit up the Premier League this season with his magnificent performances, scoring over 20 goals for Rovers in the process. Both Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are willing to pay as much as £12 million for the striker, although Ferguson may use Louis Saha as bait in the deal.

I personally think Santa Cruz may end up at Arsenal. I feel he would have a better chance of more game time their considering United already have Tevez and Rooney whereas the Gunners only have Adebayor. It will be intriguing to see who he joins, if he indeed he does leave Blackburn.

Arsenal are to make a £4 million bid for Newcastle United keeper Shay Given. The Ireland international is said to be considering his options at St James' Park after yet another season without silverware. (news of the world)



Given, 32, has been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past after he publicly admitted he may look for a move away from Newcastle because he wanted to win silverware. That hasn't happened and in my view isn't likely to happen anytime soon so it wouldn't surprise me at all if Arsene Wenger manages to sign Given for as little as £4 million.

I personally feel Given is one of the best keepers in the Premier league. He is an amazing shot stopper and for such a small player he still manages to keep most shots out. I think Keegan would be sad to see Given go but I feel he can't get in the way of Given anymore.

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has today been linked with a £30 million exit to Serie A giants Inter Milan after Jose Mourinho apparently made him his number one target. (news of the world) The former Chelsea boss has been told he would be wasting his time making a bid for the England international.



Gerrard has been linked with several moves away from Liverpool in the past, with Jose Mourinho apparently very close to signing him back in 2005 whilst Chelsea boss. The 28-year old stated back then that he wanted to stay at Liverpool for life, and with everything going so well now with his partnership with Fernando Torres I have no doubts he will stay at Anfield.

I feel it is vital for the future of Liverpool that Gerrard remains a part of it because without Gerrard I think many more would probably want to leave. He is Liverpool football club and I think £30 million wouldn't even be close to what Gerrard is really worth, so Gerrard to Inter, no way Jose.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is today nearing a £16 million move to Juventus after the player admitted he would be interested in joining the Serie A giants. The Spanish international is currently on international duty with Spain and it is now expected he will complete a move to Juve after the European Championships. (Press Association)



Alonso, 26, has been linked with an exit from Anfield for some time now after he fell out of favour with Reds boss Rafa Benitez. Javier Mascherano has firmly planted himself in the heart of Liverpool's midfield leading to intense speculation that the former Real Sociedad player would leave the club this summer.

I must admit it will be disappointing to see Alonso leave the Premier League although I certainly can't blame him for wanting out at Anfield. He has been a terrific servant to Liverpool over the past few years and I am sure Reds fans will give him a terrific reception should he ever return to Anfield to play for Juve.

Newcastle United are today furious after Liverpool offered three "nonentities" for midfielder James Milner. The 23-year old has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time now, but it would appear they won't be getting him anytime soon. (Evening Chronicle)



The former Leeds United player has spent four years at at St James' Park, making over 100 appearances during that time. The England under-21 international has caught the attentions of Rafa Benitez and it was widely rumoured last week that the Spaniard would make a £6 million bid for the player.

I personally don't think Milner is what Liverpool need if they want to challenge for the league next year. He is a decent player at best and I feel Liverpool would be more obliged to go for someone like David Silva from Valencia, who is now up for sale.

Tottenham have today reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign their attacking midfielder Giovanni Dos Santos after weeks of speculation about the 19-year old's future. (Terrace views)



Dos Santos has struggled to nail down a first team place at the Camp Nou this season, which has led to the club cashing in on him. It is believed the fee for the Mexican international could rise to as much as £9 million, depending on appearances.

Juande Ramos is keen to bolster his squad for a push for a top four finish next season and he believes Dos Santos can be a vital part of it. I am personally delighted to see Dos Santos come to the Premier League.

He is a quality player who I feel will only help Spurs in the long run and at £9 million could turn out to be a bargain. I do think he will need to time to settle in England, but I am sure the Spurs fans will give him that.

Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea have all been put on red alert after Valencia admitted they will listen to offers for David Villa and David Silva. The pair have been linked with numerous moves to the Premier League in recent weeks after it became clear that Valencia may have to sell.



"For us they (Villa and Silva) are fundamental players but it's not down to me to say who plays and how," Valencia president Agustin Morera told Spanish newspaper AS. "If very serious offers come in they will be looked at if (technical secretary Juan Gines) Sanchez and (head coach Unai) Emery think it's convenient. "If not they'll say that these players can't leave because they are important. We'll do what's best for the club."

The La Liga giants have run into massive financial difficulties in recent weeks and they admit they must sell to ease their debts. Both Silva and Villa are likely to cost any of the sides in question a combined fee of £30 million. Villa, 26, has spent three years at Valencia, scoring over a 60 goals in the process.

Meanwhile, Silva, 22, has been at the Spanish giants since 2004, going out on loan twice. I personally would love to see both players in the Premier League, although I feel Silva may opt to stay in Spain. Both are terrific players that would only strengthen any of the sides in question.

AC Milan will try to buy one of Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Adebayor and Dimitar Berbatov this summer. The trio have all been linked with moves away from their respective clubs in recent weeks with Milan always said to be interested. (Press Association)



Drogba, 30, is said to be the closest out of the three to sign for Milan, with AC Milan vice-president, Adriano Galliani, admitting that they have had discussions with Chelsea in recent days about the possibility of taking Drogba to the San Siro. Meanwhile, yesterday it was claimed that Milan had struck a deal to sign Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor.

Berbatov is almost certain to leave White Hart Lane this summer, with Juande Ramos admitting it was unlikely Berbatov would be at the club next season. Berbatov, 28, has never hidden his desire to play in the Champions League again and Milan are very keen to bring him to Italy. I personally think out of the three, Adebayor is the most unlikely to join AC and I feel Drogba may the one to join the Serie A giants.

Tottenham are preparing a £10 million move for Portsmouth midfielder Lassan Diarra. The French international has impressed during his time at Pompey since moving from Arsenal last January and this has caught the attention of Spurs boss Juande Ramos. (Daily Mirror)



The former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder has made just over a dozen appearances for Pompey, scoring once in the process. He played no small part in Portsmouth winning the FA Cup this year and has become an instant fan favourite at Fratton Park.

I personally think Diarra should stay at Pompey for at least another year and then think about moving to a side like Spurs. He is a terrific passer of and I think he can only get better with age so although I don't think he will move to White Hart Lane this summer, I certainly wouldn't be ruling it out next summer.