Monthly Archives: July 2010

Fulham set for new Hughes era

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Mark Hughes will be drawing up a list of potential targets he believes will improve the Fulham squad (20/1 to finish in the top six), as he waits to be named as the club’s new manager ahead of the new Premier League season.

Fulham have opted for the former Manchester City boss to replace Roy Hodgson, who was allowed to leave to take over at Liverpool earlier this summer.

The Cottagers took their time with the appointment and several candidates were in the frame, in particular former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who decided to stay at Ajax.

Hughes his since emerged as the man owner Mohamed al Fayed wanted to continue the good work Hodgson did at the club during his two-and-a-half-year reign at Craven Cottage.

The former Manchester United striker has big boots to fill, such was Hodgson’s reputation in west London, but many believe he was unfairly dismissed by the Eastlands club as they looked to appoint Roberto Mancini.

Before that, Hughes was also respected for the job he did while in charge of Blackburn between 2004 and 2009 and is expected to be able to attract some talented new players to Craven Cottage (Fulham 1/18 to stay up this season).

The Welshman has been tipped to raid City for several players, including the likes of strike duo Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy, who he knows very well, while other targets are likely to emerge in the next month.

Hodgson led Fulham, who finished 12th last season, to the Europa League final in May and, while Hughes does not have European football this season at the Cottage, he would do well to emulate his predecessor and guide the club to another top-seven finish like in 2009.

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Mancini closes in on City targets

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Manchester City (9/2 to win the Premier League) boss Roberto Mancini believes the club are closing in on their big transfer targets ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

City have been strongly linked with Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli and Aston Villa midfielder James Milner during the off-season.

The Eastlands club have already added to a squad which looks like one of the strongest in the Premier League on paper.

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng and David Silva are three of the big signings that have joined the club this summer.

Mancini is also hoping that the former Real Madrid playmaker Robinho, who left City on loan last season, will return to the club for the Premier League campaign.

He said: “The situation is that Robinho will finish his contract with Santos. After that he will stay in Brazil for another week, play for the national team and after that he will return to Manchester City.”

The Blues boss has stated that whether or not Robinho stays at the club is up to the player, but the manager will hope the player returns after the 26-year-old performed well at this summer’s World Cup.

City have been trying to bring in former Leeds and Newcastle star James Milner to the club after the midfielder had a strong campaign with Aston Villa (7/1 to finish in the top four) last season.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill has stated that the two clubs are at a stalemate over the valuation of last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year, but he does not know whether their key man will be at Villa Park at the start of the season.

O’Neill said: “The latest stage of play seems to be Man City feel as if they have gone as far as they want to, but we will wait with baited breath on that one.

“I think obviously the overriding opinion of all Villa fans is that they would love James to stay at the football club. But as I speak here now at this minute, my honest opinion, I cannot guarantee that but we will see.”

Speculation has suggested that Milner would welcome a move to the Premier League’s big spenders as they push for a top four finish in the league.

City will begin their campaign against Tottenham as they look for revenge against the London side, who beat them to the final Champions League place last season.

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Villa and City in Milner deadlock

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Aston Villa (7/1 to finish in the top four) boss Martin O’Neill has revealed that the club have not been able to agree a valuation with Manchester City over midfielder James Milner.

The former Leeds United academy player has been linked all summer with a move to Eastlands and there have been suggestions that the attacking midfielder wants to leave Villa.

City had an initial £20m bid for Milner turned down as the Midlands club believe the player to be worth at least £24m.

Villa manager O’Neill has stated that the two clubs are at a stalemate over the player and is uncertain of what might happen in the future.

He said: “The latest state of play is Manchester City have gone as far as they want to.

“We’ll wait with baited breath on that one, myself included.”

Milner had an excellent season last year at Villa Park and was reported to have attracted interest from other Premier League clubs including Liverpool and Manchester United.

Villa will be desperate to keep hold of the England international who was one of only a few players to impress in the Three Lions’ dismal World Cup tournament.

O’Neill is keen to see the goalscoring midfielder as Villa (16/1 to win the FA Cup) continue to push for cup honours and compete in the top half of the Premier League.

He said: “I think obviously the overriding opinion of all Villa fans is that they would love James to stay at the football club.

“But as I speak here now at this minute, my honest opinion, I cannot guarantee that, but we will see.”

Villa have not yet made a move in the transfer market this summer and fans will be hoping the club can keep hold of their best players and add to the squad.

O’Neill is aiming to ensure that the likes of Ashley Young and Milner stay, but he does appreciate why players move on to the big clubs.

He said: “I can understand totally that players would be affected by offers from Manchester City, particularly in this day and age where it looks as if they can get who they want.”

Villa begin their Premier League campaign when they take on West Ham United at Villa Park on August 14.

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Hammers snub Spurs’ Parker bid

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West Ham United (2/1 to be relegated from the Premier League) have rejected a bid from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for their captain Scott Parker.

The former Chelsea midfielder was a key player for the Hammers last season as they managed to avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Parker was one of the seven players that missed out on the final England World Cup squad after making the initial 30 man selection.

Speculation that clubs would make a move for the player this summer has been confirmed as Spurs (3/1 to finish in the top four)  boss Harry Redknapp has made a bid for the talented midfielder.

The White Hart Lane club are looking to strengthen their squad as they attempt to retain a top-four place in the Premier League and begin their journey in the Champions League.

However, Hammers chairman David Sullivan is adamant that the club will be keeping hold of their skipper.

He said: “I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters.

“Scott is not for sale at any price, to anyone. West Ham supporters, for too long, have had owners that sell their best players and promise one thing and do another.

“This is a new era. We are building a bigger, better West Ham and when we make a promise, we honour it,” he added.

Sullivan also stated that he did not want any offers from Spurs that would unsettle his players prior to their move for Parker.

The Upton Park club look set to offer Parker a new five-year-contact despite the player having three years left on his current deal.

West Ham (7/2 to finish in the top half in the Premier League) have been linked with a number of big names this summer which included Thierry Henry and David Beckham.

However, it is keeping hold of their better players which currently seems to be the priority for the club as the likes of Matthew Upson and Robert Green are linked with moves away from Upton Park.

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Ferguson happy with Hernandez deal

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Mexico and Manchester United star Javier HernandezManchester United (5/2 to win the Premier League) boss Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the club did well by signing Mexican striker Javier Hernandez before the World Cup took place this summer.

Hernandez had a good tournament in South Africa as he helped his side reach the second round of the competition. He also scored against both France and Argentina.

The 22-year-old looks like he will make his debut for United when they face the MLS All Stars on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

Henandez signed from Mexican side Chivas de Guadalajara before the start of the World Cup which has ultimately saved the club millions due to the attacking player’s impressive performances.

United have been the victims of inflated prices of players after they have had successful international tournaments in the past.

When Rio Ferdinand signed for the Old Trafford club from rivals Leeds United, the West Yorkshire club received a far healthier price for the defender after a successful World Cup in 2002.

Ferguson has hailed his scouting staff and Hernandez’s former club after they managed to secure the player’s services before the World Cup.

He said: “I think our scouting people deserve 10 out of 10 for identifying him before the World Cup  and I think if we had been trying to negotiate after the World Cup it would have been very difficult.

“I think a lot of teams would have been after him and it would probably have cost us two or three times more.

“Our relationship we have built with Chivas has been excellent, they really were very accommodating in everything, the amazing thing was that no-one in the club said a word,” he added.

Hernandez joined his new team-mates on Monday ahead of their next pre-season fixture in America and Ferguson wants to get the player sharp ahead of the upcoming campaign, when United will be looking to win back the Premier League title from their rivals Chelsea.

The match against the All Stars will be played in Houston, Texas which has a large Mexican population and the Red Devils (15/2 to win the Champions League) boss wants to excite the crowd by giving the new striker a run out.

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Scholes fearful of Chelsea threat

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Paul Scholes believes Chelsea (13/10 Community Shield winners) will pose the biggest threat to Manchester United’s hopes of winning the Premier League title this season.

Having halted United’s run of consecutive league wins last term, the Blues will start next season as the outright favourites to win the title, with totesport pricing them at 13/8.

While United pushed Chelsea all the way last season, taking the race to the last day, it was the west London side who ultimately controlled the destiny of the silverware for much of the campaign.

While last year eventually developed into a two horse race once again, this season promises to be a lot closer with the likes of Arsenal (4/6 top four finish), Manchester City (1/2), Tottenham (3/1) and Liverpool (7/4) all hopeful of being involved in the title picture.

Despite City having spent nearly £80million on new players already, with more set to arrive before the transfer window shuts, Scholes still believes it will be reigning champions Chelsea who will give United the biggest test.

“Who will our biggest rivals for the title be? You have got to say Chelsea. And the rest… you just do not know,” said Scholes, as he gets ready for Thursday’s pre-season friendly against MLS All-Stars.

“City? We will have to see what happens there. They have bought so many players. Whether they can gel together remains to be seen.”

Despite having lost their crown last season, United have so far failed to spend anywhere near the amount their city rivals have in the hope of claiming their 19th league title. Forward Javier Hernandez and defender Chris Smalling have been the only new arrivals at Old Trafford thus far.

Much like United, Chelsea have also failed to break the bank in a bid to strengthen their position as kings of England, with Yossi Benayoun their only big name arrival thus far.

While there is just over a month of the transfer window left, it seems unlikely either Chelsea or United will make more than one, if any, big money signings, instead relying on the stars of last season.

Scholes is confident that the crop of players, who pushed Chelsea so close last season, will be able to go one place further and get back to the top of the table.

“We have to be confident. Last year we didn’t win what we wanted to win, but, looking back, we definitely were not that far off,” added the former England international.

“You do not want to use excuses, but the injuries we had were shocking really. Hopefully most of us can stay fit this year and hopefully we can go one step further than last season.”

Before United begin the new season against Newcastle on August 16 they will contest the annual curtain raiser, the Community Shield, against Chelsea on August 8.

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Dalglish expects Torres to stay

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Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish expects Fernando Torres to stay at Anfield, despite intense speculation that the Spain striker will ask for a move away before the start of the season (Liverpool 12/1 – Premier League outright).

Reds boss Roy Hodgson revealed over the weekend that Torres is unsettled at Liverpool and has a “beef” with the club.

He intimated, after speaking to the former Atletico Madrid ace about his future, that he could do no more to persuade the striker to stay on Merseyside.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has since said he would be interested in signing Torres – if the price was right – while Chelsea and Barcelona have also been linked with big-money swoops.

Torres has so far stayed silent on his future but is still on holiday after his exploits with Spain at the World Cup and is not due back on Merseyside for another week.

Hodgson had hoped the fact skipper Steven Gerrard has committed his future to the club, coupled with the capture of Joe Cole on a free transfer, would help persuade Torres to stay but it appears the 26-year-old is yet to be convinced Anfield remains the place to be.

Dalglish, though, is confident Torres will eventually decide to stay with the Reds.

“When Torres sees that (Gerrard staying and Cole’s signing) and talks with Roy I’m sure he’ll give us good news,” Dalglish told BBC Radio 5 live.

“I hope Torres stays. Only Fernando knows what he is going to do. Unfortunately for him he is injured but he is a fantastic player and is very happy around the club and the city.”

He added: “The fact that Stevie is staying will be a great help and players like Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Wilson mean there is buying for present and the future.”

Torres is recovering from a groin injury will not feature in Liverpool’s first competitive match of the season, the Europa League qualifier against Rabotnicki on Thursday (Rabotnicki 12/1 to win, Liverpool 1/5- first leg 90 minutes) but may be fit, should he decide to stay, for the opening Premier League game of the season against Arsenal on August 15 (Liverpool 5/4, Arsenal 7/4 – 90 minutes).

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Raul drops England hint

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Legendary Spanish striker Raul has admitted that he could join a Premier League club this summer after ending his 18-year career-long association with Real Madrid (Evs La Liga Primera Outright).

The 33-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at the Bernabeu before making his debut for Real – where scored 323 goals in 741 games since 1994 – is available on a Bosman free transfer and was linked with a move to German side Schalke (7/1 Bundesliga Outright).

However Raul, who helped Real seal three Champions League triumphs and six Spanish league titles, confirmed that his future is not yet decided and he could still end up at a Premier League club.

Tottenham were linked with a swoop for Raul to spearhead their first foray into the Champions League next term (Spurs 40/1 Outright). However boss Harry Redknapp has dismissed that prospect, claiming his wages would be too high for the north Londoners.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations and Raul insists he will make a decision “in a few days”.

“I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England,” he said.

Raul added: “In a few days I will know whether I’ll be going to the Bundesliga [or to England].”

Raul was speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon to confirm his departure from Real Madrid and he described it as a “difficult day”.

He said: “Football has been my life and Real Madrid my home. Together we have lived unique moments.

“I feel like a footballer still and I will keep on playing but I will always be loyal to Real Madrid. I have tried to give everything in my time here.

“A new period starts today. I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs.”

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Mancini issues taunt to rivals

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Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has taunted the Blues’ Premier League title rivals by claiming the established ‘Big Four’ are “running scared” (City 4/1 – 2010/11 Premier League Outright).

The Eastlands outfit will be the biggest spenders this summer by some distance, with the likes of Yaya Toure, Jerome Boateng, David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov all arriving for mega-money.

City are also trying to tempt Spain ace Fernando Torres away from Liverpool amid continuing speculation over the 26-year-old’s long-term future at Anfield following their failure to secure Champions League football.

Accusations of making the Premier League an unfair competition have been levelled City’s way, but Mancini claims the Blues are only playing catch-up with his comments sure to raise eyebrows at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and the Emirates, as well as Anfield.

He said: “Are they scared? I think so. At the moment only Manchester City are buying players.

“But that is normal because Manchester City want to improve and the other teams are just big teams who would like a lot of people.

“All the other teams are trying to put pressure on us because for 10 years there were only four teams challenging for the title.

“This year, there are five. I think all these teams over the years have spent a lot of money – Manchester United, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool but now City do.

“There isn’t a difference.”

Mancini has made no secret of the fact he is looking to win the Premier League in his first full season in charge of Eastlands.

After succeeding Mark Hughes in the Eastlands hot-seat last December Mancini guided the club to fifth place in the Premier League, losing out to Spurs for the coveted fourth place and with it the chance of Champions League football.

But he has no intention of languishing off the pace this time around (City 13/10 – Premiership Without Man Utd & Chelsea 2010/2011).

“If you remember a few years ago Manchester City were in the Championship, then it is clear every year we must improve,” he said.

“Last year, we fought for fourth place until the penultimate game against Tottenham – the aim this year is to try to win the Premier League.

“That must be our target.”

As well as Torres, Mancini says he has his eye on other strikers including Inter Milan starlet  Mario Balotelli.

In a twist of fate, City kick off their season with a trip to Tottenham on August 14 (13/2 – Opening Day Fixtures – Game With Most Goals).

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Hodgson admits Torres doubts

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Fernando TorresLiverpool’s chances of keeping Fernando Torres on board for next season’s title push (12/1 to win Premier League) are hanging by a thread after Roy Hodgson admitted the striker is looking to leave Anfield.

Hodgson may have signed Joe Cole and convinced Steven Gerrard to stay but his attempts to talk Torres around appear to have fallen on deaf ears.

The new Reds boss has been talking to Torres ever since taking charge but it looks as though the player’s mind is already made up and he wants to quit Anfield.

The most frustrating thing for Hodgson is the fact Torres’ problems stem from matters that have gone on in the past and there is nothing more he can do to convince him to stay.

Hodgson would not divulge too much and say whether Torres is angry with the American owners, former boss Rafa Benitez or any other Liverpool official, but he is obviously unhappy with the club and that could spell the end of his time at Liverpool.

“Unfortunately, I cannot do much more,” Hodgson revealed. “His beef is with the club and not me.

“Fernando’s situation has nothing to do with me, he made that perfectly clear over the phone during the World Cup and when I met him face-to-face.

“He knows what I would like to do with the club. He knows how much I value him. But his issues are with what has gone on in the past rather than the future.

“If he has problems with the club for things in the past, it is difficult for me to dismiss that.”

Hodgson’s comments are sure to alert Manchester City and Chelsea who are both interested in the striker and have the cash needed to prize him away from Anfield.

Torres is 11/2 to top the Premier League goalscoring charts next season but there is every chance he could be banging in the goals for either City or Chelsea.

Hodgson will still hold out some hope of keeping the player, who is under contract, but if Torres has made his mind up then there will be little the club can do.

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