Vidic happy at Old Trafford

Nemanja Vidic has sought to play down speculation about his future by insisting he is happy at Manchester United.

The Serbian has spoken out after recent comments credited to his agent Paolo Fabbri claimed he was angling after a move to Barcelona.

Vidic, who was one of United's key players in their Premier League title defence last season, made his first start of the season in Saturday's 5-0 win over Wigan after recovering from injury.

''I've never said anything about Barcelona or Real Madrid or AC Milan - or any club,'' he said. ''I never speak about my future so I don't know why someone else does. I showed at Wigan on the pitch how happy I am at this club.

''Any fan of United only has to see how I played to know how committed I am. I spoke with my agent about this and what he said. I know about all the rumours about me but I don't want it to have an impact on the club.

''It's not a good time for my club to be hearing those rumours,'' added the 27-year-old in reference to the summer departures of Carlos Tevez and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Vidic also dismissed as untrue reports his wife, Ana, has not settled in Manchester.

''It's not true that my wife is not happy,'' he continued. ''I don't know how that rumour came out, she's not what you'd call a famous wife. She's never spoken to a newspaper.''

Meanwhile it has been reported that Anderson's future is not so clear, as the Daily Mail claim he has had a bust up with boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Brazilian is believed to have made his feelings clear to Ferguson after being left out of the Community Shield against Chelsea earlier this month and suggested his future might lie elsewhere.

The €30m midfielder flopped in the Champions League Final against Barcelona and was disappointing on his return against Burnley last week but, having lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez this summer, the United boss may keep him on until at least the end of the season.

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 25, 2009

Tevez: Ferguson is ''scared'' of new-look Man City

Carlos Tevez has claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson is ''scared'' of playing Manchester City this season following their busy summer of spending.

Tevez spent two years on loan at Old Trafford before securing a permanent switch to Eastlands over the summer and has not kept quiet over his dissatisfaction of being kept on the bench by the Scot.

Ferguson, for his part, has played down the significance of the Argentine's departure, whilst also warning Man City that it will be difficult to break into the top four this season. However, Tevez feels his former boss is worried about the Manchester derby on 20th September.

"Ferguson is history for me but I know that he is scared of playing against us," the striker told Globoesporte. "It's dangerous for Ferguson's objectives and for him to criticise Manchester City."

Tevez has also explained the differences between playing under Ferguson and working with current manager Mark Hughes.

"Mark Hughes is only focused on his work and the team, he doesn't get involved in the negotiations," he said. "He has been a football player so there is a big difference in the way he treats each player."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 24, 2009

Fixtures August 29 & 30, 2009

Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
12:45 UK	Chelsea	v	Burnley	Stamford Bridge
15:00 UK	Tottenham Hotspur	v	Birmingham	White Hart Lane
15:00 UK	Blackburn Rovers	v	West Ham United	Ewood Park
15:00 UK	Bolton Wanderers	v	Liverpool	Reebok Stadium
15:00 UK	Stoke City	v	Sunderland	Britannia Stadium
15:00 UK	Wolverhampton Wanderers	v	Hull City	Molineux Stadium
17:15 UK	Manchester United	v	Arsenal	Old Trafford

Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
13:30 UK	Portsmouth	v	Manchester City	Fratton Park
15:00 UK	Everton	v	Wigan Athletic	Goodison Park
16:00 UK	Aston Villa	v	Fulham	Villa Park

Rafa rues costly errors following Anfield defeat

Rafa Benitez told ESPN that mistakes at 'crucial times' cost Liverpool following a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa at Anfield.

The Reds found themselves 2-0 down at half-time after an own goal from Lucas Leiva and a header from Curtis Davies, and while Fernando Torres scored after 72 minutes, Steven Gerrard quickly conceded a penalty to allow Ashley Young to score a third.

Liverpool have now lost two of their opening three Premier League games the same amount that they lost in the whole of last season and Benitez was clearly unhappy with a sloppy performance from his side.

"It was a frustrating night because we started well and had our chances,'' he told ESPN. "But we didn't take them, we made one mistake, then in the last minute of the first half another, and when we were on top of them and scored our first goal we made another mistake.

"Important mistakes at crucial times.

"When we scored everything could have been different but there was another mistake and again we needed two goals.''

Reflecting on a first victory of the season for his side, Villa manager Martin O'Neill told ESPN he was 'delighted' with their performance at Anfield.

Villa had started their campaign with defeats at the hands of Wigan and Rapid Vienna but, after securing three points, O'Neill praised his players for what was a resolute display in the face of some sustained second-half pressure from the home side.

"I'm delighted with the performance, I couldn't be more pleased," O'Neill said.

"We put absolutely everything into the game, not just effort but skill and ability.

"We had a sluggish start on the opening day and to come and win here against maybe one of the championship favourites was a terrific effort.

"At 2-0 we seemed in reasonable command of the game, it goes to 2-1 and so we had to react pretty quickly. We got a goal through the penalty - and it was a penalty - and got ourselves back in again. We deserved to win.''

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 24, 2009

Result August 24, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	Liverpool	1 - 3	Aston Villa	Anfield (43,667)

Results August 22 & 23, 2009

Saturday, August 22, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	Arsenal	4 - 1	Portsmouth	Emirates Stadium (60,049)
Final	Birmingham	0 - 0	Stoke City	St Andrews Stadium (21,694)
Final	Hull City	1 - 0	Bolton Wanderers	Kingston Communications Stadium (22,999)
Final	Sunderland	2 - 1	Blackburn Rovers	Stadium of Light (37,106)
Final	Manchester City	1 - 0	Wolverhampton Wanderers	City of Manchester Stadium (47,287)
Final	Wigan Athletic	0 - 5	Manchester United	The DW Stadium (18,164)

Sunday, August 23, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	West Ham United	1 - 2	Tottenham Hotspur	Upton Park (33,095)
Final	Burnley	1 - 0	Everton	Turf Moor (19,983)
Final	Fulham	0 - 2	Chelsea	Craven Cottage (25,404)

Hart: Takeover is imminent

Portsmouth manager Paul Hart is hoping the club will finally have new owners after it emerged chief executive officer Peter Storrie is fronting up a consortium wanting to take over at Fratton Park.

He said: "What do I know about the takeover? Only that we might be getting some good news so we are keeping our fingers crossed that there might be a successful bid.

"I think it is imminent. We need to get this sorted out. That is pretty obvious to everybody.

"Will there be any money if the takeover goes through? I've not had any detailed talks. We have got targets and it doesn't necessarily mean we will be spending money.

" Portsmouth looks set to collect their first point of the campaign until James, who had made a fine save to deny Kevin Phillips, was adjudged to have caught Larsson by referee Lee Probert.

Hart said: "I've looked at the penalty and it is harsh. The referee was perfectly placed. Why he had to rely on the linesman, I just don't know.

"If you look at David James, his eyes are on the ball and his arms are outstretched to catch it."

Blues manager James McLeish had stressed the need to make St Andrews a fortress this season after too many draws had cost the club their top-flight spot two years ago.

He said: "It's very important to get that first win on the board. We started the game with completely different tactics to the Manchester United game.

"We worked hard at getting it right. We played some good football. We got a bit tired in the second half but came strong again with the substitutes.

"As for the penalty, I was nowhere near it but the players are adamant David James was over zealous with his challenge.

"We will take the free point. For 30 years I have seen games like that - and my heart is still ticking.

"We did get put through the mill today but we have got a great victory.

" McLeish may have to go back into the transfer market as left-back Gregory Vignal is struggling with a hip problem. But he admitted the deal to try and sign Sporting Gijon midfielder Michel has still to be finalised.

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 20, 2009

Benitez confirms Kyrgiakos deal

Rafael Benitez hailed the arrival of one new boy in £17m defender Glen Johnson and then confirmed another new signing was almost secured.

Johnson had a stunning home debut in Liverpool's 4-0 victory over Stoke at Anfield, scoring one goal and helping to create two more in a fine, attacking display down the right flank.

And Liverpool chief Benitez revealed afterwards his signing of £2m Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos is dependent now only on a medical.

The AEK Athens centre-back, and former Rangers player, will fly in to Merseyside on Thursday and is expected to complete his medical by the weekend and will go straight into the squad for Monday's home game against Aston Villa.

Benitez was delighted with Johnson, saying: "We wanted a player with quality who could score and create goals. He attacks very well and had a fine game. Against teams who defend deep against us, he can change games.

"I was also pleased with Lucas Leiva, he has taken a lot of unfair criticism from the pundits which is not fair. He is a fine professional and a very good player, our best in pre-season.''

Fernando Torres netted an early goal, with Johnson scoring just before the break. In the second period Dirk Kuyt and substitute David Ngog completed the victory.

Benitez added: "Last season against Stoke here, we just could not score an early goal to force them to come out.

"This time we got one very quickly and it gave us the space to attack. The second just before the break was very important, because it gave us the cushion we needed.''

Stoke boss Tony Pulis, who saw his side achieve a notable 0-0 draw in this corresponding fixture last season, said: "I hold my hands up, we were beaten by a better team and better players.

"Liverpool created more chances against us here last season, but just did not take them.

This time they were excellent. They do not only have Torres and Gerrard, who are world class. They have great players right through their team, and they showed that quality against us.

"My team never gave up, they are an honest crew who will work right to the end, but Liverpool were on a different level.

"To write them off after one defeat on the opening weekend is crazy. They will be up there fighting for the title again, I have no doubt about that. But I have no complaints about the result. Gerrard's piece of skill to create the third was world class.

"And Johnson and Kuyt down the right gave us loads of problems all night. They are both fine players and that partnership will give a lot of teams plenty of problems this season.''

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 20, 2009

Harry hails Spurs "exhibition"

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp hailed his side after powering to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Redknapp said: "It was a terrific exhibition of attacking football. The movement, passing, pace - I played with four forwards and really took it to them. We looked dangerous every time we had the ball.

"Defoe looked almost unplayable, his form is absolutely electric. He looks stronger than I have ever seen him and I have known him since he was 14. He has done a lot of work in the gym in the summer and he looks even more explosive.

"If he continues to play like that he has got no problems." Redknapp, however, was not getting carried away with a London derby against West Ham to come this weekend.

He added: "It's nice to have a good start but it's only two games. We've got to keep going."

The only downside for Spurs was the loss of goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes Gomes thigh injury in the first half.

Redknapp said: "We will have to wait and see if he is going to be out long term. If he is we will have to look at that because that only leaves me (Carlo) Cudicini."

Hull manager Phil Brown had no complaints after admitting his side were outplayed.

Brown said: "From a neutral's point of view you have probably seen a team in the top four this season, no doubt.

"We didn't apply ourselves from minute one or get close enough to Tottenham to keep ourselves in the game.

"I thought there was a gulf between the two teams in terms of class, quality and the performance.

"Every player on the field of play for Tottenham was outstanding.

"That's one of the best performances I have seen in the Premier League.

" Brown afterwards admitted that his hopes of signing striker Alvaro Negredo from Real Madrid were over after the player opted to stay in Spain, with Sevilla and Real Zaragoza reportedly interested.

Hull, however, will give a trial to Bosnian right-back Sanel Jahic this week with a view to signing him from Greek side Thessaloniki.

Source: ESPN Soccernet, 20 August, 2009

Coyle: Man United still title favourites

Owen Coyle still expects Manchester United to win the title this season despite his Burnley side beating the champions 1-0 at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

In their first top-flight home game for 33 years, the Clarets emerged victorious thanks to a combination of Robbie Blake's excellent volley and Brian Jensen's fine penalty save to deny Michael Carrick.

The result sent Burnley's ecstatic fans into raptures and left Sir Alex Ferguson to bemoan his side's failure to take the chances that did come their way.

Not that Coyle feels Ferguson has too much to worry about.

"Sir Alex dealt with defeat in the gracious manner I would expect of someone like that," said Coyle. "He is the best manager in world football and I still expect Manchester United to be champions."

After defying the odds to win promotion in the first place, Burnley have been most bookmakers' pre-season favourites for the drop.

That feeling was only enhanced by Saturday's defeat at Stoke, which led some to suggest Burnley would be marooned at the bottom by Christmas.

Yet it seems Coyle's men will not be the easy-beats many imagined.

"One or two have already written us off," said Coyle. "I am not surprised about that. When you look at the financial side, we will have to produce every week.

"Outside this club, everybody looked at our first five games (Stoke, United, Everton, Chelsea and Liverpool) and expected we would be on zero points.

"We were disappointed on Saturday and we needed to be brave this time.

"Now we have a massive game on Sunday against Everton, although whatever happens we are three points better off than we were at this stage in the Championship last season."

In truth, while United dominated possession apart from a little Burnley flurry that brought their goal, they had few decent opportunities.

Michael Owen failed to make contact with a couple of them, while neither Wayne Rooney nor Park Ji-sung could find the net once Carrick had failed from the spot.

"It was a bad performance considering the chances and possession we had," said Ferguson.

"Maybe if we had got the penalty just before half time it would have made a difference but in saying that we were too frivolous with the chances we had.

"It has been a long time out of the top flight for them and you cannot deny them their victory."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 20, 2009

Fixtures August 22, 23 & 24, 2009

Saturday, August 22, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
15:00 UK	Arsenal	v	Portsmouth	Emirates Stadium
15:00 UK	Birmingham	v	Stoke City	St Andrews Stadium
15:00 UK	Hull City	v	Bolton Wanderers	Kingston Communications Stadium
15:00 UK	Sunderland	v	Blackburn Rovers	Stadium of Light
15:00 UK	Manchester City	v	Wolverhampton Wanderers	City of Manchester Stadium
15:00 UK	Wigan Athletic	v	Manchester United	The DW Stadium

Sunday, August 23, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
13:30 UK	West Ham United	v	Tottenham Hotspur	Upton Park
15:00 UK	Burnley	v	Everton	Turf Moor
16:00 UK	Fulham	v	Chelsea	Craven Cottage

Monday, August 24, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
20:00 UK	Liverpool	v	Aston Villa	Anfield

Result August 19, 2009

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	Birmingham	1 - 0	Portsmouth	St Andrews Stadium (19,922)
Final	Hull City	1 - 5	Tottenham Hotspur	Kingston Communications Stadium (24,735)
Final	Burnley	1 - 0	Manchester United	Turf Moor (20,872)
Final	Liverpool	4 - 0	Stoke City	Anfield (44,318)

Result August 18, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	Sunderland	1 - 3	Chelsea	Stadium of Light (41,179)
Final	Wigan Athletic	0 - 1	Wolverhampton Wanderers	DW Stadium (16,661)

Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 1 Liverpool

Title hopefuls Liverpool suffered defeat in their first game of the new Barclays Premier League campaign as Sebastien Bassong scored on his debut in a 2-1 victory for Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez had spent the summer plotting how to overhaul champions Manchester United, having fallen just short last season in the quest for a first title since 1990.

New arrival Glen Johnson, who cost £17million from Portsmouth, started at right-back, Dutchman Ryan Babel was chosen ahead of Yossi Benayoun with Spain forward Fernando Torres expected to again provide the goals along with captain Steven Gerrard, fit following a groin problem.

Given title rivals United had won earlier on Sunday afternoon, coupled with victories on Saturday for both Chelsea and, most impressively, Arsenal, there was little margin for error if Liverpool were to avoid playing catch up after just one match.

However, the Reds never really got going, with Torres particularly disappointing.

Indeed, Liverpool should have been more than 1-0 down at half-time had Anfield old boy Robbie Keane not missed a couple of clear chances before full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto smashed in a 25-yard effort past Pepe Reina.

Although the visitors were handed a lifeline back into the match when Johnson was upended by keeper Heurelho Gomes to give away a penalty, which Gerrard converted on 54 minutes, Spurs soon regained the lead as Bassong, an £8million signing from Newcastle, headed in a free-kick from Luka Modric.

While there is, of course, plenty of football left to be played between now and May, Benitez knows his men will have to do much, much better if they are to finish ahead of the rest.

After a slow start, there was a stoppage on 14 minutes when Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher collided heads after both jumping for a high ball.

The English defender had to go off for treatment on a bloody gash, before returning with some heavy bandages.

Gerrard let fly with a 25-yard effort, which was just wide of Gomes' right-hand post.

Spurs then really should have gone ahead on 30 minutes.

Wilson Palacios got away down the right, and looped the ball across to the far post.

Modric lofted it back into the six-yard box, where Keane arrived with a diving header - but one which was straight at Reina, who reacted brilliantly.

The Liverpool keeper then denied his former team-mate once again, this time standing up well as Keane tried a chip.

On 44 minutes, Skrtel gave away a free-kick in a dangerous position, some 25 yards out, when he fouled Palacios.

Tom Huddlestone drove his effort into the defenders - but the ball fell kindly for Assou-Ekotto, who promptly smashed it back into the top corner.

Liverpool regrouped at half-time and produced a flowing move when Dirk Kuyt touched the ball back to Torres, who laid it on for Gerrard, but the England midfielder struck his low shot just wide from 20 yards.

A fine fingertip save from Reina then denied Palacios a second goal for Spurs following a rasping 25-yard drive towards the top right corner.

Liverpool found a way back into the match when they were awarded a penalty on 54 minutes.

Johnson was upended by Spurs keeper Gomes as the full-back burst into the right side of the box, and Gerrard stepped up to fire the ball past the Spurs keeper.

Tottenham looked to respond straight away, with Defoe's shot on the turn blocked by Carragher.

The defender was then booked for a foul on the striker as the home side pressed again.

It proved a costly free-kick to concede, as from it, Spurs regained the lead on 59 minutes.

Modric, from the right, floated the ball over through a crowded penalty area, where Bassong got up to head into the corner and mark his debut in style.

On 67 minutes, Liverpool replaced Babel with Benayoun as Benitez opted for `Plan B', while Spurs sent on summer signing Peter Crouch for Keane.

Liverpool felt they should have had a penalty when substitute Andriy Voronin went down following a shoulder challenge by Assou-Ekotto - but this time, referee Phil Dowd was not interested.

Tempers frayed on the Liverpool bench, with assistant boss Sammy Lee sent to the stands for continued protests.

Fixtures August 18 & 19

Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Time	Home	Away	VENUE
19:45 UK	Sunderland	Chelsea	Stadium of Light
19:45 UK	Wigan Athletic	Wolverhampton Wanderers	DW Stadium

Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
19:45 UK	Birmingham	v	Portsmouth	St Andrews Stadium
19:45 UK	Hull City	v	Tottenham Hotspur	Kingston Communications Stadium
19:45 UK	Burnley	v	Manchester United	Turf Moor
20:00 UK	Liverpool	v	Stoke City	Anfield

Result August 15 & 16

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	Chelsea	2 - 1	Hull City	Stamford Bridge (41,597)
Final	Portsmouth	0 - 1	Fulham	Fratton Park (17,510)
Final	Wolverhampton Wanderers	0 - 2	West Ham United	Molineux Stadium (28,674)
Final	Blackburn Rovers	0 - 2	Manchester City	Ewood Park (29,584)
Final	Bolton Wanderers	0 - 1	Sunderland	Reebok Stadium (22,247)
Final	Aston Villa	0 - 2	Wigan Athletic	Villa Park (35,578)
Final	Stoke City	2 - 0	Burnley	Britannia Stadium (27,385)
Final	Everton	1 - 6	Arsenal	Goodison Park (39,309)

Sunday, August 16, 2009
Status	Home	Score	Away	VENUE (ATT.)
Final	Manchester United	1 - 0	Birmingham	Old Trafford (75,062)
Final	Tottenham Hotspur	2 - 1	Liverpool	White Hart Lane (35,935)

Fixtures August 15 & 16

Saturday, August 15, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
12:45 UK	Chelsea	v	Hull City	Stamford Bridge
15:00 UK	Portsmouth	v	Fulham	Fratton Park
15:00 UK	Wolverhampton Wanderers	v	West Ham United	Molineux Stadium
15:00 UK	Blackburn Rovers	v	Manchester City	Ewood Park
15:00 UK	Bolton Wanderers	v	Sunderland	Reebok Stadium
15:00 UK	Aston Villa	v	Wigan Athletic	Villa Park
15:00 UK	Stoke City	v	Burnley	Britannia Stadium
17:30 UK	Everton	v	Arsenal	Goodison Park

Sunday, August 16, 2009
Time	Home		Away	VENUE
13:30 UK	Manchester United	v	Birmingham	Old Trafford
16:00 UK	Tottenham Hotspur	v	Liverpool

Hughes: City still want Lescott

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes has not given up hope of signing unsettled Everton defender Joleon Lescott.

The City boss confirmed on Thursday that negotiations are still ongoing and the Eastlands outfit are preparing to make an increased bid for the England international.

Lescott has had a written transfer request rejected by Everton and City have had bids of £15m and £18m rejected by the Goodison Park club, who insist the 26-year-old is not for sale.

But Hughes is set to further test Everton's resolve and said: "We have made offers and shown interest, obviously that is seen by virtue of the bids we have put in."

"But they have been rejected and Everton are fully within their rights to do that, we respect that. "We are still trying to speak to the people who will ultimately make the decision over whether or not the deal continues. "Those conversations are still to take place but how long they will still be active is open to debate.

"It comes down to the club themselves and if they feel they don't want to do a deal in terms of the players they have they have a right to do that, and we respect that, irrespective of the player himself or how he feels."

If a deal for Lescott fails to materialise Hughes, who has already spent £100m in the transfer window, is likely to move on to other targets before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

City have already signed one defender this summer in £16million man Kolo Toure from Arsenal but West Ham United's Matthew Upson is another player to have been linked with Eastlands.

Hughes added: "We were looking to strengthen the defensive options we have got. We have done that in respect of Kolo, we are very pleased he is here.

"I have stated we would like further strengthening to take place but if not we go with what we have got."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 13, 2009

Drogba promises Chelsea fans "a good season"

Didier Drogba has vowed to enjoy himself this season after penning a new contract with Chelsea.

The 31-year-old's new three-year deal should see him end his playing days at Stamford Bridge but the striker insists he still feels young at heart.

And after missing a large chunk of Chelsea's 2008/9 campaign, Drogba has vowed to give Blues' fans "a good season".

"I have a lot of friends in France at the moment who are without a team, without contracts, so I know how lucky I am to be here, and I want to enjoy it," he said.

"I have only been playing at a high level since I was 25 so, in my head, I still feel young. I don't know how long I can continue playing but, for me, the most important thing is to enjoy being on the pitch.

"Maybe I do look happy now and that I know what I am doing - but I knew what I was doing, even last year. I knew what I was doing and I told you that and that is why I am here, with Chelsea.

"I am feeling good. I want to play and I am really happy to be on the pitch and to have my team-mates. I want to give people a good season."

Despite helping Chelsea to a Community Shield victory over rivals Manchester United at the weekend, Drogba says he needs to improve for the coming season.

He said: "Against United I lost a lot of balls, which is something I think is not normal. I need to reduce the amount of mistakes, losing the ball. You know there is always room to improve. I want to improve what I was doing before. I want to do it better and I want to avoid making mistakes.

"It is important to think like that, to be a perfectionist. The more you play big games the more you learn. I think it is never too late to learn from them."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 11, 2009

Benitez: Mascherano focused on Anfield future

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists Javier Mascherano is now fully focused on the Reds after having his head turned by Barcelona this summer.

The Spanish giants have been constantly linked with a swoop for the Argentina midfielder but Benitez has told Mascherano he is going nowhere.

Liverpool sold Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for £30m last week and Benitez is keen not to lose two star players in the same transfer window.

"Javier knows he is staying," the Liverpool boss said. "He has accepted his future is here and that he is going to be a key player for us once more.

"Mascherano is now fully focused on us and what we might achieve together this season, I can guarantee that 100%.

"We've spoken about his situation before and we spoke again. Before, it was difficult and he could see Xabi Alonso was on his way.

"There has been a significant improvement in his game over the past 10 days. He has been a lot more focused, and we are seeing the real Mascherano again."

Mascherano's performances since return from international duty have been below par, but Benitez is confident his performance in the 2-1 pre-season defeat to Atletico Madrid on Saturday shows he will once again be a key player this season.

"He played much better against Atletico than he has before," added Benitez. "I am confident he is more focused now. The last week has changed the situation a lot and he is playing much better."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 11, 2009

Fletcher: Defence will be key to United's defence

Darren Fletcher has predicted a more rigid Manchester United will be on show this season.

With Cristiano Ronaldo now settled in at Real Madrid and Carlos Tevez moving down the road to Manchester City, Sir Alex Ferguson has had a bit of adjusting to do this summer.

And, according to Fletcher, the outcome is an orthodox 4-4-2 formation that he believes will be good enough to terrorise opposition at home and abroad.

"We have always been tight at the back because we have a great defensive record but maybe we have been a little bit too expansive at times," he said.

"The ethos of the club is about attacking football. However, you can't be wide open and attacking all the time.

"You also have to be disciplined and I think you are going to see a more rigid 4-4-2 formation this season."

At Wembley on Sunday, Fletcher was right at the heart of that formation, partnering Michael Carrick in the centre of midfield.

Maybe it should not have been a surprise. For, as the close season dragged on, so Fletcher's abilities grew as reasons for United's lamentable Champions League final display were unearthed.

The inescapable conclusion to draw was that United were passed to death by Barcelona duo Andres Iniesta and Xavi because Fletcher was suspended for the Rome showdown, consigned there due to the needless red card he picked up when the semi-final at Arsenal was already won.

Not that Fletcher is about to let the adulation go to his head.

"The only thing people have said to me this summer is that United missed me in Rome," he said.

"It is nice to hear and I did feel I made a big step forward last season.

"But sometimes you become a better player by not playing. People notice you because you are not there. It is easy to sit in the stand. I was desperate to be out there."

Undeniably, last season's was Fletcher's best and most consistent.

The 25-year-old made 42 appearances last term and the vast majority of his contributions were telling ones in a season that ended with a third Premier League title if not a place in Rome.

"There are some great midfielders at the club but I managed to get into the team for the start of the season and stay there for most of it," he said.

"My performances improved because of the continuity of playing most weeks.

"Now I feel as if I am right in there competing for a place in the starting line-up each week, although I can't take anything for granted because there is so much competition."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 12, 2009

Moyes worried by lack of signings at Everton

David Moyes is concerned by his failure to significantly add to his Everton squad ahead of the 2009/10 campaign.

The Everton manager, who has rejected bids for Joleon Lescott and Louis Saha this summer, knows he is in a race against time to bring in new players ahead of the club's Europa League play-off tie against Czech side Sigma Olomouc later this month.

The two-legged clash will dictate whether or not the Toffees have a season of regular European fixtures and the income that brings, and Moyes admits he needs to act now to reinforce his squad ahead of the first leg at Goodison Park on August 20.

Moyes said: "We are not ready as far as the squad goes, we want more players in. We let a few go in the summer - Andy van der Meyde, Lars Jacobson, Nuno Valente - and we have not replaced any of those players yet.

"If we want a run in Europe we need more players quickly. The search goes on, it has never stopped all summer and I am feeling a bit demented with it all now!

"Apart from a couple of clubs, the transfer activity around the country has been limited. But for us, to have finished fifth and reached a cup final, to improve on that costs a lot of money.

"But we don't have that money. So trying to find players who are cheap, don't want much wages and will come here to improve us, well, it is not easy.''

So far, Moyes has only brought in Brazilian striker Jo on loan from Manchester City and a clutch of untried youngsters who will be in the reserve squad.

He remains hopeful of a positive outcome in his bid for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos, although the clubs are believed to be still some way from agreeing a fee.

Moyes said: "We have a good team but what we do not have is back-up, and that is what we are trying to get. The bid for Senderos has been with [Arsenal] for a while now, and maybe it is getting closer.''

Moyes saw a much-improved performance from his players on Friday when Everton beat Malaga 2-1 at Goodison Park, with Manchester City target Lescott playing the full match and getting a rousing reception from home fans.

And it seems Moyes might have won the battle to retain one of his prized assets.

His stubbornness not to be pushed into a deal for the defender - selected again in the England squad for this week's friendly with Holland - looks to have paid off.

It is believed Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has held further talks with City and told the Eastlands club the Toffees do not want to sell to one of their direct rivals in the battle to claim a Champions League berth.

And Everton's reluctance to part with their big-name players was underlined when Moyes recently rejected an £8m bid from Turkish side Besiktas for Saha.

Moyes said: "Louis is someone we had a big bid for. But he didn't want to go and we didn't want to sell. It's great news Louis wants to stay.''

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 10, 2009

Birmingham complete signing of Irish kid O'Shea

Birmingham City have completed the signing of Republic of Ireland Under-21 winger James O'Shea.

O'Shea sealed his move from Galway United to the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League club and signed a two-year contract, which could be extended by two further years should he impress.

The 20-year-old, who has joined for an undisclosed fee, can play on the right of midfield or as a striker, and scored 10 goals for Galway last season.

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish told bcfc.com: "James is a quick young winger with good feet. We had him over to take a look at him last season but it was at a stage where we'd already taken on players on loan and we couldn't do a deal.

"He came back on the radar quite recently and he's a good young prospect we hope can be a future star.

"We took a bit of a gamble with Keith Fahey coming over (from St Patrick's) last year and he's been a revelation. He was excellent in our bid to get back to the Premier League. He was one of the main catalysts.

"James is not for going into the team right now. We felt he was worth a wee shout because he didn't cost the earth but is hopefully one we can turn into a top player."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 10, 2009

Rovers secure work permit for Croatian striker

Blackburn striker Nikola Kalinic has been granted a work permit ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.

The 21-year-old will cost Rovers an initial £6million after the Ewood Park club agreed a fee with the Croatian's former employers Hajduk Split.

The Croatia international has reportedly agreed a four-year contract with Blackburn, who kick off their new season with a home game against Manchester City at the weekend.

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 10, 2009

Ballack admits he "blocked" Evra at Wembley

Michael Ballack will face no further action for his off-the-ball challenge on Patrice Evra during Sunday's Community Shield at Wembley.

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed Ballack should have been sent off for using an elbow to send Evra flying.

The incident provoked even more controversy because Chelsea took advantage of Evra's injury by racing to the other end of the field and scoring through Frank Lampard.

Referee Chris Foy was immediately besieged by angry United players, who pointed out the official had stopped the game a couple of minutes earlier when Ballack went down in similar circumstances.

As Foy did not intervene, it left the way open for the FA to take action. However, Foy has confirmed he saw the incident clearly and acted as he saw fit, leaving the FA to declare the matter closed.

Earlier, Ballack admitted he "blocked'' Evra and added he was "happy'' Foy did not blow for a foul.

Ballack declared: "I have to be happy that the referee didn't blow because maybe I blocked him a little bit. If the referee gives a foul it would have been okay as well, but he decided not to. It was a bit unlucky after that because they conceded the goal.

"I kept on playing but then I didn't have the ball so I couldn't see how injured he was.''

Ferguson also claimed Foy should have stopped play when Evra went down as the referee had done when Ballack was injured moments earlier, but Lampard said Chelsea had no case to answer.

Chelsea eventually won the game 4-1 on penalties after it finished 2-2 in normal time.

Lampard's strike put Chelsea 2-1 ahead in the 70th minute and when asked if he felt he should have kicked the ball out rather than trying to score, the England midfielder said: "I don't think any player would, you're entitled to shoot.

"That's what United did in the first half, but the referee stopped them and when Ballack went down in the second half they were complaining that they couldn't carry on.''

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 10, 2009

Barcelona won't break the bank for Fabregas

Barcelona could yet launch a bid to bring Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas back to the Nou Camp.

The club's sporting director Txiki Begiristain admitted the midfielder is still on their radar but he says the Catalan giants won't break the bank in order to sign him.

Fabregas came up through Barca's academy before joining Arsenal for a paltry £500,000 in 2003 and Begiristain says the 22-year-old is one of the few players in world football who could improve Pep Guardiola's treble-winning side.

"It depends on how much we want to spend,'' he said in Marca. "If we spend a lot of money, it is possible (to bid for Fabregas). We do not know how much it will be yet. We have not asked Arsenal.

"If the amount is too high, we will not try.''

Barca fans have watched their greatest rivals Real Madrid go on a massive summer spending spree, signing Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso this summer at an estimated cost of around £220m.

Guardiola recently said the inflated market is a bad place in which to do business this summer and Begiristain confirmed Barca wouldn't just spend money for the sake of it.

"We find it difficult to improve what we have and that is the reality,'' he said. "Improving a team that has won a treble is difficult, and trying to improve dramatically can get you into trouble.

"Any new player must be compatible with the plans of the coach. Here the views of Pep Guardiola are critical.''

One possible target for Barca is Shakhtar Donetsk's Dmytro Chygrynskiy, and Begiristain did not deny he was on the club's radar.

"I don't want to dismiss any of the players we like and will help us improve,'' he said. "There are several options.''

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 10,2009

Hughes gives Tevez time to stake claim

Carlos Tevez will have a week's intensive training before Mark Hughes decides whether to pitch Manchester City's new cult hero into Premier League battle at Blackburn Rovers.

With Argentina coach Diego Maradona heeding Hughes' plea to leave Tevez out of his country's friendly with Russia in Moscow, City have the chance to build up his fitness after a 25-minute outing against Celtic on Saturday.

Hughes is dubious about Tevez's chances of starting at Ewood Park given it was his first appearance of the entire pre-season campaign as he struggled to overcome a heel problem.

However, recognising what a positive impact the 25-year-old had on the City supporters on Saturday, as well as his contribution to a 2-1 win, the Blues chief is eager to give Tevez every opportunity.

"I would like to think Carlos will play a part on Saturday although we will have to see how this week goes before we decide whether to start him or not," said Hughes.

"He has been a bit frustrated because he has not been able to put any weight on the heel for the vast majority of pre-season and has been chomping at the bit to play.

"But he looked really sharp when he came on. And the reaction he got from the crowd was fantastic.

"He is going to do great things for us. His energy gives the team a trigger and a focus for when we want to press and engage people. He is going to be really important."

For his part, Tevez just wants to be fit. It is the reason that for all the patriotism he has shown throughout his career, he is glad to be staying in Manchester while Argentina do battle against Guus Hiddink's Russia.

"It was a decision taken by all of us," Tevez told the club's website. "It is important to be fit for Saturday and I have only managed two training sessions so far.

"I need to be able to train all next week so I can produce a really good performance on Saturday."

For all the mass of new signings, which Hughes is pledging will continue as he attempts to bring in another central defender before City begin their Premier League campaign next weekend, Tevez seems certain to be regarded as the heartbeat of this new-look Blues team.

The South American's industry will always draw praise. But his status as a player who snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United and joined City instead ensures him a special place in the hearts of his new club's supporters, which could galvanise the side when they are in trouble.

Hughes will need to check on the hip problem that forced Kolo Toure out after just 18 minutes on Saturday.

The City chief is reasonably confident Toure will be fit for clash with Sam Allardyce's men, although as his attempts to lure Joleon Lescott across from Everton appear to have stalled, a quick refocusing of targets cannot be ruled out, especially as Hughes is not entirely satisfied with his side's defending.

"We are an attack-minded team," he said. "On occasion that caught us out last year so it is a case of making sure we are better and that our concentration levels are high, not only when you have the ball but when you are without it."

The technical aspects of City's play will be lost over the next few days and weeks as an expectant football world waits to see what the initial impact of a summer outlay exceeded only by Real Madrid will be.

As Celtic manager Tony Mowbray observed, Hughes has plenty of goodwill from his fellow managers, while any critics among City's supporters may be silenced for a while as they try to take in the magnitude of charge at their club.

"It reminds me of when I first came to Manchester back in 1965," said Blues legend Mike Summerbee.

"Something special was just about to happen for City and their supporters all those years ago and it is happening again on an even bigger scale.

"With the expectancy, City fans can't help but be sucked into it. I am still pinching myself after all that has happened."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 9, 2009

Blues win Wembley shoot-out

Goalkeeper Petr Cech was the Chelsea hero as Carlo Ancelotti's side beat Manchester United 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out to win the Community Shield after a 2-2 draw at Wembley.

The match finished level at full-time thanks to Wayne Rooney's late leveller, but Chelsea's second goal had sparked controversy.

Chelsea substitute Michael Ballack appeared to elbow Patrice Evra, but while the French left-back lay hurt on the ground referee Chris Foy allowed play to continue.

Chelsea's Didier Drogba broke clear of the United defence before slipping the ball to Frank Lampard to fire the Blues ahead.

Evra then had to be kept apart from Ballack and was booked for a cynical foul on the Germany captain in the 80th minute.

But with Chelsea heading for victory, Rooney broke clear to level the scores in the final minute and take the game to penalties.

Cech then saved from substitute Ryan Giggs and the luckless Evra, to earn Chelsea a 4-1 victory on spot-kicks.

In contrast to the ill-feeling in the later stages of the contest, the afternoon had begun in a more fitting fashion with one minute's applause for the late Sir Bobby Robson.

When the action began on the pitch, United goalkeeper Ben Foster was tested within the opening two minutes.

Drogba collected a pass from Lampard and fired a 20-yard shot towards goal but Foster, selected in the England squad for Wednesday's friendly against Holland, saved at the second attempt.

It was a bright start by Chelsea who almost went ahead in the fifth minute.

Lampard's corner was met by right-back Branislav Ivanovic whose effort was headed against the bar by Evra.

United took the lead with their first real attack of the game in the 10th minute.

Darren Fletcher's sublime cross-field pass was collected by Nani and the Portugal winger beat Ivanovic and Michael Essien before sending a 25-yard drive beyond Cech and into the far right corner.

United should have made it 2-0 in the 16th minute when Dimitar Berbatov crossed for Rooney to head the ball back to Park Ji-Sung on the edge of the six-yard box.

Park was thwarted by a great save from Cech, and the Chelsea goalkeeper then pulled off another fine save moments later when the South Korean midfielder set Berbatov through on goal.

Chelsea were beginning to exert some control as the interval approached but they failed to find a cutting edge.

That lack of precision was underlined again five minutes before the break when Nicolas Anelka sent a drive just wide of Foster's left-hand post.

A cross from Ivanovic moments later failed to trouble Foster even through Drogba lurked with intent.

Three minutes before the break Cech had to be at his best again to tip a 20-yard shot from Fletcher over the bar.

Chelsea replaced the struggling Ivanovic with Jose Bosingwa at the start of the second half, and equalised in the 52nd minute through Ricardo Carvalho's diving header.

Lampard and Florent Malouda had combined on the left and when the winger sent over a volleyed cross, Drogba and Foster collided as they went for the ball.

Foster's attempted clearance fell straight to Carvalho who dived to head the Blues level from eight yards.

Chelsea were full of confidence and Anelka soon tested Foster with a powerful 20-yard drive that the United goalkeeper did well to push away to safety.

In the 59th minute Drogba was inches away from meeting a cross from Ashley Cole as Ancelotti's side continued to control the game.

United were rocked by an injury to goalscorer Nani on the hour. The winger hurt his shoulder in a clash with John Terry and was replaced by Antonio Valencia.

Three minutes later Chelsea replaced John Mikel Obi with Germany captain Ballack.

The London outfit took the lead in controversial circumstances in the 70th minute after Ballack appeared to elbow Evra.

While the United player was down Chelsea broke away and Drogba's pass to Lampard allowed the England midfielder space to beat Foster with a crisp drive. The ball struck the inside of the left post and bounced over the line before spinning back out, however it was clearly a legitimate goal.

With seconds remaining Rooney broke clear of the Chelsea defence and slipped the ball beyond Cech for a dramatic equaliser, but United were not so clinical in the shoot-out.

Source: ESPN Soccernet, August 9, 2009

Villa sign defender Beye from Newcastle

Aston Villa have signed defender Habib Beye from Newcastle on a three-year contract, the Premier League club confirmed tonight.

The Senegal international right-back has signed on a three-year deal after arriving for an undisclosed fee from the relegated Magpies.

Beye, 31, follows Stewart Downing and Fabian Delph to Villa Park as their third major summer signing.

Beye told AVTV: "I think Villa is a great football club.

"I was really happy when my agent told me Villa were interested. I just said 'Get it done'. I wanted to sign for this club.

"It's going to be great working for Martin O'Neill because Villa have a great team. I am so proud now to play here.

"It was important for me to stay in the Barclays Premier League and I am really happy I have with Villa.

"Newcastle are a massive club but everybody knows the problems at the moment.

"I think joining Villa is a great step for me. I signed my contract this afternoon and I'm really glad. I now hope I will be successful with Villa."

Source: ESPN Soccernet, 7 August, 2009

Ancelotti closes window on Chelsea's transfers

Carlo Ancelotti claims Chelsea have finished their business in the summer transfer window.

The Blues have made just three signings this summer, with Ross Turnbull, Daniel Sturridge and Yuri Zhirkov moving to Stamford Bridge.

They have also been linked consistently with AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo as well as Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery. However, as Chelsea prepare for their Community Shield showdown with Manchester United on Sunday, Ancelotti has confirmed there are no plans to add to the squad before the transfer window closes.

"Now we stay with the players I've got. I don't want to take other players because the squad is very competitive,'' said Ancelotti. "We don't need other players and I don't expect to make any more signings before the window shuts.''

Ancelotti also cleared the air over the futures of both midfielder Deco and defender Ricardo Carvalho.

Both players have been linked with a move to Inter Milan, now coached by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, who also worked with the pair at Porto.

Mourinho moaned that Chelsea had made it difficult for Inter to sign the pair by increasing the size of the fee.

But Ancelotti claimed Chelsea had never considered selling the duo and confirmed they would be key assets in his squad this season.

"We never talked about selling Carvalho or Deco,'' declared Ancelotti. "They are important players for Chelsea. Carvalho is a very intelligent defender and Deco has a great quality. This team needs the quality of Deco. They will stay at Chelsea for this season.

"We don't have the idea to sell the players. If one player is not happy to stay with us, he has to say it to us. But at the moment nobody asked to go.''

Chelsea have just two injury doubts for Sunday's game with Zhirkov struggling with a knee problem and Joe Cole still recovering from his ligament injury.

"Zhirkov is the only player with a problem,'' said Ancelotti. "He has a knee injury. He didn't train in the last few days and I don't know if he can play Sunday. He is the only one. Maybe we have to wait two days and then we will see if it is possible for him to play.''

After just one month in the job and a successful pre-season campaign behind him, Ancelotti is enjoying life at Stamford Bridge and cannot wait for the competitive season to get under way.

"We had a good pre-season,'' said Ancelotti. "We didn't have injuries, we worked hard and very well with a very good mental attitude.

"I think we are ready to start this season against Manchester United on Sunday. It will be a very difficult match but we are excited and very happy to play at Wembley.

"It will be the first time for me to be at Wembley. It is not a friendly game, it is very important for us. We play against a great team. They were in the final of the Champions League last season.

"We have respect for this team but we want to win and play well. We want to put our quality on the pitch. It will be an interesting match.''

Source: ESPN Soccernet, 8 August, 2009

Aquilani agrees to contract with Liverpool

Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani has passed a medical and agreed a five-year contract with Liverpool.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez identified Italy international Aquilani as his preferred replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid for around £30million earlier this week.

Liverpool had a bid of around £20million for Aquilani accepted by Roma on Wednesday before the player headed to Merseyside for a medical and contract talks.

The now former Roma man is expected to be at Anfield tomorrow to witness his new team-mates take on Atletico Madrid in the club's final pre-season friendly before next weekend's big kick-off.

Aquilani dispelled fears over the ankle injury that needed surgery this summer and restricted his appearances for the Serie A club last season.

But considering he has only just returned to training, it seems unlikely he will be fit to face Tottenham next Sunday in the Barclays Premier League season opener at White Hart Lane.

Aquilani, 25, is believed to be earning around £80,000 a week.

Source: ESPN Soccernet, 7 August, 2009

Vidic set to miss start of Premier League season

Nemanja Vidic will miss the start of the Barclays Premier League season.

Vidic has been ruled out of the Community Shield showpiece against Chelsea on Sunday at Wembley and the following game with Birmingham because of a calf injury.

Wes Brown is also sidelined this weekend with a thigh problem but is expected back for the opening league match while Gary Neville is unavailable because of a groin strain.

Ferguson said: "Neither Wes or Nemanja have long-term injuries. I would expect Wes to be fit for the game a week on Sunday.

"As for Vidic he pulled his calf in the warm-up in Munich (against Bayern Munich) and is two weeks away.

"Gary is doing a little bit of training and coming on fine but I do not think he will make Sunday."

With goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar out for up to ten weeks with broken fingers, Ferguson has to choose between Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak against Chelsea.

Both played a half in the game against Valencia in midweek and Ferguson added: "We have a selection dilemma as to who plays in goal on Sunday. It is not an easy one for me."

Source: ESPN Soccernet , 7 August, 2009

Arsenal chairman insists Fabregas will not be sold

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has rubbished rumours that captain Francesc Fabregas could be the next big name player to exit the club, insisting there is "absolutely no chance'' he will be sold.

After being tracked by both Barcelona and Real Madrid earlier this summer, the Spain international has been attracting the interest of AC Milan in recent weeks as they look to replace Kaka.

Hill-Wood said: "There is absolutely no chance of us selling Cesc and all this talk is just fabrication.

"This sort of thing crops up from time to time and it is something we are perfectly used to. Cesc is happy at Arsenal, as far as I am aware.''

Following the sale of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure to Manchester City for a combined fee of £41m, there have been fears that the 22-year-old talisman could be the next to leave after four years without a trophy at the Emirates.

However Arsenal, who have only added Thomas Vermaelen to their squad so far in the transfer window, have refuted claims that they could be about to cash in on another asset.

Fabregas, contracted to the club for another five years, is seen as being central to the club's plans going forwards. Manager Arsene Wenger's priority is now signing players rather than selling them.

Source: ESPN Soccernet by Soccernet Staff

Spurs sign Newcastle defender Bassong

Tottenham Hotspur have bolstered their defence with the signing of centre-back Sebastien Bassong from Newcastle United.

The two clubs agreed a fee believed to be upwards of £8m, with the player penning a long-term contract at White Hart Lane.

The 23-year-old is suspended for the first two games of the new season following his sending-off against Fulham at the end of last term.

A statement from Spurs read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of Sebastien Bassong to the club, following the player successfully completing a medical examination and agreeing personal terms."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp had been keen to bring in reinforcements at the back, with Michael Dawson set to miss the start of the new season through injury and Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate also doubtful.

"Jonathan Woodgate is struggling and I think he may have to have an operation," Redknapp said earlier this week.

"I think he may have to have another hernia operation. He had one at the end of last season but obviously it has not worked so he may have to go back in again.

"I don't see (Michael Dawson) or Woody being fit for the start of the season.

"We are still looking to improve the squad. If I can still get one or two in to make us strong and if we can do that then it will be good."

Redknapp admitted his admiration of Bassong during his team's pre-season trip to China, saying: "I like Bassong, he is a young player with a good future and a good central defender."

The Frenchman, who is also qualified to play for Cameroon, moved to St James' Park in July 2008 from Metz and made 34 appearances for the Magpies in his debut campaign in England.

He becomes the fourth summer signing for Redknapp following the acquisitions of Peter Crouch from Portsmouth and Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker from Sheffield United.

Source: ESPN Soccernet

Fergie hails Valencia capture

Sir Alex Ferguson believes new signing Antonio Valencia can help Manchester United to a record fourth consecutive league title.

Having sold World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a record £80m, United are believed to have reinvested around £16m on the Wigan Athletic winger.

Valencia, 23, is likely to be the first of a handful of new arrivals at Old Trafford as Ferguson seeks to replace the attacking threats of Ronaldo and striker Carlos Tevez, who has opted not to join the Red Devils permanently.

But despite the prospect of more new names on the way, Ferguson is already convinced he has secured a player who can have a big impact on next term's title defence.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," he said.

"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

If nothing else, Valencia's arrival ensures Wayne Rooney should be given the more central berth he craves next season as the Ecuador star is unlikely to venture into the middle quite as much as Ronaldo.

As he has already gone through the Premier League settling-in period after spending two seasons with the Latics, there are no worries over whether Valencia can adapt either.

His lack of English may be a concern initially, although the main doubt of most United fans is a goalscoring return of just seven in 83 appearances for Wigan and four in 34 for his country.

Even though few would expect Valencia alone to match Ronaldo's phenomenal recent output, better will be expected from a player who spent a short time as a team-mate of former United star Diego Forlan at Villarreal.

Forlan's experience proves players of high quality can struggle to make an impact at Old Trafford, although Valencia is looking forward to the opportunity.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he said.

"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started.

"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me.

"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."

July 1, 2009
Source: ESPN Soccernet