European summer signings set new transfers heights

This year's off-season is proving to be one of the most exciting and expensive when it comes to star players' transfers.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and England's nouveau riche outfit Manchester City are taking the transfer market by storm with some mega bids that could change football's face for years to come.

With six weeks till the end of the transfer window, Real already broke two records by signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for £80 million and Kaka from AC Milan for £68.5 million.

The previous record was similarly broken by Los Merengues when they signed Zinedine Zidane from Juventus for £46 million in 2001.

With the addition of striker Karim Benzema from Lyon for around £30 million, Real's shopping bill has already exceeded £150 million and they are still in the hunt for more players.

City have so far signed Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz for nearly £30 million, but they are trying to lure Chelsea defender John Terry with a salary of over £300 thousand a week.

Many believe that the Real and City are setting crippling transfer measures for other clubs in the continent, but Kaka himself is convinced that the players bought are worth every penny.

"If Real Madrid have decided to pay so much money for us it is because we are worth it, isn't it? Because we have shown it with our football in recent years," the 27-year-old says.

"We are in a sport which pays these kinds of figures and within this sphere it could be that we are worth this investment."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson disagrees with the 2007 World player of the year.



The Scot, who paid £30.7 million to bring Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham last summer, knows that his club can't afford to match Real Madrid's bids.

"Everywhere in England and in Europe the players' values have shot sky high. I don't think any of the transfers that you see happening are realistic," Ferguson bemused.

"It is a very unusual summer and difficult to get value because of that. Manchester United always had to pay a bit extra to get players. But this summer we're not prepared to do this," he added.

Ferguson is not the only one who's not happy at Real's astronomical bids. Bayern Munich honorary chairman Franz Beckenbauer considered some of the transfers as acts of madness.

"These sums of money are ridiculous. But there is always some lunatic who walks around throwing money away," the former Germany and Bayern legend said.


Whether coaches like it or not, Real's signings have forced everyone to play by the new rules, and if clubs like United can't afford raising prices then many others won't be able to buy any quality players in the near future.

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Ronaldo Set For Mega United Deal

Newspaper reports indicate that Manchester United will offer Cristiano Ronaldo a sizeable pay-rise during the summer in an attempt to keep him at the club...

According to the News of the World, United will tear up Ronaldo's current £120,000-per-week contract - which has more than three years remaining - in favour of a new £150,000-per-week deal.

That would make the Portuguese superstar the best-paid player in the history of the Premier League. It would also severely dent Real Madrid's hopes of landing their top target.

"Next summer will be a key element of his contract situation — he will have three years left then," said Sir Alex Ferguson.

The prospect of stopping Madrid president Ramon Calderon from delivering on his promise of bringing Ronaldo to the Bernabeu would doubly delight Sir Alex Ferguson, as the pair have been involved in a word-war through the press over the last week or so.

"There is no question of Ronaldo leaving," the United manager continued.

"Calderon promised everyone they would get the lad in the summer. There was a complete arrogance about it. So I was delighted Ronaldo stayed."

However, there remains a remote possibility that Ronaldo could turn down the new deal and exploit FIFA Article 17, which allows him to buy out his current contract at the end of next season.

But Ferguson added: "Nobody (at Manchester United) has ever bought himself out of his contract. I don’t think it will be an issue."

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Milan Push And Shake For Agger

Milan are ready to launch an assault for under-fire Liverpool stopper Daniel Agger, according to Il Corriere Dello Sport.

The Danish central defender doesn't seem a part of the project 'Pool coach Rafa Benitez has planned and he is unlikely to renew his current deal, which expires in 2010.

Agger is a loggerheads with his coach as he has been used as a bit-part player at Anfield. He is now being looked at by the Rossoneri as a possible replacement for the injury prone Alessandro Nesta.

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Milan are ready to make a move and they will insert French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, currently on-loan at Bordeaux, as part of the deal.

The 24-year-old has been advised to the San Siro club by former Rossonero Tomas Helveg and the club is ready to move and shake by tempting the Premier League side with a bid during the January transfer window.

Milan's real objective is Spanish international Sergio Ramos but if that fails, Agger will be the alternative as Ancelotti goes for youth over experience as he pushes the pineapple and shakes the tree.

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Tevez A Real Madrid Target?

With a degree of uncertainty still surrounding the future of Argentine forward Carlos Tevez, the Spanish media are saying that if Manchester United don't pay €37 million to MSI before 30th January, Real Madrid will make a move for the player.

Carlos Tevez is said to be a target for Real Madrid. The latest big 'story' to be splashed across the pages of Spanish football newspaper Marca is that the 24-year-old has been targeted by technical staff at the Bernabeu, including coach Bernd Schuster - who according to Marca "has made it clear that the signing of a world class striker must be a priority for next season - and Mijatovic agrees with him."

Of course, at this stage it is pure speculation and paper talk. But Tevez's situation is an intriguing one.

The Argentine 'belongs' to Kia Joorabchian's management company MSI, who have effectively loaned the star to Manchester United until the end of January 2009.

At that point United can take up their preferential option to make Tevez a permanent member of their playing staff by paying MSI €37 million.

It seems almost certain that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will exercise that option to keep the hard-working Tevez at Old Trafford. True, Tevez has said this week that Ferguson's changes to the United forward line this season, including the introduction of Dimitar Berbatov, have blunted the goalscoring dimension of his game, but he has vowed to get back to his best for the Red Devils.

In the unlikely event that United chose not to sign Tevez in January, Real Madrid could conceivably make a move to sign him. But it seems a very long shot at the moment.

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Buffon And Kaka Now On City’s Wish List

Gianluigi Buffon and Kaka are the latest names to be linked with Manchester City as transfer speculation surrounding the Sky Blues continues apace.

The club have become the richest in the Premier League following their takeover in September which has led to a whole host of top names being linked with a move to Eastlands.

According to the News of the World, Juventus stopper Buffon and Milan’s Brazilian playmaker Kaka are the latest players thought to be tempting manager Mark Hughes.

The Sky Blues’ manager will also reportedly be handed £100 million to spend in the January transfer window as he looks to strengthen his squad.

The paper claims that a bid of £25 million would secure Buffon from Juventus where, they claim, the goalkeeper is unsettled and searching for a new challenge.

Kaka, meanwhile, would reportedly cost twice as much to prise away from AC Milan. The World Player of the Year was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer, although opted to remain at the San Siro.

Whilst luring both players to Eastlands, mid-way through the season. may represent something of a challenge. The fact that Robinho was signed from Real Madrid for a British record fee shows the club’s intent.

Buffon and Kaka now join a long list of players linked with City following their takeover and including such names as Thierry Henry, Antonio Cassano, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres and Ronaldo.

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Wenger To Join Milan Next Season

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger is being tipped as one of the candidates who may take over from Carlo Ancelotti at Milan next season, according to Il Giorno. The Rossoneri have started poorly this term and this may well be Ancelotti’s final campaign at the helm.

The Rossoneri have started poorly this term and reports in Italy suggest that this may well be Ancelotti’s final campaign at the helm.

Il Giorno claims the Via Turati-based club have been looking at a number of possible replacements and Wenger is the latest name to have popped up on the Rossoneri’s managerial shortlist.

Marco Van Basten and Frank Rijkaard, who both played at the club, are also amongst the favourites.

Milan are looking for a fresh approach and a more youthful side and the Arsenal man may be the answer to their coaching questions.



The Milan-based newspaper has also reported that an agent on behalf of Massimo Moratti tried to hire the Frenchman in 2005, before the Inter president went for Roberto Mancini.

That same agent is now trying to make enquiries over Wenger’s availability. The Rossoneri have a good relationship with the Gunners following the arrival of Mathieu Flamini and Philippe Senderos and may offer the Arsenal coach ridiculous amounts of money in order to lure him to San Siro.

Ancelotti’s time is running out on the bench and he needs to begin improving the club’s fortunes if he is to keep his place.

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Gerrard & Essien Join City List

According to News of the World, Manchester City's new owners are targeting Steven Gerrard and Michael Essien among their next batch of super-swoops...

City manager Mark Hughes has been given free reign in the transfer market by the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG), who took control of the club a week ago.

The Sky Blues' revitalised ambitions were clearly demonstrated when they landed Robinho in an English record £32million deal from Real Madrid.

The likes of Ronaldinho, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo have since been linked with mega-moves to Eastlands, and ADUG have made no secret of their desire to build the very best team on the planet.

However, the Arab owners have also stressed that all transfer decisions will lie with the manager.

Hughes was told to draw up a January wish-list when he met his new bosses earlier in the week, and the Welshman has made Gerrard and Essien his top targets.

A City insider told News of the World: “Mark knows money is no object but he also wants to bring in the kind of players who will fit in with his plans, not just spend massive money for the sake of it.

“Gerrard and Essien in the same midfield would be incredible.

“They would fit together perfectly and wouldn’t have to take time adapting to the English game in the same way as any big foreign name.”

The capture of either Gerrard or Essien, let alone both, would rock the Premier League. Both are among the very finest midfielders in the game and would no doubt have a huge impact at City.

Gerrard in particular would be a surprise signing. For despite flirting with a move to Chelsea a few years ago, the 28-year-old is seen as untouchable at Anfield - the skipper, the local lad, the childhood fan who represents the heart of the club.

But Hughes is confident of landing both players during the winter window, as he knows there are no restraints where funds are concerned.

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Top Twenty Transfers Of The Summer

list of the top twenty transfers of the summer. In this edition, we considered all moves officially concluded by the start of Monday, 1 September 2008...

The factors taken into account are

(a) form over the last 12 months,
(b) potential, and
(c) transfer fee involved.

The extension from ten to twenty was compiled by taking into account previous editions.

There's just one new entry this week. Find out who below...


20. Hatem Ben Arfa (Lyon to Marseille)
Last Week: 19

Marseille have lost Samir Nasri to Arsenal, but have managed to land the perfect replacement in the man Arsene Wenger had his sights on to start with. What is more, they can keep him for a year or two, and make a cool 8-10 million profit.


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19. Alberto Gilardino (Milan to Fiorentina)
Last Week: 18

On the face of it, it looks like the Viola have signed an unhappy, out-of-form striker. However, that was just what Adrian Mutu's move from Juventus looked like not so long ago. The fans will help him forget Milan in a hurry, and rediscover the striker that wowed Calcio when at Parma. The partnership with Mutu can be backed to produce some special moments in the Champions League.


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18. Andriy Shevchenko (Chelsea to AC Milan)
Last Week: 17

After two seasons of mediocrity at Chelsea, the Ukrainian is back at his spiritual home. Nonetheless this is a considerable gamble for the rossoneri: with a full complement of fit strikers, a Shevchenko who cannot hit form may warm the bench. On the other hand his return - even as a 30-year-old - could signal a goalscoring comeback unseen in Serie A since... well, since Andriy Shevchenko.


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17. Julio Baptista (Real Madrid to AS Roma)
Last Week: 16

The Beast, The Tank - you'd be as well calling him The Happy Wanderer, for the Brazilian has now experienced three countries in as many seasons. The 26-year-old has only seldom repeated the form that saw him shine at Sevilla four seasons ago, but he began the last campaign well enough with Madrid. Part of the problem is that he's been kept out of position for so long in order to accommodate more prestigious players: if Roma can build a system around him, instead of slotting him in wherever there happens to be a space, they could have a real superstar on their hands.



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16. Seydou Keita (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Last Week: 15

At the time of his arrival he was the best signing Barcelona had made this season, particularly in light of the way their soft underbelly was exposed on the road last year. With him partnering Yaya Touré in the middle, it will ensure that the likes of Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi do not get bullied, and also get the full license to thrill. 15 million euros worth their value.



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15. Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander to Real Madrid)
Last Week: 14

What a capture! Barcelona seemed to have him in the bag, but hesitated a little too much as they waited for Frank Rijkaard to leave and a new coach to take charge. Madrid managed to snatch Sergio Ramos a few years ago, and what a signing that has turned out to be. This one may be no different.


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14. Deco (Barcelona to Chelsea)
Last Week: 13

On the wrong side of 30, a first look suggests that he is past it, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a fire that burns in him as we saw during Euro 2008, and he has a lot more to give to football. He is not what Frank Lampard is, as he will never score as many goals. But then, he is also everything Lampard is not. Superb creativity, a great eye for the game, and an ability to run the show that has seen him win the Champions League with two different clubs. Finally, Chelsea have a player who can orchestrate the pleasing football their owner wants. With Ballack and Essien set to play around him, it will be an ominous midfield.


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13. Amantino Mancini (Roma to Inter)
Last Week: 12

Jose Mourinho does not quite promote exciting football, but he does like a fast, aggressive winger forward at least on one flank. That is just what he has found in Mancini, who will be handed the license to thrill just as Arjen Robben was during the glory years at Chelsea. Tends to blow hot and cold, though, as Roma found out last season. Lack of consistency will not go down well with the 'Special One', so he does need to focus a lot more.


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12. David Bentley (Blackburn to Tottenham)
Last Week: 11

A great way for Spurs to show their ambition - by winning the race for the talented Blackburn winger, and in the process signing a former Arsenal youngster. Given what Juande Ramos did with Jesus Navas - a very similar player - this one has success written all over it. He has the potential form a formidable attacking midfield along with Giovani Dos Santos and Luka Modric.


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11. Robbie Keane (Tottenham to Liverpool)
Last Week:10

Make no mistake, I rate him very highly. That said, the Reds paid a few millions too many. He will still score the 15-20 goals needed to complement Fernando Torres' 25-30, so Rafa might just have splashed the extra cash with good reason. Their draw happy start to the season destroyed their title challenge last time around, so goals is what they need, and that is what they will get.


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10. Amauri (Palermo to Juventus)
Last Week: 9

The Brazilian-Italian striker made it to number three after earning himself a long overdue move to a top four club, but now slips down to nine. He has already shown his potential with Palermo, and the prospect of him getting some top quality service from the Juve midfield is simply mouth-watering. Champions League, here he comes.


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9. Vincent Kompany (Hamburg SV to Manchester City)
Last Week: 8

The former Hamburg man left Germany under something of a cloud in order to affect a very quick transfer to City, but for all the "shotgun wedding" nature of the move it seems to have been the Mancunians' best of the summer. Put it this way: just one game into his tenure he put in a confident, mature showing in what is thought to be the world's fastest and most furious league, then said afterwards with characteristic nonchalance that he learned his new teammates' names on the pitch. Imagine what he'll be like once he's settled in and has a bit more experience.


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8. Daniel Alves (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Last Week: 7

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United – these are just some of the clubs that have queued up for him over the last 18 months or so. However, it is Barcelona who land him after some difficult negotiations with Sevilla. Perhaps a touch overpriced at 30 million euros (he would have been number one on this list at 20m), but then again, he is the best attacking full-back this world has seen since Roberto Carlos.


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7. Quaresma (FC Porto to Inter)
New Entry

The only transfer saga of the summer more long-running (and some would say more boring) than that of Amauri, it seems as though Ricardo Quaresma has finally made his move from Porto to Inter. A class act at domestic level for years, the Portuguese international still has much to prove in Europe, particularly in light of the fact that his time with FC Barcelona was deemed a failure. Nonetheless he brings with him considerable talent and pedigree. His price tag - €30.6m - is on the high side, but he is nonetheless a fine acquisition for José Mourinho's side. Remember - he's still only 24.


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6. Samir Nasri (Marseille to Arsenal)
Last Week: 6

The highly rated French international is the latest to join the clan of young Gunners. Many view him as a replacement for Aliaksandr Hleb, while others go a step further and call him the next Zidane. He has had some problems with injuries, but let's hope those were exceptions as opposed to the rule. The prodigous playmaker is at number five.


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5. Ronaldinho (Barcelona to Milan)
Last Week: 5

A gamble? Yes. But given the chance, would you sign one of the all time greats of football for a third of his market price last summer? You bet you would. At 28, he is far from over. Some diet planning and some tough training, and he will give at least three or four good years to the Rossoneri. A gamble nonetheless, or he would definitely have been number one. Number four for the Gaucho.

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4. Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham)
Last Week: 4

The hottest young Croatian was snapped up by Spurs despite the interest of clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea, and what a signing it has already turned out to be. Looks set to become the jewel in Juande Ramos' midfield next season. He remains at the sharp end of our list.

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3. Aliaksandr Hleb (Arsenal to Barcelona)
Last Week: 3

A very shrewd buy, and what could very well turn out to be a stroke of genius from Barcelona. With Lionel Messi expected to run the show, what they needed was not a Ronaldinho, but a tireless, no-nosense attacking midfielder to offer support from the other flank - without hogging possession or the limelight. And they got him on the cheap too. A true critics' player in that while fans rave about others, he runs away with the technical plaudits.


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2. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to Milan)
Last Week: 2

The underrated Frenchman was one of Arsenal's best players last season, and Milan's signing was nothing less than a coup. That it was a free transfer makes it even better. Has been the smartest transfer this summer for a while, now, but drops down to number two, finally.

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1. Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg to Real Madrid)
Last Week: 1

A lifelong Barcelona fan and one of the best playmakers in the world today, how Madrid managed to sign him for nine million euros I don't know. What is even more baffling is how Hamburg let him go at that price (even if clauses could raise it to 13m). I would probably have put him up here even if he had cost 15 million. A downright steal, and just the kind of person who will add to Bernd Schuster's team without destroying it (get the hint?).

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Official: Berbatov At Old Trafford

Following a phenomenal final day of the transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur star Dimitar Berbatov has reportedly completed a medical and has been seen on video at Old Trafford with Sir Alex Ferguson, as a move to Manchester United is now thought to be imminent...

Berbatov has been a long-term target of Manchester United, who first made a move for the Bulgarian last summer, but were rebuffed by Tottenham at the time.

The Red Devils have come back in for the classy front-man this summer, though Spurs have been aggressive in their attempts to keep the player at the club. With the asking price thought to be in excess of £30 million, United have done their utmost to negotiate with the Lilywhites down to a lower price to little avail.

Fleeting interest from Barcelona disappeared almost a month ago when they failed to offload Samuel Eto'o, while Bayern Munich emerged as late contenders for his signature.

However, on the final day of the deadline the saga has surged to further levels of absurdity, as Manchester City - United's local rivals and fresh from their second major money takeover in as many years - had a British record bid of over £30 million accepted by Tottenham.

Meanwhile United, who have not had a bid accepted, have reportedly been holding talks with the 27-year-old at their training ground, Carrington, and even having a medical with the double-winners, according to Sky Sports News. This prompted Tottenham to reiterate in an official statement that United had not been given permission to speak to the player.

Real Madrid were fleetingly linked with a move for the former Bayer Leverkusen man, as Bernd Schuster continues his search for a striker and possibly let Robinho leave for Chelsea as a result, but all such reports have been denied directly by the club.

United could face legal action should it emerge that they have illegally approached the player, while Manchester City are in a strong position to seal his signature, though Berbatov appears to have his sights set on Champions League football with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

Sir Alex Ferguson and United chief executive David Gill have been at Old Trafford this evening and Berbatov has been caught on camera arriving at the ground at approximately 2100 BST, pictured with Sir Alex Ferguson after completing a medical.

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Suazo To Join Roma Tonight

According to Laromasiamonoi.it, Inter striker David Suazo is on the verge of signing for Roma, and could complete the transfer either tonight or tomorrow morning. The Honduran will also arrive in a permanent deal, and not initially on-loan.

It has been repeatedly reported in recent days that Roma are looking to sign one more attacker before the end of the summer transfer window on September 1.

Following the news that Real Betis were just hours away from purchasing Shakhtar Donetsk’s Nery Castillo, the Italian press this morning reported that just two candidates remained to fill the vacancy at the Stadio Olimpico – Monaco’s Jeremy Menez, and Suazo.

Laromasiamonoi.it is this evening claiming that it will be Suazo who will be probably making the move to Roma, and that his transfer could be completed as early as tonight or tomorrow morning.

The Honduran will also arrive in a permanent deal, and not initially on-loan as had been reported earlier this morning.

Suazo only joined Inter from Cagliari last summer for €10m, but he failed miserably to live up to expectations. The writing has been on the wall for his Inter career for a few months now, and there is no space for him up-front due to the presence of Ibrahimovic, Adriano, Cruz, Crespo, Balotelli and Mancini.

The final blow was struck on Sunday night when Suazo was not even named in the squad for the Italian Supercup with Roma, which all but signalled the end of his Inter career.

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Benfica Want Big Money For Di María

Ángel Di María is wanted by a host of Europe's biggest clubs after his impressive performance at the Olympic Games, but Benfica will insist that his buy-out clause is met.

The 20-year-old's displays have attracted interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan, Inter, Juventus, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, according to Portugal's A Bola.

Benfica know that they will face a struggle to hold on to Di María after he rose to prominence during the Olympics in China this summer although they will not let him leave on the cheap.

In July, the Portuguese outfit increased the player's buy-out clause to €30m and will not speak to any would-be suitors unless that figure is met.

It is unlikely that any of the major clubs will make a move for the player during the last few days of the transfer window, but could well monitor his progress over the next season.

Di María rose through the youth ranks at Rosario Central before moving up to their first team in 2005, where he spent the next two seasons gaining experience.

Last summer he made the €6m switch to Benfica after appearing at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and played 36 times for As Águias during his first season at the club.

At the weekend, Di María's stock rose even further when he raced on to a pass from Lionel Messi in extra time in the final of the Olympic Games against Nigeria before clipping in a superb winner for the Albiceleste.

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Official: Milan Sign Senderos

Milan have completed the signing of Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos on a one year loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent next summer. Apparently Gunners coach Arsene Wenger almost vetoed the move, but the rossoneri got their man...

The Rossoneri have been desperately searching for a centre back in recent weeks following the injury to key man Alessandro Nesta.

With Dario Simic and Digao both being offloaded, things started to become desperate for the Rossoneri when primary target Branislav Ivanovic, who had seemed certain to join from Chelsea, saw his transfer fall through at the last moment.

It was reported last week that Milan had turned their attentions to another Premiership based player, in the form of Arsenal centre back Philippe Senderos, and the deal has now been officially completed.

The Swiss centre back arrives on a one year loan deal, and Milan have the option to make the move permanent for a set fee next summer.

Senderos had been well down the pecking order at Arsenal following an error-prone season last term, and Arsene Wenger signalled his intention to let him leave after signing Manchester United’s Mickael Silvestre last week.

The 23-year-old Senderos made 74 Premiership appearances, scoring four goals, since signing for Arsenal from Servette in December 2002.

He has won 31 caps for Switzerland, playing at World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008.

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Official: Shevchenko Joins Milan

Chelsea have announced that Andriy Shevchenko has re-joined Milan, ending months of speculation in the process.

Milan and Sheva have finally got what they both wanted as the player returns to his old hunting ground. Chelsea have announced the player will move back to San Siro subject to a successful medical.

One of the longest running transfer saga's has finally come to an end. The Ukrainian was favourite to go back to the Rossoneri before Chelsea scuppered the deal.

However, the English club have announced they have agreed to allow the hit-man rejoin his old side.

A statement on the club's official website reads:

"Shevchenko returns to Milan.

"Chelsea FC have agreed terms for Andriy Shevchenko to return to AC Milan. Details of the agreement will remain confidential.

"The move is subject to a successful medical."

Milan also confirmed the player's return.

"AC Milan announce that the club have agreed with Chelsea for the return of Shevchenko," read a statement on the Rossoneri's official website.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti has always kept the door open for Sheva and the club have never given up hope on his return. It is not yet known whether the player is back on loan or permanently.

Reports in Italy claim that Chelsea didn't want a loan deal to go through but it remains to be seen as to which option both parties agreed on.

Sheva has never really managed to make it in England and his return to Serie A is likely to delight Rossoneri tifosi.

The striker is expected to fly out to Milan this evening and he will undergo a medical on Monday morning where he will be unveiled.

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City Sign Kompany From Hamburg

Bundesliga outfit Hamburger SV have announced the departure of Belgian defender Vincent Kompany to Manchester City. The centre-back had not exactly been flavour of the month in Hamburg following his Olympic mishap and leaves for a fee of around €13.8million...

Although Hamburg's official website does not carry details of the deal, it is understood that the two clubs have agreed a fee for the 22-year-old.

Kompany has been at Hamburg for the past two seasons, but has failed to make the expected impression since landing from Anderlecht.

Kompany was rated as one of Europe's brightest prospects when he moved from his homeland to the Bundesliga, however, he has not set the German top divison alight.

His club were far from impressed earlier this summer when Kompany reneged on an agreement to return from his country's Olympic bid.

Hamburg had permitted the centre-back to feature in Belgium's first two outings, however, he contrived to have himself sent off in the first against Brazil, thereby ruling him out of the second against hosts China.

The Belgian FA were not in accordance with Kompany's decision to remain in China with the under-23 panel past the accepted deadline, and he was forced to return to his club.

He played last week in the 2-2 Bundesliga opening-day draw with Bayern Munich, however, he now seems to have played his last game for the club.

Manchester City have now reportedly lodged a bid on his services, and a deal may be pushed through before the weekend.

Hamburg's director of football Dietmar Beiersdorfer said: ."We wish Vincent all the best for his future."

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Madrid Eager To Squeeze The Rabbit Out

Real Madrid are continuing their search for a new top shelf striker but they are also desperate to off load one that they have now in the squad - Javier Saviola. Yesterday the player said he was happy at Madrid but recognised that his circumstances could change: it looks like it's starting...

Saviola, nicknamed the Rabbit, made little impact during his time at Barcelona and he has made even less of a contribution with the Catalans’ arch rivals, Real Madrid, since joining them last season.

The capital giants are believed to be rather desperate to off load the pint-sized striker for two reasons. One of the main concerns is that the 26 year old signed a four year contract with Los Merengues when he swapped the Camp Nou for the Bernabéu on a free transfer.

That contract is believed to be worth €3 million per season and with still three years left, the Madrid board are understandably less than reluctant to keep on paying the wages of someone who only spent 400 minutes on the football pitch last season.

Coach Bernd Schuster has already made it known that the former River Plate man does not fit into his plans for the new season, despite the German’s desperation to have a back-up striker in the squad for Raúl and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

And the arrival of that new striker could now depend on whether or not the club can ship out Saviola, who took over the Number 9 jersey vacated by Roberto Soldado, as he currently occupies one of the 25 places allocated to each team in the league. That, ofcourse, is the second reason why Los Blancos are so eager to release him.

Premiership side Newcastle United are rumoured to be interested in the 1.68m tall forward, but the player himself revealed to Madrid’s official website that he has not yet heard anything official from Newcastle or from any other club.

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Berba Spotted Signing For United

Tottenham Hotspur are up in arms after want-away striker Dimitar Berbatov was photographed signing a Manchester United shirt at an airport in Bulgaria following his match-winning brace for his country. The Spurs star is reportedly on the brink of a move to the champions...

The Sun exclusively snapped the Bulgarian hitman scribbling his signature on a Red Devils shirt proffered to him by a fan at the Sofia Airport.

Berbatov has been itching for a move to Old Trafford over the last few weeks, as he is desperate to play in the Champions League once more.

And while Spurs and United are deep in negotiations, a disagreement over the transfer fee means the deal remains incomplete.

The 27-year-old recently attempted to quash speculation that his desire to leave was causing problems at White Hart Lane, insisting he had behaved professionally and above board despite his wish to move on.

Lilywhites fans remained doubtful regarding Berbatov's commitment to the club, however, and this latest development will surely complete his transformation from hero to villain.

Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves said: “Signing the United shirt is certainly cheeky.

“He clearly wants to leave. If he doesn’t want to stay they should get rid of him.”

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Di Michele Not Moving To Roma - Agent

Davide Di Michele’s agent has denied rumours linking his client with a lucrative move to Roma.

The Torino forward has been heavily linked with a switch to the Stadio Olimpico this summer, but so far the move hasn’t taken off.That situation isn't likely to change after the player’s agent ruled out the possibility of his client leaving the Granata.

“There is nothing concrete regarding that situation,” the agent told Tuttomercatoweb.

“I don’t know if Roma have made any enquiries. If that’s the case we have not heard anything and they have not been in contact with us.

“I don’t know if Di Michele will leave; it’s hard to tell with 10 days of the transfer window still remaining. Roma are no longer making any moves on the market.”

Reports in Italy suggest that the striker has fallen out with coach Gianni De Biasi after a pre-season disagreement.

His move to the Giallorossi now seems unlikely, as the Trigoria-based side have already invested heavily in Julio Baptista.

Torino finished 15th in Serie A last season and they just managed to escape the drop in Serie B.

Improvements are expected this term as the club tries to climb back up the Serie A table.

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Reports: Shevchenko To Milan Collapses

There are reports emerging from Italy that Andriy Shevchenko’s move back to Milan has collapsed after Chelsea refused to release the player on loan.

The Rossoneri have been searching for a first striker all summer, and it had seemed as though former hero Shevchenko was on the verge of a move back to San Siro.

The basis of a one-year loan move, with Chelsea contributing part of the Ukrainian’s wages, had supposedly already been agreed upon.

The Corriere dello Sport claimed this morning that Milan transfer chief Adriano Galliani was to travel to Monte Carlo today to dine with Shevchenko and Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon.

There they would tie up the last details of the deal, before the transfer would be officially signed, sealed and delivered tomorrow, with Sheva arriving in Milan on Sunday or Monday.

However, according to reports just emerging from Italy, the transfer has now collapsed after Chelsea refused to release the player on loan, with an option to make the move permanent.

The Londoners have made it clear to Milan that they will only offload Shevchenko if Milan buy him outright. The Rossoneri will not consider such a proposal, and if these reports are true, it now seems as if Sheva’s hopes of re-joining the Diavoli have all but disappeared.

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Official: Chievo Sign Granoche

Chievo have made their third purchase of the day after completing the signing of Triestina striker Pablo Granoche.

The Flying Donkeys, who were promoted from Serie B last term, earlier today snapped up Udinese duo Antonio Langella and Giampiero Pinzi on one-year loan deals.

They have now moved to make a third signing within a matter of hours by capturing highly rated Triestina hitman Pablo Granoche in a co-ownership arrangement.

The Uruguayan scored 24 goals during the 36 matches in his first season with the Alabardati last term, firmly cementing his reputation as a prolific scorer.

The 24-year-old arrived in Europe in the summer of 2007 from Mexican side Coatzacoalcos, and is now hoping to move on to the next level with Chievo.

The Verona-based outfit have now made 11 signings this summer, and they will be hoping that all these new players gel quickly in order to give them the best chance of avoiding relegation.

Chievo kick off the 2008/09 season with a home clash against Reggina on August 31.

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Gunners Loan Traore To Pompey

Arsenal have loaned youngster Armand Traore to Portsmouth in a season-long deal...

Sky Sports News report that the Frenchman will play out the season at Fratton Park, as the club's second and therefore final - as per Premier League rules - loan signing of the summer. The permanent signing of Jerome Thomas from Charlton Athetlic, who had previously been on loan, allowed this move to be finalised.

Traore, 18, has shown glimpses of explosive potential at Arsenal, having been plucked from Monaco's youth ranks in 2005, but is currently understudy to the incredible Gael Clichy at left-back, and Samir Nasri has started the season in perfect form with a goal on debut from left wing.

He will join Ben Sahar of Chelsea as a loanee at Fratton Park, competing most probably for a slot at left-back, competing with the likes of Herman Hreidarsson for a starting spot.

Pompey got off to an awful start to the season with a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the opening day of the Premier League season, having also lost the Community Shield to Manchester United on penalties, following a drab 0-0 draw.

Traore recently signed a long-term contract extension with Arsenal.

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