Chelsea are looking to break football's transfer fee record to sign AC Milan star Kaká.
According to Globoesporte, Chelsea are poised to put together a record-breaking €100 million offer for the services of the Brazil international.
It is reported that talks between the two clubs are at an advanced stage already, with a representative of the player having flown to London earlier this week to engage in talks with the London outfit and hear their offer.
After that, a Chelsea emissary reportedly travelled to Milan to meet with the Rossoneri vice-president, Adriano Galliani, and make their interest official.
Kaká has a valid contract with AC Milan until 2012 and could be tempted to join Stamford Bridge to meet compatriot Scolari, who was appointed as coach earlier this summer.
The creative midfielder is expected in Milan tonight but will not be involved in the negotiations, at least not directly, according to reports.
Should the World Player of The Year agree to join Chelsea, he will become Scolari's second signing while at the club, following in the footsteps of Brazilian-born Deco.
Despite their adamant protests throughout the summer so far - as well as this time last year when Real Madrid came calling - the Rossoneri may be coaxed into selling their star player following the purchase of Ronaldinho, a ready-made replacement who they bought at a fraction of the price.
Vice-president Adriano Galliani in fact touched on the issue of a possible sale just under two weeks ago, ruling out the notion despite their debt. “The fans should be happy, as all we’d need to do in order to wipe out or debts is sell Kaka and Andrea Pirlo," he explained. "Instead they won’t move, so if that’s not a show of love for this side, I don’t know what is."
However, the debts remain a problem and, should the likes of Didier Drogba be included as part of the deal, it may prove too good to turn down.
Luís Mira
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According to the Corriere della Sera, Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard will demand within the next 48 hours that he be allowed to join Inter Milan.
Lampard’s proposed move to Inter has become something of a soap opera this summer. The Nerazzurri have had an initial €10m bid for the England international rejected, and although the 30-year-old appears to want to move to San Siro, Chelsea, and in particular owner Roman Abramovich, have no intention of selling him.
Reports in the English press over the weekend suggested that Lampard would see out the final year of his Chelsea contract before signing for Inter on a Bosman transfer in the summer of 2009.
However, the Corriere della Sera is now claiming that Lampard, who has so far remained quiet on the matter, will openly declare his intentions to join Inter immediately within the next 48 hours.
It is also claimed that Abramovich may be persuaded to do business with Inter, provided troubled Brazilian striker Adriano is included in some form of player exchange deal.
‘The Emperor’ has had a miserable two years on-and-off the pitch, and has spent the last six months on loan at Sao Paulo. Having since rediscovered some of his best form, and returned to Inter, his future with the Italians is still uncertain given the presence of a whole host of top class strikers such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz and Mario Balotelli.
If the Nerazzurri fail to lure Lampard to San Siro, they will instead focus their attentions back on Porto’s Ricardo Quaresma.
Luca Capofranco
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The saga surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo has taken yet another twist after he reportedly phoned Manchester United to inform he will return for pre-season training…
According to The Sun, the Portuguese superstar has given his word that he will be at Carrington on July 10 as scheduled, thus putting paid to claims he will be leaving United within the next few weeks.
It is the first time this month that the 23-year-old has made contact with the Red Devils, having snubbed the club’s attempts to reach him while he was at EURO 2008 with Portugal.
It was reported the two-time PFA Player of the Year refused to answer Sir Alex Ferguson’s calls amid the chaos surrounding his possible ₤70million move to Real Madrid.
Ferguson responded in kind after the former Sporting Lisbon sensation revealed his desire to make the switch, refusing to break off his summer holiday and thus meaning negotiations could not commence.
Ronaldo has since scrapped his plans to return to Manchester this week for an assessment of his injured foot, instead opting to take a holiday himself.
The Seleccao winger may be eager to kill two birds with one stone when he arrives in the North-West next month, perhaps hoping to have his foot sorted out immediately before discussing his future with Ferguson – who returns to work on July 1 – or vice versa.
Mike Maguire
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Reports from the continent claim Roma are preparing to pounce for Liverpool defender John Arne Riise...
Stampa Articolo Invia ad un amico Contatta la redazione galleria zoom The Norwegian left-back is uncertain of his future at Anfield, having fallen out of favour with manager Rafa Benitez over the last two seasons.
With Fabio Aurelio establishing himself as the Reds first choice on the left side of defence, and Andreas Dossena on the verge of joining from Udinese, Riise could well be shown the door this summer.
Many believe the 26-year-old’s fate was sealed during the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea, when he headed into his own net in the first leg and was at fault for Didier Drogba’s winner in the second leg.
Aston Villa and Newcastle have expressed interest in the former Monaco man, but sources in Italy suggest Roma could nip in with a ₤5million bid.
Giallorossi boss Luciano Spalletti is keen strengthen his defensive options ahead of next season, having identified both full-back slots as the team's major weakness.
Mike Maguire
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has further fuelled rumours of his possible departure, reportedly telling his friends and family he will leave the club after next season.
The Portuguese superstar has been heavily linked with move to Real Madrid, who have been hounding for his signature over the last few months.
The 23-year-old is yet to dismiss the possibility of a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, although United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is confident the incumbent PFA Player of the Year will remain at Old Trafford.
But according to The Sun, the former Sporting Lisbon sensation and his agent Jorge Mendes are planning an exit strategy that would take effect next summer.
Ronaldo reportedly told his nearest and dearest: “If I don’t leave Manchester United now, I certainly will in a year.”
Mike Maguire
The club are still in the process of finding a replacement for manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who they parted company with yesterday, although Blackburn Rovers coach Mark Hughes is expected to be confirmed in the Eastlands dug-out within the next 48 hours.
City slicker: but could Brazilian playmaker Ronaldinho really be turning out at Eastlands?
However, the managerial vacuum at the club has not stopped owner Thaksin Shinawatra from pressing forward with his plans to lure the former two-time Fifa World Player of the Year to the City of Manchester stadium for the start of next season, regardless of who will be in charge at the club.
Sources close to Thaksin say that members of City's Thai board are due to fly out to the player's home city of Porto Alegre in Brazil to meet with him face to face this weekend.
Should the club also manage to the secure the services of CSKA Moscow's £20 million-rated Brazilian forward Jo, then whoever does eventually take charge at Eastlands could have an explosive all-Brazilian front line at his disposal to kick off the new Premier League season.
In recent months Ronaldinho, 28, has reportedly had a tour of the City of Manchester stadium and it's facilities, while his brother and agent Roberto De Assis has also held a series of meetings with Thaksin's right-hand man, Pairoj Piempongsant, to discuss the potential transfer.
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Meanwhile, talks have been held with the Brazil international's main sponsors Nike, as well as with other potential investors who would help fund the player's massive wage demands, with Ronaldindo said to want £200,000 per week, a wage that would make him the world's highest-paid footballer.
By Richard Morgan
Football
Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will be at Manchester United next season, despite the predatory advances of Real Madrid…
The Portuguese winger is yet to commit his future to United following a landmark season, in which he scored an incredible 42 goals while collecting winner’s medals for the Premier League and Champions League.
Los Merengues have relentlessly and publicly pursued the 23-year-old over the past month or so, much to the chagrin of everyone at Old Trafford.
But Ferguson is used to Madrid’s media mind-games, and is confident that Ronaldo will stay with the Red Devils for many years to come.
“I’m very confident about that,” said Ferguson. “It’s a game Real play all the time.
“In the past they’ve done it with David Beckham, they’ve done it with Van Nistelrooy, they’ve done it with my fitness coach last summer — so we’re used to it.
“I am more than confident Cristiano will be with us next year. The Glazer family will not be messed about in this situation.
“We want Cristiano to stay for a long, long time. He is on a fantastic contract and quite rightly so — he’s the best player in the world.”
Mike Maguire
In perhaps one of the most ironic twists in this dramatic transfer saga, former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has urged Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at United despite overtures from the Spanish capital...
Beckham, now of Major League Soccer outfit LA Galaxy, moved from Manchester United to Madrid in 2003 after something of a falling out between he and manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo was bought from Sporting Lisbon that same summer and given Beckham's number seven - formerly belonging to King Eric Cantona and a host of other United legends.
While Beckham could not emulate his United success with los Merengues, Ronaldo has, after a few years of bedding in, grown to be one of if not the best player in the world, sealing that status with a goal in United's Champions League win last month in Moscow, as part of a double with the club's second successive Premier League.
Beckham has urged Ronaldo to stay with the Red Devils insisting that, unlike himself, the Portuguese is still very much at the beginning of his United career, despite having been there for five years.
"I believe he's at the right club and a club he should stay at because as much as Real Madrid are a great team and one of the biggest clubs in the world, he's only just starting at Manchester United," explained Beckham.
"He's only been there a few years. He's got a lot of people around him who will protect him. As a fan of Manchester United I hope he stays there but who knows?
"It's none of my business. All I'm going to say to him is congratulations on an amazing season. I'm sure he'll be crowned world player of the year and he deserves it."
Brian O'Ryan, Goal.com
Footbal News-Newly appointed Internazionale boss Jose Mourinho has reportedly made Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard his top priority in the transfer market…
The Special One is almost certain to raid his old hunting ground at Stamford Bridge this summer as he seeks to stamp his mark on the Inter squad, and club president Massimo Moratti is expected to back his new manager to the hilt.
The charismatic Portuguese is expected to have around ₤100 million to work with between now and the end of August, but Moratti has claimed he does not expect wholesale changes.
“I have read lots of names but I have yet to speak with him [Mourinho] about the transfer market,” he said. “I would like to change very little of this squad which has won so much.”
Mega Buys
Such a statement suggests the Nerazzurri are in the market for a few choice mega-buys, a modus operandi Mourinho is more than familiar with following his tenure under Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich.
One of those Blues buys was Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien, for whom the former Porto boss was recently reported to be lining up a ₤24 million bid.
The former Lyon star has established himself among the best box-to-box players in the world in recent seasons, and hence Chelsea will be loath to let one of their most consistent and dangerous performers leave.
Shift
With that move looking increasingly unfeasible, Mourinho has shifted his attention slightly further up the pitch to Lampard, with whom he has been constantly linked since departing west London in September.
The England international is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues, who have so far failed to meet his wage demands of over ₤130,000-per-week.
The 29-year-old has one year remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, and with increased competition next season from resurgent German star Michael Ballack and upcoming Nigerian John Obi Mikel, a move to San Siro could prove too tempting for Lampard to refuse.
The former West Ham man could be just one among several Mourinho loyalists set to make the switch, with striker Didier Drogba and defender Ricardo Carvalho also reported to be seeking a Chelsea exit.
Mike Maguire
Chelsea have offered Frank Lampard a new £130,000 a week contract in a desperate bid to prevent the England midfielder from leaving.
The deal would put Lampard, who has one year on his current contract left to run, on the same salary as John Terry, the Chelsea captain.
According to the Daily Mirror, Lampard has stalled on signing a new contract for the past two years and is said to be considering a move to Inter Milan, who are expected to announce former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho as their new coach this week. Lampard, who is on holiday in Dubai where he is considering his options, had a close relationship with Mourinho and played a key role in the Portuguese's Chelsea team that won back-to-back Premier League titles.
However, Lampard was deeply touched by the support Chelsea gave him when his mother died recently, and that could prove a factor in his decision over his future. Another issue that could sway Lampard's mind is Chelsea's choice of manager following the sacking of Avram Grant, with Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari and Dutchman Frank Rijkaard now said to be the frontrunners for the job.
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The Daily Express quotes a Chelsea source as saying: "Frank is tempted by the prospect of joining up with Jose again. They still have a really close relationship and Frank regards the period when he worked with Jose as the best time of his career. He still has a great affection for Chelsea, but he feels the time may now be right to move on.
"It is a massive decision. Frank feels indebted to the club for the way they supported him after the death of his mother."
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 8:46am BST 02/06/2008
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing a £20 million bid for Lyon striker Karim Benzema as he looks to secure the youngster's signature before the start of Euro 2008.
Print This Story Send To A Friend Contact Us galleria zoom The likes of Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with the 20-year old, who is one of Europe’s most promising youngsters after again impressing this campaign, firing twenty goals as Lyon claimed their seventh consecutive league title.
Ferguson, who has become increasingly frustrated with Louis Saha’s injury problems this season, is now set to move for Benzema within the next week to avoid having to pay more should the youngster impress for France this summer.
If The Red Devils fail in their bid to land the player already dubbed a new Bleus legend in France, Ferguson has a shortlist of forward candidates which includes Tottenham Hotspur’s majestic striker Dimitar Berbatov, Sevilla’s Fabiano and West Ham United’s Dean Ashton.
The 66-year old has been handed a hefty transfer budget by the club’s owner Malcolm Glazer, an amount that could be made all the larger should Cristiano Ronaldo opt to leave Old Trafford for Real Madrid within the next three days.
William Wood
Manchester United hot-shot Cristiano Ronaldo has stated that the final decision over his future will be announced by Tuesday...
The Portuguese ace has been tipped for a move to Real Madrid, with Manchester United apparently unwilling to off-load their star, who scored 42 goals in all competitions this season, despite big-money approaches from the Spanish club.
And Ronaldo, who is reported to be interested in a move to Santiago Bernabéu, has ensured that his future will be decided next week.
"Let's see, I hope there will be news soon. In two or three days I will announce my decision," he said after the game against Georgia.
On Portugal's display against Georgia, Ronaldo, who played during the first-half, said that he was happy with the 2-0 win and with his own level of play.
"I felt fine in the game, from now on I only have to make maintenance. I have realized that my level won't drop, just like it won't raise.
"I will be in good form in Euro, and I really want to make a good tournament," he added.
Luís Mira
Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez has planted a seed of doubt regarding his future at the club, revealing he dreams of playing in Spain…
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to sign the Argentine international on a permanent deal, as he is currently on-loan from international investors’ group Media Sports Investment.
The former Corinthians star was strongly linked with a move to the continent last summer before joining the Red Devils from West Ham, having earned interest from the likes of Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
Los Merengues are currently hot on the heels of United winger Cristiano Ronaldo, who has yet to definitively commit his future to the current English and European champions.
And now Tevez has thrown a spanner in the works by admitting he hopes to play in La Liga, although he insisted he is content at Old Trafford for the time being.
“Maybe one day I’ll play in the Spanish league but there’s a long way to go,” said the 24-year-old.
“At the moment I am happy here. I know many South Americans prefer to play in Italy or Spain when they move to Europe.
“But I’m happy here. It’s the best league in the world.”
Mike Maguire
England international David Beckham hailed compatriot John Terry for his successful outing against the United States on Wednesday, a week after his penalty miss in the Champions League final...
John Terry was the width of a post away from winning Chelsea the Champions League in their first ever final against Manchester United in Moscow, only to slip as he took the kick, miss, and see the Red Devils go on to clinch glory in sudden death.
As if the emotional baggage from that experience was not enough, the Blues skipper was accused of spitting at Carlos Tevez and is now facing a UEFA investigation.
Going into Wednesday's England game, there were rumours he may even lose his chance at regaining the England captaincy - which, despite holding under ex-England boss Steve McClaren, he had yet to wear under Fabio Capello.
However, as the former Real Madrid, Juventus and Milan manager continues his captaincy rotation policy in order to find his ideal on-field leader, Terry got the nod, almost as if to say that if he could come back from the horrendous week he had just endured, he was truly captain material.
And come back he did. It was not his best performance - ironically, that honour would probably go to his showing in Moscow - but he scored a beautiful header and remained solid at the back, completing a perfect comeback performance after his Moscow misery, and all as captain of his country.
Former captain Beckham, who resigned after the 2006 World Cup, hailed Terry's strength and class, as well as giving his take on the emotions that the die-hard stopper must currently be dealing with.
"Just because of his disappointment last week, doesn't change John Terry as a person and a player," said Beckham.
"He is still going to be a top class player, he is still going to be a top class captain and he is still going to be a great sort of guy as well.
"We were all happy he scored the goal for England and put in the performance like he did. You could see the emotion going through him and in his eyes once he scored that goal and was celebrating.
"There was a slight relief there for him but as a team and as team-mates we were all pleased and proud for him.
"You see that passion sometimes. You saw that in Stuart Pearce's face when he scored that penalty in Euro '96 and you saw it in JT's face when he scored against the United States.
"To be captain and also to score a goal at Wembley means a lot to JT and no-one can ever question him when he puts that England shirt or Chelsea shirt on.
"No-one can ever question his passion and dedication.
"John is still going to be hurting, of course, but he will get over it. It will take time but he will get over it.
"A lot has been made this week of the disappointment JT is going through and you can see the pain in him is still there and it will be there for a while.
"But he is a character who will get over it. He is one of the strongest characters I have ever come across in football. He has got a lot of support within the England team and outside the team and at his club.
"I watched the Champions League final. I think to just step up to take a penalty in that situation means you have to be a strong character and a strong man to do that.
"Penalties are hard because if you score one, you can be a hero and if you miss one, it is different but he was man enough to stand up and take that penalty.''
Serious
Of Capello's new England regime - who Beckham famously played under in a rocky but ultimately successful 2006/07 season at Real Madrid - Becks noted: "The players are learning he is very strict and very serious and, when you train, you train hard, and when you play, you play hard and when you are with the England team, you concentrate and wear that shirt with pride.
"The players know what he wants and are trying to make him happy and at the moment we are working hard and winning games.
"There is still a lot to learn and a lot of hard work to do but we are happy at the moment.''
The LA Galaxy midfielder also rubbished the notion of players not being motivated for international friendlies.
"You are wearing the England shirt," he explained. "That is enough motivation for any player and that is one of the things the manager said before the game, that he wanted a real English performance, a fighting performance.
"I think we showed that at times. We pressed very well and controlled it at times. Overall we've got to be happy and we go on from here.''
Chet Winter, Goal.com
Cristiano Ronaldo has dampened speculation that he is considering leaving the European champions by telling Portuguese journalists that his ‘head is in Manchester.
The subject of persistent rumours linking him with Real Madrid - mostly fuelled and fanned by the Spanish media, Cristiano Ronaldo himself has restated that his is happy at Manchester United and "would love to continue" his career at Old Trafford.
Portuguese winger Ronaldo, 23, sent the spevculation into overdrive recently by stating that he would make a decision on his future shortly.
In an interview with Portuguese newspaper Publico, he has confirmed that he would like to play in Spain one day but, that he is currently satisfied with life in England.
"There is nothing certain at the moment," Ronaldo said. "The press always make stories about interest from other teams, not only from Madrid, also from Barcelona. On one hand it's good and means that they know your value as a player and think you can be a good reinforcement for other teams.
"But my head is in Manchester because it is the club that, at the moment, puts me in the best condition and that I'm happy at.
"Now, as I have said many times, only God knows the future.
"I have never hid from anyone that I would like to play in Spain one day. It's a dream, but sometimes dreams don't happen.
"I can guarantee that I am happy at Manchester United and that I would love to continue."
Ronaldo has been at United for five years, and last season scored a remarkable 42 goals, as well as domestic and European medals and a host of individual accolades.
But he paid tribute to the United managemen team of Sir Alex Ferguson and Carlos Queiroz.
"He [Ferguson] is spectacular," enthused Ronaldo. "He is a coach with a lot of experience who has helped me a lot.
"I've been with him for five years and I barely know him but he is a very experienced coach and always helps me and that's what's important.
"But I have also been supported by Carlos Queiroz, who is also doing some spectacular work.
"He has helped me a lot and he has a fundamental role.
"It is him who leads the training sessions, he is there every day with the players and he is an excellent professional.
"He's a five-star man, as a coach and as a person."
Mark Hinton, Goal.com
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed his time at Manchester United is drawing toward a close, insisting he will hang up his managerial mantle within the next three years…
Wednesday’s Champions League triumph over Chelsea in Moscow secured United their 29th trophy since Ferguson took charge of the club back in 1986.
The Scot’s phenomenal success at Old Trafford has seen him earn a place alongside compatriot Sir Matt Busby as one of the very greatest managers in the Red Devils’ illustrious history.
Many have speculated that Ferguson would step down after clinching his second Champions League crown, and the 66-year-old confirmed he will most definitely retire within the next three years.
“I won’t be manager here when I’m 70 and I won’t be managing any more than another three years at the very, very most,” he said. “That is without question.
“I think most things will be my decision. And I think David Gill [United’s chief executive] is happy with that.”
Replacement
A list of potential successors to Ferguson’s throne has been gradually forming over last few seasons, with names like Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Steve Coppell and Bryan Robson – United greats all – being mentioned.
But Sir Alex, despite hinting recently that assistant coach Carlos Queiroz would get his vote, typically refused to comment on such matters, insisting they are beyond his authority.
He said: “It’s not my job to groom a replacement and it wouldn’t be fair to tell the Glazers what to do.”
Mike Maguire
Chelsea have terminated first team coach Avram Grant's contract with immediate effect...
The London club made their announcement via their official website this afternoon, bringing to an end weeks of speculation over the Israeli's future.
A statement read that the decision was taken after two days of intense discussion, with owner Roman Abramovich and the board apparently losing patience after a season without success in the Premier League or Champions League.
Grant, 53, arrived at Stamford Bridge in September of last year after José Mourinho's departure. Having bossed the Israeli national side, as well as a host of domestic teams, his experience was considerable, but lacked the top-level edge that many fans in west London had grown to expect. What's more, a lack of official UEFA qualification put him in a difficult situation.
Nonetheless he was able to guide the Blues both to the CL final in Moscow and to second place in the Premier League, losing the former game on penalties and the latter competition by a narrow margin.
However, it has been clear for some time that a trophyless season, however close-fought, would not be tolerated, and thus Grants departure comes as no real surprise.
The Search Is On
The second part of Chelsea's official communiqué pertained to the need to find a replacement. It read: "We will now be concentrating all our efforts on identifying a new manager for Chelsea and there will be no further comment until that appointment is made."
The likes of Frank Rijkaard, former Barcelona boss, have been linked with the vacant hotseat, but there are also rumblings in the English tabloid press that José Mourinho could be set for a surprise (and highly unlikely) return.
Steve Michaels, Goal.com
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has once again increased speculation over his future at Old Trafford after claiming that his dream is to play for Real Madrid...
The Portuguese ace has been linked with a move to the Spanish outfit for quite some time now, with the Real Madrid president, Ramón Calderón, claiming that he would be very delighted to bring in the former Sporting player to his squad.
The 23-year-old stated yesterday that, despite Real Madrid's reported interest, he had not received an offer from the Spanish capital club. He further added that updated news over his future would be released in just a couple of weeks.
However, Ronaldo has now made his intentions crystal clear after admitting that he is eyeing a move to Santiago Bernabéu.
"I have a dream to play for Madrid. You also have dreams, no? Well, this is my dream," he stated to Portuguese television.
Contract Speculation
However, he also offered a somewhat veiled commitment to the Old Trafford side.
He continued, "My contract is with Manchester United and is with them that I must talk.
"My deal could have some additions to it in the next two weeks, but I've signed nothing with Madrid."
In this way he harked back to his two week deadline of sorting out his future, while also thoroughly denying reports that he had already secured an 'under-the-table' deal.
Robinho's representative, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed yesterday that Manchester United would only allow Ronaldo to leave Old Trafford if someone from Real Madrid that plays in the same position, namely Robinho, was to make a move in the opposite direction.
Calderón is now aware of Ronaldo's interest and should intensify negotiations with the British club about a summer transfer.
Steve Michaels/goal.com
