Latest Transfer Update at 03-08-11

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Alexandre Pato: Linked with Chelsea
PATO NOT LOOKING TO LEAVE MILAN

AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato expects to see out his contract with the Serie A champions at the very least.
The 21-year-old, who has three years yet to run on his current deal, has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Napoli.
He is currently in Beijing preparing for Milan's Italian Super Cup encounter with city rivals Inter on Saturday and he says he isn't thinking about a transfer.
He said: "I'm sure I will stay with Milan until 2014. I'm not sure what will happen three years later - I think I'll wish to stay at Milan by then too."

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Cesc Fabregas: Linked all summer with Barcelona.
ZUBIZARRETA QUIET OVER FABREGAS

Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has vowed the club will be discreet in their continued pursuit of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.
The Catalan side's long-running bid to recapture their former youth team player - who left Barca as a 16-year-old to join the Gunners in 2003 - has dragged on for more than two years.
It has intensified this summer with the club seemingly determined to end the protracted saga but their attempts to bring the Spain international back to the Nou Camp have so far been rebuffed.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has been critical of Barca's public pursuit of Fabregas and Zubizarreta, currently in Miami with Pep Guardiola's team, insists the European champions need to be "respectful" of the Gunners as they look to reach a deal for the 24-year-old midfielder.
Asked the current situation, he said: "We won't comment on the negotiations for Fabregas. We will have time for that.
"We must be respectful of the club Cesc belongs to. You just have to let things happen without being optimistic or pessimistic."

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Joey Barton: more Twitter posts
BARTON COULD STAY AT NEWCASTLE

Joey Barton on Wednesday evoked the spirit of the first president of the United States as he continued his Twitter campaign against the Newcastle hierarchy.
The Magpies outcast went from quoting George Orwell to George Washington as he hinted he was prepared to remain at St James' Park, despite not being wanted by the club.
"Quote of the day: If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter. George Washington," the controversial midfielder tweeted in another thinly-veiled attack.
Barton also offered a song of the day, 'What Will You Do (When the Money Goes)?' by indie rock band Milburn.
The 28-year-old has been told he can leave on a free transfer after the breakdown in talks over a new deal, but suggested he might be prepared to see out the final year of his contract.
"Just because ur [sic] told to jump, it does not necessarily mean u have to. I may choose to stand perfectly still. It's my right...just a thought," he posted earlier.
Barton on Tuesday claimed he had been fined two weeks' wages and had been made to train alone, which he described as "predictable".
His twitter feed has proved intriguing reading of late - Tuesday he took to quoting Orwell when he wrote: "In times of universal deceit, telling the truth will be a revolutionary act."
His dissension appears to have been the final straw for Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and manager Alan Pardew, who are now prepared to let leave for nothing a player who cost the club almost £6 million and is in the prime of his career.
Despite his troubled past, which includes a 2008 prison sentence for actual bodily harm and affray, Barton is understood to be a wanted man and has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton, the latter of which would mean a return to his Merseyside roots.
Barton's agent Willie McKay has said there "won't be a problem finding Joey a home" should he choose to leave.
Barton has been strongly linked with Spurs, but while there may be interest from White Hart Lane, it is understood he would not be high on the club's list of priorities.

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Lukas Podolski: Staying at Cologne
PODOLSKI COMMITTED TO COLOGNE

Germany striker Lukas Podolski has reaffirmed his commitment to Cologne, despite being replaced as captain for the upcoming season.
The 26-year-old was told just over a week ago by new Cologne coach Stale Solbakken that Pedro Geromel will be his choice of club captain and not the fans' favourite Podolski.
While admitting his disappointment upon learning of the decision, Podolski will continue to give 100 per cent for his hometown club and does not want to play anywhere else.
"I definitely never thought about leaving the club just because I am no longer the captain," he told Sport Bild magazine.
"My attitude and my identification with Cologne have obviously not changed at all."
Podolski was given the captaincy by former Cologne coach Frank Schafer last January only for Solbakken to prefer Geromel after a few weeks in his role.
However, the Germany striker does not appear to have taken the decision badly.
He was voted man of the match in last weekend's 3-0 cup victory over SC Wiedenbruck and created two goals for his strike partner Milivoje Novakovic.

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Luis Boa Morte: West Ham exit
BOA MORTE LEAVES WEST HAM

West Ham have confirmed the departure of midfielder Luis Boa Morte.
Boss Sam Allardyce revealed last week that the 33-year-old had returned to his homeland in Portugal and the club have now officially announced that his contract, which had a year to run, has been cancelled by mutual consent.
Boa Morte told the Hammers' official website: "I am sad to leave West Ham as I made a lot of friends here. It is also a sad day for me to leave playing football in England after 14 years.
"I am looking forward to a new challenge. It is never too late to try something different.
"There are high and low memories - the low ones only make you stronger - and now is a fresh start for me. For West Ham, of course, I would like to see that they get back into the Premier League again."
Boa Morte joined the Hammers from Fulham for £5million in January 2009 and made 109 appearances, scoring two goals.