Latest Transfer Update at 07-09-11

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Latest Transfer Update at 07-09-11

Hill-Wood: Insistent over Wenger
HILL-WOOD: WENGER WILL NOT GO

Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has rubbished suggestions that Arsene Wenger's job is in doubt.
After six seasons without a trophy, Arsenal have endured their worst start in recent history after picking up just one point from nine, including an 8-2 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United.
The poor start has led to fresh angst amongst some sections of the Arsenal fan-base, who are far from happy having also seen star names Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri depart.
But Hill-Wood is insistent that the club's board are not even considering Wenger's position.
"It's complete and utter rubbish and absolute nonsense. I think he is happy enough and we are happy enough," Hill-Wood told the Daily Star.
Wenger brought a number of new players in on the eve of the deadline, and Hill-Wood is hopeful they can make an impact.
"We have brought some new players in and although I don't know that much about many of them I think, generally speaking, they are going to improve the squad," he added.
And Hill-Wood also responded to Barcelona vice-chairman Josep Maria Bartomeu's claim that Fabregas was a bargain, saying: "He is absolutely right - they did get him on the cheap. But he wanted to go back there and we respected that."

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M'Vila: Being monitored by a number of Europe's top clubs
M'VILA SET TO MOVE NEXT SUMMER

Rennes coach Frederic Antonetti has conceded that highly-rated midfielder Yann M'Vila is likely to move on next summer.
The France international was the subject of intense speculation during the recent transfer window, with a number of clubs reported to be chasing his signature.
Arsenal are believed to be among those to have expressed an interest, with Arsene Wenger keen to add bite to his midfield.
The rumours came to nothing, though, as M'Vila saw out the window as a Rennes player.
Antonetti is delighted to still have the 21-year-old at his disposal, but admits there is little chance of the player seeing out a contract that is set to run until 2015.
He told L'Equipe: "With us he will be able to keep fresh and will be well prepared for Euro 2012 as well.
"Then he will take flight and will go very high in the game because there are very few players like him.
"If he continues the way he is going, he could end up playing in front of the Barca defence."

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Hargreaves: Calculated risk worth taking for City
PLATT HAILS HARGEAVES RISK

Manchester City tactical coach David Platt has described Owen Hargreaves as a 'calculated risk' - and one well worth taking.
The former Manchester United and England midfielder joined City as a free agent on deadline day after being released by the Red Devils following three injury-plagued seasons saw him hardly feature at all at Old Trafford.
While City are fully aware of Hargreaves' injury-hell, Platt believes the midfielder is top quality and worth having in the squad as he bids to get back to his best.
Platt told the Manchester Evening News: "We needed a central midfield player but unfortunately in terms of players going out and bringing in transfer fees, a lot have gone out on loan, so fees haven't come in for them.
"For a few weeks we have understood, from a business perspective, that after signing Samir Nasri, there wasn't going to be a big-name signing coming in.
"You have to get creative. The owners and the board have been terrific in saying 'We know you need a midfield player but we have to be creative about it'."
Platt added: "A lot of people would say it's a gamble, but I think gamble is too strong a word. When you put all the things into the mix it's a calculated risk, and one that we feel is well worth taking.
"What we do know is that if we look at the glass as half full, and it works out for us and for Owen, we get the kind of player that it's very difficult to find - a player that has got that Champions League experience.
"If we are talking about Owen Hargreaves as was, he is one of the best midfield players in the world."

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Bessone: Swansea deal finally cleared
BESSONE DEAL APPROVED

Swansea have confirmed they have received international clearance from FIFA over the transfer deadline day signing of Federico Bessone from Leeds, but are still awaiting similar news on fellow new arrivals Darnel Situ and Rafik Halliche.
The trio of signings were made late last Wednesday night, and a delay in processing the transfers means the Swans have had to wait for clearance.
But Bessone, who returned to the club as defensive cover after Alan Tate, is now free to be part of the squad for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Arsenal.
But they continue to wait over the deals for Situ, signed from Lens for an initial £250,000, and Halliche, who arrived on loan from Fulham.
A statement on the official Swansea website, www.swanseacity.net, read on Wednesday: "Swansea City can confirm the club has today received international clearance from FIFA regarding the signing of Federico Bessone.
"The Swans are, however, still waiting to receive international clearance for French defender Darnel Situ following his move from RC Lens along with Algerian defender Rafik Halliche, who is due to arrive on loan from Fulham."

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Clough: Out of contract at the end of the season
RAMS PLAN CLOUGH TALKS

Derby County are keen to extend manager Nigel Clough's contract, but are not putting a timetable on agreeing a fresh deal.
Clough has been in charge at Pride Park since January 2009 and the former Burton boss' current contract expires at the end of the season.
The Rams have enjoyed a positive start to the new Championship campaign and chief executive Tom Glick has confirmed there will be talks regarding an extension.
"We are delighted with how the team has started the season," said Glick in the Derby Evening Telegraph.
"I think our commitment to Nigel has been on display for everyone to see for some time. He has been our guy and he continues to be our guy.
"What we certainly do not want to do is conduct any contract extension in public.
"We are all aware his contract is up at the end of the season and we have no intention of leaving it to next summer.
"I don't want to put a timetable on it. He and I have not put a timetable on it. We will be working together with him to hopefully extend him for some time to come."

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Nigel Worthington: Under pressure
PLAYERS BACK NIGEL WORTHINGTON

After two qualifying defeats in a week, Northern Ireland's players accept their Euro 2012 dreams are over, but have defended under-pressure manager Nigel Worthington.
A morale-sapping 4-1 loss in Estonia last night followed a 1-0 reverse against Serbia at Windsor Park, leaving Worthington's side fifth in Group C and at their lowest ebb of the campaign.
While not mathematically out of the race for second, with only two games to go - and one of those away to group winners Italy - the qualifying round is heading for a disappointing conclusion.
Although the last two results have been down almost entirely to rank individual errors - Steven Davis guilty against Serbia, while Lee Camp and Gareth McAuley both had nightmares in Tallinn - Worthington is sure to feel the heat in the coming weeks.
He was heckled by a section of the 1,200 strong Northern Ireland support at the Le Coq Arena and, with his contract up at the end of the campaign, he cannot afford displays like the one he witnessed on Tuesday.
Yet although his squad are frustrated by recent events, they are not eager to join former boss Lawrie Sanchez, who has turned on Worthington and said he would like to return to the post.
Captain Aaron Hughes said: "It's a massive disappointment.
"At the start of the week we were looking forward to two massive games with a chance of qualifying. Unfortunately it hasn't panned out that way.
"Personally, I think the criticism (of Worthington) can be unfair - we don't set out to be negative.
"At times I actually thought we were the better team, but mistakes cost us and we all have to take responsibility for that."
Davis, meanwhile, echoed the notion of shared responsibility.
He put in a hugely committed performance in an attempt to make up for his poor back-pass against Serbia at Windsor Park, only to see other players commit errors that carried an even greater cost.
"Nigel is just as deflated as the rest of us," he said.
"It's disappointing for all of us. Over the last couple of games individual errors have cost us and realistically we had to come here and win. It's over.
"But of course we're professionals and we'll have to pick ourselves back up but it's demoralising and right now that's just the way we feel."
Striker David Healy, who went third on his country's all-time caps list with an 89th appearance on Tuesday, added: "Ultimately what goes on with the manager is not my decision. I just try and concentrate on my own game. The manager picks the team - it's the players who have to go onto the pitch and perform."
Sanchez, who led Northern Ireland to famous wins over England and Spain and took them to the cusp of qualification for the 2008 European Championship before jumping ship to Fulham, had his say earlier on Tuesday.
While not considered a likely replacement should Worthington be cut loose by the IFA, Sanchez's words carry plenty of weight with the Northern Ireland fans and could destabilise his successor's position.
"Nigel has had enough cracks at it. Everybody sees the writing is on the wall," Sanchez told BBC Radio Ulster.
"He is not doing an exceptional job. It has got worse rather than better. Everybody realises it is time for a change.
"I have always said I would like to finish what I started.
"I would like the opportunity. I would like to return to Northern Ireland in the future."

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Bates: Still at Boro
BATES PLAYS IT COOL OVER FUTURE

Middlesbrough skipper Matthew Bates remains in no rush to leave the club despite continued speculation over his future.
Bates is in the final year of his contract and has made no secret of his desire to return to the top flight.
Swansea recently expressed their interest in the 24-year-old central defender although no deal was reached.
Bates told BBC Tees: "I was never knocking on the gaffer's door saying I wanted to leave.
"I knew the situation with the club, I'm in the last year of my contract and whatever was to happen would happen."
Bates, who has made 90 appearances for Boro after progressing through the club's Academy, added: "I'm here now and I'm happy with that."

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Dougie Freedman: Pleased to sign Pedroza
EAGLES COMPLETE PEDROZA SWOOP

Crystal Palace have announced the signing of Antonio Pedroza.
The Eagles paid an undisclosed fee to Mexican club Jaguares for the 20-year-old striker, who has signed a three-year contract at Selhurst Park.
The paperwork for the deal was completed before the transfer deadline a week ago but international clearance has only now been received, making the move official.
"I am pleased to have brought another exciting young player to this club," manager Dougie Freedman told Palace's official website.
"For a very small fee we have got a great prospect, who with hard work could become an important part of our squad for years to come."
Pedroza added: "I feel very happy to be here. It is really nice to have a chance to prove myself in English football. I am happy to be at a great club like Crystal Palace with great fans."
Pedroza, who was born in Chester to an English mother and a Mexican father, had been on trial at Palace for a month before earning a contract.

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Clough: Out of contract at the end of the season
RAMS PLAN CLOUGH TALKS

Derby County are keen to extend manager Nigel Clough's contract, but are not putting a timetable on agreeing a fresh deal.
Clough has been in charge at Pride Park since January 2009 and the former Burton boss' current contract expires at the end of the season.
The Rams have enjoyed a positive start to the new Championship campaign and chief executive Tom Glick has confirmed there will be talks regarding an extension.
"We are delighted with how the team has started the season," said Glick in the Derby Evening Telegraph.
"I think our commitment to Nigel has been on display for everyone to see for some time. He has been our guy and he continues to be our guy.
"What we certainly do not want to do is conduct any contract extension in public.
"We are all aware his contract is up at the end of the season and we have no intention of leaving it to next summer.
"I don't want to put a timetable on it. He and I have not put a timetable on it. We will be working together with him to hopefully extend him for some time to come."

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Vicente:
VICENTE SETS OUT LONG-TERM PLAN

Vicente Rodriguez insists he is in it for the long haul after signing for Brighton - but the Spanish star has warned Albion fans they may have to wait to see the best of him.
The 30-year-old midfielder, who has two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup winners' medal to his name, admits he is lacking match fitness following his shock move to the Seagulls after leaving Valencia in the summer.
Vicente had his first training session on Tuesday before being officially unveiled at a press conference at The Amex Stadium.
"I think I have at least four or five more years left at a good level," Vicente told The Argus.
"I have not come here for one year to finish my career, I want to improve here in England and to help Brighton to the highest level possible.
"I was with a personal trainer to try to keep fit but it's not the same as playing. I need a couple of days to start again, get the fitness and try to play my best.
"I am probably 40 per cent match-fit at the moment but I think I can play a bit, not a full game. I need two weeks of training regularly. I am not ready to play to my best for a full game but I hope to be soon."