Latest Transfer Update at 13-12-11

[<<ELVIS>>]

Harry Redknapp: Happy at Tottenham


REDKNAPP NOT INTERESTED IN ENGLAND

Daniel Levy says he's been given assurances by Harry Redknapp that the Tottenham manager is committed to White Hart Lane and isn't interested in the England job "at the present time".
Redknapp is a leading contender to replace Fabio Capello after Euro 2012 when the Italian steps down, a position that is of enormous appeal to the 64-year-old.
But Spurs are eager to keep the man who has guided them into the Barclays Premier League title frame, at least in the short to medium term.
Spurs chairman Levy, who was speaking at Tottenham annual general meeting, has been encouraged by a recent meeting with Redknapp's representatives.
"Harry has 18 months left on his contract," said Levy.
"We have had a conversation where it was said that as far as Harry's concerned, he's very happy here and that he doesn't particularly want to consider England at the present time.
"We will worry about that situation if it arises in the summer."
Levy was equally defiant on Tottenham's determination to keep the players who have proved instrumental in establishing the club in such a strong position this season.
Gareth Bale and Luka Modric top the list of stars who could attract attention during the January transfer window, but Levy has issued a hands-off warning to rival clubs.
"We have a great squad with exceptional talent and none of the main players will be leaving in January," he said.
Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League table, seven points behind leaders Manchester City with a game in hand, but lost ground with Sunday's defeat at Stoke.
"I hope we have a great season and that we can finish in the top four or, who knows, maybe even higher. We want first place," said Levy.
"I spoke to Harry and told him not to be too despondent, because if we win our game in hand against Everton, we could be only four points behind Manchester City."
In his speech to the AGM, Levy outlined the club's desire to stay in N17 following their failed attempt to secure the Olympic Stadium as their future home.
However, he stressed that public money must be spent on improving the infrastructure of the area before the club will be convinced to invest themselves.
"A financing package will need to include bank finance, enabling development and sponsorship," said Levy.
"Quite clearly any significant, further investment by the club would need to be in the context of a commitment by the public sector to fund public infrastructure works to create the environment and confidence to commit further.
"These public monies would be entirely for public works, not for the stadium or any of the associated club developments.
"They would contribute to the general uplift of the borough, thereby creating an area in which the club can justify hundreds of millions of pounds of investment, secure funding and be a catalyst for further regenerative investment.
"A new stadium continues to be central to delivering our ambitions for this club.
"At this stage we are encouraged by the level of support there is for our plans and for giving the area of Tottenham the focus and attention it deserves."

[<<ELVIS>>]

Carlos Tevez: Could move to AC Milan


AC MILAN IN NO RUSH TO SIGN TEVEZ

AC Milan are in no hurry to complete the signing of Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez.
The Rossoneri claim they reached an agreement with the out-of-favour Argentina international earlier this month, but have yet to agree terms with his parent club.
Vice-president Adriano Galliani said last week that Milan had made an offer to City to acquire Tevez on loan in January, with an option to make that move permanent in the summer.
City are reluctant to let Tevez go on loan, but Galliani is still hoping a deal can go ahead, especially as his side are without the services of the unwell Antonio Cassano.
"Tevez is our first choice," he told www.milannews.it.
"We know we have the player's agreement, but we hope he will not agree with other clubs.
"There is a deadline of 18:59 on January 31 to complete his transfer.
"Everyone knows what Milan's position is and he will arrive only due to (Antonio) Cassano's problem."
Milan are looking to reinforce their attack with Italy international Cassano sidelined indefinitely after undergoing a heart procedure last month.
Reports in Italy claim Milan are ready to offer Alexandre Pato or Robinho to City as part of a swap deal that would see Tevez join the Italian champions.
However, Galliani ruled out that possibility.
"I reiterate that Pato and Robinho will not leave the club," he said.
Tevez is set to leave the Blues in the new year after his latest fallout with the club.
The 27-year-old, who is also a reported target for Juventus and former club Corinthians, returned to his homeland last month without City's permission and is yet to report back to training.

[<<ELVIS>>]

Arsene Wenger: Could be tempted in January


WENGER PONDERS PURCHASE POTENTIAL

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he could be tempted into the January sales if "an opportunity turns up".
The Gunners have turned their season around following seven wins from the last eight Barclays Premier League matches, to move back into contention for the top four.
Much of that success has been built on the 19 goals of prolific captain Robin van Persie.
With both Ivory Coast forward Gervinho and Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh both set to be away at the African Nations Cup early next year, Wenger accepts his back-up options will be stretched.
Arsenal have plenty of cash reserves should Wenger wish to strengthen the squad, and the Gunners boss will keep an eye out for any bargains.
"We lose players like Chamakh and Gervinho to the Africa Cup of Nations so hopefully, touch wood, we do not get any injuries to our strikers. But if an opportunity turns up in that department then we will buy," Wenger told a supporters' Q&A at the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal manager, however, feels the current financial climate is "a bit special".
Wenger continued: "Economically the whole environment has changed and people suffer more. The clubs will suffer more financially and it's much more difficult.
"Maybe we will have some opportunities because we are in a good financial situation."
Although both South Korea captain Park Ju-young and Russian Andrey Arshavin also offer attacking options, Wenger may look to bring in more like-for-like cover, with FC Koln's Lukas Podolski one possibility if the price was right.
Elsewhere, Sochaux midfielder Kevin Anin is said to be on Wenger's radar, along with Anderlecht's Luca Biglia.
The 25-year-old's representative Enzo Montepaone told calciomercato.com: "Fiorentina's interest is real, but Arsenal also like him a lot.
"Italy has always been his dream and, as he holds an Italian passport, a move to Italy is very likely.
"It is, however, important to pay attention to Arsenal."
Wenger will again have to juggle his defence for Sunday's trip to league leaders Manchester City after Brazil left-back Andre Santos was on Monday ruled out for up to three months after needing surgery on his ankle.

[<<ELVIS>>]

Vargas: Linked with Chelsea


NO BLUES OFFER FOR VARGAS - AGENT

Chelsea have made no formal offer for Chilean forward Eduardo Vargas, according to the player's agent.
Universidad de Chile star Vargas, 22, has been linked with a January move to Stamford Bridge, as well as reportedly attracting the attention of Arsenal, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli.
Having agreed terms for Nicolas Anelka to join Shanghai Shenhua when the transfer window opens, Chelsea may choose to dip into the market next month, especially with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou due to play in the African Nations Cup.
Vargas, dubbed the new Alexis Sanchez, has been most heavily linked with Chelsea and his agent, Mark Griffiths, told calciomercato.it: "He's definitely a player that is attracting a lot of interest.
"Has there been an official offer from Chelsea? Their chief scout in South America is Chilean, Jorge Alvial, so it is expected that the best players from his country will be linked with the Blues.
"However, we have not received an official offer from London. Maybe they will bid in the future, but to date there is nothing.
"That is the same for all the European teams.
"A valuation of 10million euros (£8.5mil) I think it could be higher than that, maybe around 12million-14million euros (£10mil-12mil).
"Vargas as the next Sanchez? Comparisons have been made, but I think in some ways he is even better than the Barcelona player because he scores more goals."