Latest Transfer Update at 19-12-11

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Latest Transfer Update at 19-12-11

Billy Sharp: Will cost £3million

DONCASTER REVEAL BILLY SHARP PRICE

Doncaster chairman John Ryan has confirmed clubs interested in Billy Sharp will be able to sign the striker for £3million in January.
Sharp's brace in the 2-1 victory over Leicester took his tally to nine goals in 15 Championship appearances this season and he has a string of admirers.
Southampton and Ipswich have both previously failed with bids for the 25-year-old and are expected to return with fresh offers next month.
Ryan said: "I don't know whether we can keep Billy here. There has been a lot of loose talk and idle chatter surrounding the lad, so I want to set the record straight once and for all.
"When the window opens on January 1, Billy's contract with Doncaster Rovers will include a release clause priced at exactly £3million.
"Lots of clubs are circling. Southampton and Ipswich made previous bids. Anybody who matches that new figure can talk to Billy.
"Obviously, we don't want to lose the lad at this vital stage when we are fighting to retain our Championship status.
"I've given my word to Billy, though. We have a gentlemen's agreement and any final decision on a move is down to Billy himself."

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Taye Taiwo: Pardew has 'no interest'

NO TOON MOVE FOR TAIWO

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew insists the club have not made a move for AC Milan defender Taye Taiwo.
The highly-rated Nigerian joined Milan in the summer from Marseille but has struggled to adapt to life in Italy, featuring just three times for the Rossoneri.
Newcastle were reportedly following his situation closely and were linked with a loan bid but Pardew has been quick to dismiss any Magpies interest in the 26-year-old.
"There's no interest," said Pardew, "I don't know anything more about that."
Pardew also confirmed that talks were continuing with captain Fabricio Coloccini over a new deal.
"It's bubbling along really," he said.
"It's a contract we need to get right and quite rightly, everyone is holding fire on that to make sure it's right. There are obviously talks ongoing on that really."

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Roman Pavlyuchenko: Scored against Sunderland

PAVLYUCHENKO PONDERS JANUARY OPTIONS

Roman Pavlyuchenko's agent says the Tottenham striker is "considering the options" for his future.
After seeing Pavlyuchenko score the winner for Spurs against Sunderland at White Hart Lane on Sunday, boss Harry Redknapp was quick to praise the Russian and insisted he wants him to stay.
But the striker's agent has confirmed that a number of clubs are battling to sign the 30-year-old, with former club Spartak Moscow and big-spending Anzhi Makhachkala looking favourites.
Queens Park Rangers are also keen, but Tottenham reportedly want more than £10million for the striker.
Spartak do have the funds and look set to press ahead with a move, although Oleg Artemov would not talk about where Pavlyuchenko would be moving to.
"We have lots of offers, we have been considering the options," Artemov told Tvoy Den.
"We've been collecting information about those teams that are interested in Pavlyuchenko.
"We'll choose the option which is the best for Roman. I can mention details only during the transfer window in January."

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Steve Kean: Blackburn boss is under pressure

STEVE KEAN: NO BLACKBURN ULTIMATUM

Blackburn boss Steve Kean claims to have held productive talks with the club's owners and says no ultimatum has been put to him ahead of Tuesday night's crunch clash with fellow strugglers Bolton.
Just one place and a solitary point separate the two sides at the foot of the Premier League table at present and Kean and opposite number Owen Coyle know there is little margin for error heading into a pivotal game for both clubs.
It is, however, Kean who is under the most pressure, with Blackburn supporters and now the local newspaper calling for his head.
Kean told Sky Sports News HD: "I spoke with the owners for about 45 minutes yesterday (Sunday).
"We had a real good conversation, mentioning again the health of some of the players because we have got a few that are falling at the moment.
"We will look forward to the transfer window opening and see if we can get a few bodies in that can hit the ground running straight away and make an impact."
Asked if the owners had issued a win-or-bust ultimatum ahead of the Bolton game, Kean added: "No, not at all."
The Scot is fully aware that he needs to turn things around at Ewood Park and has called on the supporters who continue to question his reign to get behind the team on Tuesday.
When asked if he had a message for the disgruntled fans, he said: "Stick with us. With a game that is as important as this, stick with us. When we scored (in a 2-1 defeat by West Brom on Saturday), I felt the momentum swung in that game and they were with us then.
"Obviously when you get a late goal against you it's disappointing, we were all disappointed. But if they could stick with us for this game, I think it could make a massive difference.
"I'm not trying to pretend that I don't understand the magnitude of this game. I'm not enjoying where we are in the table.
"But when I look at the players and I get out on the training ground and they are giving a response, they are certainly behind what we are trying to do. That gives you a massive boost."

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Owen Coyle: Unfazed

COYLE UNFAZED BY SACK TALK

Bolton boss Owen Coyle has played down suggestions the losing manager in Tuesday night's crunch clash at Blackburn will be sacked.
Wanderers are bottom of the table with Rovers just one place and a point above them.
Blackburn's Steve Kean has been under pressure all season, with fans staging protests against his tenure, while Bolton's poor run of results has seen a shift in the mood of some supporters recently.
But Coyle, who has been publicly backed by chairman Phil Gartside, claimed he was unaware of talk which suggested the beaten man could be dismissed.
"It is news to me but that is the nature of football," said the Scot.
"Everyone has an opinion and loves a negative story.
"It doesn't faze me. Whatever ultimately happens to you in life will happen.
"We all have jobs to do and as long as no-one gets personal about anyone at my club we will not have a problem about that.
"Have your opinion, call it any way you like but it doesn't faze me.
"But what I do know is by going and winning points you can turn that opinion very quickly.
"I think it is fair to say it is a huge game.
"There is no getting away from it because when you are on a disappointing run like we have been on when those opportunities pass you by the next game becomes greater.
"Because of the circumstances of both clubs there is no doubt this is the biggest game of the season - absolutely.
"But we also know it could be the platform and catalyst for us to pick up points and move forward and start moving up the league.
"It is a great opportunity as far as I am concerned."
Coyle had some good news today when United States midfielder Stuart Holden returned to the training ground to continue working his way back from a knee injury.
"He is an infectious character and we love having him," added Coyle.
"It was important that he got back home and did a lot of his rehab with his national team but it is always nice when you have a player of that ilk back.
"He bounced in this morning and came in to see me.
"He is a terrific lad and loves being at the club and there is no doubt he has been sadly missed.
"The sooner we have him back the better it is for all concerned and I'm sure he'll give everyone a boost."

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Carlos Tevez: Wanted by Milan

PSG WON'T 'STEAL TEVEZ' FROM MILAN

Paris St Germain have announced they will not interfere with AC Milan's plans to sign Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez in January.
Reports in Italy claimed PSG were prepared to beat Milan in the race to sign Tevez.
However, PSG director of football Leonardo - a former coach of AC Milan and Inter - told Italian newspaper La Repubblica: "I will not steal Tevez from Milan.
"I have not contacted the player and I will not get in between the Rossoneri's affairs.
"Even though I didn't share the views of (AC Milan owner Silvio) Berlusconi which meant it was impossible for me to stay at Milan, the relations with the club are good."
However, Leonardo did admit that if AC Milan rule themselves out of the race to sign Tevez, PSG would be ready to acquire the Argentina international.
"We are looking (at the player) without disturbing anyone," Leonardo said.
"But if my mentor (AC Milan vice-president Adriano) Galliani changes plans, then we are interested."
Milan are looking to reinforce their attacking line with Italy international Antonio Cassano ruled out indefinitely after undergoing a heart procedure last month.

The Italian champions made an offer to acquire Tevez on loan in January, but City are only interested in a permanent deal.Meanwhile, Galliani has insisted that Tevez is only interested in joining Milan in any case.
"We don't feel like signing Tevez on a permanent basis," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Our offer is for the player to come on a free (six-month) loan deal with an option to acquire his rights in June. The player wants to join us and not PSG.
"We hope that City accepts our offer."
If a deal for Tevez cannot be done, the Rossoneri will look to sign Catania forward Maxi Lopez instead.
"Maxi Lopez is the alternative," Galliani said. "We have spoken to Catania. We will see what happens from here until January 31."

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Christian Eriksen: Hot prospect

ERIKSEN ON MAN UNITED'S RADAR

Manchester United assistant coach Rene Meulensteen admits Ajax midfielder Christian Eriksen is a player the club are keeping an eye on.
The Red Devils have seen their numbers depleted over recent weeks by a spate of injuries and the forced withdrawal from the fold of Darren Fletcher.
It has been suggested that Sir Alex Ferguson will attempt to counter that loss by dipping into the January transfer market.
A creative playmaker is believed to be a priority, with United missing Paul Scholes' influence in the middle of the park.
Eriksen is considered to be a contender, with the 19-year-old Denmark international billed as a hot prospect for the future.
"This is a player that is on our radar," Meulensteen told Voetbal International.
"But that is to be expected. If people weren't looking, no-one would ever have an opinion on these players.
"It is true that a player like Eriksen would fit our transfer policy. He is being strongly linked with us, but to suggest that we are about to make a move is not true."
Eriksen's agent has also attempted to play down the mounting speculation regarding his client's future.
"Christian must weigh up every step he takes in his career," said Martin Schoots.
"He gave a lot of thought to joining Ajax. Last summer he could have gone to England, and a German club was very keen, but he passed the opportunity up.
"He has signed a contract at Ajax and a transfer is not an issue at the moment."

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Modibo Maiga: Newcastle target

MAIGA MAGPIES MOVE FALLS THROUGH

Newcastle appear unlikely to sign Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga after he failed a medical.
Mali international Maiga has been a long-time target for Newcastle boss Alan Pardew, who is keen to add goals to his squad.
The 25-year-old's agent, Karim Akili, said the move had collapsed over a knee problem but he claims Maiga to be fully fit.
Akili said: "I am disappointed by the turn of events. Modibo is in perfect physical condition and this was confirmed by specialists.
"I am surprised by what has happened since his medical and the diagnosis was established by doctors authorised by the club."
Maiga played the full 90 minutes for his club in their 1-0 defeat at Bordeaux on Sunday, and insists like Demba Ba, who has scored 11 times for Newcastle this season despite concerns over his long-term fitness, his knee is fine.
The Mali international told skysports.com: "I am mentally fine. I wanted that move to Newcastle badly. However, it did not happen as they said my knee has a problem - but I feel better than anything.
"There is a player at Newcastle now [Ba], he was told at a Premier League medical that he had a knee problem, he then went to another and started scoring goals before his move to Newcastle.
"But I am strong in my head and up for it. I like Sochaux, but I am having a difficult time with the fans, they do not understand me.
"I love the Premier League and I want to play there, hopefully I will have another chance, my health is very good and my knees are strong."

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David Villa: Underwent surgery on Monday

DAVID VILLA FACES EURO RACE

Barcelona striker David Villa faces a race to be fit in time for next summer's European Championships after successfully undergoing surgery on his broken left shinbone today.
Villa is set to be sidelined for between four and five months with the injury he sustained during the first half of Thursday's Club World Cup semi-final victory over Al-Sadd in Japan.
According to Dr Ramon Cugat, who was one of the doctors who operated on Villa on Monday afternoon, Spain's all-time record scorer is unlikely to feature again during Barca's Primera Division and Champions League campaigns but hopes the forward will be fit for Euro 2012.
Cugat said: "The hope of him (Villa) and everyone will be that he can play at the European Championships."
"The chances that Villa will play this season are small but you can't rule out anything."
The end of the Primera Division season is scheduled for the weekend of May 12, with the Champions League final taking place in Munich on May 19, while Euro 2012 begins on June 8.
Cugat said: "The final in Munich is a little tight. I think he will be out for four or five months, but we have to wait and see how he progresses.
"If I set a (return) date, I would surely be wrong. He is keen to be able to play in the both the Champions League final and the European Championships. He wants it all.
"In four or five months we hope to have him ready for the European Championships."
He added: "The operation went perfectly, and 35 minutes after the player was sending messages to his team-mates and smiling."
Villa, who will spend the next few days recovering in hospital, was the tournament's top scorer as Spain won Euro 2008 with four goals while he was joint top-scorer with five goals as the Iberian nation won the World Cup in South Africa last summer.
Earlier this year the 30-year-old broke Raul's national record of 44 goals.
Should Villa miss out on a place in Vicente del Bosque's Euro 2012 squad then it could be to the benefit of Valencia striker Roberto Soldado, who is one of the forwards fighting to be on the plane to Poland and Ukraine.
However, the former Real Madrid youngster put his personal ambitions aside in admitting he hopes Villa will be fit to feature next summer.
He told radio station Cope overnight: "Clearly I'm a bit closer (to a Spain spot), but from the heart I hope that he recovers as soon as possible. Spain needs him, every Spaniard wants him to be at the European Championships and we're sure that he's going to get there."

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Michel Salgado: Won't be at Blackburn next season

SALGADO SET FOR BLACKBURN EXIT

Veteran defender Michel Salgado will be allowed to leave Blackburn when the transfer window opens next month.
Salgado is currently missing through injury but talks have taken place in Madrid between Rovers and the player's representative when it was confirmed this season would be his last at Ewood Park.
And with Rovers' owners Venky's looking to trim costs, manager Steve Kean has confirmed the Premier League strugglers will look at January offers for the 36-year-old former Real Madrid man.
"Michel won't be here next season," said Kean.
"If there is an opportunity for him to find another solution in this window that is something we would look at.
"(It is) out of respect for the player to give him the heads up that this will be his last season."
With injuries biting deep into his squad following confirmation Scott Dann is going to be out for six weeks after requiring groin surgery on an injury he suffered as he scored in Saturday's 2-1 home defeat to West Brom, Kean is looking for a glimmer of optimism.
And it comes in the knowledge Martin Olsson could be back for the New Year's Eve trip to Manchester United after a change of treatment on the hamstring injury that has troubled the 23-year-old for the past six weeks is finally starting to ease.
"It was going into a spasm," said Kean.
"He has had a bit of manipulation on it and is now in the hands of our medical team.
"At first, we were very aggressive in our treatment to try and get him back out onto the pitch.
"That wasn't working so we backed off it and changed the way we are treating it.
"Thankfully it has settled down and I think he will be available for the Manchester United game."