Latest Transfer Update at 29-02-2012

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Nicklas Bendtner: Could be tempted by Russian move

BENDTNER ADMITS RUSSIAN INTEREST

Sunderland's on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner has revealed he could be interested in a move to the Russian Premier League.
The Denmark international is currently on a season-long loan from Arsenal and with his Gunners contract expiring at the end of the season, his future is uncertain.
A number of high profile players have joined Russian sides recently, with Arsenal's Andrey Arshavin returning to old club Zenit St Petersburg and Blackburn defender Chris Samba moving to Anzhi Makhachkala.


Bendtner, who has scored just three goals in 18 appearances for the Black Cats this season, admits he may be tempted to join the Russian revolution should the option become available in the summer.
"There are a lot of very strong players going to Russia, players who previously wouldn't have done so," said the 24-year-old. "They play great football there.
"I am fine for the moment and I will look at the options available to me when the time comes.
"You can never say never in football."

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Craig Gardner: Happy at Sunderland

CRAIG GARDNER FEELING SETTLED

Sunderland midfielder Craig Gardner has insisted he is happy on Wearside after months of speculation that he could leave the club.
Former boss Steve Bruce revealed earlier in the season that his summer signing from Birmingham was struggling to settle in the north-east and successor Martin O'Neill has since spoken to the player about his situation.
However, Gardner, while admitting he found the going tough at the start of the campaign, is adamant he is now enjoying life at the Stadium of Light.


The 25-year-old told the Journal: "You need a settled team, you have players knowing what they are doing and at the start of the season, to be honest, players did not know what they were doing - I certainly didn't.
"I was not the same player I am now and I was last season. Maybe that was me getting settled, but as I say I am settled now and we are ready.
"I don't know where the talk is coming from because I have never come out and said anything.
"It was hard at the start, but I'm enjoying it now. Playing every week has made a difference and I do feel happy now."
Gardner will be even happier on Sunday afternoon if the Black Cats can return from their derby trip to Newcastle with another three points banked.


Sunderland suffered the disappointment of losing 1-0 to their arch-rivals on Wearside in August, and revenge will be very much on their minds at a stadium where they were routed 5-1 last season.
Gardner said: "August's derby was the second game of the season and for some of the lads, it was only our second game properly together. We were unlucky not to win the game - it could have gone either way.
"There is a third of the season left and we are sky-high in confidence. Newcastle will be sky-high in confidence too, so let's have it!"

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Lukas Podolski: Linked with Arsenal

LUKAS PODOLSKI FUTURE UNCLEAR

Cologne have admitted they will have to respect what Lukas Podolski wants to do at the end of the season amid reports linking him with a move to Arsenal.
The Germany international has repeatedly expressed his frustration this season at a perceived failure to keep promises by Cologne since he returned to the club from Bayern Munich three years ago.
Podolski remains under contract until 2013 but Cologne have so far failed to extend his deal and head coach Stale Solbakken has now admitted he does not know whether the striker will stay beyond the summer.


Speculation has suggested that the striker has already agreed terms with Arsenal, having previously indicated that he would look to go abroad if he did leave Cologne.
Solbakken understands that Podolski has a lot to think about but is keen to find out what his plans are for the future.
"Lukas is a Cologne player at the moment and will be one until the end of the season," Solbakken told reporters. "Then we will have to see what happens.
"His decision is important for us but also for him. We have to respect that."
Podolski has scored 15 goals this season but Cologne are still languishing in the bottom half of the Bundesliga table, just four points above the relegation zone.

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Frank Rijkaard: Unwilling to discuss next step

RIJKAARD QUIET OVER FUTURE

Saudi Arabia coach Frank Rijkaard sidestepped questions about his future after his side made an early World Cup exit on Wednesday.
The Green Falcons crashed out in just the third round of Asian qualifying after they were beaten 4-2 by Australia in Melbourne.
That left the former Barcelona boss' future in doubt although he was unwilling to discuss his next step.
Asked at the post-match press conference what his next challenge might be, the Dutchman replied: "To get home".
Rijkaard, 49, maintained he was keen to remain in charge despite the disappointment.
"It was a game we focused on and it was really important for us. It's a sad moment for Saudi football," he said.
"If you want to come out of a sad moment you have to work really hard. If I continue working there I'll work really hard."


Saudi Arabia reached four consecutive World Cup finals between 1994 and 2006 but have now not qualified for the past two.
Rijkaard's side had looked on course when they led 2-1 with 20 minutes to go, but the Socceroos scored three times in as many minutes to end their hopes in wet conditions at AAMI Park.
"I think it (defeat) had something to do with fatigue," Rijkaard said.
"Maybe with the pressure on the players, maybe the equaliser it took away the courage of the players.
"Another thing, the conditions of the field, a lot of players weren't used to the conditions, they weren't stable and were slipping away.
"They were not wearing the right boots. That wasn't in our favour."