Latest Transfer Update at 09-04-2012

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Phillip Cocu: 'The coach the supporters want to see'

LABYAD WANTS COCU APPOINTMENT

Zakaria Labyad has called for Phillip Cocu to be handed the PSV Eindhoven manager's job on a permanent basis after he guided them to KNVB Beker success against Heracles.
The 19-year-old Moroccan, who has been linked with a move to Sporting Lisbon, believes Cocu is the man to bring more success to a club which has not landed the Eredivisie title since 2008.
He told AD.nl: "The coach has a good relationship with the players and supporters.


"I know that Cocu is the coach the supporters want to see.
"When was the last time our fans chanted the name of the coach? I hope he is our coach next season."
Indeed, Labyad claims the identity of the PSV boss next term will determine his own future.
"I have clearly stated that I want to stay here and would not go abroad," he added.
"I know the fans read things about me and think I do not want to stay but that is not the case.
"It is not about what PSV are offering but more about who is the coach next season.
"If it is Phillip Cocu then the chances are I will stay."


Cocu, who took over on an interim basis following the sacking of Fred Rutten last month, was delighted to have landed his first piece of silverware with a convincing 3-0 win.
Ola Toivonen opened the scoring in the 31st minute and Dries Mertens and Jeremain Lens added further goals after the break for the overwhelming favourites, who never looked like succumbing to an upset.
Cocu told the club's official website: "I am very happy, especially with the way we won.
"We put in an excellent and spirited team display.
"We started well and we set the tone from the first moment. We were able to convert our dominance into three fine goals.
"I think we fully deserved the victory."


Although he felt it was an opportunity missed, Heracles boss Peter Bosz had no arguments with the outcome.
"Having reached the final, we had a unique opportunity to win a trophy but PSV played at a high tempo and put pressure on our defence.
"They deserved the win, so all credit to them."

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Evans: Joins Millers

EVANS QUITS CRAWLEY FOR ROTHERHAM

Steve Evans has left his role as Crawley manager to take over at their npower League Two rivals Rotherham.
The Sussex club have confirmed Evans, 49, has opted to join the Millers, who are currently six places and 14 points behind fourth-placed Town.
Evans has managed Crawley since 2007 and led them to the Blue Square Bet Premier title last season.
They topped League Two for much of this term but slipped out of the automatic promotion places after selling top scorers Matt Tubbs and Tyrone Barnett.


The club also face an FA charge after a brawl at Bradford a fortnight ago.
Evans' assistant Paul Raynor has also left with first-team coach Craig Brewster put in charge until the end of the season.

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Mario Balotelli: Not looking to leave Man City

AGENT: BALOTELLI WILL STAY AT MAN CITY

Mario Balotelli's agent has responded to Roberto Mancini's declaration that the striker could be sold this summer by stating he does not think it will happen.
After making the front pages of many of the tabloids in the past week, Balotelli was hitting the back-page headlines on Monday after being sent off in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, which looks to have all but ended their title hopes.
Mancini reacted with anger at Balotelli's red card and general recent behaviour, suggesting he would be sold this summer and that his career could be in jeopardy.
But agent Mino Raiola cannot see Balotelli being sold, despite what happened over the weekend.


"I talked with Balotelli, the boy was sorry for what happened," Raiola told Sky Sports Italia.
"Mancini said he will be sold? I'm going to speak directly with Roberto and with the club, but I don't think they will really do it.
"Mario's intention is to remain in England and he has a contract with City.
"I understand they may be angry for the title which has eluded them, but, I repeat, I don't think so."
Raiola has been quick to deny that Balotelli's behaviour has been a premeditated plan to force a move.
"I have not seen the episode because I'm travelling so I cannot comment but I can definitely say that there isn't a market strategy. If Mario would leave England he would speak quietly with City," he said.


But he did admit that the player does still yearn for a return to his homeland.
"Does he have a future in Italy? Mario does love Serie A and he misses Italy," said Raiola.

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Mario Balotelli: Dismissed against Arsenal

MARIO BALOTELLI SAYS SORRY

Mario Balotelli has apologised for his red card against Arsenal and expects to hold talks with Manchester City regarding his future at the end of the season.
The Italian striker etched another chapter in his short, but colourful, career after being sent off for two bookable offences during Sunday's 1-0 defeat at Arsenal which all-but ended City's hopes of winning the Premier League title.

Balotelli could also face retrospective punishment from the Football Association after escaping censure for a shocking first-half challenge on Gunners midfielder Alex Song.
The 21-year-old has already served two suspensions this season and Roberto Mancini has confirmed he does not intend to pick Balotelli again this term, irrespective of the length of his latest ban.


Mancini also admitted after the loss at Emirates Stadium that he would 'probably' look to sell Balotelli in the summer after the former Inter Milan forward's latest transgression.
Balotelli, who has been involved in string of on and off-field incidents during his two years with City, has offered an apology for his latest misdemeanour.
"I'm really sorry for what happened, for the disappointment I've given to Man City and, particularly, to Roberto Mancini, for whom I have a great respect and who I love," Balotelli told Ansa news agency.

"As for my future, we will see at the end of the season. I'll talk with the club and we will see."
Balotelli is also hoping that his latest red card will not cost him a place in Cesare Prandelli's Italy squad for the European Championship.
Prandelli dropped the player for the February friendly against the USA after Balotelli was hit with a ban for stamping on Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Scott Parker in January.


He added: "I'm really keen to play for the national team. I made two fouls in the game.
"I've already lost out on the national team for one bad thing, I wouldn't do it for a second time."