Latest Transfer Update at 23-05-2012

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Thiago Silva: Wants to stay at AC Milan

THIAGO SILVA KEEN TO STAY - AGENT

The agent of Thiago Silva insists the Brazil centre-back wants to stay at AC Milan despite ongoing reports linking him with a move to Manchester City this summer.


The 27-year-old Silva is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2016 and is also a reported target of Barcelona and Paris St Germain.
"Neither I nor Thiago have had contacts with Manchester City or Barcelona," Silva's agent Paulo Tonietto said to www.calciomercato.it. "His preference is certainly Milan. Only the club executives of Milan can decide whether to sell the player.


"Right now the rumours circulating regarding his future are simply media speculation."
Silva joined Milan in 2009 from Fluminense after previous unsuccessful spells in Europe with Porto and Dynamo Moscow.
He made 27 league appearances for Milan this season.

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Emile Heskey: Aston Villa exit confirmed

EMILE HESKEY HEADS VILLA EXITS

Former England striker Emile Heskey has been released by Aston Villa after three-and-a-half years with the midlands club.
Heskey had already indicated he would be leaving after the final home game of the campaign against Tottenham and he has not been offered a new contract.
Defender Carlos Cuellar has also parted company with Villa but the Spaniard is looking to remain in England.
Number two keeper Brad Guzan is the third first team squad member to be leaving Villa Park at the end of his contract.
Heskey, who joined Villa from Wigan during January 2009, has made it clear he wants to continue playing and has been linked with his first club, Leicester.


He has been dogged by an Achilles problem this season but returned to the side during the latter part of the campaign.
Cuellar moved from Rangers in an £7.8 million deal five years ago and became a versatile performer in operating at right-back, left-back and centre-back.
American international Guzan had to be content with being understudy to Brad Friedel and then Shay Given during his four years at Villa.
But he impressed the then manager Alex McLeish when an injury to Given led to a six-week spell of first team action last season.
Ebby Nelson Addy, Connor Taylor, Charlie Ward, Reece Caira, Richard Bryan, Matthew Coton, Darious Darkin and Seb Jenkins have also been released from the academy.
Guzan admitted a desire to play first-team football was behind his decision to part company with Villa after discussions over a new contract.
He told the Wolverhampton Express and Star: "For me, my first and foremost priority is sorting out my club situation because at my age I need to be playing games.


"I want to be playing games and I think I've proven, not only to myself but to my team-mates and to coaches, that I can play at the highest level and if given the opportunity I can play well.
"When you get that taste of first-team experience you want more of it, and for me, going back to a back-up role was frustrating. It was definitely frustrating.
"At the top level you may only get one chance and when you get that chance you have to take it.
"Fortunately for me, I think I was able to when I came in and now hopefully I'm able to reap the benefits in terms of going somewhere and getting a starting spot."

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Lucas Maora: Subject of reported Blues bid

CHELSEA OFFER FOR MAORA 'REJECTED'

Chelsea have had a £32.4million offer for Brazil midfielder Lucas Maora rejected according to Sao Paulo president Juvenal Juvenico.
Maora, 19, has grabbed the attention of Europe's biggest clubs after establishing himself as one of Brazil's most promising young players.
The attacking midfielder has already won 11 caps for his country and Juvenico warned only an "enormous offer" will prise him away.
Juvenico claimed a bid of £20.2million from Inter Milan had also already been declined while Real Madrid had made contact to underline the interest.
But after Chelsea's big-money offer Juvenico believes the newly-crowned European champions are leading the race for Maora.
"We did not accept the offer but of course Chelsea is the closest to signing Lucas," he told Italian website www.fcinter1908.com.
"Inter made an offer of £20.2 million, but this was not considered sufficient by us.


"Real Madrid is one of these other interested clubs - there has been contact with the president Florentino Perez, who admires the player.
"Lucas is a big player who will triumph in Europe, but Sao Paulo will only sell him for an enormous offer."
Asked what Chelsea's bid was, he added: "40million euros.
"I can not say right now (what price Sao Paulo would sell at) because they are assessments that are made taking into account many factors - you know the market.
"But Lucas is a fantastic player with great qualities who is giving so much to the team."


Chelsea's position could be strengthened after they were in negotiations with Sao Paulo only last summer when they competed the signing of young striker Lucas Piazon.
Any fears the teenager would baulk at a move to Europe early in his career could also be aided by walking into a Stamford Bridge dressing room that already boasts Brazil internationals Ramires and David Luiz.
"He is still deciding where he would like his future to be but those clubs that are interested are free to do so," Juvenico added.
"What must be decided at the end though should be decided with all relevant parties.
"He has had a great time here (at Sao Paulo) and will only leave for an important offer."

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Didier Drogba: In talks over Chinese move

SHANGHAI CONFIDENT OF SECURING DROGBA

Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua are confident of securing a move for Didier Drogba, who confirmed on Tuesday he is leaving Chelsea.
The 34-year-old helped the Blues win the Champions League in Munich to bring the curtain down on a trophy-laden spell in west London.
Ivory Coast international Drogba - signed from Marseille for £24million in 2004 - is now expected to join up with former Blues team-mate Nicolas Anelka at the Chinese Super League club on what would be a lucrative free transfer.


Shanghai Shenhua owner Zhu Jun is quoted as saying in the Oriental Sports Daily: "As of now, Shenhua's negotiations with Drogba are continuing just as planned."
Anelka, 33, joined Shenhua in January and is currently player/coach following the recent sacking of former Fulham boss Jean Tigana.