Latest Transfer Update at 05-06-2012

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Tim Cahill: Not ruling out move

CAHILL OPEN TO MIDDLE EAST MOVE

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is not ruling out a move to the Middle East amid speculation linking him with Saudi Arabian giants Al Nasr.
The Australian is reportedly a key target for the club this summer, with reports suggesting he could earn up to £2.5million for one season if he completed a move.
Cahill has played numerous times in the Middle East while representing his country and the 32-year-old, who is contracted at Goodison Park until 2014, has made no secret of his admiration for the region.
"I know what the experience is like. I have lived and breathed it," he told AAP.


"I have played in two Asia Cups and I have got great connections with a lot of important people overseas.
"I come on holiday in the Middle East a lot and I embrace the weather and the culture.''
Despite the heightened speculation, Cahill is pushing the rumours aside so he could concentrate on playing for Australia this month.
"All these sort of elements of speculation will be dealt with after camp,'' he added.


"It is always a compliment. I am a massive fan of the Middle East, the cultures, the people.
"I have travelled a lot and I respect them a lot. For me, it is just to focus on the Socceroos and we will see what happens later.''

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Rafael van der Vaart: Doesn't expect to leave

VAN DER VAART EXPECTS SPURS STAY

Rafael van der Vaart doesn't expect to leave Tottenham this summer but insists it's vital manager Harry Redknapp signs a new contract at White Hart Lane.
Redknapp has just a year left on his current deal and has reportedly hired Wayne Rooney's agent, Paul Stretford, to negotiate an extension.
Stretford and Spurs chairman Daniel Levy both have reputations for striking hard bargains and it remains to be seen what length of contract 65-year-old Redknapp will be offered.


Van der Vaart suggested on Tuesday morning it should be a long-term deal, insisting sustained success was linked to stability.
Asked if it was crucial Redknapp signed on, the 29-year-old said: "Yeah, I think so. He is doing a fantastic job, so I don't see any problems.
"I think he's going to sign a new contract - I hope so - and I think it's also good for every team when they have a manager who's there for many years. So I hope he stays."
Van der Vaart's own future has been the subject of speculation in recent days, with the Holland international having been linked with Schalke.
Asked if there was any chance of him leaving north London, he said: "No, I don't think so. There's always interest. But I'm happy in England and I want to stay.
"In football, you never know, and that's what I wanted to say and nothing more."
Schalke would be able to offer Van der Vaart Champions League football - something denied to Spurs this season thanks to Chelsea's shock European Cup triumph.


"It's a pity for us but that's life," Van der Vaart said.
Tottenham finished fourth in the Barclays Premier League - enough to qualify but for what transpired in the Champions League final.
However, they were also well clear in third place before collapsing from February onwards.
Van der Vaart said: "I think we have the squad to be in the top three but, this season, I think we had a run of 10 games without winning.
"At the end of the day, we don't deserve to be in the Champions League."
As a consequence, Van der Vaart is just one of several Tottenham stars to have been linked with moves away this summer.
The forward urged Spurs to strengthen for another assault on the top three next season, starting by signing on-loan Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor on a permanent deal.


"I hope he stays," Van der Vaart said. "He's really important - not because of his goals, but also his personality's great. It's going to be difficult to keep him but I hope we will."