Latest Transfer Update at 08-06-2012

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Latest Transfer Update at 08-06-2012

Michael Owen: A free agent after Man United release

MICHAEL OWEN ON STOKE'S RADAR

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is keeping tabs on Michael Owen now the striker is a free agent but admits he is only one of a number of players under consideration this summer.
The 32-year-old former England international was released by Manchester United last month and has yet to find another club.
Pulis was previously interested in signing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker and he is a name currently on their list.


"We tried to find out what he was doing a couple of years ago but nothing came of it - and it was a couple of years ago," Pulis told The Sentinel.
"Everyone knows Michael's pedigree and the fact he has performed with such distinction at the highest level for club and country.
"We are monitoring him, but along with about 400 other players to be honest, so it's a case of waiting to see what happens."

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Mousa Dembele: Wants to continue playing under Jol

DEMBELE HAPPY TO REMAIN WITH COTTAGERS

Mousa Dembele has no intention of leaving Fulham this summer as he wants to continue playing for manager Martin Jol.
The 24-year-old has become an increasingly important player for the west Londoners since joining the club from Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar two years ago.
Dembele, who has a year left to run on his contract, was particularly impressive for the Cottagers last season, leading to speculation that he could leave in the summer.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham have all reportedly shown interest in the Belgium international, who insists he has no plans to go anywhere - thanks in no small part to Jol.


"I'm very happy to stay at Fulham, especially because of the boss," he told the Fulham Chronicle.
"I think it's very important to have the backing of the manager and he's a coach who gives me a lot of confidence - that's why I feel I owe it to the gaffer as well.
"I think every player needs that and I'm no different. I go to training every day and work with joy. It's a fantastic club and I'm not in a hurry to move anywhere."
Dembele has been converted from a forward into a central midfielder by Jol this season and it is a role he is enjoying.
"I'm very happy with the change this year in the position I play because I'm a player who likes to have the ball as much as possible - and that is down to the manager as well," he said.
"I think I can hold the ball very well - and it's an advantage to the team if I have a lot of the ball, so I like that position a lot.
"I'm also very happy with the way the season went. The club is doing very well and we have a very strong team with good players.
"Next year, everybody wants to do even better. I'm not sure what will be our target next season, because in a way it's the club and manager who decide.
"I don't know if it is realistic to try for fourth or fifth or sixth, but I think we should look to do even better than this season and last.


"Maybe we will have more energy because we don't play in Europe this season and we can concentrate on the league."
Dembele is not the only Fulham midfielder to have reaffirmed his commitment to the club.
Pajtim Kasami joined from Palermo last summer but featured just 17 times for the Whites and made only two appearances in 2012.
The Switzerland Under-21 international was subject of interest from Juventus in January but stayed at Craven Cottage, where he hopes to make an impression next season.
"At the beginning of the season it was quite difficult being in a new team, in a new country, and playing in a new league," he told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.
"But I felt like I adapted quickly to English football so the first part of the season went very well for me.
"The second half of the season didn't go so well.
"I'm not sad but I'm a little bit disappointed in myself and the only thing I can do is look forward to the next season."

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Steve Clarke: Delighted with Baggies opportunity

WEST BROM APPOINT STEVE CLARKE

New West Brom head coach Steve Clarke plans to use the very best of what he has learned from the likes of Jose Mourinho, Sir Bobby Robson and Kenny Dalglish to be a success at the Hawthorns.
The 48-year-old Scot has signed a two-year contract to become Roy Hodgson's successor and take his first job as a number one after over a decade as an assistant.
"Becoming a head coach in my own right has always been an ambition of mine and I feel I have served my apprenticeship," said Clarke, who has spent 14 years coaching at Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and most recently Liverpool.
"I've done everything I could as an assistant.


"I'm delighted West Bromwich Albion have given me the chance to make that progression and I'm determined to make the most of it.
"It's a process I've gone through, with a plan in mind to work as hard as I could alongside some of the best managers and coaches in the world, learning as much as possible from them, before stepping out on my own.
"I've taken something from every manager I've worked with and I've felt ready to make the step up for some time.
"I look forward to meeting and working with a very talented group of players and aim, with their help, to prove I can be a successful head coach."
Clarke's departure from Anfield was only confirmed on Wednesday, although he had offered his resignation last month when Kenny Dalglish was sacked.


Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace and sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth quickly identified him as the man they wanted to continue the club's development begun by Roberto di Matteo and continued by Hodgson before he left to manage England.
"West Bromwich Albion strikes me as a friendly, really well-organised club with a fantastic structure in place," Clarke added on wba.co.uk.
"The chairman and Dan Ashworth did a terrific job in selling the club's project to me and I fully aim to repay the board's faith.
"The team and supporters have had some good times in recent years and, with their help, I would like to think those good times can continue following my appointment.
"I know from past visits to the Hawthorns how well the supporters back the team and joining a club of such stature is a real honour. I can't wait to get started."
Ashworth said they had no doubts they had selected the right person and the fact he was untested taking sole charge of a team was not a concern.


"We firmly believe we have appointed the right man to keep the club moving forward," he said.
"After Roy was appointed as England manager, we cast the net far and wide to identify the most suitable candidate to fill his shoes.
"From the outset, we decided to pursue candidates who are renowned for their coaching ability and Steve was very much at the forefront of our thoughts because of the clubs he has worked at and the high regard he is held in within the game.
"After holding talks with Steve, he emerged as the outstanding candidate.
"Steve has worked alongside and learned from some top managers and, most importantly, he knows the Premier League inside-out and what it takes to succeed at this level.
"He is a talented British coach who has served his time in the trenches as a number two in order to get an opportunity to be in sole charge of a team - and we are delighted to give him that chance.
"Steve has a real hunger and drive to succeed as a number one and is excited about the ongoing project we have at the club.
"We also have a structure in place that will hopefully give Steve the support he needs to carry on the success we have enjoyed over the past three seasons."


Steve Clarke factfile:
1963: August 29 - Born in Saltcoats, Scotland.
1982: Begins professional career at St Mirren.
1987: Moves to Chelsea for £422,000.
1998: Ends playing career with 421 appearances for Chelsea, including victories in the 1997 FA Cup final, 1998 League Cup final and 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final.
1988: Joins his former Chelsea boss Ruud Gullit at Newcastle as assistant manager.
2004: After a stint with Chelsea's youth teams, is appointed as Jose Mourinho's assistant.
2006: Completes his UEFA Pro Licence.
2008: September - Leaves Chelsea to become assistant to Gianfranco Zola at West Ham.
2010: June - Leaves West Ham by mutual consent not long after Zola is sacked.
2011: January - Appointed as temporary first-team coach at Liverpool under Kenny Dalglish.
May 11 - Signs three-year permanent contract at Anfield along with Dalglish.
2012: February 26 - Liverpool beat Cardiff in Carling Cup final at Wembley.
May 14 - Clarke offers resignation following sacking of Dalglish but Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group reject it.
June 6 - Following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as new Reds boss, Clarke leaves Liverpool.
June 8 - Appointed West Brom head coach - his first managerial position - on a two-year contract.

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Martin: Played in 33 top-flight matches last season

NORWICH EXTEND RUSSELL MARTIN DEAL

Norwich manager Chris Hughton was handed a boost on Friday with versatile defender Russell Martin agreeing a new three-year deal.
The 26-year-old has been a pivotal part of the Canaries team since joining the club from Peterborough in January 2010.
Scotland international Martin, who can play at right back or in the centre of defence, will remain at Carrow Road until 2015.
He told Canaries Player: "It's brilliant. I'm extremely delighted, my family and I are really happy around here.
"It's a pleasure and an honour to be playing for a club of this size and stature.


"The last three years have been brilliant, and hopefully the next three can be just as good.
"As soon as the club spoke about it [signing a new contract], it didn't take long to get sorted because I'm so happy here personally.
"We've got a great bunch of lads so I'm really pleased to get it sorted so early on. I can now come back in pre-season raring to go."
The news comes just a day after Hughton left Birmingham to take charge of Norwich - with the former Newcastle boss also signing a three-year contract.
"Having just been appointed as manager I'm delighted that one of my first actions is to offer Russ this new three-year deal," Hughton added.
"He's had a fantastic couple of seasons here since joining the club in January 2010 and this new deal shows what's he's done for the club over that time.
"He's been an ever-present and has shown he's a versatile player playing at both right-back and in the centre last season.
"Russ deserves this new contract and I'm delighted that he will be here for the next three years."

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Steve Bruce: Poised to succeed Nick Barmby

HULL EXPECTED TO UNVEIL BRUCE

Hull have called a 3pm press conference when they are expected to unveil Steve Bruce as their new manager.
The former Sunderland boss, 51, is poised to succeed Nick Barmby, who was sacked by his hometown club last month after questioning the owners' ambitions in the media.


Bruce had been an early favourite with bookmakers to replace Barmby but only last week his agent Robert Segal confirmed the former Manchester United skipper had not been approached by the club and had not expressed an interest in becoming the Tigers' fifth manager in just short of 15 months.
But it now seems Bruce - out of a job since being sacked by Sunderland last November - is heading for the KC Stadium.

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Stamford Bridge: Discussions could open over an upgrade

COUNCIL WANT TO HELP CHELSEA

Chelsea could get help from Hammersmith and Fulham Council to upgrade Stamford Bridge after their latest attempt to find a site for a new stadium failed.
The European Champions submitted a bid to move into Battersea Power Station last month but it emerged this week that a joint proposal from two Malaysian companies was selected as the preferred bid.
The Blues have been seeking a new home for some time due to the problems of improving their 42,000-seater home, but finding a site in the local area has been just as tough.


The new leader of Hammersmith and Fulham Council, Cllr Nicholas Botterill, has insisted he wants to see Chelsea remain at Stamford Bridge and has been in touch with the club in an attempt to open the discussions.
"It now looks highly unlikely that CFC will be moving away from their historic home," he said.
"The council remains committed to working with the club to explore all possible avenues for keeping the Blues here at their original home.
"The door is open and the council is again ready to sit down and discuss how Stamford Bridge can be appropriately upgraded so that it is fit for one of Europe's leading football clubs."

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Ben Arfa: Wants to repay the manager's faith

BEN ARFA HAPPY AT NEWCASTLE

Hatem Ben Arfa says he is happy to stay at Newcastle - unless a "bigger" club comes knocking.
The midfielder - set to feature for France against England on Monday - hit top form for the Magpies last season after suffering a double fracture of his leg in October 2010.
Alan Pardew signed him permanently from Marseille, despite his injury setback, and the 25-year-old has hinted he wants to repay the manager's faith.
"I've never felt as settled at a club as I do at Newcastle. I feel like I'm somebody important there, it's a magnificent feeling," Ben Arfa told L'Equipe.


"I haven't forgotten the coach made me sign, even though I was only on loan from Marseille and I was injured.
"If I do not have a really, really serious proposal, I'll stay. If a big club comes, but does not propose something interesting - that is to say, the coach really wants me - I'll stay.
"If I do not feel the confidence of the [interested club's] coach 100 per cent, I will not leave. Newcastle is a big club, even if there are bigger. I still have a three-year contract."

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Cha Du-Ri: Ends a two-year spell with the Hoops

CHA DEPARTS FOR FORTUNA

Fortuna Dusseldorf have given Cha Du-Ri a return to the Bundesliga following his release by Celtic at the end of last season.
The South Korea international has signed a two-year deal with the Bundesliga newcomers, arriving on a free transfer.
Cha previously played for Arminia Bielefeld, Eintracht Frankfurt, Mainz and Freiburg in Germany's top two divisions, totalling 115 top-flight appearances before moving to Scotland.
"I am delighted to be back in the Bundesliga," said the 31-year-old on his new club's website.


"Fortuna are a great club with great fans and I am looking forward to the challenge and the atmosphere in the Dusseldorf Arena."
Fortuna's director of sport Wolf Werner hopes Cha's Bundesliga experience will serve them well in their first season back in the top flight in 15 years.
"He has already proven his potential in the Bundesliga in the past," he said. "Du-Ri Cha gives us a versatile and internationally-experienced player for the right-hand side of the field."

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Gennaro Gattuso: Has spoken to Rangers boss Ally McCoist

GATTUSO 'HOLDS RANGERS TALKS'

Gennaro Gattuso has discussed a return to Rangers with manager Ally McCoist, according to the former Italy and AC Milan star's agent.
And Andrea D'Amico insists neither the lack of cash at Ibrox nor the absence of European football next season will be a major stumbling block to Gattuso's return to the Govan club.
The 34-year-old, who played for the Light Blues between 1997 and 1998, last week left Milan after 13 seasons and is reportedly keen to come back to Glasgow to spend more time with wife Monica's family.
D'Amico arrived in Scotland on Thursday to kick off talks with with Charles Green, who is leading the consortium in place to take over the Ibrox club, and director of football administration Andrew Dickson, although whether Gattuso becomes a Rangers player again will depend on the lifting of the transfer embargo and on exiting administration.


D'Amico told the Daily Record: "It is Rino's wish to come back to Rangers but first I have to speak to the people at the club to find out what the situation is.
"He knows all about the Rangers financial situation. We know it is difficult but we can work to find a solution.
"Rino talked with Ally on the telephone. They know each other very well and like and respect each other. Now we have to work to see if something can happen.
"Not being in Europe next season would not be an issue for Rino.
"I will meet with Rangers again tomorrow for further talks."


Green confirmed he had met with Gattuso's agent and added: "Fans should be aware of just how big the club is when one of the greatest players publicly states he wants to finish his career at Rangers at a time when we can't sign anyone.
"He has confirmed he wants to play for Rangers and that is something we could do if we were able to sign someone."

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Vincenzo Montella: Expected to sign a two-year deal

MONTELLA SET FOR FIORENTINA POST

Fiorentina are set to unveil Vincenzo Montella as their new coach later today, according to media reports in Florence.
Montella parted company with Catania last week after guiding the Sicilian outfit to an 11th-placed finish in Serie A in his first season in charge.
Montella had one year left on his contract with Catania but the the 37-year-old was granted an early release from his role.
The former Roma tactician is expected to sign a two-year contract with the Viola.
Fiorentina are looking for a new coach after sacking Delio Rossi towards the end of last season.