Latest Transfer Update at 18-06-2012

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Gylfi Sigurdsson: In negotiations with English teams

HOFFENHEIM SET SIGURDSSON DEADLINE

Hoffenheim have given midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson a deadline of June 30 to secure a move to the Barclays Premier League.
The Iceland international had been set to complete a return to Swansea, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, for a club-record £6.8million fee.
However, the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool halted the deal before the 22-year-old could have his medical and Anfield now seems to be his preferred destination.
Last week Rodgers admitted he would be interested in signing the midfielder but stressed the player had to first speak to Swansea - who appointed Michael Laudrup as their new boss on Friday.
Sigurdsson's German club, who began pre-season training on Monday, have granted extended leave in order for him to complete a move to England.


"Gylfi Sigurdsson will not be with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the start of pre-season," said a statement on the club's website.
"He has, after consultation, obtained a prolonged holiday until 30 June.
"The club wants the 22-year-old to continue to secure a future in the Premier League."
Hoffenheim head coach and former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel said it was best for all parties if the player had the time to sort out a move.
"Gylfi wants to stay in England and is in negotiations there," he said.
"Thus it makes no sense for both sides for him to return to Hoffenheim, perhaps only for a few days.
"If, by the deadline on June 30, he has done nothing then he will return to his pre-season with us.
"We have agreed this with him."


Sigurdsson is contracted to Hoffenheim for another two years but despite impressing in his first campaign in 2010/11 he dropped down the pecking order last season, forcing his loan to Swansea where he scored seven goals in 19 appearances.
It has been reported Liverpool will have to pay a fee in the region of £8million as Swansea had negotiated a lower figure as part of their loan deal.

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Olivier Giroud: Reportedly close to Arsenal deal

ARSENAL 'CLOSING IN ON GIROUD'

Sky Sports sources understand Arsenal have reached an agreement with Montpellier for striker Olivier Giroud.
The 25-year-old was the joint top-scorer in Ligue 1 last season with 21 goals and was instrumental in his side claiming the league title.
Arsene Wenger would have also been impressed with his all-round play which led to him providing nine assists for his team-mates.
Montpellier owner Louis Nicollin had claimed earlier this year that it would take 50 or 60 million euros to prise the striker away.


However, his stance over the player who is currently away on international duty with France at Euro 2012 appears to have softened.
Giroud will become Arsenal's second signing of the close season after Lukas Podolski once the deal is completed.

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Rafael: Close to renewing United contract

RAFAEL CLOSE TO NEW UNITED DEAL

Manchester United defender Rafael is set to sign a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2016.
The Brazilian full-back has made 90 senior appearances since his arrival in July 2008, and started the 2009 Champions League final defeat to Barcelona in Rome.
Although there are plenty who feel Rafael is still too rash in the tackle, there is no doubting his attacking instincts and Sir Alex Ferguson evidently believes he has a big future.


Rafael won his first senior caps for the Brazil national side last month and the 21-year-old's agent, Cassiano Pereira, told Estadao ESPN: "Rafael is very happy to stay at Manchester United, who are one of the giants of world football and always play in Europe's biggest competitions.
"Manchester United are the club that opened the door to Europe for him. He is loved, respected and has prestige at the club.


"We are all very happy that he is renewing his contract."
Rafael is due to be separated from his twin brother Fabio next season though as he is being lined up for a loan move to QPR.

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Watford: Deal in principle for the Pozzo family to take over

WATFORD AGREE TAKEOVER DEAL

Watford have agreed a deal to transfer ownership of the Championship club to the Pozzo family.
The Italians, who own Serie A side Udinese and Spanish outfit Granada, have been strongly linked with a move for the Hornets in recent months.
And it has now been announced on the club's official website that an agreement has been struck for the Pozzos to assume control.
A club statement read: "The board of directors, acting on behalf of Watford Football Club, is pleased to confirm that agreement has been reached in principle for the transfer of ownership to the Pozzo family.


"Representatives from the family have been in discussions with Watford Football Club and both parties have agreed initial terms.
"Further information from Watford Football Club will be released, as appropriate, via its official website, watfordfc.com."
Current owner Laurence Bassini, the frontman for the Watford FC Limited group who bought the club 15 months ago, has had a bumpy ride during his time in charge.
He had a public falling out with chairman Graham Taylor last November after the former England manager criticised him for not showing up at a fans' forum.

Taylor stepped down from his non-executive role last month.

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Steve Clarke: Unveiled as West Brom boss

CLARKE - WBA CAME AT THE RIGHT TIME

New West Brom manager Steve Clarke is ready to stand on his own two feet after serving an illustrious managerial apprenticeship under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Sir Bobby Robson and Kenny Dalglish.
The Scot is finally making his first steps as a fully-fledged head coach after establishing himself as one of the game's leading coaches over the last 14 years.
Mourinho, who appointed Clarke as his assistant during his time at Chelsea, has long insisted the Scot has what it takes to be a manager himself and Clarke admits even he has been surprised that it has taken this long.


The former Scotland international, who left Liverpool earlier this month after Dalglish's sacking, said: "Obviously when I left Chelsea in 2008 it was with the ambition to become a manager or head coach in my own right.
"I could have stayed at Chelsea for as long as I wanted and been as comfortable as I wanted but I decided to get out of my comfort zone.
"To be honest I thought this position, or this appointment, would have come about a little bit sooner. Circumstances dictated that it didn't.
"Obviously losing my job at Liverpool in the summer was disappointing but then very quickly this opportunity came up to talk to West Brom.
"I was really impressed with what they had to say and it just feels like the right appointment at the right time for me."
Clarke has vowed to try to play attacking football at the Hawthorns built on solid defensive foundations and while he acknowledges he will utilise lessons learned under the likes of Mourinho, Robson and Dalglish, he will be his own man.


"You work with good people and if you don't take the best from each of those you work with then you make yourself look a little bit stupid," he said.
"So, hopefully I've taken all the good bits. I can't be anyone else. I can't be a Mourinho personality, or be like Kenny Dalglish or Sir Bobby Robson. I'll just be me.
"I'll take all those good bits and I'll be Steve Clarke. Hopefully that will be enough to be a successful coach."
Clarke revealed he spoke to old Chelsea team-mate and former West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo about Albion before taking the job, while Mourinho has also been in touch.


"When I knew I had a chance of getting the job here, I spoke to Roberto about the club," he said. "He had really good things to say about Albion and the people at the club, so it's been helpful to speak to him.
"I've had a text message from Jose - he's on holiday just now, so I don't want to disturb his holidays."
Next season's Barclays Premier League fixtures were released on Monday and Clarke was happy to be paired with former employers Liverpool at home on the opening day.
"I was delighted to get Liverpool first game," he said.
"I've got nothing but good memories from my time at Liverpool so to face them in the first game, here at the Hawthorns, will be fantastic.
"It takes a lot to get me really excited but this morning I was excited."

[pragyavan]

Nice discussion