Latest Football Transfer News 26-08-2012

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Latest Football Transfer News 26-08-2012



Sinclair no closer to Man City

Swansea boss Michael Laudrup insists there has been no progress over Scott Sinclair's proposed move to Manchester City, despite leaving the winger out of the side who beat West Ham 3-0.



Laudrup: No progress over Sinclair's move to Man City
Sinclair has told Swansea he does not want to sign a new contract at the Liberty Stadium, and with less than a year left on his current deal he looks set to leave before the end of the transfer window.


City have made an offer for the 23-year-old, believed to be around the £5million mark, but Laudrup says his omission from the squad is not a sign that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs.
He said: "Last week after the game (against QPR) I said it was no problem bringing him into the squad. He did a good job, he came off the bench and he scored.


"There are a lot of things going on around Scott and I spoke with him and we decided it was better for everyone that he did not participate at all in the game.
"We know things can move fast in this game but we will wait until Monday to see where things stand. We know it could go on until Friday evening.


"If he is still here after that he will be in the squad next Saturday, if he is not, he is not.
"There is a lot of interest in Scott. I really don't know if he will be here after Friday but everything is possible. It is possible he stays, it is possible he leaves."

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Reds complete Sahin deal

Liverpool have completed the season-long loan deal for Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin, who revealed Bernabeu team-mate Xabi Alonso played a key role in his decision to head to Anfield.



Nuri Sahin: Switch to Anfield for the season
The 23-year-old Turkey international becomes new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers' fourth new arrival following Joe Allen, Fabio Borini and Oussama Assaidi.
The Merseysiders saw off competition from Arsenal for Sahin, who helped Madrid win the Primera Division title last season, and the player said former Liverpool midfielder Alonso's passion for the club convinced him it was the right move.


Asked whether he spoke with Alonso before making his mind up, he said on www.liverpoolfc.tv: "Yes, of course. A lot of times. Xabi is a person who really cares about football. He's in love with football. I'm the same, and that's why we had a lot of conversations.
"When I arrived at Real Madrid, we spoke about German football and Italian football. He likes football! When he heard Liverpool were interested in me, he started telling me about Liverpool.


"He is still in love with Liverpool Football Club, I think. It's crazy how he was telling me about Liverpool. He was saying, 'Go there - you will love it. The fans will take care of you and love you' and things like that.
"He said Anfield is the best stadium in the world. Xabi won a lot of trophies here, and hopefully we can do that too."
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho also advised Sahin the Barclays Premier League would be good for his development.
"We spoke and he told me that English football, especially the Premier League, is the best to enjoy as a footballer," the former Borussia Dortmund man said.


"Every weekend you can enjoy football. He also told me about how he and Brendan Rodgers worked together at Chelsea and that he's a good coach and person. That's important for me. It's not only football, it was very important for me to have someone who I can speak with."
Sahin becomes the first Turkish player to sign for the Reds, and he cannot wait to get to work for his new club under the guidance of former Swansea boss Rodgers.
"We've had a lot of conversations," he said on www.liverpoolfc.tv. "We spoke and he told me about his ideas for how he wants to play football and where he sees me on the field in the team. I was impressed at how he loves football."
He added: "Of course it makes me proud to play for such a big club like Liverpool Football Club as the first Turkish player. Now it is up to me to make the people in Turkey proud.


"It feels great. I am happy to be here and I am looking forward to playing for Liverpool."
Sahin joined Madrid last summer after catching the eye during a successful spell with Dortmund, with whom he won the Bundesliga title in 2010/11.
"I had a difficult season last year because of a lot of injuries," said the player, who has also won 31 caps with Turkey, scoring his first national goal aged just 17 against Germany in 2005.
"I had three injuries last year. The team played very well, but I didn't play too many games, so that's why I spoke to Real Madrid and told them I wanted to go out for a year.


"I want to play football - and it was important for me to be at a club where the manager really wants me. I wanted to play for a club on the same level as Dortmund and Madrid - that's why I chose Liverpool.
"This year, it is very important for me to play. I have to play, improve my game and help the team. If I stay in good condition, I am sure I can help the team and Liverpool Football Club, and Brendan Rodgers and my new team-mates can help me."

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Swans step up Emnes chase

Middlesbrough forward could be subject of late interest
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 9:43am


Marvin Emnes: Swansea City could step up their interest in the Middlesbrough striker


Sky Sports understands Swansea City are ready to step up their interest in Middlesbrough forward Marvin Emnes before the close of the transfer window.
Emnes has been a long-term target of Swansea and enjoyed a loan spell at the Liberty Stadium during the 2010/11 season.
The Dutchman scored twice in five appearances, including netting the only goal of the game in the derby against South Wales rivals Cardiff City.
He was the subject of interest from Swansea before Brendan Rodgers left for Liverpool and is understood to still be a target for the Premier League club.
The Swans have enjoyed a stunning start to the new season after scoring eight goals in two games, but manager Michael Laudrup remains in the market for fresh faces before Friday's deadline.
The 24-year-old has missed Boro's last two games due to injury and remains an important part of boss Tony Mowbray's plans for a promotion push.

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Fiorentina won't sell Jovetic

Della Valle says it is too late for striker to leave now
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 10:08am


Stevan Jovetic: Fiorentina will not be selling the striker before the transfer window closes


Fiorentina co-owner Andrea Della Valle says it is now too late for Stevan Jovetic to leave the club before the close of the transfer window.
Jovetic has been repeatedly linked with a move away from Fiorentina this summer, with respective Serie A and Premier League champions Juventus and Manchester City rumoured to be keen.


There is a 'gentleman's agreement' which would reportedly see Fiorentina allow Jovetic to leave if an offer in excess of €30million (£23.7m) comes in for the Montenegro international.
However, Della Valle has reiterated his intention to keep Jovetic and does not expect the 22-year-old striker to go before Friday's transfer deadline.
Quoted on calciomercato.com, the Italian businessman said: "Jovetic is going nowhere.


"He's under contract and there is no release clause. A gentleman's agreement exists, but we will absolutely not be letting him go now.
"As far as I'm concerned the transfer window should close when the championship starts."
Jovetic underlined his importance to Fiorentina by scoring both goals in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Udinese in the opening game of the new Serie A season.

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Wolves to listen to Hunt bids

Solbakken has spoken to midfielder about his future
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 11:03am


Stephen Hunt: Wolves midfielder will be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer is received


Wolves manager Stale Solbakken has confirmed he is prepared to let Stephen Hunt leave the club if a suitable offer comes in for the midfielder.
Hunt is in the final season of his contract at Molineux and could be the latest player to move on following Wolves' relegation from the Premier League.


He featured as a substitute in the Carling Cup game against Aldershot Town but, after being on the bench for the opening Championship fixture against Leeds United, he has not figured in the last two matches.
Solbakken has spoken to the Republic of Ireland international about the situation and will not stand in the 31-year-old's way of moving.
Open discussion

"I had an open discussion with Stephen and said we'll see what happens," said Solbakken on Wolves' official website.
"He's got 10 months left on his contract and we had an open discussion about that.
"If he wants to stay and fight for his place, that's fine, but if we get an offer in that's acceptable, he will leave."
Sky Sports understands that Wolves would be prepared to let Hunt go for free or a nominal fee as Solbakken tries to bring in his own players.

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Owen confident of new club

Striker has spoken to a few teams ahead of transfer deadline
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 11:25am


Michael Owen: Former Manchester United striker is hoping to sign for a new club


Michael Owen is confident he will find a new club before the transfer window closes after confirming he has spoken to 'quite a few teams'.
The experienced striker is available on a free transfer after being released by Manchester United and is keen to remain in the Premier League.
Stoke City have expressed an interest in the 32-year-old, while the former Liverpool forward was recently linked with a move to Everton.
And, when asked if he expects to have signed with new employers by the end of the week, Owen said: "I do, yeah.
"Yes, I have been in contact with quite a few teams and I definitely expect to be donning a new shirt quite soon."
Michael Owen Quotes of the week
Refreshing

"As with a lot of these situations, transfer windows and things like that, a lot of things happen later on in the window when people are refreshing their squads and things like that.
"So, yes, I have been in contact with quite a few teams and I definitely expect to be donning a new shirt quite soon."
He added: "I've spoken to quite a few teams and it's a case of picking the best which is going to suit me and my family.
"I've said before I'd prefer that to be in the Premier League and that remains the case.
"Different things will form the basis of making the right choice: location - it would be great if I could stay at home but if not then so be it.
"The quality of the team, the manager - everything really so hopefully I shall pick the right one."

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Redknapp hopes for top job
Last Updated: August 26 2012, 10:59 BST

Harry Redknapp is hoping to return to manage at the top level in England after starting the Barclays Premier League season without a club.



Harry Redknapp: Wants a top job
The 65-year-old was sacked by Tottenham in June after four years at the helm at White Hart Lane.
Redknapp still has the same enthusiasm and love for the game and while insisting he is not rushing to return, he admits he would come back for the "right job" which would most likely be in England.
He told Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "I've managed good players at Tottenham and at Portsmouth and at West Ham.


"Honestly, I enjoy working with good players to be honest with you.
"When you've been working with top players it's very difficult to work with inferior players if you like.
"I think I am capable of managing at the very top level so we'll see what comes up.
"England is home to the grandkids and everything else is here - it would be difficult unless it was the right offer (abroad) I really fancied and was a special offer


"Other than that I would look to manage in England in the future.
"I love it, I love the Premier League, I enjoy English football and I enjoy being in England."

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Jiracek set for Hamburg

Magath says Wolfsburg can manage without Czech midfielder
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 1:01pm


Petr Jiracek: Czech Republic midfielder is set to leave Wolfsburg to join Hamburg


Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath has confirmed that he is happy to let midfielder Petr Jiracek join Bundesliga rivals Hamburg.
Jiracek only joined Wolfsburg from Viktoria Plzen on a four-and-a-half year contract last December, but appears to have failed to impress Magath.


Hamburg have shown an interest and Magath expects the 26-year-old to finalise his departure before the transfer window closes.
"The issue will be cleared up this weekend," said Magath. "Hamburg want him and we are in a situation where we can do without him.
"And now the player wants to go to Hamburg too."
Jiracek was part of the Czech Republic squad at Euro 2012 and scored twice in four appearances as his side reached the quarter-finals.

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Pardew still keen on Carroll

Newcastle boss says deal for striker is in the board's hands
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 1:59pm


Andy Carroll: Liverpool striker would add a 'nice dimension' to Newcastle, according to Alan Pardew


Alan Pardew believes Andy Carroll would add 'a nice dimension' to Newcastle United's team, but says a deal for the Liverpool striker is in the board's hands.
Carroll left Newcastle for Liverpool in a £35million deal 18 months ago, but he has been unable to make the expected impact at Anfield.
Following Brendan Rodgers' appointment as Reds manager, there has been continued speculation that the England international will struggle to adapt to the new regime.


West Ham United have expressed an interest in signing Carroll, while the 23-year-old has been linked with a return to St James' Park.
Carroll would reportedly be willing to rejoin the Magpies on loan, but Rodgers has said it is taking a 'liberty' to believe he would let the forward leave Liverpool on a temporary basis.
With the transfer window closing on Friday, the latest speculation has claimed that Newcastle will make a final £17million bid to bring Carroll back to the North East.


Magpies boss Pardew would be happy to have the imposing front-man back in his squad, but is unsure whether a deal will be agreed.
Speaking after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea, Pardew said: "That is above me that deal, it is a financial deal that will be done at board level if Liverpool agree.
"If I was saying on a playing level would I like him in the squad, of course I would he would add a nice dimension to us."

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Villas-Boas targets midfielder

Spurs boss would also be happy for Dawson to stay
Last Updated: August 26, 2012 3:19pm


Andre Villas-Boas: Tottenham manager hopes to sign a midfielder before the transfer deadline


Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas is hoping to sign a new midfielder before the close of the transfer window.
Villas-Boas has been relatively quiet in the transfer market since taking charge at White Hart Lane and has been waiting for Luka Modric to finalise a move to Real Madrid.
With Stoke City also reportedly keen to resurrect a loan move for Tom Huddlestone, midfield reinforcements are likely to be required before Friday's deadline.
"The market can be frenetic in the last few days so anything can happen," Villas-Boas said.
Strengthen

"We are still looking to strengthen our squad with a midfielder so let's do the deals that we have to do."
Meanwhile, Villas-Boas says he would be happy for Michael Dawson to stay at Tottenham despite allowing his captain to discuss a move to Queens Park Rangers.
Dawson has been unable to agree terms with QPR, while reports have claimed that Stoke City and Sunderland are also interested in the centre-half.
Spurs fans sang Dawson's name during Saturday's 1-1 draw with West Brom and Villas-Boas is remaining pragmatic about the player's future.
The Spurs boss added: "At the moment Michael is our player and we are happy to have him."