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Transfer wrap: Eto´o nears Russian move, Keane joins MLS 16 August 2011
Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o is reportedly on the verge of moving to Anzhi Makhachkala, while Robbie Keane has signed for LA Galaxy. Eto'o will travel to Rome where he will have a medical on Tuesday with Anzhi, according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport on Monday.
The Russian Premier League club will then head back to Milan where they will work on closing the deal - reportedly worth 35 million euros - if the medical is all-clear. Elsewhere, Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has signed a lucrative two-year deal with the Los Angeles as one of the Galaxy's designated players.
A fee in the region of 3.5 million pounds was agreed with Tottenham to secure the 31-year-old's services. Keane, whose contract is reported to be worth six million pounds, was thrilled with his move to the MLS.
"I am delighted, honoured and very excited to be joining the LA Galaxy. I have always wanted to come and play in MLS so it's the perfect combination for me and a dream come true," he said. "My family and I have already been made to feel very welcome in telephone calls from (president) Tim Leiweke and (coach) Bruce Arena."
"Also, when David Beckham came and trained at Spurs recently he couldn't speak highly enough about the Galaxy, their fans and the league in general, so I can't wait to get over and get started." The Galaxy will need to make a change to their roster before adding Keane, with Beckham, Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel currently taking up the three designated player places.
Angel is reportedly seeking a move away from the club and has been linked to rival MLS sides Chivas USA and the Philadelphia Union. In the Serie A, AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso wants Real Madrid's Kaka to return to the San Siro.
The 29-year-old Brazilian attacker has been linked with a return to the champions, despite recently saying that Madrid coach Jose Mourinho wants him to stay at the Bernabeu. Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri said a move was unlikely, while club chief executive officer Adriano Galliani maintained it would be impossible to bring back their former star.
But Gattuso has backed Kaka to return, feeling he would still offer plenty to the Serie A side. "Kaka? We know how we work at Milanello. If there is a chance (to bring him back) then he can certainly help us," Gattuso told the club's official website.
Returning to the English Premier League, Liverpool have been linked with a surprise move for Celtic winger Paddy McCourt. The 27-year-old was in fine form for Northern Ireland in their 4-0 win over the Faroe Islands in Euro 2012 qualifying on Wednesday and The Daily Mirror reports Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is considering making a move for McCourt.
The exits seem set to continue at Arsenal, who are already dealing with the departure of captain Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona. Utility Emmanuel Eboue looks likely to follow the Spaniard out the door, having entered into discussions with Turkish Super Lig heavyweight Galatasaray.
Schalke striker Raul has also been linked with a move to England, with Bild reporting Blackburn are possible suitors for the Spaniard. In the English Championship, former Manchester City and West Brom striker Ishmael Miller has joined Nottingham Forest on a three-year deal, while Leeds United have signed former youth-team forward Andy Keogh on-loan from Wolverhampton until January.
Jol still wants striker signing Fulham boss Martin Jol has reiterated that he wants to bolster his forward line before the end of the transfer window.
Jol has said since he arrived at Craven Cottage earlier this summer that he is looking to strengthen his options.
The Dutchman is happy with Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson, but wants more resources without having to push Clint Dempsey into a forward role.
"I feel there is more to come from Zamora and Johnson but - we played too many long balls to Bobby. I'd like to add a few things going forward," he said.
"We saw on Saturday (against Aston Villa) if we swap our No 9 I have to put Clint Dempsey there and I don't want to do that.
"That's why we will try to do something in the transfer window. Does that mean a striker is my priority? Maybe.
"We are not going to be able to compete financially with some of the other teams but the spirit here is great."
Man City silent on Nasri link Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook on Monday night refused to be drawn on the possibility of Samir Nasri joining the club from Arsenal.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been linked with a £25million move to City and he could be set to follow Cesc Fabregas out of the Emirates after the Spaniard joined Barcelona earlier on Monday. The France international has yet to pen a new deal with the Gunners, and so could leave on a free transfer next summer.
The transfer window closes at the end of the month but Cook would not add to the speculation although neither did he deny the deal could materialise. Cook told BBC 5 Live: "We always try not to disclose anything - obviously he's still an Arsenal player and we need to respect that.
"So unfortunately I will refrain from giving an update on that." As well as Nasri, the future of Carlos Tevez has been the subject of speculation with the Argentina international linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium for months.
Last month a proposed £40million move to Brazilian side Corinthians failed to materialise and the player has been linked with Inter Milan for some time. However, Cook claimed there had been no contact with the Italian club and believes Tevez will still be with City next month playing alongside summer signing Sergio Aguero.
Cook said: "He is still a Manchester City player and to see him playing alongside Aguero is going to be pretty exciting for all the City fans." On whether Tevez will be at City in September, Cook added: "I've not spoken to anybody about anything that will dispel that notion."
Cook admits Champions League football is essential given the amount of investment in the north-west club. On the club's hopes for the coming season, Cook added: "(Manager) Roberto (Mancini) will be entering four competitions this year for the first time in many years and I have no doubt he will be trying to win every single one of them.
"Everyone has got an opinion of what we should try and achieve and what we should try and do. "All I do know is that Roberto is a winner and last year he said he's going to win the title and this year he'll say the very same thing.
"We set out two and a half, three years ago that it was about building a successful, sustainable football club for the future. "To do that you've got to be playing Champions League football and to be playing alongside the very best in Europe."
Wenger: Fabregas went on the cheap Arsene Wenger has revealed Arsenal could have got more money for Cesc Fabregas but decided to grant the midfielder's wish to return to Barcelona.
The long-running transfer saga finally reached its conclusion on Monday when Fabregas sealed a move back to the Nou Camp after eight years in London. Wenger had previously resisted Barca's attempts to sign Fabregas as Arsenal held firm on a £40million valuation.
But it is reported that the final deal was only worth around £35million, with Arsenal believed to be getting paid £25m up front followed by a possible extra £4.3million depending on Barca's success.
Arsenal will then receive almost £1million for each year of Fabregas' five-year contract, while they have also apparently secured a 'buy-back' option and a 50 per cent sell-on clause if Barca ever decide to move him on.
Wenger maintains that it is a good deal for Arsenal but admits they could have generated even more cash by starting a bidding war. However, Wenger was prepared to let Fabregas rejoin the club where he started his career as a schoolboy.
"We sold Cesc for a reduced fee," said the Arsenal manager. "If Cesc is for sale and you can make an auction between Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City, you will certainly get more money, but he just wanted to go to Barcelona.
"If he was on the market to any club we would have got more money, but we did want to get a decent fee. "That's what I'm paid for. You cannot say because you want to get the deal done as quickly as possible: 'Just take him and give us what you want'.
"You have to fight for your rights. What is good is that you call multi-million pound players 'cheap'." Wenger believes there is a possibility that Fabregas will return to the Emirates Stadium at some point in the distant future.
He said: "Cesc went because he was desperate to play for his hometown club, where he was educated. "Maybe he will come back one day to the club, you never know."
Liverpool rejoice at Gerrard recovery Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was pleased as Steven Gerrard returned to light training this week.
According to reports in the Guardian, the Liverpool midfielder is on schedule to recover from the infection that prevented him from playing in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend.
He was scheduled to return to action in August after groin surgery in March earlier this year, but had to postpone his return after the infection. However, Dalglish announced that the player was on his way back to fitness, saying:"Stevie will be stepping up his recovery this week".
The England star is expected to return to the pitch mid-September, and will still not be able to make England's European Championship qualifiers against Bulgaria and Wales in September, much to Three Lions manager Fabio Capello's disappointment.
There was other good news at Anfield as Martin Skrtel is also scheduled to return to training after recovering from a calf injury sustained in pre-season, though that was tempered by yet another injury to Fabio Aurelio, who damaged his achilles tendon in training on last Friday.
Looking back at the draw against Sunderland, new signing Jose Enrique gave striker Andy Carroll a pat on the back for his performances, and believes that the Englishman will soar at Merseyside sooner than later.
"Andy was brilliant for us at Newcastle and I am sure he will be the same for Liverpool," the Spaniard said. "He is a very, very good player. When a club like Liverpool pays £35m for Andy, I know it is not by chance. It is because they think he is a good player.
"I watched him play last season and I knew he wasn't fit here. I don't care if the player is Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, if a player is not fit, then he cannot play properly. He is playing very well in his position and he is going to be an important player this season."
Fletcher returns for United reserves Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher made his return from illness in a reserve-team clash against Arsenal on Monday night.
The Scotland captain, with just two first-team appearances to his name since March owing to a mystery virus, played the full 90 minutes as Arsenal won 2-1 at Underhill.
Ecuador winger Antonio Valencia (ankle) was expected to play some part, but he was not involved as goals from Sanchez Watt and Chuks Aneke won it for the Gunners.
Van Persie handed Gunners captaincy 16 August 2011
Arsenal has confirmed Robin van Persie as its new captain following Cesc Fabregas' departure to Spanish champions Barcelona.
The 28-year-old Dutch international will permanently assume the captain's armband from the club's home English Premier League fixture with Liverpool on Saturday, as the Gunners come to terms with the loss of 35 million-pound midfielder Fabregas.
Manager Arsene Wenger told the club's matchday program van Persie was the natural choice, with the striker having captained the side through much of pre-season.
"He is a leader through the way he plays, through his attitude and through his desire to win," Wenger said of the 28-year-old.
The new captain will be supported by defender Thomas Vermaelen and said he was looking forward to the challenge.
"As captain, you are an ambassador for the club and I'm ready for that," van Persie said.
"I've been in the game now for more than 10 years, so I know how this world works."
Gervinho, Song slapped with three-match bans 16 August 2011
Arsenal's Gervinho and Alex Song have been handed three-match bans by the FA for their conduct during Saturday's draw with Newcastle United.
Gervinho, 24, was given a straight red card for slapping Magpies midfielder Joey Barton.
Barton was given a yellow card for his role in the melee, as he had initially dragged the Ivory Coast winger off the ground after an apparent dive from the Arsenal star.
Because he had been dealt with during the game, the controversial midfielder has escaped any punishment in the aftermath of the feisty encounter on the opening day of the Premier League season.
Song, however, has been charged with violent conduct and given a ban for stamping on Barton's leg, an incident the referee did not see at the time.
Arsenal have accepted the ban given to Song but will appeal against the severity of the suspension handed to former Lille winger Gervinho.
Because they are not contesting the ban itself they should avoid being handed an extra game on the player’s ban for a frivolous appeal.
Instead, the club will likely try and argue that Barton himself has admitted publicly that he overreacted to the slap to try and get the number of games the 24-year-old is out for reduced.
Both the Gunners and the Tyneside club also face charges by the FA for being unable to keep their players under control in the game, which carries a 25,000 pound fine.
Newcastle have denied the charge and their case will be heard by an FA disciplinary commission, while Arsenal are undecided on their course of action.
Manchester United's owners, the Glazer family, could be set to sell their stake in the club amid reports of a $US1 billion floatation.
The American owners are reportedly preparing an initial public offering for up to 25 percent of the club by the end of the year, depending on market conditions. However, senior Manchester United figures have told Goal.com that the Glazers are set to float the English Premier League club on the Singapore stock exchange and sell their entire stake, which they bought for 790 million pounds in a leveraged buyout in May 2005.
The Qatari government has previously been credited with an interest in buying United, but the Glazers' reported 1.7 billion-pound valuation is said to have been too prohibitive. The latest reports come two months after it was speculated that the Glazers were considering floating the club on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
The club is said to be looking to slash its 500 million-pound debts, which are still costing United 45 million pounds a year to service. The fees remain despite paying out around 350 million pounds to service the loans taken on to buy the club six years ago.
The Glazers' ownership has been shrouded in controversy, with many United fans angry that the club is in such debt despite an annual turnover of 286 million pounds in its latest accounts for the year to June 30, 2010. A group of bankers and lawyers in opposition to the Glazers' ownership attempted a one billion-pound takeover of the club in 2009.
The Americans, who also own NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have been constantly trying to wrestle with the club's finances. In January 2010, a bond issue raised 526 million pounds to help them cut the mammoth costs of servicing the club's debts. Shortly after, they paid off high-interest payment-in-kind notes of 220 million pounds.
Transfer wrap: Kalou offered for Modric, Inter in for Forlan 16 August 2011
Chelsea have reportedly offered Salomon Kalou in a bid to land Tottenham's Luka Modric, and Diego Forlan could be destined for Inter Milan. Chelsea looked short of pace and creativity in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Stoke City and new manager Andre Villas-Boas has moved quickly to renew his interest in Modric.
Previously, the Blues had just offered money for Modric, but the potential exchange of Ivory Coast international Kalou could pique the interest of their English Premier League rivals. Harry Redknapp's side had just one player to score more than 10 goals in the Premier League last season and they are keen to acquire a new striker, having been linked with a season-long loan move for Manchester City's Emmanuel Adebayor.
Spurs - who off-loaded striker Robbie Keane to MLS side LA Galaxy on Monday - will reportedly pay 50 percent of Adebayor's 170,000-pound weekly wage, with a 12 million-pound deal in place should Redknapp wish to make the move permanent. A day after farewelling Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona, Spurs' London rivals Arsenal have sold another player in Emmanuel Eboue. The Ivory Coast utility has joined Turkish Super Lig outfit Galatasaray, reportedly in a four-year deal.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Liverpool have allowed central defender Daniel Ayala to join Norwich City in a 800,000-pound move, while Sky Sports have linked cashed-up Championship side Leicester City with the signing of Everton striker Jermaine Beckford. In other transfer news, Russian Premier League outfit Anzhi Makhachkala are set to sign Cameroon forward Samuel Eto'o and Bayern Munich's Ukraine midfielder Anatoliy Tymoshchuk.
Inter Milan's Eto'o was expected to have a medical on Monday but that has been rescheduled to Thursday in Rome, while Sovietski Sport has reported Tymoshchuk has agreed personal terms with the club. Eto'o's move could have consequences in La Liga, where Atletico Madrid chief executive officer Miguel Angel Gil Marin has revealed they will consider bids for Diego Forlan.
Former Manchester United and Villarreal frontman Forlan said on Tuesday he had received a proposal from Serie A club Inter, who are looking for a striker to replace Eto'o. Atletico are chasing Porto's 30 million euro-rated Radamel Falcao as a replacement for new Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, and would need to sign the Colombia forward before releasing Forlan.
"Since losing Aguero we are looking for another striker, but if we get Falcao, then offers for Forlan will be considered," Marin told FCInter1908.it. In the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund have announced their intention to hold onto highly rated midfielder Mario Goetze, who was Germany's man-of-the-match in their friendly against Brazil last Wednesday.
"There may come interest, but we have not the slightest intention to sell Mario Gotze," Dortmund chief executive officer Hans-Joachim Watzke told Bild of the 19-year-old. In the Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven have captured centre-back Timothy Derijck from ADO Den Haag, while winger Roy Beerens has moved from Heerenveen to AZ Alkmaar on a four-year deal.
Coyle wants more arrivals at Bolton Bolton boss Owen Coyle is determined to further strengthen his squad, despite a fine curtain-raiser against QPR on Saturday.
The Trotters ran out 4-0 winners in London but Coyle admits he is keen to give his side a still sharper attacking edge - with Shaun Wright-Phillips and David N'Gog reported to be top targets. "People lined up to tell us there was no Jack Wilshere, we'll struggle, now they're saying there's no Daniel Sturridge or Johan Elmander," Coyle told the Bolton News.
"We have to make sure we evolve, and if that means we have to change a few things, then that's what we'll do. "People have seen we're up against the champions of the Championship and then five of the top six in our next seven games and written us off.
"You've seen a great performance from a group of players we've still got to add a couple of names to, and a couple of injuries to come back in. "We need strength in depth. I'd like to add another striker and a winger. You probably know who they are but finances will play a part in all that."
Ayala leaves Liverpool for Norwich Norwich have confirmed the signing of defender Daniel Ayala from Liverpool on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 20-year-old Spaniard becomes Paul Lambert's eighth summer addition as he looks to bolster a squad which secured successive promotions from npower League One to the Barclays Premier League. Ayala joined Liverpool from Sevilla in 2007, but found his first-team opportunities limited at Anfield, and last season spent loan spells in the Championship at both Hull and Derby.
Lambert feels Ayala will add some much-needed depth for the challenges ahead. Speaking last week to BBC Radio Norfolk, he said: "I just think you've got to have a lot of cover throughout the coming games and a long hard season. "He's a young player and obviously played against us for Hull and Derby and I thought he was strong and aerial as well, he was somebody we thought could benefit the football club."
The Spain Under-21 international could find himself making a swift debut in Sunday's Premier League clash against Stoke at Carrow Road, should centre-back Zak Whitbread not recover from the knee problem he picked up during the 1-1 draw at Wigan. The Canaries were the only one of the three newly-promoted sides to pick up a result from their opening fixture, fighting back to earn a 1-1 draw.
Stoke have established themselves in the top flight, and last season's FA Cup finalists - who play the first leg of their Europa League qualifier at FC Thun on Thursday - gave as good as they got during Sunday's goalless draw against Chelsea at the Britannia Stadium, which left new Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas less than impressed.
Norwich midfielder Andrew Surman insist Lambert's men must be ready for whatever is thrown at them this season. "It will probably be more physical (in the Premier League) but we have got to stand up to that," said Surman, quoted in the Norwich Evening News. "We played teams last season that were physical and we stood up to that and got points off them."
Surman, who had a brief spell in the Premier League with Wolves during 2009-10, added: "We are not going into the league thinking that we are going to be playing fancy football every week. "Everyone has got to compete and we have got to earn the right to play football." The Norfolk club meanwhile announced a new partnership with Group Lotus. The five-year deal will see Norwich receive a "significant seven-figure investment".
Arsenal loan out Vela and Botelho Arsenal have announced Mexico striker Carlos Vela and Brazilian defender Pedro Botelho will spend the season on loan with Spanish Primera Division clubs.
The 22-year-old Vela, who spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom, is to join Real Sociedad subject to a medical, while Botelho, 21, will move to newly-promoted Rayo Vallecano, the Gunners confirmed on their official website.
Both players have played on loan in Spain before, with Vela having spent time at Salamanca and Osasuna, while Botelho spent last term at Segunda Division side Cartagena and previously played for Salamanca and Celta Vigo.
Arsenal confirm Eboue departure Arsenal have agreed terms for Emmanuel Eboue's transfer to Turkish side Galatasaray.
Ivory Coast international Eboue had been expected to leave the Gunners this summer after he struggled for first team action last season while he was not handed a squad number ahead of the new campaign. "Arsenal have agreed terms with Turkish side Galatasaray for the transfer of Emmanuel Eboue," a statement on the Premier League club's website read.
"Everyone at Arsenal thanks Manu for his contribution towards the club and wishes him the best of luck for the future." Eboue has signed a four-year contract with Gala on a deal the Turkish club has claimed is initially worth €3.5million. The 28-year-old's departure ends a six-year stay in north London after he joined from Belgian side Beveren in 2005.
Eboue found himself down the pecking order at Arsenal last season when he managed just 13 league appearances and his exit loomed likely as he remained out of favour in pre-season. His departure comes a day after Cesc Fabregas completed his protracted move to Barcelona while Samir Nasri is also expected to leave before the transfer window ends.
Eboue made 216 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal and scored 13 goals.
Nasri: Man City deal is nearly done Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri has confirmed that his move to Manchester City is 'nearly done' and he will leave with 'bitterness and anger'.
The French international has been heavily tipped to follow Cesc Fabregas out of the Emirates, with Eastlands the most likely destination. Nasri's relationship with the club has deteriorated recently after he slammed the fans for being disrespectful in their chants against him during their Premier League opener against Newcastle at St James Park.
And according to The Daily Mail, the 24-year-old is on the brink of joining City after revealing the a deal is at hand on his Twitter account. He went on to express bitterness and anger over the whole situation at the Emirates but insists he is proud to be an Arsenal player. "It's nearly done," said the midfielder said
"I will leave with bitterness and anger in my heart. I am proud for having played with the Gunners. "I have been very disappointed by the supporters last weekend. I am still an Arsenal player but I will leave very soon.' Nasri was left out of the squad that beat Udinese 1-0 in their first-leg of the Champions League play-off as he would be cup-tied for the competition if he played.
"Hazard won't go cheaply to Arsenal" Lille have put a €30 million price-tag on Eden Hazard in an attempt to ward off interest from Arsenal.
After the departure of Cesc Fabregas from the Emirates Stadium, manager Arsene Wenger could be sniffing around for bargain buys, but Lille are determined to either hold on to their prized asset, or sell him for big transfer fee, according to reports in talkSPORT.
Wenger's hand has been forced by the possible departure of Samir Nasri to Manchester City, and reports in L'Equipe indicate that Lille have responded to the Gunner's interest in Hazard with this latest move.
Both sides have already transacted business previously this summer, with Wenger snapping up Gervinho from the French side in a £11 million move, and club president Michel Seydoux admitted he was keen to keep Hazard, saying: "I am not sure he wants to leave anyway. He knows his status here and at a large club there is much more uncertainty."
As it is, the Gunners should have no problems in splashing the cash this summer, with Fabregas' transfer fee reported to be around £35 million, and Nasri expected to go for at least £20 million, but doubts remain if the notoriously tight-fisted Arsenal manager will be willing to spend.
Wenger will also be hoping that a personal connection will help persuade Hazard to leave for London, as the midfield maestro is cousins of Arsenal central defender Thomas Vermaelen.
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De Bruyne close to Chelsea move Genk midfielder Kevin de Bruyne hopes he can secure a move to Chelsea by the end of the month after claiming negotiations have begun over a possible transfer.
De Bruyne caught the eye of a number of Europe's top clubs last year by putting in a series of impressive performances to help Genk lift the Belgian title. The 20-year-old is seeking a move from his homeland and would be happy to move to Chelsea although he does admit he would also be open to the idea of returning to Genk on loan for a season as part of the deal.
"My manager went to Chelsea on Wednesday and discussions have been good," De Bruyne, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, told Belgian TV show Extra Time. "Maybe by the end of the month a deal can be sorted out, because that would be a good thing for all three parties - and if there is an agreement with Chelsea, I would certainly spend another year at Genk."
De Bruyne's Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku is expected to put the finishing touches to his move to Stamford Bridge this week. The striker has already undergone a medical at Chelsea's training ground and the two clubs have agreed a fee, thought to be in the region of £18million. Chelsea have already signed one Genk player this summer - goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois - but he was immediately loaned out to Atletico Madrid.
Report: Sneijder prepared for paycut In an attempt to push through a move from Inter Milan to Manchester United, Wesley Sneijder is planning to slash his pay demands.
According to reports in the Sun, the 27-year-old is worried that his pay demands of £200,000 a week have frightened off the Red Devils, and is now willing to lower that by £60,000 a week. However, that may still be too rich for United's blood, as it would make him the second highest paid player in their squad, behind Wayne Rooney on £250,000 a week.
Both clubs had previously agreed on a £35 million deal to bring Sneijder to Old Trafford, but that was scuttled when the Premier League title-holders were turned off by the midfield maestro's salary demands. He expected the Red Devil's to return to the negotiating table, but was surprised at their lack of interest thereafter.
Manchester United have already splashed out around £50million on new signings like Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea - and this latest turn of events could spur Sir Alex Ferguson to spend even more towards the close of the summer transfer window.
Moratti adamant that Sneijder not for sale Wesley Sneijder will remain at Inter Milan this summer according to president Massimo Moratti, who has described the Dutch playmaker as "untouchable".
Sneijder has been linked with a move to Manchester United and revealed at the weekend he could be sold for the right price after "unofficial talks" had begun.Moratti has, however, denied those comments, saying there has never been any such negotiations and that Inter are not interested in selling one of their key men.
Moratti revealed his resolve to keep Sneijder has been strengthened further by the imminent departure of star striker Samuel Eto'o, who is set to join big-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. "There has never been any kind of talks about Wes," Moratti told Gazzetta dello Sport. "It doesn't matter whether Eto'o stays put or leaves the club.
"Sneijder was untouchable before the situation with Eto'o and he has become even more so now Eto'o could leave. "Sneijder is going nowhere." Moratti also confirmed speculation regarding the club's interest in Manchester City's wantaway striker Carlos Tevez, but believes any deal is unlikely as he instead looks at other options to fill Eto'o's departure.
"The names that have been mentioned are correct," he added. "We have been following Tevez, (Ezequiel) Lavezzi and (Diego) Forlan. It will be difficult to sort an agreement for the City striker but the others we are considering. "We'll see." Moratti all but confirmed Eto'o would be leaving the club in the next few days, with a number of reports suggesting he will undergo a medical at Anzhi on Thursday.
"I will really miss him if everything goes ahead," Moratti added. "Not just as a player, but also as a human being. He's a great guy and a superb player. "He has always been an example to follow and is a real professional. "When we get offers like this it is hard to ignore them. The financial fair play is a serious matter and we needed to consider it."
Tottenham confirm Adebayor talks Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed the club are in talks with Manchester City over a move for Emmanuel Adebayor.
Adebayor fell out with City boss Roberto Mancini last season and the Italian has made it clear the £25million striker has no future at the club. Spurs and City have been in negotiations for some time over a possible deal, with Adebayor's reported £170,000 a week wage packet proving to be the only real stumbling block.
Redknapp hopes to seal a move for the striker soon, saying on Wednesday: "The chairman is talking to Man City about the player but where they (the negotiations) are at, I genuinely don't know." Adebayor spent the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he scored twice against Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash between the two teams at the Bernabeu.
During that match Spurs fans chanted abusive songs at the former Arsenal marksman, but the player himself said this summer the songs would not put him off signing for Redknapp's team.
Transfer wrap: Spurs confirm Ade interest, Atletico get busy
18 August 2011
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Spurs are in talks with Manchester City's wantaway striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The English Premier League club appear desperate to offload the Togalese striker, offering to pay half his reported 170,000 pound wage, with Tottenham having the option to buy him for 12 million pounds at the end of the season.
"The chairman is talking to Manchester City about the player," Redknapp told reporters. "Where the negotiations are at, I genuinely don’t know." Spurs, however, have troubles of their own, with Chelsea-courted midfielder Luka Modric's absence from their Europa League tie with Hearts casting doubts over his future.
The Blues have already had two bids turned down but have thrown striker Salomon Kalou in the mix to get the deal over the line and continue to persevere in their bid to land the Croatian playmaker. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has rebuffed claims he is afraid of splashing the cash in the transfer market in light of Cesc Fabregas' departure.
Wenger told Sky Sports News: "I will pay 30 million pounds, I will even pay 40 million pounds if I find the right players." "But it's not a question of money, it's a question of quality we find. I think I have a wrong reputation of not wanting to spend money - I do not want to spend money for average players."
League rivals Newcastle are rumoured to be in the market to sign Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge to replace Jose Enrique after his move to Liverpool. In Italy, Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto'o has reportedly all-but sealed a 35 million-euro move to wealthy Russian club Azhi Makhachkala following negotiations in Milan.
Sky Sport Italia claims Eto'o met with Anzhi officials in a hotel, sparking talk of a replacement. Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan and Manchester City's Carlos Tevez are rumoured to be in Serie A club's sights. Inter look set to off-load another player in the form of midfielder McDonald Mariga, with the Kenyan to join Real Sociedad in Spain on a one-year loan deal.
Roma have reportedly struck a 10 million-euro deal with Wolfsburg to sign 22-year-old defender Simon Kjaer as a replacement for Philippe Mexes, who moved to AC Milan in the off season. La Liga club Atletico Madrid are reportedly moving swiftly to replace star striker Sergio Aguero after his move to Manchester City, with Espanyol striker Pablo Osvaldo and Porto midfielder Ruben Micael on their shopping list.
Osvaldo has been earmarked to fill the void left by Aguero and could set Atletico back 17 million euros if the deal goes through. Micael could follow Porto teammate Radamel Falcao to Atletico, who are said to be closing in on a deal for the pair.
Sporting Braga's Pizzi is another target for the Madrid club, with the 21-year-old close to signing a five-year deal. In the Bundesliga, Wolfsburg have signed former West Ham midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a three-year deal.
