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Barclays Premier League Season 2011/2012

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Villa appoint Norwich man Lambert as new boss to replace McLeish


PUBLISHED: 11:14 GMT, 2 June 2012 | UPDATED: 12:09 GMT, 2 June 2012

Aston Villa have appointed Paul Lambert as their new manager.They have been strongly linked to the former Norwich boss for a number of days and were believed to be wrangling with the Canaries over potential compensation.The club released a statement reading: 'The Board of Aston Villa are delighted to confirm that Paul Lambert has been appointed Villa manager.'

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New man: Paul Lambert takes the reins at Villa Park


On Thursday Lambert attempted to quit Carrow Road but the Norwich board did not accept his resignation. Aston Villa have handed Lambert a three-year deal and fans will hope the Scot will be able to make more of an impression than his countryman and predecessor Alex McLeish.It could be a double blow for Norwich if Lambert manages to bring striker Grant Holt with him to the Midlands.RECENT

PREDECESSORS


Martin O'Neill 2006-10
Kevin McDonald (caretaker) 2010

Gerard Houllier 2010-11
Alex McLeish 2011-12

The 31-year-old target man is determined to leave the club, citing 'disagreements' with club personnel as his reasons.

A potential compensation deal was holding up Lambert's appointment at Villa Park, with the club anxious not to increase the £14million paid out to former bosses too drastically.

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In and out: Lambert replaced Alex McLeish as manager


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Switcheroo: Norwich beat Aston Villa on the last day of the season


LAMBERT FACTFILE

1969: Born August 7 in Glasgow, Scotland
1980: Begins his career at Linwood Rangers Boys' Club as a youngster.
1985: Joins St Mirren and goes on to make 227 appearances for the Scottish Premier League side, scoring 14 goals in the process.
1993: Motherwell manager Tommy McLean signs Lambert and Motherwell go on to have several successful years, qualifying for the UEFA Cup two seasons running.
1996: Joins Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.
1997: May 28 - Wins the Champions League as Dortmund overcome Juventus 3-1 in the final.
November 7 - Returns to Scotland as he signs for Celtic for a fee in the region of £2million.

2005: Retires from playing and begins his managerial career at Livingston, where he also comes out of retirement to cover injury shortages.
2006: February 12 - Resigns as Livingston manager after winning just two league games.
June 30 - Appointed manager of Wycombe.

2008: May 20 - Resigns as Wycombe boss after the club are eliminated from the League Two play-offs.
October 9 - Becomes manager of League One Colchester after the departure of Geraint Williams.

2009: Leaves Colchester and replaces Bryan Gunn as Norwich manager, having opened the season with a 7-1 win over the Canaries.
2010: Leads Norwich to the League One title. Also named League One Manager of the Season.
2011: Norwich are promoted to the Premier League. Lambert is also named Championship Manager of the Season.
2012: May - Leads Norwich to a 12th-placed finish in their first season in the Premier League.
June 2 - Named as the new manager of Aston Villa


It is believed Villa will have paid around £1m in compensation to ensure Lambert becomes their fourth manager in less than two years.Lambert will be charged by club owner Randy Lerner with the task of revitalising Villa after two seasons in the doldrums.After three successive top-six finishes under Martin O'Neill, Villa have dropped too close to the Barclays Premier League bottom three for comfort.

Gerard Houllier replaced O'Neill but had to quit last summer on health grounds, while former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish was never accepted by the Villa fans.
Lambert fits the profile of being a relatively young, hungry and ambitious manager after working his way through the lower leagues before transforming Norwich's fortunes.

That is certainly the feeling of Villa midfielder Barry Bannan, who said before Lambert's appointment: 'He has done very well with Norwich and the clubs he was at before then.
'He has a good record up until now so hopefully if it is Lambert he can be as successful with us as he has with his previous teams.'Obviously last season wasn't the best for a team as big as us."

"We should have been way higher up the league and I think (the board) see Lambert as an up-and-coming manager that is doing really well, so it is going to be a massive lift for everyone, the fans and the players as well.
'It is a fresh start for everyone again and hopefully in pre-season everyone is going to have a chance to prove their worth to the club.'

Lerner also held talks with former Manchester United star Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but he opted to stay at Molde in Norway for family reasons, although he was not formally offered the Villa post.
Villa also spoke with advisors of Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, who rejected the chance to replace Houllier 12 months ago.But Latics boss Dave Whelan claimed Martinez, who held talks with Liverpool, was staying put.

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Task: Will Lambert be able to impress the Villa fans, unlike his predecessor?


It is believed Lambert will be given money to spend after McLeish spent last season reducing what he described as an 'astronomical' wage bill. Lambert will also be able to use the money he generates from the sale of current Villa players.Despite having rejected Lambert's resignation, Norwich were already preparing for his departure and had begun their search for a new manager after placing the Scot on gardening leave.

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Target: Norwich could lose hotshot striker Grant Holt


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Bye bye: Lambert will return to Norwich next season hoping to beat them


Former City defenders Malky Mackay, who led Cardiff to the Carling Cup final and the npower Championship play-offs last season, and Steve Bruce, sacked by Sunderland in November, are thought to be among the front-runners for the job along with Celtic's Neil Lennon.Chief executive David McNally denied an approach had been made to any of the clubs concerned for permission to speak to their managers, but confirmed the search was under way even before today's announcement.

'We are looking for a new manager, that is likely what we concentrate on in the next few weeks,' McNally told Sky Sports News on Friday.'We were in a situation where we were approached by another club to speak to Paul Lambert, we didn't grant them permission and we were very clear we wanted to keep our manager who has been incredibly successful.

'When it was indicated by our manager that he would like the opportunity to speak to this particular club the dynamics changed, and then it was about talking to them about compensation, agreeing compensation and sorting out a time frame.'He added: 'Paul Lambert has been fantastic for this football club for three years and he will quite rightly take his place in Norwich City history and we will always be very grateful to Paul for his achievements here.

'
WHO CAN NORWICH REPLACE LAMBERT WITH?

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Option: Cardiff boss Malky Mackay


MALKY MACKAY

One of the favourites for the job is the current Cardiff manager who spent six years at Norwich as a player. Mackay led the Bluebirds to the Carling Cup final last season, where they lost on penalties to Liverpool after putting in a gritty performance at Wembley. A move to Norwich would give the Scot his first shot at Premier League management.

STEVE BRUCE

Bruce is another former Canary and he has a wealth of managerial experience. Since his dismissal from Sunderland in November Bruce has been without a club and his resume could draw the attention of the Norwich board. He has had nearly a decade in the Premier League managing Birmingham, Wigan and the Black Cats and will be looking to get back into management.

MARK BOWEN

Bowen was one of the candidates for the job after Bryan Gunn's departure in 2009 and could be looking for a return to Carrow Road. Bowen made 321 appearances for Norwich but is yet to take up his first managerial role. After working as number two for both Mark Hughes and Bruce, Bowen is currently working with Fulham's youth team but a lack of managerial experience could count against him.

CHRIS HUGHTON

Linked with a move to West Brom and also to Swansea, the current Birmingham manager is a possibility for the Norwich vacancy. With Premier League experience from his time at Newcastle, the 53-year-old has guided Birmingham to the play-offs and is well respected within the game. A move to the Canaries could prove attractive if Hughton wants to be back in the Premier League.

ALAN CURBISHLEY

Without a club since 2008 but the former Charlton and West Ham boss has a reputation for getting his teams playing good football. After being linked with several other clubs in recent seasons Curbishley may fancy the hot seat at Norwich but his time out of the game could count against him.
 

David Luiz

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Watch out, Fergie! Ferdinand reveals burning desire to move into management

By SAMI MOKBEL
PUBLISHED: 21:30 GMT, 31 May 2012 | UPDATED: 21:30 GMT, 31 May 2012

Rio Ferdinand has revealed for the first time that he would like to be a manager in the Barclays Premier League.

The Manchester United defender is on holiday this week recovering from the blow of being left out of Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Euro 2012.

The 33-year-old believes he still has a few years left playing at the top level and will be offered a new contract at United in the coming months.

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Holiday: Rio Ferdinand played in Thailand earlier this week


But he has admitted he is turning his thoughts to the future and wants to be the latest in a long line of Old Trafford stars to go into coaching.

Ferdinand said: ‘As the months and years have gone by I think I have come round to the idea of doing some sort of coaching or being a manager.

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Bossing it: Ferdinand says he has what it takes to manage


‘Obviously I love football and all the tactics but I also think I would like the day-to-day responsibility of cajoling players and bringing the best out of them. Man-management is so important these days. I think I would love that side of it.’

Ferdinand has yet to take his coaching badges as the time he spends working on his body to manage a lower-back problem has deprived him of sufficient opportunity.

However, in a recent Sportsmail interview Manchester City defender Micah Richards talked of how welcoming Ferdnand had been when he made his England debut and its clear he would like to explore his talent for mentoring players.

Ferdinand added: ‘I remember what it was like when I first went into the England squad. It’s hard going into any new squad, so I do try and help.

‘It can be frightening. It’s always good to have someone looking out for you when you are new to it.

‘So, yeah, I suppose I try to do that and would like to develop those skills.’
 

David Luiz

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Man City and Liverpool must cough up £20m for Bologna playmaker Ramirez

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 17:29 GMT, 1 June 2012 | UPDATED: 17:32 GMT, 1 June 2012

Bologna have put a price tag of over £20million on coveted playmaker Gaston Ramirez, according to the player's agent.The Uruguay international has been strongly linked with a move away from Bologna this summer and is a reported target of top European clubs including Manchester City, Liverpool and Juventus.

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Interest: Gaston Ramirez (front)


'Bologna want 25m euros (£20.2m) for Ramirez but an agreement can be found,' said Ramirez's agent Pablo Betancourt to www.fcinternews.it.'It is obvious that Bologna would do well from his sale. They would receive 70% whilst 30% would go to (Ramirez's former club) Penarol, as previously agreed.

'German club Wolfsburg have offered 15-18m euros for Ramirez whilst Zenit St Petersburg have expressed an interest.'With Liverpool, however, the situation is at a standstill because the Reds are just choosing their coach.'The 21-year-old Ramirez joined Bologna from Penarol in 2010 and scored eight goals in 33 league appearances this season to help the Rossoblu finish ninth in Serie A.

'Gaston is a very young player and he has done well in Italy,' said Betancourt. 'It is normal that many clubs now want him.'We must meet with Bologna to understand his situation - there are offers for him and we must see what Bologna want to do.'Ramirez is under contract with Bologna until June 2016.
 

David Luiz

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Maradona plotting ambitious swoop for free superstar Drogba


By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 09:06 GMT, 2 June 2012 | UPDATED: 09:06 GMT, 2 June 2012

Diego Maradona is considering an ambitious move to bring free agent Didier Drogba to Al Wasl.The former Chelsea striker is considering a move to Shanghai Shenhua but the UAE side could hijack the offer.Manager Maradona said: 'Who in the world would not want Drogba? Every team would love to have such a player in their ranks.'

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Wanted man: Didier Drogba has no shortage of suitors


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Hand of Drog: Diego Maradona wants to bring the striker to the UAE


The Chinese side are willing to pay the Ivorian superstar £300,000-a-week but The Sun report Al Wasl have the resources to match that.Drogba is hot property in the football world, with Jose Mourinho hoping for a reunion at Real Madrid.The striker has pledged not to move to another Barclays Premier League team after spending eight years at Stamford Bridge.

 

David Luiz

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Manchester United captain Vidic targets opening day of new season for injury comeback
The Red Devils skipper has been out of action for six months with a knee problem, but has set his sights on being back in time for the first game of the new campaign


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Romeu affirms he will not leave Chelsea
The Spanish midfielder did not feature in the west London side's starting XI much under Roberto Di Matteo as he did earlier in the season, but he wants to fight for his place


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Liverpool boss Rodgers highlights Sigurdsson as first transfer target
The new Anfield manager was close to sealing the deal to bring the Icelandic playmaker to Swansea on a permanent basis, but now wants the player to follow him to Merseyside


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Hitzfeld hails Aston Villa appointment of former Dortmund stalwart Lambert
The German manager coached the new Villa boss in Germany and delivered a glowing assessment of his qualities as a player and person ahead of his move to Villa Park


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Micky Hazard: Tottenham will not sell best players this summer
The former Spurs midfielder is confident that the side can persuade a number of the squad's more talented stars to stay in north London during the upcoming transfer window


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Dembele can replace Lampard at Chelsea, says agent
The 24-year-old's agent Rodger Linse says the Fulham midfielder would fit in "perfectly" at Stamford Bridge after reports of a £10m offer from the Champions League winners


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Rodgers to meet with Joe Cole & Aquilani to discuss Liverpool futures
The 39-year-old revealed he will hold talks with the two players who spent last season on loan admitting he admires their talents but that neither may stay at Anfield


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'We don't expect immediate results' - Werner insists Rodgers will be given time at Liverpool
The Reds' chairman is not expecting instant success but is aiming for the team to become the best in England and compete with the finest Europe has to offer


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Managerial merry-go-round keeps spinning as Paul Lambert takes over at Aston Villa
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday
 

David Luiz

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Sir Alex Ferguson could face FA investigation over QPR 'quit' blast


The Manchester United boss has suggested that Rangers gave up on the final day of the season, allowing Sergio Aguero to win the title for Manchester City in added time

Jun 2, 2012 2:20:00 PM

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By Greg Stobart | Northern Correspondent

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson could face a Football Association investigation after accusing Queens Park Rangers of quitting and allowing rivals Manchester City to clinch the Premier League title with almost the final kick of the campaign.

Sergio Aguero's winner against QPR in the fourth minute of added-on time - just over a minute after Edin Dzeko scored an equaliser - secured City's first league crown in 44 years on the final day of the season.

Sir Alex, frustrated by the way his team conceded an eight-point lead in the final weeks of the season, could now face a probe from the authorities after he suggested Rangers “quit” once they knew they had avoided relegation.

"Queens Park Rangers did very well until they found out they were safe, and I think, as Mark Hughes has said, they quit,” said Ferguson in the club's Inside United magazine.

“That was disappointing. It's hard to digest because we played so well at Sunderland.

"Obviously we knew that QPR were in front, we all thought we had done it, then the Sunderland fans all started cheering and we knew they'd scored again. I said to Mike Phelan a couple of times that if QPR were leading and City equalised, they'd get a big impetus from that, and that's what happened.

"Everyone expected City to win, but they made it difficult for themselves."

The United manager's comments are likely to be reviewed, especially as there were just seconds between the Rangers camp discovering they were safe and Aguero netting the winner.

Sources at City have brushed off Sir Alex's comments, while it is understood the Scot has not been in touch with Roberto Mancini to congratulate him on his title triumph.
 

David Luiz

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Arsenal to do battle with United and Chelsea for Crewe star Powell


By SPORTSMAIL REPORTERPUBLISHED: 09:04 GMT, 3 June 2012 | UPDATED: 09:04 GMT, 3 June 2012

Arsenal have entered the battle to sign Crewe's highly rated star Nick Powell.

The 18-year-old made huge contribution to his club as they reached League One via the play-offs.

His stunning goal in the play-off final against Cheltenham was the highlight of his 16 goals.

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Highly rated: Nick Powell (right) is wanted by a number of top teams


And Powell has attracted the attention of several top-flight clubs including Manchester United who appear to be favourites for the £10million-rated front man with Chelsea also keen.

But Powell has also been the subject of rave reports by Arsenal scouts to manager Arsene Wenger.

Wenger was impressed with what he saw and has been given the go-ahead to pursue Powell as a summer target.

Yet much will depend on the recommendation of Crewe’s director of football Dario Gradi.
 

David Luiz

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Rodgers plans to make Dempsey and Sigurdsson his first Liverpool signings

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 09:57 GMT, 3 June 2012 | UPDATED: 09:57 GMT, 3 June 2012

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has put Gylfi Sigurdsson and Clint Dempsey at the top of his transfer wishlist.

Rodgers has vowed to strengthen his Anfield squad as he looks to introduce the passing brand of football that served him so well at Swansea.

He hopes to steal Sigurdsson from under his former club's nose, and poach Dempsey from Fulham.

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Wanted: Clint Dempsey (right) is expected to leave Fulham this summer


Icelander Sigurdsson has already agreed a £6.8million deal with the Welsh club but could yet move to Liverpool instead.

Rodgers said: 'I said when I had the chat with Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins, when I told him that I was going to Liverpool, that Gylfi came to Swansea because I was there as manager.

'I felt after six months that we needed a goal-scoring midfield player.

'His record is fantastic and I said to him, "I think this is the club for you".

'I pushed the club to make an agreement and they’ve done that in terms of the fee and the salary.

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Decision time: Gylfi Sigurdsson (left) may opt for Liverpool rather than Swansea

'I said to Huw, "I’m not going to do anything untoward – this is the guy you want."

'But ultimately, it’s down to Gylfi. My only thing is that, if he comes on to the market, I will have to be interested.

'His initial chat has to be, I’m sure, with Swansea, because he had a good period there and did very well.

'The agreement is there now for him to come out of Germany.

'I said to Huw if I speak to the kid, I’ll tell him to make sure he comes down to speak to the new manager – whoever that is.

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New man: Brendan Rodgers has taken over at Liverpool

'And if he’s not comfortable with that, he’s then in the marketplace – and then I have to look at him.'

Meanwhile, the highly-rated Dempsey, 29 – who scored 21 times for Fulham last season – has only one year remaining on his contract and the American forward is set to quit Craven Cottage.

He is also a target for Arsenal and could be available for just £4m.
 

David Luiz

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Swansea hopes of landing boss Jones in tatters as talks break down

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 10:13 GMT, 3 June 2012 | UPDATED: 10:48 GMT, 3 June 2012

Swansea's hunt for a new manger took a dramatic twist with No 1 target Graeme Jones pulling out of the race.

The Wigan assistant manager is the only person Swansea have spoken to about replacing Brendan Rodgers at The Liberty Stadium.

But according to the south Wales Post Jones has rejected the chance to take over following talks with Jenkins.

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Graeme Jones: keen on the job

Bookmakers on Thursday afternoon suspended betting on Jones making a return to the club where he spent two years between 2007 and 2009 as No 2 to Roberto Martinez, before following the Spaniard to Wigan.

The 42-year-old former Wigan and Doncaster striker was targeted by Swansea in 2010, before Rodgers was eventually appointed.

Brighton's Gus Poyet, Blackpool's Ian Holloway, Birmingham's Chris Hughton and former Denmark international Michael Laudrup have also been linked with the Swansea position.
 

David Luiz

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Fenerbahce announce signing of Liverpool's Kuyt


The Turkish powerhouse have confirmed that they have secured the services of the Netherlands international on a three-year contract

Jun 3, 2012 2:30:00 PM

By Stefan Coerts

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Fenerbahce have announced on their official website that they have completed the transfer of Dirk Kuyt from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee. The versatile attacker has signed a three-year deal with the Istanbul powerhouse.

The Netherlands international had long been linked with a move away from Anfield, and has now opted to continue his career at Fener after previously turning down Feyenoord.

"Fenerbahce are a great club to continue my career. They only just missed out on the league title this season. They did qualify for the Champions League qualifiers, though," Kuyt stated to the official Sport-Promotion website.

"I needed a new challenge after six years with Liverpool. This has nothing to do with the club and the fans. They will forever have a place in my heart."

The 31-year-old Kuyt started his professional career with Utrecht and also wore the Feyenoord jersey before joining Liverpool in the summer of 2006.

He had since made 200 Premier League appearances for the Reds, scoring 51 goals in the process.

 
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David Luiz

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Joey Barton arrested following altercation
The QPR captain opted not to press charges after being involved in an incident in Liverpool on Monday, but has since been held on suspicion of affray


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'I came to Chelsea to win trophies' - Hazard
The Belgian revealed that advice from his Lille team-mate and former Blues midfielder Joe Cole helped him decide on a move to the reigning European champions


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Hazard: Belgium deserved to beat England
The attacking midfielder, who is set to complete his move to Chelsea from Lille, claims his nation were worthy victors against the Three Lions in their friendly showdown


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Silva will not leave Manchester City, says agent
The former Valencia star has been linked with a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu but he is content at the English club, according to his representative


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Barton 'sucker-punched but not injured' outside a nightclub in Liverpool
The Queens Park Rangers captain has stated that he will not be pressing charges after being punched in the head by two men on a night out with his girlfriend


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Van Persie: I want to win Euro 2012 & then the Champions League
The Dutch international striker insisted he would focus on this summer, doing nothing to dampen speculation over a move as his contract with Gunners enters its final year


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Besiktas open up talks with Arsenal outcast Ozyakup
The Turkish U21 international midfielder has attracted the interest of the Super Lig club, having only made two first-team appearances for the Gunners in four years


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Torres keen to add Euro 2012 triumph to Champions League and FA Cup winners' medals
The former Liverpool hitman acknowledges that the 2008 winners are under a different kind of pressure this time around, but they remain tournament favourites ahead of Germany


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Eskisehirspor keen on Arsenal's Rosicky
The midfielder has caught the attention of the Turkish side as they aim to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, where they will play in the Europa League


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Koscielny talks up M'Vila to Arsenal & backs France team-mate to triumph in the Premier League
The defender believes that the Rennes midfielder would be a success in England and hails his own improvement since moving from Ligue 1 under the tutorship of Arsene Wenger


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Oxlade-Chamberlain: There is more to come from me
The young Arsenal winger has something to prove and claims he can be the difference for England in the upcoming European Championships


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Rodgers will provide Liverpool lift, says Kuyt
The departing Dutchman has stated that the new boss is more than capable of taking the Anfield club to the next level in their quest for Champions League qualification


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Bellamy: Liverpool players need to remember to enjoy football
The Welsh forward states that the pressure of playing at such a big club may have got to a few of the squad, and that they need to remember to savour every moment


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Fenerbahce confirm capture of Liverpool's Kuyt
The Turkish powerhouse have confirmed that they have secured the services of the Netherlands international on a lucrative three-year contract


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'He would never let you down' - Gerrard hails Kuyt after Liverpool departure
The Reds skipper admits he will miss the Dutchman's presence at Anfield, highlighting the reliability and trustworthiness of the forward in light of his recent decision to leave


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Hart to avoid Premier League title success talk while on England duty
The shotstopper is cautious not to create a rift by mentioning his club's recent triumph in light of the Manchester United contingent among the national side's squad


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Van der Wiel keen on Chelsea move
The Ajax defender looks set to depart the Amsterdam Arena this summer and a move to the Champions League winners would interest the Dutch international

 

David Luiz

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Mancini eyes Coloccini, Agger and Luiz to bolster Manchester City defence

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTERPUBLISHED: 08:51 GMT, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 09:47 GMT, 4 June 2012

Roberto Mancini is ready to start Manchester City's summer spending spree, and is in pursuit of a number of Premier League stars.Mancini, who wants to tie up the signing of Athletic Bilbao's Javier Martinez before the Euros start on Friday, is following a number of other targets.

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On his way? Fabricio Coloccini is being courted by Manchester City


According to the Mirror, a primary target is Newcastle captain Fabricio Coloccini. The Argentinian has just signed a new four-year contract, but Mancini will be hoping that a pay-rise and the lure of Champions League football will be sufficient to tempt him to the Etihad.

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Strengthening: Roberto Mancini wants to strengthen his back line this summer


If the bid to sign Coloccini falls through, Mancini will turn his attention to either Liverpool's Daniel Agger, or Chelsea's David Luiz. City were linked with a move for Luiz before he left Benfica for Chelsea in January last year.

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What about him? Daniel Agger may be offered a route out of Liverpool


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Or maybe him? Mancini could move for Chelsea's David Luiz


It is not just a centre-half Mancini is after. The City boss is monitoring Spurs winger Gareth Bale as he mulls over the prospect of leaving White Hart Lane.

Mancini is hoping to add to his Argentine-laden squad further, with a move for Matias Rodriguez.Rodriguez helped Chilean side Universidad de Chile win the Copa Sudamericana, the South American equivalent to the Europa League.

The 26-year-old winger, rated at £7million, would be joining an array of Argentinians, with Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero and Pablo Zabaleta already plying their trade at the Etihad.
He could also be joining Coloccini, should both players decide on a move to Manchester.
 

David Luiz

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We want more! Chelsea target Van der Wiel to join Hazard and Hulk at Stamford Bridge

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 13:31 GMT, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 15:06 GMT, 4 June 2012

Chelsea's summer recruitment drive looks set to continue, as they have their sights set on Ajax and Holland full-back Gregory van der Wiel.Owner Roman Abramovich had begun clearing out the Chelsea squad weeks ago, and released Salomon Kalou and Jose Bosingwa at the end of the season.

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Wanted: Chelsea are hoping to sign Gregory van der Wiel


Following the departure of Bosingwa, Chelsea are left a little short at the right-back position and van der Wiel would be an ideal replacement.Van der Wiel has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge from Dutch champions Ajax.Asked if he would be tempted by a move to the European Champions, the Holland defender told Sky Sports: 'Yeah, of course. It would be a beautiful club (to join).

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Got him: Eden Hazard (right) said he had decided to join Chelsea this summer


'I watch a lot of football - English football, Spanish football - and they did not have the best season but still won the Champions League and that was a great performance.'Van der Wiel said he was yet to hear any offers from Chelsea.

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Do you need me too? Hulk could also sign for Chelsea


He said: 'I didn’t hear anything from my manager, so they’re just rumours, I think, and we will see in the future what comes.' Chelsea also look set to secure the services of Europe's most wanted midfielder, with Eden Hazard stating he had chosen them over both Manchester clubs.They also signed Marko Marin from Werder Bremen in April, and are hoping to secure the £38million-rated striker Hulk from Porto.
 

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Barton bailed after arrest on suspicion of affray after alleged fight in Liverpool


By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 20:43 GMT, 4 June 2012 | UPDATED: 21:59 GMT, 4 June 2012

QPR midfielder Joey Barton was released from police custody on Monday night, following his arrest for affray.The 29-year-old was involved in trouble in the early hours while on a night out with his girlfriend in Liverpool city centre.Two men aged 21 and from the Old Swan area of Liverpool were arrested on suspicion of a public order offence at around 5.30am at the scene of the incident, outside Garlands nightclub in the city.

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Altercation: The picture that shows a shirtless Joey Barton with a police and his girlfriend outside Garlands nightclub, on Eberle Street in Liverpool


But after they were held in custody and questioned, Barton and a 20-year-old man were also arrested this afternoon.Barton was released on bail pending further enquiries by Merseyside Police.The three other men were bailed earlier. A statement from the force, said: 'Merseyside Police can confirm that the 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of affray has been released on bail pending further inquiries.'

Barton, who has become well known for his opinionated Twitter outbursts, indicated he was going on holiday.
He tweeted: 'Looking forward to Portugal now tomo. Bit of rest and lots of golf...' Earlier the Liverpool-born midfielder confirmed the incident by tweeting: 'I got sucker punched in the back of the head.

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The club: Garlands outside which Joey Barton's alleged altercation took place


'Not injured as reported just a small bruise on rear of head/ear. 'I've had worse. Life goes on! Thanks for the concern. Have a good day people.'Later he tweeted: 'Not planning on pressing charges as it's not that serious. The police have also got better things to do with their time.

'Can I just say a public thanks to the police last night as they were and have been today brilliant.'A picture of the incident, apparently showing a shirtless Barton being held back by police and a woman, also began to circulate on Twitter.

The player is under investigation by QPR after he was given a 12-match ban by the Football Association. He was banned by English football's governing body after being sent off during QPR's defeat at Manchester City on the final day of the Premier League season.

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Off you go: Barton was sent off in the final game of the season


During the match, he elbowed one Manchester City player, kicked out at a second and attempted to headbutt a third. In a statement, QPR spokesman Ian Taylor said: 'Barton was on his way home from a night out with his girlfriend when two men sang offensive chants and then proceeded to hit the QPR midfielder.'The club declined to comment further following news of the arrest of their player.

Barton's management team and spokesman did not return calls. News of the fight was widely commented on by Twitter users, with the words Joey Barton and Garlands trending throughout the day.
@JoshGore-11, who claimed to have been at the scene, said Barton 'looked in a bad way' after the fight.

Barton has a long history of controversy, both on and off the pitch. In 2008, he was given a six-month jail term after admitting assault and affray during an incident in Liverpool.

BARTON'S PAST TROUBLE

Sportsmail details some of the other incidents that have been bad news for Barton.

2004: February - Barton red-carded for the first time in Manchester City's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham, for two bookable offences.

April - Barton storms out of Eastlands before kick-off after being axed from team to face Southampton.

July - Criticised by City manager Kevin Keegan for causing mass brawl in a pre-season friendly at Doncaster.

December - Stubs lit cigar in the eye of young team-mate Jamie Tandy during City's Christmas party. Fined six weeks' wages by the club. Forced to pay four weeks' salary - approximately £60,000 - immediately, with a further two weeks suspended for a year. Tandy later sued Barton, winning £65,000 in damages.

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2005:
July - Involved in altercation with a 15-year-old Everton fan at City's team hotel in Bangkok during a pre-season tour. Fined eight weeks' wages by City after being found guilty of gross misconduct.

2006: September - Drops his shorts in the direction of Everton fans following City's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. December - Shown the second red card of his career - this time a straight red - for a two-footed lunge on Abdoulaye Faye in City's 2-0 home defeat to Bolton.

2007: May - Suspended by City after training-ground altercation with Ousmane Dabo, which leaves his team-mate needing hospital treatment. Charged with assault, and on July 1 2008 receives a four-month suspended jail sentence. Also punished by FA with a 12-match ban - six matches of which are suspended and a £25,000 fine.

December 27 - Arrested in Liverpool city centre after a late-night incident and later charged with common assault and affray. Remanded in custody and misses Newcastle's New Year fixtures, being released on January 3.

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2008:
May 20 - Jailed for six months after admitting common assault and affray.

2009: May 3 - Sent off against Liverpool for late challenge on Xabi Alonso. Receives subsequent criticism from Newcastle manager Alan Shearer and is suspended by the club two days later.

2010: November 10 - Punches Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen during a 2-1 defeat for Newcastle at St James' Park. Accepts an FA charge and is banned for three games.

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2011:
August 1 - Newcastle transfer-list Barton after a series of Twitter comments criticising the club, making him available on a free transfer. He joins QPR on August 26.

2012: January 2 - Scores but is then sent off as QPR lose 2-1 at home to Norwich in the Premier League.

January 26 - Unleashes an online tirade against the Football Association, labelling them an "Orwellian organisation" in need of a 'drastic shake-up'.

May 13 - Sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez on the final day of the season at Manchester City. Knees Sergio Aguero, sending the striker to the ground, and attempts to headbutt Vincent Kompany before being ushered off the field.

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May 14 - In the wake of the dismissal, launches an expletive-laden Twitter attack on Shearer, his former manager at Newcastle and current Match of the Day pundit, before turning on the programme's presenter, Gary Lineker, saying: "back under your stone you odious little toad..."

May 23 - Banned for 12 matches and fined £75,000 after being charged with two acts of violent conduct against Aguero and Kompany. He accepted the former, but denied the later and requested a personal hearing, where the verdict went against him.
 

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Sigurdsson dashes Swansea hopes but admits he is considering Liverpool move

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 21:38 GMT, 5 June 2012 | UPDATED: 21:38 GMT, 5 June 2012

Gylfi Sigurdsson says he does not expect to stay at Swansea City next season despite the club agreeing a fee with Hoffenheim.

The midfielder, 22, is expected to follow Brendan Rodgers to Anfield and said: 'I expect not to stay at Swansea. There is uncertainty there.

Liverpool is considered.'
Rodgers has put Gylfi Sigurdsson and Clint Dempsey at the top of his transfer wishlist.

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Ice man: Gylfi Sigurdsson (left) in action for Iceland against Sweden last week


Rodgers has vowed to strengthen his Anfield squad as he looks to introduce the passing brand of football that served him so well at Swansea.

He hopes to steal Sigurdsson from under his former club's nose, and poach Dempsey from Fulham. Swansea have agreed a £6.8million fee with Hoffenheim for the Iceland international.
 

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Sign me up! Redknapp urges Spurs to end uncertainty and offer him new deal

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 16:59 GMT, 5 June 2012 | UPDATED: 16:59 GMT, 5 June 2012

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has urged the club to hurry up and offer him a new contract - if they think he is worth it.The 65-year-old picked Spurs up from the bottom of the Premier League to an eighth-placed finish after taking over in October 2008 and has since achieved two fourths and a fifth spot in his three full seasons at the helm.

His contract expires next summer, though, with talks over a new deal having stalled earlier this year amid speculation linking Redknapp with the job of England boss before Roy Hodgson was appointed Fabio Capello's successor on May 1.

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Wanting to sign: Harry Redknapp has urged Tottenham to offer him a new deal at the club


A run of one win in 11 games from February saw Tottenham relinquish third place in the standings - which ultimately cost the north London club a Champions League berth following Chelsea's surprise triumph in this year's final.

The contract situation has since shown no sign of resolving itself, with reports suggesting all may not be well between Redknapp and chairman Daniel Levy and that the manager could be on his way out of White Hart Lane.
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Good season: Redknapp guided Spurs into the top four and only missed out on the Champions League after Chelsea won the competition


'I've never had a problem with Daniel Levy,' he said. 'I've probably got on as well with Daniel as I could any... People keep talking about our relationship. I've never had a minute's problem with Daniel Levy in terms of falling out with him or whatever. I don't even know where that comes from.'The simple situation is, I've got a year left on my contract. It's up to Tottenham whether they want to extend that contract or not. If they don't extend it and I go into my last year, it's not an easy one when players know you've only got a year left.'It's not a case of me looking for security. What it's about is players knowing you've only got year left on your contract and knowing that it doesn't work, basically.

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The decision maker: Redknapp says he has a good relationship with chairman Damiel Levy


'I think it's a situation of, 'well, he might not be here next year'.'You don't let players run into the last year of their contract if you think they're any good, and you don't let managers run into the last year of their contract if you think they're any good.'It's up to Tottenham. If they think I'm okay and I've done a decent job an deserve an extension, they'll give it to me.'If Daniel doesn't think I'm worth it, that's up to him, that's up to the club. There's nothing I can do about it.'

On suggestions he could be heading to Qatar, he responded: 'I don't speak to anybody else - I'm under contract at Tottenham. I keep seeing something about Qatar - I've never even been to Qatar in my life!'
Holland playmaker Rafael van der Vaart admitted it was vital the manager signed a new - ideally 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.

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Backing his manager: Rafael van der Vaart says Redknapp is vital to Spurs


'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 German club Schalke reportedly keen to acquire his services.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.'
 

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Everton fight to keep £20m-rated Baines at Goodison Park as Napoli lurk

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 21:37 GMT, 5 June 2012 | UPDATED: 21:38 GMT, 5 June 2012

Napoli are showing interest in Everton and England left back Leighton Baines.

The 27-year-old has been linked with Manchester United this summer but Everton insist they have yet to have any contact from Sir Alex Ferguson or David Gill.

Everton value Baines at around £20million and do not want him to leave. The valuation is likely to deter Napoli, who want Baines as a replacement for Andrea Dossena, who is talking to AC Milan.

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Prize asset: Everton want to hold to Baines (left)

Everton expect to have to sell players this summer but may sacrifice others instead. Midfielder Tim Cahill has refused to rule out the prospect of a move to Saudi Arabia.

The Australian, currently on international duty, is wanted by Al Nassr and although Everton manager David Moyes said he thinks the 32-year-old will stay, Cahill said: ‘I am a massive fan of the Middle East, the cultures, the people.

'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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Former Arsenal great Bergkamp shock candidate for Swansea job

By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER PUBLISHED: 22:55 GMT, 5 June 2012 | UPDATED: 22:56 GMT, 5 June 2012

Dennis Bergkamp, the former Arsenal striker now No 2 at Ajax, has emerged as a surprise contender for the Swansea manager’s job.

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Heading for Wales? Dennis Bergkamp is a surprise candidate for the Swansea job
 
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