Monday, August 6, 2012

Transfer Clockwatch

Arsenal's second-biggest shareholder Alisher Usmanov claims board "politics" are hampering the club in the transfer market. He said: "Victory is absolutely not ruled out, but the current politics of the club's management will leave Arsene Wenger and his team with fewer and fewer opportunities in the long run."

2245
Bryn Coombe writes: "Noticed you discussing the future of the Olympic Stadium and although I would like to see it kept as it is, I think it would be folly for any Premier League club to take it with the athletics track. The atmosphere would be ruined for the fans. I would certainly hate to be a fan of the team that takes it. I'd rather a smaller stadium closer to the pitch. Cause at the end of the day, the Olympics has come and in a week will have gone, then we will return to caring about football and we won't care about athletics events until we get a chance to host the Olympics again." Hmmm, I'm not sure about that. I was in the stadium on Saturday night and the atmosphere was better than any Premier League venue in my opinion. The noise was absolutely incredible. Why would this change for football? I was on the upper tier and had a great view of the field and you didn't feel too far away.
1945

S Keyz writes: "If PSG get Lucas it's safe to assume they will have the most dangerous team in Europe after Barcelona. Also wonder who Chelsea are going after, Lucas to me would be a better option than Moses or Hulk. Guess time will who is going where."
1855

Sheffield Wednesday have signed Michail Antonio from Reading for an undisclosed fee.
1825

Phil Williams writes: "The problem with retaining the Olympic stadium in anything like its present format is, I think, the same one that affected the decision to let the Commonwealth Games stadium go to Manchester City: There simply isn't the round-the-year interest in or income from athletics either to justify keeping the athletics facilities intact or to maintain the fabric of the stadium's construction. As in Manchester, the owners of the stadium have to decide between the guaranteed income from renting the stadium out and the intermittent income from athletic or other events that they decide to manage or stage themselves. And anyway, English football fans enjoy being as close to the action as possible, so the running-track has to go!" It can't stay exactly as it is anyway because obviously the upper tier is a temporary structure but I firmly believe the athletics track must stay. The legacy of the Games is more important than West Ham's future or any other football club looking to capitalise on another sport's hard work.
1815

Sao Paulo-based Chris Scott writes: "There are reports here in Sao Paulo today that PSG have offered 40 million euros for Lucas Moura, topping Man Utd's bid. With the football director being the Brasilian Leonardo, I'd say Man Utd may have to look elsewhere for their next signing!"
1755

Heading to Spain now and Ibrahim Afellay's agent says that the Dutch midfielder will not be leaving Barcelona this summer. Rob Jansen told Voetbal International: "Leaving Barcelona is not an option at this point. Ibrahim is feeling very well at Barca and is getting playing time."
1745

Leeds midfielder Michael Brown has signed a new one-year contract with the club.
1730

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup is set to hold talks with Liverpool target Joe Allen over the midfielder's future. He said: "We will have to talk about that with the player to see what he wants so we can say something official, otherwise the rumours will go on until August 31, which is not in anyone's interest. On Wednesday he will be back in training with the other two guys who have been at the Olympics and then we will have some talks so it does not go on until the last day of the transfer window."
1710

Dropping into the Championship and Barnsley have signed Polish midfielder Tomasz Cywka on a one-year contract.
1655

Sky Bet have pushed Manchester City out to 4/1 to sign Robin van Persie after Roberto Mancini all but ruled out a move for the Dutchman this summer. Man Utd are in pole position at 4/5 while Juventus are 5/2. Meanwhile William Hill are offering 1/2 that Liverpool striker Andy Carroll's next club is going to be West Ham. He is 9/4 to return to Newcastle and 7/1 to join Aston Villa.
1645

Ben Dawson writes: "Talking also of the fate of the Olympic Stadium, I think if any team uses it they should keep it as it is. Even with the running track!!! I can't remember if it was Spurs or West Ham who wanted to get rid of it but surely thats getting rid of our Olympic Legacy!" I fully agree. I think the public are even more tuned into the legacy aspect of the Games than they were before and the thought of turning the stadium into a football venue will cause a huge backlash now.
1630

Colin Ross writes: "I have never seen such movement at United under Fergie. Berbie, Nani and I think Macheda will all go and I would never have guessed at Moura, RVP and still possibly Baines coming in. If it happens, I'm guessing Rooney and Chich as one partnership and RVP and Wellbeck as the other although I can see a 4-3-3 formation in a lot of games. It will be a settling in year for young Powell plus a couple of the kids look ready to move up. Nice to see Raphael getting lots of playing time with Brazil right now. Neymar looks outstanding and someone is going to pay a lot of money for his talent."
1620

Birmingham have completed the signing of West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison on a season-long loan.
1610

West Ham fan Steve Tiley writes: "So Chris any updates on anymore West Ham signings? We need a rb,creative midfielder and a striker." I can't answer that question at the moment but I will tell you about a Hammers departure very shortly...
1600

Sky Bet report that Michael Owen is into 2/1 to join Norwich but remains 5/6 favourite to become a Stoke player. At least he's ending his career on a high!
1550

In case you're wondering, this is still a football transfer/chat centre - I just kind it hard to conceal my Olympics excitement!
1540

I might continue this debate tomorrow morning when I'm also in the 'chair' - but I want to know which sport you'd feel most inspired to take up after these Games? If I was a teenager again I'm convinced I'd take up volleyball but because I'm quite short I'd be one of those libero players who specialise in defensive digs and setting up spikes.
1535

I have to say, having felt the special atmosphere of the Olympic Park and the Stadium, it seems such a shame that Sam Allardyce's style of football with West Ham could be forced upon it in the near future! I think it's fair to say it wouldn't represent the spirit of the Games.
1530

Good afternoon everybody! This is my first day back in the TC after magical weekend at London 2012 where I was lucky enough to witness FOUR Great Britain gold medals - one in rowing and three during that incredible night at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday! Still can't quite believe it and my throat is very sore.
1520

The arrival of Christopher Hammer is imminent, so imminent in fact that he's just turned up. Direct your e-mails to christopher.hammer@bskyb.com
1509

Everton defender Joseph Yobo has completed a permanent move to Fenerbahce for an undisclosed fee.
1435

Clearly still waiting on Barcelona interest, Emile Heskey is still looking for a new club this season after turning down the chance to sign for Blackpool.
1418

Ally McCoist is a magician. He has confirmed Rangers are close to completing the signing of Francisco Sandaza.
1359

Big news. Sky Sports understands Cardiff City are in pole position to re-sign Liverpool forward, and surely the most well-travelled footballer from season to season, Craig Bellamy.
1337

Schalke's director of sport Horst Heldt remains confident that Klaas Jan Huntelaar will commit to a new contract at the club.
1331

This week's episode of Contract Wars features Jem Karacan, who is insisting there are no truth in rumours that his contract talks with Reading have broken down.
1318

Feature time. Matt Briggs has picked out five of League Two's most promising players to keep an eye on during the forthcoming season.
1305

Venezuelan striker Jose Salomon Rondon is to leave troubled Malaga for Russia's Rubin Kazan, the clubs have announced.
1233

Jarrett Bowen is also a fan. I knew it was a good idea. He writes: "I think it adheres to the Olympic Under-23 rule... but correct me if not...GK: (A Fit) Craig Gordon RB: Kyle Walker CB: Phil Jones CB: Johnny Evans LB: Kieron Gibbs RM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain MC: Jack Rodwell MC: Aaron Ramsey LM: Gareth Bale AMC: Jack Wilshere CF: Wayne Rooney Or.... Jack Butland in Goal and Darren Fletcher in for Aaron Ramsey...Any good?" Yes, that is a very good team. You've grasped my concept perfectly young padawan.
1217

Gareth Miller clearly enjoyed my scenario. He writes: "I've at all points referred to our olympic football team as team England and Wales and thought it was massively disrespectful of Pearce not only to snub our sporting ambassador, Beckham, but also not to include a single Scottish or Irish player in the squad. Following the FA's rules of not including any player that played in the Euros my starting XI would be Butland, Wilson, Rio, McGivern, Smalling, Allen, Ramsey, Rodwell, Beckham(c), Matt Phillips, Earnshaw."
1216

For those who enjoy spending money in the hope of earning money, here's Sky Bet's run down of the biggest transfer angles this morning: "RVP - It is hard to put punters off of backing him to move to Manchester United this summer, the 5/6 has been readily backed throughout the morning so we have gone 4/5. Dan Agger - We have gone 2/1 (from 5/2) about the Dane moving to Barcelona and 6/1 (from 12/1) for him to move to Real Madrid. City are still the 6/4 favourites but people seem to believe he will move abroad. Daniel Sturridge - We have opened a market on where he will go this August amid speculation that Di Matteo does not consider him a part of Chelsea's immediate plans. Liverpool are the 6/4 favourites to sign the forward whilst Tottenham are 3/1."
1140

Excitement in the Potteries this morning as Sky Sports understands Stoke have agreed a fee with Wolves for Michael Kightly.
1055

Here's Howard Tooley, who is not a positive Pete this morning. He writes: "Just been reading Martin O'Neill stating that he hopes to keep Sessegnon, well is it just me but does any other Sunderland supporter believe this? The club have sold Bent - Henderson - Gyan for a total of nearly 55 Million and spent virtually nothing in return. We also have to listen to Martin stating that the club want to be above Newcastle ( a point of much amusement among my Newcastle pals). So far the only Player we have been associated with is Fletcher, well no disrespect to Fletcher but wow, that's really got our enthusiasm up. Sorry Martin but the lack of ambition coming out of the "Stadium of Light" is noted and is spreading amongst the fans. I will be the first to hold my hands up at the end of the season if we are still in the Premiership but unfortunately think we are in for a very difficult season ahead. Sunderland have gone backwards since Niall quit and doubt if we will ever get the real reason behind that decision but would bet money it wasn't Niall's choice as he loved the club."
1046

I have transfer news. Roberto Mancini says it is 'pretty unlikely' that Edin Dzeko will leave Manchester City, despite the striker's own comments regarding his future.
1034

I'm still here folks. I'm still also trying to pluck a transfer story from the ashes of this Monday morning start to football. Here's a scenario for those remotedly interested in the slightest; What would be your ideal Team GB that had to involve at least one player from each nation? E-mails to jack.woodfield@bskyb.com
1022

Internacional insist there has been no fresh bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Leandro Damiao, but claim the striker has turned down offers from other clubs.
0920

Strong words from Brad Smith this Monday morning. Opinions too strong to publish some might say. He writes: "I'd just like to take a moment to congratulate the Great Britain Olympic team on an amazing effort in the last week. Simply astonishing stuff. Compare the attitude of these guys with those of the footballers, and there really is no comparison. Can you imagine Wayne Rooney apologising to the fans after missing a sitter? The one thing that the Olympics have taught me (apart from the fact that there are so many minority sports experts in this country, that its a surprise they are minority sports), is that we give footballers far to much respect and adulation, when the real stars, are those that give up everything in pursuit of glory. With no thought for the fiscal benefits. One of the defining moments for me so far, was watching Martin Del Potro celebrate winning a Bronze medal yesterday. Yes, i know hes a highly paid tennis player, but for 2 hours, he forgot that, and he tried his heart out for his country, and you could see what it meant to him. The sad thing is, I bet not one footballer even realises any of this."
0900

Here's Jay Dowman, who writes: "Morning all, Firstly a big congrats to TeamGB for their results over the weekend, that's the rest of TeamGB, not the football team of course. It was written that Sturiddge would miss wasn't it, then as soon as he tried the stutter, to be clever you were certain he'd miss (although it was a good save, fair play to the 'keeper). Quarter finals and penalties really don't go well together do they for us, I was hoping the Welsh contingent may mean we'd not follow the usual route but nah. If it's true that Bellamy is leaving then either Buck plans on one striker up front or we must be bringing someone else in surely, maybe it will be Borini up front with maybe a Ramirez and Downing type combination either side of him? Kuyt already gone and Bellamy and Carroll still looking likely to leave, it's the midfield we need to trim I think, not the striking options!"
0855

Cryptic stuff now from Howard Lewis, who writes: "This is how it read in the Red tops. When asked about the situation regarding the Arsenal star, the City boss said: "Van Persie? No, I don't think he will come here." Does that suggest City were never in for him in the first place? I don't think they were, reading between the lines, which I usually do, being a little dyslexic."
0845

Busy times for Steve Kean these days. Maybe the Blackburn Rovers boss can begin to appease the club's fans by confirming he has tabled a bid for Huddersfield Town striker Jordan Rhodes.
0833

Norwich City boss Chris Hughton has confirmed Nottingham Forest have made an enquiry for defender Daniel Ayala.
0831

Hammer Hanna's sources are at it again as he reports: "rumours out of Upton Park suggest Ravel Morrison may be heading to Birmingham City on loan. The lad only lasted two days on West Ham's tour before going home with a toothache!"
0806

Following up from Paper Talk, Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini appears resigned to losing out in the race to sign Robin van Persie this summer.
0747

There are some GOOD stories awaiting your eyes this morning. Andre Villas-Boas has said Spurs' asking price for Luka Modric has yet to be met, is the first.
0745

Paper Talk is now live thanks to our Olympics man Simon Crawford, with big lines on the futures of Robin van Persie, Luka Modric and Craig Bellamy.
0715

Good morning everybody! After a horrific night's sleep and a walk to work trying to "break" some new shoes in, the blood is flowing inside my socks and I'm ready for action. Send your e-mails throughout the day to jack.woodfield@bskyb.com

No comments:

Post a Comment