EPL summer deals replied by zocoss @ Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:56:30 +0800

zocoss — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:56:30 +0800

Liverpool wrap up Degen capture

Switzerland full-back Philipp Degen has officially completed his move to Liverpool after putting pen to paper on a four-year deal at Anfield.

Degen was available on a Bosman deal after opting against signing a new contract at Borussia Dortmund.

Liverpool confirmed in May that Degen was on his way to Anfield and the right-back on Thursday signed his four-year contract.

He was part of Switzerland's Euro 2008 squad and will vie with Alvaro Arbeloa and Steve Finnan for a starting spot next season.

At the time of the signing, Reds boss Rafa Benitez admitted it was important to pick up free transfers in order to use his money on other areas of the squad.

"Sometimes you can find these players on the market," said Benitez on the club's official website.

"When you find a player like him who costs no money it means you can use money for improving other parts of the squad.

"He is a good signing, a player of potential, who can help us improve in the wide areas."

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:24:17 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:24:17 +0800

McGeady

ROY KEANE is ready to smash Sunderland’s transfer record with a £10million swoop for Celtic’s Aiden McGeady.

Keano knows McGeady from the Republic of Ireland set-up and his brief stint at Parkhead and will move for the 22-year-old who is also being chased by Newcastle.

The Black Cats’ previous record was the £9m for keeper Craig Gordon. Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is keen to take Anthony Stokes as part of the deal.

But Burnley also want the ex-Arsenal striker 19, who is out of favour on Wearside.

Bent

DARREN BENT has been offered a way out of his White Hart Lane nightmare after Sunderland asked Tottenham if he was up for sale.

The striker has failed to nail down a regular first-team place since he moved across London in a £16.5million switch from Charlton last summer.

Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane are ahead of Bent in the pecking order and he saw striker Jermain Defoe quit in January for first-team football at Portsmouth.

Bent, 24, has already insisted he is not prepared to spend another season as a bit-part player in North London after making just 11 Premier League starts for Spurs.

Sunderland have ambitions of their own after beating the drop last season and boss Roy Keane has funds available to significantly strengthen the Black Cats’ squad.

Bent’s wages of around £30,000 a week will not be a problem for Keane as he knows he has to compete if he wants to sign the best.

Spurs will drive a hard bargain when it comes to the transfer fee. They have so far paid £12m to Charlton, with the remaining £4.5m based on appearances, and will look to recoup their outlay.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:21:43 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:21:43 +0800

Milner

JAMES MILNER has moved a step closer to joining Liverpool — after Bolton were told to forget about Reds midfielder Danny Guthrie.

Trotters wanted Guthrie after a successful loan.

But Anfield plan to use Guthrie as bait for Newcastle in a deal for midfielder Milner.

Barton

DISGRACED Joey Barton will not be offered a way out of Newcastle by Bolton despite reports of a loan deal.

The jailed midfielder faces the axe from cash-strapped Toon.

But a Bolton source insisted: “We are not looking to sign Barton.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:19:15 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:19:15 +0800

Ronaldinho

PORTUGAL star Deco has told Ronaldinho: “Come and join me at Chelsea.”

Barcelona midfielder Deco, 30, is on the brink of sealing a £12million move to Stamford Bridge once Euro 2008 finishes.

And he told 28-year-old Barcelona pal Ronnie, who is also on his way out of the Nou Camp, Chelsea would give him the chance to revive his flagging career.

Deco said: “It would be good for Chelsea to sign Ronaldinho.

“He would go to a great club and I would love to see him playing in the Champions League for a great team, and showing he is still the best player in the world.”

Deco admitted Chelsea are interesting in signing him but insisted he has not spoken to new Blues boss Big Phil Scolari about a move to London.

Brazilian Scolari will quit Portugal and take charge at the Bridge following Euro 2008 — and Deco is believed to be one of his top targets.

But the Brazilian-born midfielder said: “There is interest from Chelsea, although Scolari has not told me anything.

“Now we’re talking with Barca. Naturally, there are other possibilities.”

Deco is adamant there will be no problem in leaving Barcelona, even though president Joan Laporta is facing a vote of no confidence that could delay talks with Chelsea.

And Deco added: “I don’t see why it would be bad for negotiations because even though I’ve not spoken to Laporta, he’s still the president.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:18:22 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:18:22 +0800

Lampard

BIG PHIL SCOLARI will put his arm around Frank Lampard and tell him: Chelsea love you more than Mourinho.

SunSport can reveal the new Blues boss plans face-to-face talks with Lamps as soon as Portugal’s interest in Euro 2008 is over.

And Scolari will tell Lampard to ignore Inter Milan, who have announced the England midfielder is their No1 target.

Inter’s interest in Lampard went sky-high once former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho took over at the San Siro.

But Scolari has had a long talk with Blues and Portugal centre-half Ricardo Carvalho and the coach wants to build a team around Lampard.

A source in the Portugal camp revealed: “Scolari is a shrewd operator and has done his homework on the players he has inherited at Chelsea.

“He knows all about Lampard’s contract situation and his personal circumstances at the end of last season.

“But he wants him to be his main man in midfield and enjoy the challenge of working with a new coach.

“Phil knows that Lampard has been crucial to Chelsea’s success under Mourinho and wants him to be part of the new era.”

Inter president Massimo Moratti admitted yesterday that the England midfielder is their top priority this summer.

Moratti said: “We like Lampard and he’s our No1 objective. Mourinho likes Lampard a lot. We all know that he’s a great player. I think there has been contact with Chelsea but I don’t know yet.”

SunSport understands Chelsea have rebuffed Inter’s approach.

And they will not entertain a bid until they have spoken to Lampard about a new deal, which is unlikely to happen before the beginning of July.

Lampard’s current contract sees his wages increase to £131,000 per week next season.

That will make him joint top earner at Stamford Bridge, alongside skipper John Terry.

Any new deal will have to take that figure as a starting point.

While Mourinho and Scolari could become involved in a fight for Lampard, the Special One has backed Big Phil’s decision to join Chelsea.

Some critics have claimed Scolari has harmed Portugal’s bid for Euro 2008 glory by announcing he is off.

But Mourinho declared: “Who dares criticise Portugal’s coach?

“Would any worker presented with a fantastic offer of work say: ‘I don’t want to, I love my job a lot and I am not interested in change even if it triples my pay?’

“How can a superclub like Chelsea be publicly without a coach for any longer?

“For me everything was normal and even if voices are raised if Portugal are eliminated, I think Scolari acted naturally.

“He had a better financial proposal, a huge sporting project and it was impossible for him to postpone or conceal his choice.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:56:38 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:56:38 +0800

Magpies/Hammers?

NEWCASTLE and West Ham are on alert after Eidur Gudjohnsen was told he can leave Barcelona.

The former Chelsea striker is up for grabs at around £4million and fancies a move back to the Premier League.

Iceland ace Gudjohnsen, 29, has made just over 60 appearances in two years at the Nou Camp but has struggled lately to make an impact.

West Ham tried in vain to sign him last year.

Hammers boss Alan Curbishley will have money to spend this summer as long as he can offload some dead wood.

Midfielder Nobby Solano has already been released to help cut the wage bill.

Toon boss Kevin Keegan wants Gudjohnsen to replace Obafemi Martins, who is surplus to requirements.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:52:40 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:52:40 +0800

ROQUE SANTA CRUZ

ROQUE SANTA CRUZ is at the centre of a Manchester tug of war.

Blackburn’s Paraguayan striker last night revealed that Manchester United are trying to sign him.

Santa Cruz, 26, said: “The interest from United is real.

“But I’m busy now so my representatives will handle anything if there is a concrete offer.”

The £10million-rated hitman is also on the wishlist of former boss Mark Hughes, who this week left Ewood Park for Manchester City.

Santa Cruz has hit 19 goals in 37 Premier League outings for Rovers since signing from Bayern Munich for £3.8m last summer.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:59:28 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:59:28 +0800

Pandev

LAZIO hitman Goran Pandev is set to reject a move to Spurs.

The Macedonia striker was being lined up as a possible replacement for Dimitar Berbatov, who has been linked with a summer switch.

Pandev, 24, said: “It is true Tottenham want me, but I intend to stay at Lazio.”

Spurs look to have missed out on Richard Dunne — conceding that the £5million-rated Manchester City defender would prefer a move to Portsmouth.

Spurs’ first summer signing, Luka Modric, has revealed chairman Daniel Levy helped persuade him to sign from Dinamo Zagreb.

The £20m man admitted: “I could hardly sleep the night before meeting the chairman.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:57:20 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:57:20 +0800

Back to SPL, Miller

SCOTLAND striker Kenny Miller is set for a £1.75m move back to Rangers from relegated Derby.

STOCKPORT have signed midfielder Matty Mainwaring, 19, on a 12-month deal from Preston.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST striker Junior Agogo is set for a move to FC Zamalek.

The Egyptians want the Ghana hitman, 28, to replace home star Amr Zaki, who is in talks with Wigan.

SAMMY CLINGAN is a target for QPR, Norwich and Ipswich.

The midfielder, 24, is yet to sign a new deal with Forest and can move on a free.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:51:10 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:51:10 +0800

Kightly

BLACKBURN are ready to replace £8.5million Liverpool target David Bentley with Wolves’ Michael Kightly.

Midfielder Kightly, 22, rated at £4million, was a target for Manchester United and Everton before missing most of last season through injury.

He cost just £20,000 from non-league Grays in January 2007 — after being released for nothing by Southend boss Steve Tilson — but has been a sensation since arriving at Molineux.

The situation has been complicated, though, by Rovers boss Mark Hughes being given permission to talk to Manchester City about their manager’s job.

A source close to Rovers said: “It’s all a bit complicated but David Bentley will be going nowhere until the manager’s position is clear.

“Kightly is very much the man Mark would go for were he to remain at the club.”

Wolves are bidding to sign Liverpool midfielder Adam Hammill and Tottenham defender Chris Gunter in season-long loan deals.

Boss Mick McCarthy knows he must strengthen his side for what the Midlanders will demand is a successful push for promotion in 2008-09.

Liverpool chief Rafa Benitez is set to loan out 20-year-old Hammill again, after he spent last season at Southampton.

That has alerted a host of clubs, with interest coming from Championship new boys Swansea as well as Plymouth, Charlton, Preston, Hibernian, Aberdeen and Wolves.

Welsh international Gunter, 18, joined Tottenham from Cardiff for £2m in January.

But he made just four appearances at White Hart Lane, after finding his first-team chances limited under new manager Juande Ramos.

BLACKBURN centre-back Zurab Khizanishvili wants to stay at Ewood Park despite playing just 13 league games last season.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Sat, 31 May 2008 17:39:08 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:39:08 +0800

Persie

ROBIN VAN PERSIE is praying Arsenal can halt the Emirates exodus as talks get under way over a new contract.

The striker hopes to put an injury-blighted season behind him by starring for Holland at Euro 2008.

Then he plans to sign a fresh deal.

Mathieu Flamini has already left for AC Milan, with Alex Hleb poised to leave as well.

But Van Persie, pencilled in for a run-out against Wales tomorrow, said: “I’ve never thought about leaving for a less physical league like Spain.

“I’m a committed Arsenal lad and discussing a new contract. It’s not the money which is important, it’s keeping this team together.

“Collectively we can become something very special.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Sat, 31 May 2008 17:38:12 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Sat, 31 May 2008 17:38:12 +0800

Tevez

CARLOS TEVEZ has set alarm bells ringing at Manchester United by revealing he wants to play in Spain one day.

The double winners have been frustrated by Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent refusal to commit his long-term future due to his desire to play in La Liga.

Now Tevez 24, who has yet to join United on a permanent basis, has followed suit by only saying he is happy at Old Trafford for now.

The Argentine left the door open for a move to Spain in future by admitting he fancies playing there at some point in his career.

Tevez said: “Maybe one day I’ll play in the Spanish league but there’s a long way to go. At the moment I am happy here. I know many South Americans prefer to play in Italy or Spain when they move to Europe.

“But I’m happy here. It’s the best league in the world.”

United have made the permanent signing of Tevez one of their top priorities for the summer.

Bordeaux may pull out of a move for United defender Mikael Silvestre due to his wage demands.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Sat, 31 May 2008 16:38:43 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:38:43 +0800

Barry

STEVEN GERRARD has told England pal Gareth Barry to leave Aston Villa this summer and join Liverpool in the Champions League.

The Kop star said: “We’re good friends on and off the pitch and I'm desperate for us to sign him.”

His comments will infuriate Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who has already accused Liverpool of tapping up his captain.

Now Gerrard has made it clear Barry tops the hit-list of Anfield boss Rafa Benitez.

He added: “I am sure Gareth will find it hard to leave Villa. But he is 27 and needs Champions League football.

“He has been there for 10 years. Yet opportunities sometimes come up to better your career.

“I spoke to Rafa Benitez at the end of the season and I know he has players he is trying to bring in this summer.

“One of those is Gareth Barry. He will certainly help Liverpool to become a better team.”

Gerrard, speaking after training with his fellow midfielder for England’s date tomorrow against Trinidad and Tobago, added: “I’ve enjoyed playing with him for England. He keeps it simple and is easy to read.”

Villa have already rejected one Liverpool bid but fear Barry wants out.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Sat, 31 May 2008 16:36:48 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:36:48 +0800

Crouch

LIVERPOOL have finally backed down over their £15million asking price for Peter Crouch.

And that could see the England hitman joining Portsmouth when he returns from international duty against Trinidad and Tobago next week.

Pompey had one £7m bid knocked back — but if they up the offer to £10m they will finally get their wish of pairing Fratton Park old boy Crouch with Jermain Defoe.

Crouch, 27, admitted last season he would have to move on to avoid slipping into the international wilderness. But when Liverpool refused to budge over their demands, he was ready to spend the last year of his contract largely warming the bench — behind first choice Fernando Torres — and then leave for free.

Aston Villa were initially interested, which would have suited Liverpool as they could have used him in a makeweight deal to land midfielder Gareth Barry.

But 6ft 7in Crouch would much prefer a move back to Fratton Park, where he spent the best part of a season six years ago — and the prospect of a near £60,000-a-week wage has seen him set his heart on a return.

The beanpole striker was a shock £7m Kop buy from Southampton three years ago and has regularly found the net when given a chance, hitting 42 goals in 135 games.

Now boss Rafa Benitez will use the money from his sale, plus the likely departures of Xabi Alonso — to Juventus — Jermaine Pennant and John Arne Riise, to land his summer targets.

Barry is first choice, with Udinese left-back Andrea Dossena also close to agreeing a deal. Swiss right-back Philipp Degen signed last week on a free from Borussia Dortmund.

Riise has been interesting Villa and Newcastle but wants to know if he has any chance of staying put.

He said: “My agent is finding out what’s happening. I have to get things sorted out before pre-season starts.

“Those who have played internationals are due to meet up on July 7.

“But I can’t wait and wait for an answer — I have to get one now.”

Portsmouth chief Harry Redknapp also has his eye on Liverpool keeper Charles Itandje, who wants to quit Anfield.

Itandje, signed from Lens last summer as Pepe Reina’s understudy, made seven FA and Carling Cup appearances.

France’s Rennes and Lille are also keen.

Itandje, 25, said: “I need playing time. I’ve learned about daily life at a big club but I want to be out there on the pitch.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Thu, 29 May 2008 20:17:17 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:17:17 +0800

Abramovich

CHELSEA will give their new manager £80million to buy new players.

That is the transfer chest Blues owner Roman Abramovich has agreed after being left embarrassed the club were trophy-less for the first time in four years.

A Chelsea source revealed: “Avram Grant won nothing and was fired. Roman is not prepared to settle for second best.

“Any candidate for manager will be made aware of what’s expected. But significant funds will be made available.”

Chelsea want Valencia striker David Villa, Barcelona wonderkid Giovani Dos Santos and could swap Didier Drogba for Inter Milan top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Thu, 29 May 2008 20:15:31 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:15:31 +0800

Johnson

QPR are set to bid £1million for Middlesbrough’s Adam Johnson.

The winger, 20, is frustrated at his lack of first-team football and is ready to drop into the Championship.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Thu, 29 May 2008 20:14:34 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:14:34 +0800

MOORE

LUKE MOORE has completed a £3million move to Premier League new boys West Brom.

The England Under-21 striker, who joined Albion on loan from Aston Villa in February, has agreed a three-year deal.

Boss Tony Mowbray will also sign Hearts’ striker Roman Bednar for £2.3m this week.

And the Baggies will convert South Korean midfielder Kim Do Heon’s loan into a permanent two-year stay.

Kim, 25, will cost £550,000 from Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.

Mowbray said: “His loan was all about settling into the club and culture.

“He’s got talent and will play a significant part next season.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Thu, 29 May 2008 20:12:51 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Thu, 29 May 2008 20:12:51 +0800

Shaun-Wright Phillips

PORTSMOUTH have made Shaun-Wright Phillips a £10million target.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp wants to capitalise on his side’s FA Cup success by strengthening his squad.

And he believes he can persuade Chelsea to take a loss on out-of-favour Wright-Phillips.

Since signing for the Blues from Manchester City for £21m three years ago, the 5ft 6in winger, 26, has been struggling for form.

He has scored only four goals in 81 league games and was not even part of the Chelsea squad that were beaten in the Champions League final last week.

Redknapp, whose side are in the UEFA Cup for the first time next term, had planned to sign Wright-Phillips and Jermain Defoe for Newcastle had he taken the Toon job in January.

But, after opting to stay at Fratton Park, he snapped up Defoe and now wants to make it a double by landing England international Wright-Phillips.

However, Pompey will face competition from Newcastle who are still interested in the player.

EPL summer deals replied by zocoss @ Thu, 29 May 2008 00:05:17 +0800

zocoss — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:05:17 +0800

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea approach for Palace wonderkid Bostock fails as Tottenham look to seal ?5m deal

Chelsea appear to have failed in a last-ditch attempt to hijack John Bostock's transfer to Tottenham. Sportsmail understands that the 16-year-old Crystal Palace wonderkid has shunned a move from the Stamford Bridge club, despite the beaten Champions League finalists offering more money to both Palace and the player himself.

Bostock - who made his made his league debut on October 29, 2007, at the age of 15 years and 287 days, playing 20 minutes as a substitute in a 2–0 home defeat to Watford - is understood to see his future at White Hart Lane despite the lure of life at a 'Top Four' club.

Chelsea's sporting director, Frank Arnesen, is believed to have instigated the last-minute approach for the Camberwell-born central midfielder but Spurs have won the race and are set to complete deal - worth up to ?5million - by the end of this week.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Wed, 28 May 2008 19:50:13 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Wed, 28 May 2008 19:50:13 +0800

Moore

PREMIER LEAGUE new boys West Brom have snapped up Aston Villa youngster Luke Moore for £3million.

The striker, 22, joined the Baggies on loan in Febuary, making 10 appearances as they sealed promotion from the Championship.

Moore, who won his fifth England Under-21 cap in March’s goalless draw with Poland at Molineux, has put pen to paper on a three year deal.

Villa could also receive a further £500,000 in additional clauses.

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Sun, 25 May 2008 18:42:46 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Sun, 25 May 2008 18:42:46 +0800

ARSENAL are set to sign £1.5million African wonderkid Torric Jibril.

The midfielder, 16, will join the Gunners subject to a two-week trial next month from Ghanaian side Hearts of Oak.

Torric said: “I am ready to play under coach Wenger and I will be happy to show the world what I can do.

“I like the style of play of Arsenal because of the silky skills and that is what I can add to the team.

“If I am given the chance I know I can play in the first team - I am not afraid.

"We play before big crowds and even though they call me a small boy I am not afraid of them.”

Torric’s agent Prince Omar Ibrahim added: “We have received the documents from Arsenal inviting Torric for trials from June.

“We have taken the future development of the player into consideration and we all know that there is coach better than Arsene Wenger who can do the work

Torric.

“We must not forget that for a multi-talented young African player he needs an African environment to probably flourish.

"Arsenal offers that more than any other team with several African players at the club.

“But Arsenal must be ready to pay the price demanded by his club and also assure us that he will develop well.

“Torric is the next big thing to hit world football and you need to see his unbelievable qualities.

"At this age to be playing in Ghana’s midfield full of talented players should tell you a lot.”

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Sun, 25 May 2008 18:40:13 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Sun, 25 May 2008 18:40:13 +0800

Robinho

CHELSEA are lining up a sensational £28million bid for Brazil star Robinho.

The Real Madrid striker's agent Wagner Ribeiro claims he met Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon yesterday to talk about the move.

He said: "I met Peter Kenyon in London on Thursday.

"He told me that they were considering making an offer of £28m for Robinho.

"We did not talk about wages or the length of the contract."

Robinho, 24, also confirmed there was firm interest from the Blues.

He said: "What could happen is that I could go to Chelsea, as I have an offer from them.

"Milan are also interested in me."

Robinho has just enjoyed his best season in a Madrid shirt since joining in 2005.

Last week claimed he had no interest in leaving Spain but a big-money switch to London may tempt him to change change his mind.

Chelsea have already splashed out £16.2m on Porto right-back this summer as they look to make up for their trophyless season.

EPL summer deals replied by omgukilledkenny @ Fri, 23 May 2008 20:04:05 +0800

omgukilledkenny — Fri, 23 May 2008 20:04:05 +0800

Originally posted by a-Lost-9uY:

Coupet

JUANDE RAMOS is set to bring Lyon keeper Gregory Coupet to Tottenham for £2.5million.

No Spurs bid for Coupet - Lyon

"Lyon categorically deny having received any offer from the English club Tottenham about the transfer of Gregory Coupet," read a brief statement on Lyon's official website.

"Moreover, the club would like to remind everyone of the general fact that no discussions relating to possible transfers will take place before the Coupe de France final at the Stade de France on Saturday in which the club as a whole have all their focus."

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Fri, 23 May 2008 19:46:02 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:46:02 +0800

AC Milan

AC MILAN have vowed to raid the Premier League for Didier Drogba or Emmanuel Adebayor.

The Italian giants finished just fifth in Serie A this season and are desperate for new signings to boost their squad.

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Chelsea ace Drogba and Arsenal hitman Adebayor are at the top of his list.

He said: "We will return next season to win Serie A.

"We will sign one of Drogba, Eto'o, Adebayor or Amauri.

"All of those players have perfect characteristics. We need flexible forwards who can help the squad in defence too.

"There will be new names at the club but it will not be a revolution because the basis of the group is already solid."

EPL summer deals replied by a-Lost-9uY @ Fri, 23 May 2008 19:45:05 +0800

a-Lost-9uY — Fri, 23 May 2008 19:45:05 +0800

Barca

DANIEL ALVES is set to snub a move to England by joining Barcelona.

The Sevilla full-back has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham.

But the Brazil star, 25, has his heart set on a move to the Catalan giants and has issued a come-and-get-me plea to new Barca boss Pep Guardiola.

Alves said: "As I have said more than once it would be an honour and a pleasure to be able to play for Barca.

“I am just waiting for concrete news and hope that things can move as quickly as possible.

"The truth is that it is a bit more complicated than it seemed.

"It does not depend on me and when that happens things are more difficult.

"I think that I am ready to join a major club. I have been at Sevilla for five-and-a-half years and a lot of things have happened.

"I have matured a lot and I have been waiting for this moment for two years now."

Alves also revealed he is a huge fan of Guardiola and even watched the ex-Barca midfielder when he was growing up.

He added: "He is spectacular. I love football and I always watched Barca against Madrid when I was younger.

“In Brazil he was considered to be one of the best in his position.

"He was a great player and I have no doubt that he will be a great coach.”

Seville president Jose Maria del Nido rejected Chelsea’s £28m bid for Alves last summer and the player himself admits his high valuation may scare some clubs off.

He said: “It is difficult to put a price on my work.

"It is the president who must do that. Where I go is what I decide.

“I will say where I go. My future is down to me and nobody else, but the price is down to him.

"Last year he rejected an offer that was far too much. But I cannot do anything about that if someone wants to pay that."

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