Marquez on the Move?

Reuters, Friday July 30 2010

MADRID, July 30 (Reuters) - Rafael Marquez, who has been strongly linked in the media with a move to New York Red Bulls, is on the verge of leaving Barcelona, new Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta said on Friday.

The Mexico captain's exit "just needed the final details tying up", Zubizarreta, who was appointed to replace Txiki Begiristain, said at his presentation to the media at the Nou Camp.

If the deal with the Red Bulls goes through, Marquez would join former Barca team mate Thierry Henry, the French striker who this month moved to Major League Soccer after he was freed from his contract.

Marquez, 31, can operate as a centre back or defensive midfielder and would be the Red Bulls' third "designated player", whose wages are mostly outside of the salary cap, along with Henry and Colombian Juan Pablo Angel. He joined Barca from French side Monaco in 2003 and has won four Spanish league titles and two European Champions League crowns

Sammy Kadeira Moves to Madrid

Bundesliga side Stuttgart have confirmed the departure of holding midfielder Sami Khedira to Real Madrid. A report in Bild claims that the Blancos have agreed a fee of €14 million for the services of the Germany international. However, Stuttgart have not disclosed any details about the transfer fee.

The 23-year-old midfielder had already agreed personal terms with Madrid on Wednesday and will sign a five-year deal with the Merengues after undergoing a medical.

More

• Spanish Inquisition: Sami Khedira Deal Almost Done – Is Maicon Or Thiago Silva Next For Real Madrid?
• Bundesliga Comment: VfB Stuttgart's Sami Khedira Should Beware The Pitfalls Of Joining Real Madrid
• Special: The best 16 Players To Have Made Their Name At The World Cup 2010 - But Are They The Real Deal?

Sami Khedira Date of Birth: 4 April 1987 Place of Birth: Stuttgart, Germany Nationality: German Height: 189 cm Position: Holding midfielder Ex-Clubs: Stuttgart

"Sami Khedira is a true leader on the pitch and he personifies everything that Stuttgart stand for. Therefore, it's not easy to let go of him," said Stuttgart sporting director Fredi Bobic on the official Stuttgart website.

"However, on the other hand, we couldn't deny Sami his dream move to Real Madrid. We'd like to wish him all the best at his new club."

Khedira had attracted the interest of Real Madrid with his excellent performances for Germany at the 2010 World Cup and was since continually being linked with a move to the Spanish powerhouse.

The midfielder is a product of the Stuttgart youth academy and has made over 100 official appearances for the Schwaben since making his debut in October 2006.

MARADONA SACKED!!!

Diego Maradona will not continue as Argentina coach after the association's executive committee unanimously agreed not to renew his contract.

Maradona met with the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) president Julio Grondona on Monday in a bid to resolve his future, with reports suggesting a new four-year deal was on the table. The 49-year-old, who took over as coach in October 2008, had said he would sign the contract as long as his entire backroom staff were retained.

Grondona revealed details of the talks to his board today and the AFA have confirmed they have decided not to renew Maradona's contract.

A brief statement on the AFA website read: "The president of the Argentinian Football Association, Mr Julio Grondona, made the members of the executive committee aware of the conversation with Mr Diego Maradona, setting out the points which had come out from the meeting.

"The executive committee unanimously resolved not to renew the contract with Mr Diego Maradona as coach of the Argentina national football team."

Grondona denied that Maradona had been sacked, but confirmed that differences over the make up of his staff led to a parting of ways. "It is difficult to agree," Grondona said. "The hardest difference to agree on was changing some of Diego's staff. Nobody has been sacked. A contract has not been extended because the conditions were not the suitable."

BRAZIL APPOINT NEW COACH,- BUT IS MANO MENEZES ??

Mano Menezes is the new coach of Brazil after accepting to take over the Selecao on Saturday morning.

The 48-year-old is well known for his work in his homeland after having led a number of clubs out of difficulty in recent seasons. He thanked former club Corinthians for a 'special' three years together.

Menezes confirmed that he had said yes to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), who had been turned down by Muricy Ramalho the day before after his club refused to release him.

"For the whole of Brazil, I say that I officially accept the invitation," he declared during a Corinthians press conference.

“I am thankful to Corinthians for my three years of work and friendship.”

The former Gremio tactician burst onto the scene when he led the former South American champions back into the top flight in 2005.

In just two seasons he took the club to a Copa Libertadores final where his men subsequently fell to the sword of Argentine outfit Boca Juniors.

After more recently carrying current side Corinthians out from the Brazilian second division, it is clear that the nation will be hoping Menezes can restore the Selecao with the winning mentality which has established them as the most successful international side.

The new coach will be expected to rebuild Brazil’s national team following their hugely disappointing quarter-final World Cup exit against the Netherlands. Adding further pressure on an already demanding role, Menezes will be aware that only victory will do as the nation prepares to host the World Cup in 2014.

Summer Shopping List.. FOOTIE MARKET SPECIALS

James Milner - Midfielder, Aston Villa

Price £20m

Rejuvenated since moving into the centre of midfield at Villa Park. Milner's has attracted the interest of Fabio Capello, and the Premier League's richest clubs.

Linked with Manchester City

Steven Gerrard - Midfielder, Liverpool

Price £30m

Until now a one-club man, Gerrard turns 30 this month and will play a key role for England in the World Cup this summer. The financial situation at Anfield could lead to his departure.

Linked with Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid

Mario Balotelli - Striker, Inter

Price £20m

Immensely talented but seemingly incapable of avoiding controversy, Balotelli has clashed repeatedly with Inter's management and infuriated the club's fans. He has acknowledged being a Milan fan in the past, but may decide to leave Italy altogether after being racially abused by rival supporters.

Linked with Milan, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea

Marek Hamsik - Midfielder, Napoli

Price £18m

Chelsea and Manchester United were strongly linked with Napoli’s box-to-box midfielder last year, but an offer never materialised. After another impressive season in which Hamsik helped the Partenopei to a sixth-place finish, Manchester City are now considering a bid.

Linked with Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United

Alexandre Pato - Forward, Milan

Price £35m

His third season in Milan was badly disrupted by injury, but the Brazilian striker still managed 12 goals in 23 league games and his former manager Carlo Ancelotti remains a keen admirer.

Linked with Chelsea

Joe Cole - Midfielder

The out-of-contract Cole has opted to sign for Liverpool after being released by Chelsea.

Destination Liverpool

Price Free

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - Striker, Milan

Price £12m

Failed to make the desired impact at San Siro following his summer arrival from Real Madrid, but remains a capable poacher and may yet start for Holland at the World Cup.

Linked with Tottenham, Manchester United

Gigi Buffon - Goalkeeper, Juventus

Price £25m

Vastly experienced keeper with a century of Italy caps. Reports this season suggested he was unsettled in Turin, but has a contract with the Old Lady until 2013.

Linked with Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City

Fernando Torres - Striker, Liverpool

Price £40m

Scored 18 goals in 20 Premier League starts, his absences through injury costing Liverpool dear. The financial situation at Anfield could mean Liverpool are tempted to cash in should the Premier League’s big spenders come calling.

Linked with Chelsea, Manchester City

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Striker, Barcelona Price £30m Arrived in Spain to much fanfare last summer but has struggled to fit into Barcelona’s system. Sixteen goals in 29 league appearances is a reasonable return, but he was left on the bench for several key games towards the end of the season. Linked with Chelsea, Manchester City

Real Madrid & Barcelona In Zlatan Ibrahimovic/Kaka Swap Deal ????

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has told directors to pounce for Barcelona ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic if they get the chance, knowing a deal will be herculean, but he is offering Kaka in an attempt to open up the Blaugrana's appetite to trade.

El Mundo Deportivo claims Mourinho wants Ibrahimovic as a replacement for Karim Benzema, who has allegedly been involved in less than perfect matters off the pitch.

And, having coached the hitman at Inter, Mourinho would have no problem in getting the best out of 'Ibra'.

The coach is keen on having a traditional number nine in his squad, and his penchant for powerful strikers is clear, having coached Didier Drogba at Chelsea and Diego Milito at Inter.

Vidic future uncertain, admits Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he is uncertain over the future of Nemanja Vidic. The central defender is currently resting after playing for Serbia at the World Cup and when asked about speculation that the 28-year-old may leave Old Trafford, Ferguson said: "I can't clarify it at all."

When pressed and asked whether the Serb would play for the Manchester team this season, Ferguson replied: "I believe so."

Vidic has been linked with a move to Spain for some time now but has remained loyal to Ferguson and Manchester United so far. He said last season that he had "every intention" to see out his contract at United, which runs to 2012. The defender and the team's other World Cup participants are expected to join up with the rest of the squad for the friendly against an Airtricity League XI in Dublin on Wednesday 4 August

Eduardo da Silva completes £6m move from Arsenal to Shakhtar Donetsk

Eduardo da Silva has completed a £6m transfer from Arsenal toShakhtar Donetsk after clearing the obstacle of a medical with the Ukrainian club. The Brazil-born Croatia striker had struggled at Arsenal in the wake of the horrific leg break that he suffered in February 2008 and he has decided to pursue a fresh start in eastern Europe.

Arsène Wenger, the Arsenal manager, has signed Marouane Chamakh on a free from Bordeaux to swell attacking options that include Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Andrey Arshavin but it is unclear whether he will seek to replace Eduardo, who scored seven goals in all competitions for the club last season.

Eduardo, 27, has agreed a lucrative four-year contract at Shakhtar, who will play in this season's Champions League.

A Shakhtar statement read: "Today, on 21 July, FC Shakhtar have signed Brazilian-born Croatian forward Eduardo da Silva from Arsenal on a four-year contract which has been anticipated by all the international media. All the details were agreed tonight at Donbas Arena in Donetsk. Within the nearest time, the newcomer will be introduced to Ukrainian media representatives as well as to the Pitmen fans.

Liverpool hand Joe Cole No10 shirt as midfielder signs four-year deal

Liverpool have completed the signing of Joe Cole on a four-year contract after he passed his medical – and have handed the midfielder the No10 shirt.

The 28-year-old agreed personal terms on Monday having being released by Chelsea at the end of last season and then flew to the club's training camp in Switzerland to undergo his physical examination.

Liverpool's manager, Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, has told defender Philipp Degen he can look for a new club.

The Switzerland international has struggled to make an impact since arriving at Anfield from Borussia Dortmund in July 2008. "We have had an amicable conversation with Philipp and he wants to play football," said Hodgson. "We won't stand in his way and he is free to look for another club."

Franck Ribéry and Karim Benzema, face up to three years in prison if convicted of Statutary Rape

The summer of shame engulfing French football reached a new low today as two players were formally accused of soliciting an underage prostitute.

Franck Ribéry, 27, a midfielder for Bayern Munich and a member of the international side which left the World Cup in ignominy, and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, 22, face up to three years in jail and a fine of €45,000 (£37,600) if convicted.

Both deny wrongdoing. Benzema has said he is "unaffected'' by the allegation by a former sex worker, Zahia Dehar, that she was solicited separately by the two when she was 16.

Ribéry is married and has two children. He has admitted having sex with Dehar, but insists he was unaware of her age.

In France, although the age for consenting sex is 15, soliciting a prostitute under 18 is a crime. The investigation into the trade allegedly going on in the Zaman Cafe, a late night bar on the Champs Elysées in Paris, was revealed in April when it was raided and more than a dozen women were arrested, including Dehar.

Shetold police she had been paid to have sex with several soccer stars, including Sidney Govou, another player for Les Bleus, as well as Ribéry and Benzema; however, Govou's alleged encounter was in March, by which time she was 18.

According to the testimony of Dehar and Ribéry, Dehar never told her clients she was underage – an important factor in such cases.

Man United 2010/2011 Kit

Russian League Goal of the Season..

Dennis Kolodin Overhead Kick..Maaaaad!!!!

Ronaldinho holds the Key to Ibra's Barca Exit..

Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is being prevented from joining Milan by Ronaldinho, but once he leaves, a deal can be concluded, reports Il Corriere dello Sport.

The Blagrana have told Milan that Ibrahimovic, admired by Adriano Galliani and Massimiliano Allegri, will cost them €40 million. It's no secret Milan face a summer of retrenchment, but selling Ronaldinho to Flamengo, who are desperate to sign him, the Rossoneri will earn €20 million - enough to start serious talks for 'Ibra'.

The Sweden hitman has been told by his club he is no longer needed by Pep Guardiola, leaving his agent Mino Raiola to find new dwellings for him. Raiola has been speaking with Milan over Felipe Mattioni, one of his clients, but he is also enthusing the club with the 'Ibra' idea.

Despite the Rossoneri denying that Ronaldinho would leave, Globoesporte reported on Tuesday that the Brazilian had a verbal agreement to join Flamengo. Should that move take off, Milan will rock the cradle in Barcelona.

AC Milan Playmaker Ronaldinho Set For Move To Flamengo

AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho could return to his native country, according to emerging reports from the Brazilian media.

GloboEsporte.com claims that the Brazilian star has been in contact with Flamengo and that a verbal agreement has been reached between the player and the club. It's also been reported that only Milan need to sanction this move.

The 30-year-old was signed by the Italian giants from reigning Spanish champions Barcelona in the summer of 2008 on a three-year contract. After struggling initially in the Italian top flight, Ronaldinho rediscovered himself to a great extent under Leonardo in 2009-10 and helped the Rossoneri finish in the top four in Serie A.

However, Ronnie missed out a place in the Brazil World Cup squad and it now seems that the former PSG star will go back to his homeland. Flamengo president Patricia Amorim reportedly met Ronaldinho recently and a deal could be struck in the coming days.

Ronaldinho is currently in Rio de Janeiro on summer holiday.

Diego Forlan Wins Golden Ball As Germany's Thomas Mueller Takes Young Player Award & Golden Boot

Following Spain's 2010 World Cup final triumph over the Netherlands, Uruguay striker Diego Forlan picked up the Golden Ball award while young Germany forward Thomas Mueller took the Best Young Player accolade as well as the Golden Boot.

Atletico Madrid striker Forlan proved to be one of the star performers in South Africa, beating off competition from the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Spain hitman David Villa to be crowned the tournament's best player - as voted for by the media.

Forlan was, however, pipped to the post when it came to the Golden Boot, with Thomas Mueller's five goals and three assists for Germany edging him ahead of Silver Boot winner Villa and Holland playmaker Sneijder who picked up the bronze award.

Mueller also claimed the Best Young Player gong for his impressive performances in South Africa, beating both Ghana's Andre Ayew and Mexico's Giovanni Dos Santos to claim the prize.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made a string of impressive saves in Spain's final triumph over the Netherlands, claimed the Golden Glove while Vicente del Bosque's side were also recognised with the Fair Play Award.

Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas Celebrates Spain Glory In Barcelona Shirt

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has been pictured in aBarcelona jersey during Spain's World Cup celebrations.

The 23-year-old former Barcelona canterano has been a long term target of the Catalan club and this latest image, published by Spanish publication Marca is sure to heighten speculation of a summer move to Camp Nou.

Barcelona's centre half pairing of Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique were responsible for putting the shirt on Fabregas, while Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina was also in on the prank as la Furia Roja celebrate World Cup glory in Madrid.

Fabregas had earlier declared that he is proud to be an Arsenal player while Gunners boss Arsen Wenger is reported to have refused to meet with Barca officials to discuss a possible transfer.