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Martin O’Neill has made his first signing of the summer- and it is Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell. Sidwell moved to Chelsea on a free transfer last summer from Reading, but failed to cement a place in the starting XI with players like Ballack, Essien and Lampard playing alongside him.

The Villains have paid 5 million pounds for Sidwell, and he has signed a three year contract at Villa Park.

Sidwell has apparently agreed to take a wage cut. His wages at Villa are reported to £45,000 a week, £15,000 lower than the £60,000 he earned at Chelsea.

However Sidwell has reportedly got a bigger signing on bonus.

Image originally taken by Mark Freeman.

League one side Bradford City have signed Chris Brandon on a two year contract. The 32 year old was one of the eight players whose contract was not extended by Huddersfield Town manager Stan Ternent ( The others were Frank Sinclair, Lucas Atkins, Aaron Hardy, Danny Young, Danny Rocchi, Mitchell Bailey and Luke Malcher) Read the rest of this entry »

If Danish legend Peter Schmeichel is to be believed, his son Kasper will not be at the City of Manchester Stadium next season. The 21 year old is below Joe Hart and Andreas Isaksson in Sven Goran Eriksson’s goalkeeper list, and with Eriksson unable to guarantee him a regular starting place, Kasper is set to leave City.

Read the rest of this entry »

According to news reports coming in, Brazilian playmaker forward Ronaldinho and Italian giants A.C. Milan have agreed initial terms for the player to move to Italy. Ronaldinho’s agent, his brother Roberto, reportedly told Gazzetta dello Sport that ” In general, Ronaldinho and Milan are in agreement”.

There has been a lot of talk about Ronaldinho leaving Barcelona. Once the darling of fans at the Nou Camp and rated the best player on the planet, the Brazilian has struggled to rekindle the form that endeared him to one and all in the La Liga. Injuries have not helped his cause either, with a leg injury ensuring that he will take no further part in Barcelona’s campaing this season.

This means that Milan have to now reach an agreement with Barcelona.

Read the rest of this entry »

South African midfielder Steven Pienaar is unsure whether he will don an Everton jersey next season. Pienaar, who has impressed on the left side of midfield, is currently on loan at Goodison Park from Borussia Dortmund. There is an option in his contract that allows him to leave Signal Iduna Park for 2.2 million pounds, but Everton must do so before April 30.

Pienaar joined Dortmund from Ajax, but failed to adapt at the German club and was shipped off to Everton on a year long loan in July 2007. The Johannesburg born player has enjoyed his stint at Goodison Park and has stated his intent in the past to convert his move into a permanent one.

Read the rest of this entry »

Will Peter Crouch stay at Anfield ? If reports like this one are to be believed, then fans at Anfield may not be seeing the lanky striker at the club next season. With Fernando Torres in outstanding form,  and with Kuyt and Voronin also to be considered, Crouch has made just seven Premiership starts this season. Although Benitez has preferred to play Kuyt on the right wing in recent times, that is not a position where he can play Crouch, whose strength lies in his heading ability. Crouch has also demonstrated that he is not crippled for ideas when the ball is on his feet, with some decent goals in the recent past.

Read the rest of this entry »

For all practical purposes, Queens Park Rangers could be considered as one of the best clubs to manager in England, given the high profile names that have an interest in the club - F-1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Renault boss Flavio Briatore and the Mittal family ( who control Mittal Arcelor ). QPR seem to be quite active in the winter transfer window for a Championship side. Here is a look at the transfers made by the Hoops.

Queens Park Rangers

In : Matt Connolly ( Arsenal), Read the rest of this entry »

Manchester City are reportedly planning to move for Inter Milan’s Brazilian striker Adriano, if reports in the BBC are to be believed. City’s current strike force includes Giorgios Samaras, Emile Mpenza, Valeri Bojinov, Darius Vassell and Rolando Bianchi. While all these players are decent in their own right, they are not the strikers you would want to launch a serious attempt at Europe. Bojinov has been bogged by injuries, and the rest have been decent at best.

Read the rest of this entry »

Argentina forward Javier Saviola has signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid. Saviola, who was at Barcelona before moving to the Merengues did not have his contract renewed by the Catalan club. Saviola has therefore moved on a free to the Bernabeu, and has signed a contract which will see him at Real till 2011 Read the rest of this entry »

West Ham have signed Bordeaux midfielder Julian Faubert for a fee of 6.1 million pounds. Faubert was interested in moving to Rangers, but the Scottish giants were reportedly unable to meet Bordeaux’s expectations for the young French winger, having had a four million bid rejected earlier.

Read the rest of this entry »

All figures in Euros unless explicitly mentioned. The list may not list all transfers, and readers are free to point out any discrepancies or suggest additions. Does not include co ownership. Read the rest of this entry »

A blogger has put up a list of Premiership transfers here

You could also refer to BBC and Skysports for the latest, and I’ll try and put up similar lists for other European leagues.

Compiled a list of all Serie A summer transfers

In a stunning double swoop, Premiership champions Manchester United are set to bring Brazilian midfielder Anderson and Portuguese winger Nani to Old Trafford.

Anderson 19, plays for FC Porto while Nani dons Sporting Lisbon colours.  The deal is expected to cost United about 30 million pounds. Read the rest of this entry »

The People
are reporting that Reading medio Steve Sidwell is on the wishlist of Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho.

Sidwell’s contract runs out at the end of the 2006-2007 season and Mourinho is reportedly considering bringing the player to the Bridge. Now for the list of Chelsea’s midfielders-people who can play in midfield-

Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard, Claude Makelele, John Obi Mikel, Joe Cole, Shaun Wright Philips, Michael Essien. Add Arjen Robben and Lassana Diarra to that list .

Sidwell has age on his side- he is just 24, and he has been a key figure for the Royals after joining them in 2003. Alan Pardew, who currently manages Charlton, brought him in as a 20 year old  for an estimated initial fee of 75, 000 pounds. Sidwell impressed Pardew during his loan spell at Brighton, where he found the net 5 times in 12 games. He has since gone on to play 162 games for Reading.

It is unlikely that Sidwell will get as much time on the pitch at the Bridge as he currently gets at the Madjeski. Yet, I think having an home born midfielder will do Chelsea a world of good- for Sidwell knows the English game very well. Acclamatising won’t be a problem for him.

Reading have performed above expectations this season after winning promotion to the Big Boys’ league by winning the Championship last season. They are currently sixth in the table, and have a 5th round replay against leaders Manchester United to come.

Qualifying for Europe might keep Sidwell at the club where he has been such a pivotal influence over the last few years. Joining Chelsea would mean a return to London for Sidwell, who is a product of Arsenal’s youth system. Celtic are also reportedly interested in securing his signature.

The board of Liverpool FC has accepted an offer from US businessmen George Gilett and Tom Hicks for a takeover of the club.

The board has called for a press conference at 2 PM UK time to announce details of the buyout.

The Americans are reported to have offered 5000 pounds for each Liverpool share, putting the issued share capital of the club at 1.74 million pounds.

“Together with the £44.8million of net debt in the club as at December 31 2006, this represents an enterprise value for Liverpool of £218.9 million.”

Current Liverpool chairman David Moores is expected to become honorary life president at Anfield after the takeover. The money is expected to be used to construct a new stadium at Stanley Park. The takeover will also give Liverpool more teeth in the transfer market where they haven’t been able to compete with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and even West Ham in recent times.

The 5 time European champions will  join Manchester United, Chelsea, West Ham, Aston Villa and Portsmouth  in the list of English clubs in foreign hands.

I do hope that this brings in some big name signings to Anfield. We haven’t made any major signings in the last three to 4 years, and getting some quality players might help us achieve the level of consistency we have so badly been seeking in the league.

Big Sam has conceded defeat in the race for Birmingham medio David Dunn.  Bolton had arranged a medical for the Birmingham medio and all roads seemed to point to the Reebok, but Blackburn Rovers hijacked with a late bid for their former trainee.

Dunn was discussing personal terms with Bolton and his decision to move to Blackburn will not go down well with Allarydce. The lure of going back home was too much for Dunn, who has had an injury prone career with Birmingham.Blackburn need cover after Steven Reid was injured earlier in the season.  They sold him for 5 and a half million in 2003 and he is now expected to sign for a fee which is reported to be 2 million upto appearances.

Arsenal

In :

Out: Joe O’ Cearuill ( Loan- Brighton and Hove Albion), Anthony Stokes ( Sunderland-2m) Lauren ( Portsmouth), Alexandre Song ( Charlton- loan), Sebastian Larsson ( Birmingham City-1M)

Aston Villa

In : Philip Bardsley ( Manchester United- loan) John Carew ( Lyon), Ashley Young ( Watford-9.65), Shaun Maloney ( Celtic - 1M)

Out : Peter Whittingham ( Coventry), Eric Djemba Djemba (Loan Burnley), Milan Baros ( Lyon), Robert Green ( Lincoln- free), Lee Hendrie ( Stoke- loan)

Blackburn Rovers

In: David Dunn ( Birmingham-undisclosed, Stephen Warnock ( Liverpool), Bruno Berner ( Basel)

Out : Dominic Matteo ( Stoke -free) Lucas Neill ( West Ham), James Mceveley ( Derby -600k), Andy Taylor ( Huddersfield- loan)

Bolton Wanderers

In : Zoltan Harsanyi ( FC Senec loan), David Thompson ( Portsmouth)

Out : Przemyslaw Kazimierczak ( Accrington- loan), Johan Smith ( Carlisle- loan)
Charlton Athletic :

In: Ben Thatcher ( Man City- 500K), Madjid Boughera ( Sheffield Wednesday -2.5 M). Alexandre Song ( Arsenal- loan)

Zheng Zhi ( Loan- Shandong Luneng)

Out : Stephan Andersen ( Brondby), Djimi Traore ( Portsmouth), Jonathan Fortune ( loan-Stoke), Simon Walton ( loan- Cardiff) Kelly Youga ( Bradford- loan)

Chelsea

In :

Out : Ryan Bertrand ( Bournemouth- loan)

Everton

In : Manuel Fernandes ( Benfica -loan)

Out: David Weir ( Rangers- free), Simon Davies ( Fulham)

Fulham

In : Vincenzo Montella ( Loan- Roma), Simon Davies ( Everton), Alexei Smertin ( Dynamo Moscow)

Out : Luis Boa Morte ( West Ham 5 M), Bjorn Lunstrom ( Loan- Luton), Gabriel Zakuani ( Stoke- loan)

Liverpool

In: Danielle Padielli ( Loan- Sampdoria), Emiliano Insua ( Boca Juniors- loan), Jordy Brouwer ( Ajax), Alvaro Arbeloa ( Deportivo- 2.6), Francesco Duran ( Real Malaga)
Out : Stephen Warnock ( Blackburn) , Salif Diao ( Loan-Stoke)

Manchester City

In: Kevin Ball ( PSV Eindoven), Djamel Abdoun ( Ajaccio- loan)

Out: Kelvin Etuhu ( Rochdale- Loan), Ben Thatcher( Charlton- 500K), Kasper schemichel ( Falkirk- loan), Claudio Reyna ( New York Red Bulls-free release from contract) Marc Laird ( Northampton -loan) M.Mills ( Colchester-loan)

Manchester United

In : Henrik Larrsson ( Loan- Helsingborg)

Out: David Jones ( Derby 1 M approx), Jonny Evans ( Loan- Sunderland), Philip Bardsley ( Aston Villa- loan), Adam Eckersley ( Barnley-Loan), Giuseppe Rossi ( Parma -loan), Danny Simpson ( Sunderland- loan)

Middlesbrough

In :

Out: Kevin Burgess ( Darlington- free) Ugo Ehiogu ( Rangers-free), Massimo Maccarone ( Siena)

Newcastle

In : Oguchi Onweyu ( Standard Liege- loan)

Portsmouth

In : Djimi Traore ( Charlton), Lauren ( Arsenal)

Out: R. Duffy ( Swansea- loan), Dean Kiely ( WBA- free), David Thompson ( Bolton)

Reading

In : Mikkel Andersen ( AB Copenhagen), Oliver Bozanic, Alan Benett ( Cork), Greg Halford ( Colchester) Michael Duberry ( Stoke)

Out: Scott Colbourne ( Wycombe -loan)

Sheffield United

In : Matthew Kilgallon ( Leeds- 1.75M ), Jonathan Stead ( Sunderland- 750K), Mamadou Seck (Le Havre - free), Luton Shelton ( Helsingborg -2M). Ahmed Fathi ( Ismaily -700K)

Out: Ade Akinbiyi ( Burnley- 750 K). David Unsworth ( Wigan- free), Steve Kabba ( Watfor-500 K) , Jordan Robertson ( Northampton -loan), G.Horsfield ( Leicester- loan), Kevan Hurst- ( Scunthorpe- loan)

Tottenham

In: Adel Taarabt ( Loan-Lens), Ben Alnwick ( Sundeland- 900K), Ricardo Rocha ( Benfica)

Out: Martin Fulop ( Sunderland- 500K), Calum Davenport ( West Ham- undisclosed), Robert Burch ( Barnet- loan), Edgar Davids ( Ajax ), STuart lewis ( Barnet-loan), Mark Yeates ( Leicester-loan), Reto Ziegler ( Sampdoria-loan)

Watford

In : Moses Ashikodi ( Rangers), Lee Williamson, Will Hoskins ( Rotherham - 1 M), Steve Kabba ( Sheffield- 500K), Cedric Avinel ( Creteil- free) Johan Cavalli ( Istres-free), Douglas Rinaldi (Veranopolis- loan), Gareth Williams ( Leicester)

Out : Matthew Spring ( Luton -200K ) Ashley Young ( Aston Villa -9.65)

West Ham

In : Luis Boa Morte ( Fulham -5M), Nigel Quashie ( West Brom -1.5M), Calum Davenport ( Tottenham -undisclosed.) Kepa Blanco ( Loan from Sevilla) Lucas Neill ( Blackburn), Matthew Upson ( Birmingham -6M )

Out : Tyrone Mears ( Derby-loan)

Wigan

In : Kristofer Haestad ( Ik Start- Loan), Andreas Gronqvist ( Loan- Helsingborg), David Unsworth ( Sheff United- free ), Caleb Folan ( Chesterfield -500K), Julius Agahowa ( Shakhtar)

Out: Andy Websters ( Loan- Rangers, Mike Pollitt ( Burnley-loan), Gary Teale ( Derby -600k) David Wright ( Ipswich)

( This list is indicative and does not claim to be perfect in all respects. It will be updated from time to time) All figures in pounds. Loan returns not counted.

AS Roma striker Vincenzo Montella has agreed to join Fulham on a 6 month loan deal. Montella, who is currently with the Gialarossi for the 8th consecutive year, did not play much in 2006 due to injury. He figured in the 2002 World cup, but was not part of the Azzuri’s winning campaign at Germany 2006.

Montella joined Roma after Sampdoria got relegated for a reported fee of 25 million euros.

Chris Coleman’s boys are currently 12th in the table and Montella will add teeth to their attack.

It was always on the cards, given the Hammers’ abysmal run this season. And finally, the West Ham board have lost patience with the man who guided them back to the Premiership- Alan Pardew.

West Ham had a great season last time around, but this season the London club has struggled - despite signing big names like Mascherano and Tevez. The club has also been  takenover by  Eggert Magnusson.

Pardew’s greatest achievements at Upton Park remain

1.) Guiding em to the top flight and keepin em there.

2.) Reaching the FA final where they lost to Steven Gerrard and Jose Reina.

Who will replace Pardew?? Several options that come up are

1.) Alan Curbishley

2.) Erikkson

3.) The caretaker manager they had when Roeder was sacked- Trevor Brooking.

Spartak Moscow have reportedly agreed to release Fernando Cavenaghi in the off season.

I have high regard for this lad, but he hasn’t been able to live up to expectations in Russia. He made the switch from River Plate in July 2004 for an estimated fee of 6 and a half million pounds. He ‘has struggled to settle in the area’  ( using CM terminology ). That reminds me of Maniche too.

Cavenaghi is known to prefer a move to Italy or Spain and IMO quite a few clubs will be waiting to snap him up.

You can gauge his potential from this:

Former Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola said that Cavenaghi was the only Argentine he would play to watch.

Tottenham are reportedly planning a 2.5 million pound bid for French midfielder Adel Taarabt. The medio is just 17 years old, and is being hailed as a future French football star.

Les Sang and Or officials have not denied the claim, according to rumours floating on the internet. Spurs have a knack for attracting quality youngsters and this might entice Taarabt to move to England. However he has just broken into the starting eleven of Lens, and I doubt he will be given that opportunity at White Hart Lane with the likes of Davids, Huddlestone, Jenas, Tainio, Ghaly and Zokora all there.

I think it may be in his interest to play first team football for Lens for a year or two, and then move to England. He recently made his debut against Sochaux.

I haven’t watched him at all, but he is said to be a technically gifted player.

EDIT- as on 2nd January, Tottenham have now signed him on loan from Lens, subject to clearance from the French football federation.

Taarabt has reportedly said that he chose Spurs over other interested clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea because he was promised that he would be given first team opportunities instead of spending time in the reserves.Taarabt has represented France at junior levels.

Spurs have not currently disclosed any details of the transfer. But they have an option to bring him permanently to white hart lane. Taarabt now joins Assou Ekotto, the left back who also joined from Lens at Tottenham.

According to various sources in the print and electronic media, Tottenham Hotspur are considering swapping Jermain Defoe for Craig Bellamy.

Defoe has endured some very frustrating times on the bench at Spurs, with Mido, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov and him all fighting for the top two spots. Martin Jol has preferred to tinker around instead of sticking to a duo, and that is considered as one of the reasons for Spurs’ inconsistency.

Defoe is recognised as one of the best finishers in Europe, and was recently in the news for all the wrong reasons- for biting Javier Mascherano. He has also reportedly dated David Beckham’s sister

Bellamy hasn’t managed to secure a permanent spot at Anfield either, with Crouch and Kuyt being Rafa’s preferred men upfront. Bellamy’s hardworking nature may fit in Spurs’s scheme of things, but he isn’t guaranteed a first 11 spot at White Hart Lane.

Let us see how this one goes

Some of you might already know this

American wonderkid Freddy Adu is on a two week trial at United. He is however ineligible for competitive games as he does not have a work permit.

Adu is the youngest USA player to be capped at international level, making his debut at the age of 16 against neighbours Canada.

According to certain media reports, Chelsea reportedly rejected the offer to sign him.

Edit- Manchester United have reportedly rejected him after the trial. Guess the lad goes back to America to play for DC

Various sources in the British media report that Chelsea have made Tottenham right winger Aaron Lennon their key transfer target.  They will reportedly offer cash and Shaun Wright Philips in exchange.

Lennon who will take over from Beckham on the right flank for England, is a pacy winger who showed great glimpses of his potential during the World Cup. The former Leeds man  hasn’t played in Mclaren’s squad because of injury.

One hopes Lennon doesn’t go the Shaun Wright Philips way. Tottenham like Manchester City, boast of some of England’s brightest young talents. Wright Philips lost his spot in the English squad because of lack of match practice, warming the Chelsea sidelines. IMO, he should stay at Tottenham for some more time and mature, however glitzy the offer from Roman’s bankers may look.

Another thing which I am a bit confused about is this– David Beckham has been rumoured to move to White Hart Lane. In the rare eventuality that it happens, and this deal goes through too, it means Beckham and Wright Philips will again fight for that spot in right midfield.

Leeds have been given permission to talk to former Milwall and Chelsea  midfielder Dennis Wise and his assistant Gus Poyet  regarding their managerial vacancy.

Wise currently manages Swindon town and has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave if interest comes in from Premiership and Championship clubs ( Swindon to be compensated with one year’s salary). Swindon are currently second in League 2.
Leeds are without a manager after Kevin Blackwell was sacked. Caretaker manager John Carver also left the club, Leeds said in a statement.

According to reports in the News of the World, both Arsenal and Manchester United will fight for Mauro German Camoranesi’s signature in the winter transfer window.

Camoranesi, of the few Juventus players to remain at the club after the match fixing scandal which engulfed Italian football, is reported to be unhappy with life in Serie B, not finding life easy out there. He had earlier reinstated his desire to stay at the Turin club despite strong interest from the likes of Valencia, Lyon and Liverpool amongst others in the recent transfer market.

The Tondil born midfielder is a natural at the right of the park, and was a part of the WC winning squad of the Azzurri in July.

Now this game was actually shown  due to a broadcaster’s error, and it turned out to be a pretty neat game to view IMO. A battle between two teams who came up from the championship into the Premiership at Bramall Lane, the game was quite an exciting affair.

Kevin Doyle needed a few touches after latching onto a Bobby Convey pass and slotted it past Ian Benett with only 16 seconds gone,the second fastest goal of this season after Ledley King. The visitors up 1-0. The goal completely caught the Blades off guard and they started to press for an equaliser. And after 26 minutes, instead of an equaliser , the home team fell 2 goals behind ,when Ki Hyun “Sniper” Seol scored his first goal in Reading colours with a crisp shot off a Leroy Lita layoff, which gave Ian Bennett no chance.

I heard Paul Masefield and his fellow team describe the first half  as ” Reading in complete control”, ” Reading running amok”, “like a rash ” and other such descriptions, whereas the commentators at Bramall Lane were of the view that Sheffield hadn’t been outplayed, but had been done in by two pieces of class. Talk about contrast!!!!.. I went with the latter’s view FYI.

Any way coming back to the game, Warnock introduced Keith Gillespie and Alan Quinn into the game, with a view to injecting some much needed pace into the Blades attack.And on 61 minutes, Rob Hulse, who had scored United’s only goal of the campaign in their opening day game against Liverpool, found the net from an incredibly narrow angle after holding off Ibrahima Sonko, who otherwise had a pretty solid game along with defence partner Ivar Ingimarsson.

Reading were rattled by that goal and Ade Akinbiyi nearly found an equaliser for the hosts when Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann got into a tangle with teammate Graeme Murty, but thankfully for Reading no damage was done. Keith Gillespie and Jagielka had shots blocked by Hahnemann, and the royals secured their first away win of the season, which propelled Steve Sidwell’ side into the top half.

Sheffield United 1-2 Reading

( Kevin Doyle, Ki Hyun Seol/// Rob Hulse) 

The transfer window was extended by 10 minutes to facilitate Ashley Cole’s  cash + William Gallas transfer. Now the Premiership champions are saying that Gallas was offloaded because of his lack of respect to the club and Mourinho.

Chelsea say Gallas threatened to score an own goal if selected against Manchester City or even worse, try and get sent off.

This is Chelsea’s official statement

“Chelsea believes it is important for our supporters to be made aware of the full facts regarding William Gallas and the lack of respect he showed to the fans, the manager and the club.Despite leaving he continues to attack Jose Mourinho and this cannot be left unchallenged. ‘Chelsea made William Gallas a very substantial and attractive new contract offer to stay towards the end of last season. This was rejected. ‘The issue was purely one of money, despite his public comments that he wanted a new challenge, to play abroad and so forth. These were just a smokescreen to cover up the fact he was hawking himself to the highest bidder. ‘Having failed to secure his demands, his position became increasingly intransigent and unacceptable. ‘He initially refused to play against Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final last season in an effort to force an increased contract offer. ‘As is now well-documented he refused to join up with the team in Los Angeles during pre-season, despite agreeing the dates for his return as the other World Cup players did, with the club. ‘When Jose Mourinho generously offered him a way back into the ‘family’ after the American tour, this was thrown back in the Chelsea manager’s face. ‘The manager told him that, even if he did not agree a new contract but returned to the ‘family’ and abided by the rules, he would still select the best players available and would not punish him playing-wise. ‘However despite meetings to try to resolve the problems Gallas made it clear to Jose Mourinho he would never play for Chelsea again. ‘Before the first game of the season against Manchester City, when only four defenders were available and John Terry was doubtful with an injury, he refused to play. ‘He went on to threaten that if he was forced to play, or if he was disciplined and financially punished for his breach of the rules, that he could score an own goal or get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes. ‘Clearly this was a totally unacceptable situation for the manager, the team and the club. So a collectively-agreed solution in Chelsea’s interests had to be found, hence his departure. ‘Chelsea has a wage structure in place that is valued not only on the contribution of the player to the manager and the team, but also on a player’s respect for the club and contribution to the promotion and image of the club off the field. Every player is expected to play their part in this. ‘William Gallas rarely recognised these responsibilities. He also failed to recognise the role Jose Mourinho and Chelsea played in helping him become a double Premiership champion for a player whose only league title prior to that had been in the French Second Division.”

Gallas has  reporteddly  denied making the threat and has said that the Premiership champions lack class. He added that he would reveal his reason for quitting the Bridge at the appropriate time.

Now this clearly looks a case of mudslinging.2 parties who were pretty happy with each other not too long ago, are now behaving like enemies. To a neutral the situation does look a bit amusing. If Gallas had indeed scored an own goal, one wonders what would have happened. But if Gallas had not been unsettled, then it would have been highly unlikely that Ashley Cole would have left Ashburton Grove.

Before anybody thinks that it is ex Betis and current Bordeaux midfielder Denilson who has moved to Ashburton Grove, let me correct you there.

The player in question is a 18 year old teenager from Sao Paulo and is captain of the Brazil U-19 team, which speaks volumes about his talent. He has made 12 appearances for his club and the fee is estimated to be a reported 6.5 million US$, about 3.5 million pounds.

The young midfielder would join fellow Brazilian Gilberto at Arsenal. Let us hope that he plays as well as Gilberto in the future. Given that he has been signed by the Gunners, whose manager Arsene Wenger is one of the best people at spotting young talent, the guy looks to be a promising prospect.

Ok clubs, the transfer window has closed .Now you will have to make do with what you have over the next 5 months until the new window opens on the first day of 2007.

One of the  more weird rumours I heard on D-Day was of Lampard going to Barcelona in a straight swap for Ronaldinho. That would have been interesting, for I would have liked to see Ronaldinho in the Premiership. Many South Americans have been flops in the Premier League -the likes of which include Veron, Kleberson, Crespo and a whole host of other people. Speaking of South Americans, West Ham have probably pulled off the biggest transfer coup in their history by signing Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians. The gossip mills have been working overtime as to why the duo decided to come to Upton Park of all places, when Ashburton Grove and Old Trafford were ready to welcome them with open hands. The BBC message boards have people saying that Alan Pardew welcomed them at London airport with a Chelsea board,there fore making them believe that they were going to the Bridge…That is a bit of humour you see. One thing I do not get is where did West Ham get the cash??? There has been a lot of talk about the MSI and the Abramovitch angle and the fact that the Hammers are to give the duo Premiership experience and they will go to Chelsea when they mature as players.

After looking at the transfers this season, I feel Liverpool and Tottenham have made the best of their money. Bellamy, Pennant, Aurelio, Kuyt and Palletta make for a decent list. As for Spurs  Didier Zokora, Dimitar Berbatov,Steed Malbranque and Pascal Chimbonda are the more notable signings. I tipped Spurs for a European spot  at the beginning of this season, but the way they have begun isn’t too inspiring, but they should get better with time.

Portsmouth have made more signings after the arrival of Sol Campbell, but none too very high profile. It still proves that money doesn’t always lure you, and Harry Redknapp has realised that. But I view the signings of Kanu and James as a step in the forward direction and Pompey have started off well this season, so far at least

Manchester City had big plans for the season, but have been hampered by a lack of pace on the flanks. The arrival of Da Marcus Beasley could help in that matter though. Ousman Dabo lacks the guile and patience needed for the Premiership and would be better off returning to Italy

Here is a list of major Premiership transfers which occured in the summer.

Arsenal

in : Tomas Rosicky ( Borussia Dortmund) , Julio Baptista (loan from Real Madrid), William Gallas ( Chelsea)

out: Ashley Cole ( Chelsea ), Robert Pires & Pascal Cygan ( Villareal)

Aston Villa

in : Stilian Petrov ( Celtic)

out : Ulises de la Cruz (Reading) , Kevin Philips ( WBA)

Blackburn Rovers

in : Shabani Nonda ( Roma) ,Andre Oojer ( PSV) , Benni McCarthy ( Fc Porto) ,Jason Roberts ( Wigan), Francis Jeffers ( free)

out: Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), Lorenzo Amoruso, Vratislav Gresko and Paul Dickov ( free)

Bolton Wanderers

in: Andranik Teymourian (Abusmuslim), Nicolas Anelka ( Fenerbahce), Abdoulaye Meite ( Marseille), Quinton Fortune ( free), Idan Tal ( Maccabi Haifa) Dietmar Hamann ( free)
out:Radhi Jaidi ( Birmingham), Jay Jay Okocha,Khalilou Fadiga, Bruno Ngotty ( free), Dietmar Hamann ( Man City)

Charlton Athletic:

in: Souleymayne Diawara ( Sochaux), Djimi Traore ( Liverpool) , Amdy Mustapha Faye ( Newcastle), Andy Reid ( Tottenham), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink ( Middlesbrough)

out:Jason Euell ( Boro) , Chris Powell ( Watford), Jay Bothroyd,Chris Perry, Shaun Bartlett, Francis Jeffers, Jonatan Johansson ( free)

Chelsea

in: Michael Ballack ( free from Bayern), Khalid Boulahrouz ( SV Hamburg), John Obi Mikel ( Manchester United), Andriy Shevchenko ( AC Milan), Ashley Cole ( Arsenal),Salomon Kalou ( Feyernoord)

out: Hernan Crespo ( loan- Inter), Damien Duff ( Newcastle), William Gallas ( Arsenal),Carlton Cole ( West Ham), Eidur Gudjohnsen ( Barcelona) , Asier Del Horno ( Valencia), Glen Johnson ( Pompey) , Robert Huth ( Middlesbrough)

Everton

in : Andy Johnson ( Crystal Palace) , Joleon Lescott ( Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard ( Manchester United)

out:Kevin Kilbane ( Wigan), Li Tie ( Sheffield United), Duncan Ferguson ( free)

Fulham:

in :Wayne Routledge ( Tottenham), Franck Queudrue( Boro), Jimmy Bullard (Wigan)

out: Sylvain Legswinki (Ipswich), Steed Malbranque ( Tottenham), Dean Leacock ( Derby),Zeeshan Rehman (QPR), Alain Goma ( free

Liverpool

in: Craig Bellamy ( Blackburn) ,Dirk Kuyt( Feyernoord),Fabio Aurelio ( Valencia), Jermaine Pennat ( Birmingham), Gabriel Paletta ( Banfield)

out: Jan Kromkamp ( PSV), Florent Sinama Pongolle ( R.Huelva), Anthony Le Tallec ( Sochaux), Chris Kirkland ( Wigan), Fernando Morientes ( Valencia), Djibril Cisse ( Marseille),Djimi Traore ( Charlton), Dietmar Hamann (Bolton)

Manchester City

in: Ousman Dabo ( free), Paul Dickov ( free),Bernardo Corradi ( Valencia), Joe Hart ( Shresbury), Da Marcus Beasley( PSV-loan), Andreas Isaksson ( Rennes),Dietmar Hamann ( Bolton), Hatem Trabelsi ( Ajax)

out: Andy Cole, David James ( Portsmouth), Kasper Schmeichel ( Bury), David Sommeil ( free)Lee Croft ( Norwich), Mikkel Bischoff ( Coventry) Antoine Sibierski ( Newcastle)
Manchester United

in: Michael Carrick ( Tottenham), Tomasz Kuzcsak( West Brom)

out: Tim Howard ( Everton), Giuseppe Rossi ( Newcastle-loan), Ruud Van Nistelrooy ( Real Madrid), Quinton Fortune ( out of contract)

Middlesbrough

in:Jason Euell ( Charlton), Jonathan Woodgate ( RM), Julio Arca( Sunderland),Herold Goulon ( Lyon),Robert Huth (Chelsea)

Newcastle

in : Martins ( Inter), Giuseppe Rossi ( Manchester United), Antoine Sibeirski ( Man City)

Damien Duff ( Chelsea) Olivier Bernard ( Rangers)
out:Boumsong ( Juventus), Amdy Faye ( Charlton), Michael Chopra ( Cardiff) , Lee Bowyer( West Ham)

Portsmouth

in: Sol Campbell ( free), David James, Andy Cole ( Arsenal), Kanu ( free), Glen Johnson ( Chelsea), Niko Kranjcar ( Hajduk), Manuel Fernandes ( Benfica),David Thompson ( free)

out: Svetoslav Todorov ( Wigan),Vincent Pericard( Stoke), San Der Westerveld( Almeria),

Reading

in : Ulises De La Cruz ( Villa), Ki Hyon Seol ( Wolves), Peter Mate ( Debrecen)

out:Chris Makin ( Southampton)

Sheffield United

in:David Sommeil ( free). Rob Hulse and Ian Benett( Leeds), Li Tie ( Everton)

out: Garry Flitcroft and Ashely Ward ( retired), Simon Francis ( Southend)

Tottenham Hotspur

in:Dimitar Berbatov ( Leverkusen), Didier Zokora ( St Etienne), Steed Malbranque ( Fulham), Pascal Chimbonda ( Wigan), Mido ( Roma), Benoit Assou-Ekotto ( Lens)

out:Wayne Routledge ( Fulham) ,Rodrigo Defendi ( Roma), Michael Carrick ( Manchester United), Stephen Kelly ( Birmingham) ,Mounir El Hamdoui ( Wilhelm 2)

Watford

in : Tommy Smith ( Derby), Damien Francis ( Wigan),Danny Shittu ( QPR), Ben Foster ( MU)

out:Joe O’Cearuill ( Arsenal)

West Ham United

in : Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano ( Corinthians), Robert Green ( Nowich), Lee Bowyer (Newcastle) , Jonathan Spector ( MU), Carlton Cole ( Chelsea), George McCartney ( Sunderland)
out: Shaka Hislop ( Dallas), Yaniv Katan ( Maccabi ) ,Carl Fletcher ( Crystal Palace)

Wigan

in : Denny Laandzaat ( Alkmaar), Chris Kirkland ( Liverpool),Svetoslav Todorov ( Portsmouth), Emile Heskey ( Birmingham), Fitz Hall ( Crystal Palace), Kevin Kilbane ( Everton)

out:Pascal Chimbonda ( Tottenham), David Connolly, Graham Kavenagh ( Sunderland), Jason Roberts ( Blackburn),David Thompson ( free), Jimmy Bullard ( Fulham),Damien Francis ( Watford), Henchoz Stephane ( free)

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Bulgarian captain Stilian Petrov from Celtic for a reported fee of 8 million pounds. The initial fee is six and a half million but it could rise to 8.

The move reunites the Celtic medio with his ex coach Martin O Neill. It was during O Neill’s time at Celtic that Petrov established himself and won several awards and trophies including SPL’s player of the year in 2001.

Villa are also supposedly in the hunt for Barcelona reject Javier Saviola, but face stiff compeition from other Spanish and English clubs for him.

Egyptian striker Ahmed Mido has returned to Tottenham on a permanent deal from Roma. Mido was on loan at White Hart Lane last season from the Italian giants and scored 11 goals for Spurs.

The fee is an estimated 7.5 million euros.Mido now joins Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe in the list of strikers Spurs have. The Egyptian striker is known for his strength in the air, but is equally famous for his volatile temperament.

Mido has also played for Celta Vigo, Ajax and Marseille in the past.

Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins has arrived in the Tyneside for a medical.If he does pass it,the Inter Milan and Nigerian forward is expected to complete his move for an estimated fee of 10 million pounds.This will bring an end to Glenn Roeder and Freddy Shepherd’s summer long search for a replacement for Alan Shearer.

Martins who arrived at the San Siro from Reggiana,was also the subject of discussions in the English media which claimed that his actual age was 25-26 years old.The rumour was finally confirmed as untrue

Martins had handed in a transfer request at Inter.following the arrival at Hernan Crespo on loan from Chelsea.He had earlier signed a  5 year contract in December 2005 at Inter.

If the move does materialise,Martins will partner Shoela Amoebi upfront and he will be reunited with Turkish midfielder Belozoglu Emre at St.James Park

Premiership club Bolton Wanderers have offloaded Jared Borgetti to Al Ittihad.Borgetti,an experienced Mexican striker, scored the largest no.of goals en route to FIFA 2006 in qualifying-16.

Bolton on the other hand have moved for the speedy Nicolas Anelka as a replacement for Borgetti. The ex Manchester City striker has agreed to personal terms but it is being rumoured that Fenerbahce’s president is dragging his heals over the deal.

Bolton started their Premiership campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspurs courtesy Kevin Davies and Ivan Campo.

Hamburg SV defender Khalid Boulahrouz has agreed to personal terms with Chelsea.Boulahoruz’s capture is an attempt by Mourinho to shore up the defence which looked completely out of sorts against Liverpool in the Community shield.

Boulahrouz is more famously remembered as one of the four men who saw red against Portugal in that infamous World Cup game which saw four men sent off.Before Hamburg,he was at RC Waalwijk.

It will be interesting to see how Khalid the Cannibal performs

Nigerian striker Kanu has signed for Portsmouth on a one year deal.Kanu is Portsmouth’s third major signing of the season after Sol Campbell and David James.

Kanu left West Bromwich Albion after the club’s demotion from the Premiership last season  and was a free agent.

Portsmouth is Kanu’s fifth club,the others being Ajax,Inter,Arsenal and WBA in that order.

Pompey are still hopeful of signing ex Arsenal striker Kanu.The Nigerian was released on a free by West Bromwich Albion this summer,but is also being chased by Valencia and Hamburg.

Portsmouth have only fit striker in the form of Svetoslav Todorov,with Benjani Mwaruwari and Lomana Lualua both injured.This increases Harry Redknapp’s need for the 6′5” forward

20 year old Scott Carson has joined Charlton on loan from Liverpool. Carson,who helped Sheffield Wednesday avoid relegation during his stint there in May 2006,is a regular member of the English U-21 squad and was on standby for the World Cup.

Charlton now have three keepers in their line up–Norwegian Thomas Myhre,Dane Stephan Andersen and Carson.

After several failed attempts,Sir Alex Ferguson has  finally managed to sign Tomasz Kuszczak from West Bromwich Albion.The transfer fee is unknown ,but youngsters Paul McShane and Luke Steele will permanently move to the Hawthorns.

Kuszczak’s capture means that Ben Foster can head to Watford on loan. The Polish keeper is now No.2 at United with Tim Howard on loan at Everton to Dutchman Edwin Van der Sar.

Swedish and Juventus striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has transferred to Inter Milan for a fee of 24.8 million euros.Ibrahimovic,who did not have a great tournament in Germany where Sweden crashed out to the hosts in the second round,is the second player to make a move from Juventus to Inter this season–Patrick Vieira being the first.

The Swedish striker’s sale is probably the last in the list of players out of the Stade Delle Alpi.That list now reads

Emerson

Cannavaro

Zambrotta

Thuram

Vieira

Ibrahimovic.

The move also fuels rumours that Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins will move out of the San Siro into the Premiership.Inter now have Cruz,Adriano,Crespo,Recoba,Ibrahimovic and Martins in their list of strikers.

Newcastle boss Glen Roeder could make a move for either Dirk Kuyt or Obafemi Martins to solve his striking crisis.

However Feyernoord’s asking price for Kuyt is rumoured to be a little too much for Roeder’s liking and Martins may be targeted by him. Martins has been pushed down the Inter Milan striking list after the arrival of Hernan Crespo and is on the wishlist of many Premiership clubs.

Ex Arsenal and Tottenham defender Sol Campbell has signed for Portsmouth on a two year contract. The veteran centreback had late interest from Manchester City but decided against a move to the Eastlands.

Sol Campbell is the third major signing for Pompey this season,the others being Glen Johnson on loan and David Thompson on a free from Wigan.

It also looks like David James will follow his England teammate into Fratton Park in the next few days.

English centreback Sol Campbell,who is now available on a free,may end up going to the Eastlands instead of the South Coast.

Campbell,who chose not to extend his contract after five seasons in the top flight with the Gunners was undergoing a medical at Fratton Park and was expected to join Portsmouth ,but reports say Manchester City have made a late move for him.

If Campbell does move to City,the Eastlands club may then sell Sylvain Distin to Portsmouth instead for a fee rumoured to be about 4 million pounds.Campbell’s arrival will certainly strengthen the back four of Stuart Pearce’s side as they aim for a spot in Europe this season.

Veteran England defender Sol Campbell is on the verge of signing for Portsmouth .Campbell,who is the only English player to play in six major consecutive tournaments is currently undergoing a medical and a move to the South Coast looks to be a mere formality at this moment.

The news has shocked many people,including Arsene Wenger because Campbell had originally stated that he wanted to play outside the country after leaving Arsenal.He was linked to Olympique Marseille and Fenerbahce,but nothing materialised.

Campbell earlier moved to Arsenal on a bosman from bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur,a move due to which many diehard Spurs fans hold a grudge against him till today.

Marseille right winger Franck Ribery has announced that he wishes to leave the Stade Velodrome.Ribery told French television channel TF1 that he wished to win titles and play in the Champions League.

Ribery signed a contract extension in March,but a set of impressive performances for club and nation have seen him appear on the shopping cart of many top clubs,including bitter rivals Lyon.

Marseille issued a statement of disapproval of Ribery’s behaviour while Lyon’s president Jean Michel Aulas welcomed it.

The scar faced Ribery,who joined Lyon from Galatarasay last summer has also been linked with several other clubs,prominent among them Manchester United and Arsenal.

Arsenal winger Jose Antonio Reyes has said that he hopes to confirm a move to Spain by Tuesday.Real Madrid and Reyes have made no secret of their mutual admiration for each other in the past.

Madrid have said that they would be interested only in players who could play in all competitions for them.Arsenal have qualifying round against Dinamo Zagreb coming up on Tuesday and if he plays,he will not be eligible to play for the Merengues in Europe’s premier club competition in the later rounds.

Reyes has always longed for a move back to Spain.He has no complaints at Highbury at the club he joined from Sevilla for a reported fee of 20 million euros,but he would like to go back to the environs where he is more at home .

Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen’s future at Real Madrid looks to be in doubt after new manager Fabio Capello criticised him for his attitude . Gravesen was reportedly involved in a bust up with ex Santos forward Robinho.

Many Premiership clubs will be more than happy to secure the Dane’s signature,given his track record in England.He was a pivotal part of the Everton side which came 4th in the Premiership the season before last, and many Toffees fans agree that his departure was one of the reasons for the club’s dismal form last season.

Gravesen has struggled to secure a firm first 11 place and Capello’s signing of Emerson will push him further down the pecking order. Newcastle are rumoured to be among the various clubs interested,but it will interesting to see whether he will move back to England.

Empoli forward Francesco Tavano’s agent has said that his client is on the verge of talks with Newcastle United about a possible move to St.James Park.

Tavano scored 19 goals in his last season with Empoli and is rated at about 7 million pounds by his club.He has also been linked with Inter Milan and Valencia.

Tavano is the latest on Glenn Roeder’s list of striking targets. Dirk Kuyt,Marlon Harewood and Mirolslav Klose are also rumoured to be on that list.

Tottenham midfielder Michael Carrick has completed his move to Manchester United for an estimated fee of 13 million pounds. The fee could rise to 18.6 million pounds,which would make him the fifth most expensive player to wear the sacred jersey of the Red Devils.

Carrick was targeted by Sir Alex Ferguson as a replacement for the legendary Roy Keane whose abrupt departure last season left United with a gaping hole to fill in midfield. Tottenham have made a clean profit from the sale of Carrick whom they acquired from West Ham for 2.75 million pounds.They have also signed a replacement in the form of Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora.

Many pundits feel that United have paid a little too much for Carrick,which I second.He is nowhere in the league of Keane,although Sir Alex could make him one.