Archive for January, 2007

Liverpool In Surprise Rejection Of Takeover Bid

It seemed as though it was a done deal that the takeover by Dubai International Capital of Liverpool FC would take place this week. However, in a surprising turnaround, the £156 million bid has been declined. David Moores, who current has 51.6% ownership, was set to receive £88 million from the deal.

It appears Liverpool need more thinking time until they formally accept a bid. This is the second offer from DIC that they have turned down in the past two months.

Mascherano Finally On His Way To Anfield

Javier Mascherano has been tipped as a hot talent for the future, and after the summer’s World Cup, alerted interest from top clubs all over the world. It was therefore a huge surprise when back in August we saw him in a West Ham shirt, saying that he had signed for the Hammers.

After a disappointing spell in London, Liverpool have been eager to relaunch his career, and bring him up North. This move was initially impossible, as FIFA rulings state a player can’t feature for more than two teams in a twelve month period.

However today, after appeals from Liverpool, FIFA have given them the all clear to sign the Argentinian. It now looks as though Rafa will sign him sometime today before the transfer window closes.

Agent: Ronaldo Could Leave United

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most highly sought after players in the Premiership at the moment, and it is said he has big admirers in Spain.

Manchester United have ruled out any move for the young player, and it has appeared that he has a solid future with the club.

However, Ronaldo’s agent has spoken out today, saying that although a move isn’t imminent, it is still a possibility for the not too distant future. “When Real and Barca are involved the future is always open, not closed,” Alves, Ronaldo’s agent, said. “Given a little bit of time the situation may change – let’s see. There is not much we can do at the moment because United are making their position very clear. But you never know in these matters.”

MILAN SIGN RONALDO

AC Milan have secured an 18 month contract with Real Madrid’s Ronaldo, the former best player in the World. The fee is between £4-£5 million. Just four seasons ago, he cost a massive £20 million when he joined Real from Inter Milan.

Barcelona Star Wants United Player To Sign

Cristiano Ronaldo’s rise to great form this season has caught the attention of several big clubs and players. Ronaldo has claimed that one day he will be the best player in the World, and it is the current best player in the World’s Barca team mate who would like Ronaldo to sign for his team. Deco has spoken out on his admiration of the player’s ability.

“I would like to have Cristiano here in Barcelona,” Deco said. “He has great talent and is still very young, but it seems unlikely he would leave Manchester in their current position.”

Pearce Sees No Downsides To Second Role

Stuart Pearce, who has recently taken on a coaching position with the England U-21s, denies Manchester City will pay the price. Fans fear that City, who are currently ten points away from the relegation zone, may struggle with Pearce’s divided attention.

Pearce has today spoken out to calm any worries. “My involvement would only be to the end of the tournament in June and that is fine by me. I don’t see the downside. If City fans don’t know that I will always put this club first, then they don’t know me by now.”

Spurs Captain To Miss Derby Day Cup Clash

News Spurs fans will not want to hear has been announced today. After throwing away a 2-0 lead at home, Tottenham now have to travel to the Emirates tomorrow, without their captain, Ledley King.

“The latest news is that Ledley has got a metatarsal injury. We are hoping he will be back in action very soon,” Martin Jol said.

The good news is that Jermaine Jenas is now available to play after recovering from and ankle injury.

Chelsea Get All The Luck Whilst Arsenal Struggle

Whilst being unlucky on the injury front, Chelsea have had all the luck when it comes to Cup draws. So far in the FA Cup, they’ve faced League 2 side Macclesfield, and League 1 side Nottingham Forest. Today they have been drawn yet another home tie against weaker opposition. They are set to face either Championship Norwich or League 1 Blackpool.

Meanwhile Arsenal, who have already knocked out the current 3rd best team in England, Liverpool, and have a replay against the 5th best team, Bolton, will now have to face another top half of the table team, Blackburn, if they progress in the competition at the Reebok.

Other draws are as follows:

Watford v Ipswich
Preston v Man City
Plymouth v Derby County
Man Utd v Reading
Bristol City or Middlesbrough v West Bromwich Albion
Fulham v Tottenham

Manchester United Face Yet Another Premiership Club In FA Cup

In the 5th round of the FA Cup, Manchester United been drawn yet another Premiership team, after already knocking out Aston Villa and Portsmouth.

United face Reading at home. Local rivals Manchester City will travel to Preston.

No New Signings For Jose’s Struggling Men

Jose Mourinho has been hit with a handful of injuries this season which has had detrimental effects on their season so far. They are currently six points behind leaders Manchester United in the league, waiting for the return of John Terry, Arjen Robben and Joe Cole.

“I know Joe Cole will only be able to play if we reach finals at the end of the season, he will be able to play these big matches for us, but John is the man for now and until 31st January and Robben is not ready now but on 3rd or 4th February we can have him. These are the players that I want, more than any other players available in the market.” Asked if that means he will not be signing anyone in January, Mourinho replied simply: “Yes.”