Vince Grella To Chelsea
The Blues' ego-heavy personalities have been warned not to get offside of their new manager...
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Vince Grella believes Guus Hiddink, the new Chelsea boss, is "the right man" to sort out the London giants' under-performing squad.
Grella was a key member of the Australia side Hiddink led to the finals of the 2006 World Cup, and he reckons the stars at Stamford Bridge had best be on their guard.
“He has a lot of experience. He is also a very strong personality, has a lot of charisma and knows how to handle big-name players. He is the right man for the job at Chelsea,” the 29-year-old said in The Sun.
“Discipline is one of his strong points but he also knows how to get the best out of players. He can have a joke with them, sure, but will also get on their backs if he needs to.
“He had a laugh with us, yet if he felt a player needed it he would also get on to him. He’s one of the best, with perfect awareness of tactics and of the opposition.”
Blackburn Rovers midfielder Vince Grella believes Guus Hiddink, the new Chelsea boss, is "the right man" to sort out the London giants' under-performing squad.
Grella was a key member of the Australia side Hiddink led to the finals of the 2006 World Cup, and he reckons the stars at Stamford Bridge had best be on their guard.
“He has a lot of experience. He is also a very strong personality, has a lot of charisma and knows how to handle big-name players. He is the right man for the job at Chelsea,” the 29-year-old said in The Sun.
“Discipline is one of his strong points but he also knows how to get the best out of players. He can have a joke with them, sure, but will also get on their backs if he needs to.
“He had a laugh with us, yet if he felt a player needed it he would also get on to him. He’s one of the best, with perfect awareness of tactics and of the opposition.”
Hreidarsson Confirms He'd Leave Portsmouth For Rangers Or Celtic
Hermann Hreidarsson has today revealed that Glasgow gaints Rangers and Celtic were interested in a transfer window move for him last month, but any potential deal was scuppered by then-Portsmouth manager Tony Adams.
However, the Icelandic international has also confirmed that should either of the Old Firm renew their interest in taknig him North of the Border, then he would definitely be interested in a move.
"I fancied the idea of going to Rangers or Celtic," Hreidarsson told Scottish tabloid The Sunday Mail.
"I had a word with Tony (Adams) but he wanted to keep me. I can't really say how far it got and whose interest was stronger.
"But I spoke to a few people on the phone and they definitely wanted me."
The defender, whose aerial power and physical strength make him an asset in both penalty areas. and who can play all across the back-four, might well be available soon. His contract expires in the summer, and, with Portsmouth currently without a permanent manager, an offer of a new deal is at present looking unlikely.
"My contract is up this summer and I'll be free to leave," Hreidarsson added.
"If the chance came up again it's something I would consider."
However, the Icelandic international has also confirmed that should either of the Old Firm renew their interest in taknig him North of the Border, then he would definitely be interested in a move.
"I fancied the idea of going to Rangers or Celtic," Hreidarsson told Scottish tabloid The Sunday Mail.
"I had a word with Tony (Adams) but he wanted to keep me. I can't really say how far it got and whose interest was stronger.
"But I spoke to a few people on the phone and they definitely wanted me."
The defender, whose aerial power and physical strength make him an asset in both penalty areas. and who can play all across the back-four, might well be available soon. His contract expires in the summer, and, with Portsmouth currently without a permanent manager, an offer of a new deal is at present looking unlikely.
"My contract is up this summer and I'll be free to leave," Hreidarsson added.
"If the chance came up again it's something I would consider."
Zola Speaks Out Over Chelsea
The charming manager of the Boleyn Ground outfit has reaffirmed his loyalty to current employers West Ham United, but insists he is flattered that the Chelsea fans still hold him in high regard...As the home fans trickled into Stamford Bridge to attend the club's last fixture against Hull City, so too did banners and flags indicating the supporters' stance on Luiz Felipe Scolari's torrid tenure, together with their choice of who they felt would be the best candidate to serve the club.
The names of Gianfranco Zola, Roberto di Matteo, and Steve Clarke were draped over seats and the stands. The message was clear.
A drab 0-0 scoreline wrapped up a frustrating day for the Blues, Scolari was quickly relieved of his managerial duties, and again the calls for former favourite sons such as the aforementioned trident increased in volume.
Russian national manager Guus Hiddink has been appointed to the role on a temporary basis but, speaking for the first time since his name was linked so relentlessly to the Chelsea hotseat, Zola today revealed how "pleased" he was that the home crowds still hold him close to their hearts.
"Well, I am pleased," he said, concerning his name scrawled on the many Blue flags on matchday 25 in west London. But he insisted he is committed to his east London project at Upton Park.
"I am at a club where I, and Steve Clarke, we want to do well. The only things I can express is that they [Chelsea] do really well.
"It is very pleasant because it means they [the fans] have a lot faith and trust in you and means we are doing a good job over here. I am grateful, I wish them to do well, but that's all."
West Ham host Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend, and the pre-match press conference was supposed to focus on the fixture ahead, but reporters continued to train their line of questioning on the likelihood of his future return to his former club.
"Look, I'm very happy with the project at West Ham. I've still got a lot to learn in the job, and a lot to give the club."
Many commentators have cited the departure of Steve Clarke as a key factor in the decline of Chelsea's fortunes.
"I don't like talking about that, but for me Steve Clarke is a big part of the job we do here. He is really top, really top," Zola said.
Regarding Scolari's replacement, Guus Hiddink, the pint-sized Italian concluded: "Guus' credentials are very good. I wish, honestly, that he does a good job."
Everton Ready To Buy Jo
The Toffees are desperate for their winter recruit to stick around for good after an impressive opening to his spell on Merseyside...
UK tabloid The Sun claims that Everton are eager to hammer out a permanent deal for Jo, who they landed on loan from Manchester City last month.
The Brazilian prospect arrived at Eastlands last summer in deal worth over €21 million, a fee that reflected his superb goalscoring record at CSKA Moscow (44 strikes in 77 league games).
However, the 21-year-old has failed to make any sort of impact in Manchester, struggling to hold down a place in the squad despite the Sky Blues' desperate need of a genuine centre-forward.
Thus, Mark Hughes shipped out the troublesome target-man at the first opportunity, and the early signs suggest that he is well on the way to resurrecting his career at Goodison Park.
On his Everton debut, Jo scored twice and won a penalty to steer his new side to a 3-0 bashing of Bolton Wanderers, and manager David Moyes is already hatching a plan to buy him outright.
The Toffees were among those chasing the sometime Selecao star during the off-season, but financial restrictions - combined with City's comparitive lack thereof - forced them to drop out.
However, with the Citizens' Arab owners looking to upgrade their struggling squad significantly at the end of the campaign, Jo could be available for a cut-price deal.
UK tabloid The Sun claims that Everton are eager to hammer out a permanent deal for Jo, who they landed on loan from Manchester City last month.
The Brazilian prospect arrived at Eastlands last summer in deal worth over €21 million, a fee that reflected his superb goalscoring record at CSKA Moscow (44 strikes in 77 league games).
However, the 21-year-old has failed to make any sort of impact in Manchester, struggling to hold down a place in the squad despite the Sky Blues' desperate need of a genuine centre-forward.
Thus, Mark Hughes shipped out the troublesome target-man at the first opportunity, and the early signs suggest that he is well on the way to resurrecting his career at Goodison Park.
On his Everton debut, Jo scored twice and won a penalty to steer his new side to a 3-0 bashing of Bolton Wanderers, and manager David Moyes is already hatching a plan to buy him outright.
The Toffees were among those chasing the sometime Selecao star during the off-season, but financial restrictions - combined with City's comparitive lack thereof - forced them to drop out.
However, with the Citizens' Arab owners looking to upgrade their struggling squad significantly at the end of the campaign, Jo could be available for a cut-price deal.
Manchester City To Make Daniel Sturridge
The Citizens are ready to tie down their striking starlet to record dealAccording to The Sun, Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge is on the verge of penning a £45,000-per-week contract that will make him the highest-paid teenager in English football.
The England Under-19 star's current deal at Eastlands expires in the summer, and manager Mark Hughes is determined to keep hold of one of the club's brightest youth products.
However, talks came dangerously close to collapsing recently when Sturridge reportedly demanded an astonishing £75,000 a week - a proposal that was flatly refused by City.
It is thought that the pacey youngster and his representatives had hoped to force the club's hand amid interest from Aston Villa and Chelsea, but now a compromise seems to have been reached.
The new deal is expected to be signed and sealed within the next two weeks.
Zokora Chose Tottenham Hotspur Over Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Didier Zokora has told how he turned down an offer from Arsenal to sign for their north London rivals Spurs.
He has also made it known that he rejected the chance to link-up with his former manager Juande Ramos at Spanish giants Real Madrid, preferring to sign an extension to his contract at White Hart Lane.
"Yes, when I signed for Spurs, Arsenal also wanted me," Zokora told The Telegraph ahead of the derby between the two clubs this weekend.
"I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the [2006] World Cup but I preferred to come to Spurs because it gave me a good option for my life. I am very happy.
"Everybody knows Real Madrid wanted me but I signed a new contract for this club and if they want me, I stay. The club needs me, my life is here.
"Real are one of the best clubs in the world so that is good for me, no? That means I am not a bad player!"
He has also made it known that he rejected the chance to link-up with his former manager Juande Ramos at Spanish giants Real Madrid, preferring to sign an extension to his contract at White Hart Lane.
"Yes, when I signed for Spurs, Arsenal also wanted me," Zokora told The Telegraph ahead of the derby between the two clubs this weekend.
"I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the [2006] World Cup but I preferred to come to Spurs because it gave me a good option for my life. I am very happy.
"Everybody knows Real Madrid wanted me but I signed a new contract for this club and if they want me, I stay. The club needs me, my life is here.
"Real are one of the best clubs in the world so that is good for me, no? That means I am not a bad player!"
Manchester City Attempted To Loan Nicklas Bendtner
Having failed to sign Blackburn Rovers' Roque Santa Cruz, Manchester City made a last-minute bid for Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner on transfer deadline day, according to a report in British tabloid newspaper The Daily Mail.
Apparently, Citizens manager Mark Hughes was not willing to sanction the £25 million Blackburn were asking for the 6ft 2in Paraguayan striker.
However, the Welsh boss was still keen to add a big target man to his squad and enquired about the availability of Gunners forward Bendtner.
It is thought that a deal may have been possible, but Arsene Wenger was not willing to let the Denmark international leave before the transfer of Andrei Arshavin had been confirmed.
Apparently, Citizens manager Mark Hughes was not willing to sanction the £25 million Blackburn were asking for the 6ft 2in Paraguayan striker.
However, the Welsh boss was still keen to add a big target man to his squad and enquired about the availability of Gunners forward Bendtner.
It is thought that a deal may have been possible, but Arsene Wenger was not willing to let the Denmark international leave before the transfer of Andrei Arshavin had been confirmed.
Inter Didn't Give Chelsea Chances to Quaresma
New Chelsea signing Ricardo Quaresma is eager to show his worth with the Blues but also blamed his failure at Inter on a lack of playing time.He was branded the biggest transfer flop of the Serie A season by sections of the Italian media, and wasn't well liked by most Inter fans either, so Ricardo Quaresma will not be too displeased with his loan move to Chelsea until the end of the season.
In his first interview as a member of the Blues, predictably enough he was not too kind on the Nerazzurri.
"Throughout my career and for all the teams I've played I have always tried to give my best," he said. "Now that I'm in the Premier League, another important league like Serie A, I have to show what I can do.
"At Inter they did not give me too many chances to show myself. Now I want to show I am good enough for Chelsea."
He did thank his former team for giving him a big opportunity: "It was a good thing for me to go to Inter, but right now I want to thank [Luiz Felipe] Scolari and everyone who made it possible for me to come to England."
Quaresma managed 12 Serie A appearances in his first few months at Inter. Coach Jose Mourinho left him out of the Champions League squad, and after that it was no surprise that he left, although not many expected he would join Chelsea.
Arshavin is now officially a Gunner player
Arsenal and the Premier League have confirmed that the Russian has finally swapped Zenit St. Petersburg for the Premier League and signed for the north London outfit, in a move that Sky Sports News reports as being worth £17 million.A club statement from the Gunners, released in the last few minutes, read: "Arsenal FC is delighted to announce that Andrei Arshavin has joined from Zenit St. Petersburg on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee."
The Premier League reportedly ratified the paperwork this afternoon, and the player can now, at last, ink a deal that Zenit affirm has cost Arsenal £16.95 million.
That fee breaks down into a £15 million transfer fee, with a further £1.5 million paid as compensation for the player breaking a long-term contract. In addition, Zenit will receive £450,000 as an 'unpaid bonus' that Arshavin would have received were he to have remained in St. Petersburg.
Outside the Emirates Stadium, where eager Arsenal fans shivered in the cold on the streets where many had been waiting for final confirmation of the deal, news of the signing was received with enthusiasm. Fans spoke warmly of Arshavin's "experience" and "pace", saying that the Russian would provide a "massive boost" in the side's hunt for fourth place in the Premier League, and would certainly prove a "good signing."
Arshavin will wear the number 23 shirt for the Gunners.
Liverpool Transfer Saga A Distant Memory For Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry
One of the most drawn-out football stories from the summer of 2008 was the will-he-won't-he transfer saga of Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to Liverpool. Reports suggest that while the player was keen to make the move, Villa were not so eager to let him go and demanded £18 million for his signature - a fee the Reds were seemingly unwilling to meet.
Looking back over his turbulent summer, Barry is quoted in British tabloid The Daily Mirror as remarking, "The Liverpool thing seems a few years ago now."
The 27-year-old was reportedly suspended by Villa manager Martin O'Neill for requesting a transfer and criticising the club.
However, he insists that is all gone and forgotten, stating, "Me and the manager are both professional people who want the best for Villa and my relationship with the manager is very good."
The England international midfielder also had his captaincy taken away from him but following the injury to Martin Laursen he has been given the extra responsibility once more.
"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club, but that was just not the reputation I would have wanted.
"Now I have got the armband back and everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa. It can raise your game but I know Martin Laursen is still the club captain."
Barry played for Aston Villa the last time they reached the FA Cup final, which was in 2000. They lost to Chelsea 1-0 on that occasion and the midfielder is desperate to the chance to put that right.
"When an FA Cup final comes so early in your career, you are hoping you are going to get those chances regularly. It hasn’t happened but that was a great day. It is certainly something you want to get back to again.
"The FA Cup could be our best chance of silverware. If you look at the UEFA Cup and FA Cup, we will treat them on a par. There is a good chance [of winning] both."
Looking back over his turbulent summer, Barry is quoted in British tabloid The Daily Mirror as remarking, "The Liverpool thing seems a few years ago now."
The 27-year-old was reportedly suspended by Villa manager Martin O'Neill for requesting a transfer and criticising the club.
However, he insists that is all gone and forgotten, stating, "Me and the manager are both professional people who want the best for Villa and my relationship with the manager is very good."
The England international midfielder also had his captaincy taken away from him but following the injury to Martin Laursen he has been given the extra responsibility once more.
"It can go through your head what others have done to get away from a club, but that was just not the reputation I would have wanted.
"Now I have got the armband back and everyone knows I enjoy captaining Villa. It can raise your game but I know Martin Laursen is still the club captain."
Barry played for Aston Villa the last time they reached the FA Cup final, which was in 2000. They lost to Chelsea 1-0 on that occasion and the midfielder is desperate to the chance to put that right.
"When an FA Cup final comes so early in your career, you are hoping you are going to get those chances regularly. It hasn’t happened but that was a great day. It is certainly something you want to get back to again.
"The FA Cup could be our best chance of silverware. If you look at the UEFA Cup and FA Cup, we will treat them on a par. There is a good chance [of winning] both."
Olivier Dacourt, Loan to Fullham
Inter midfielder Olivier Dacourt has moved to Fulham on loan for the remainder of the season, according to the Corriere Dello Sport.
The former French international has been linked with a move away from the San Siro since the beginning of the season, only making one appearance under coach Jose Mourinho in a 4-0 win over Roma as a substitute. He was not included in Inter's Champions League squad either.
The player's agent had announced some time ago that the 34-year-old's intention was to leave Inter to find more playing time as his career winds down to a close.
It is a return to England for Dacourt, who played for Everton in the 1998-99 season and for Leeds United from 2000-03.
Dacourt joined Inter under the Bosman ruling on a free transfer in 2006, playing a part in the Nerazzurri's last two Scudetto victories. His future will be decided when he returns from his loan spell is completed at the end of the current campaign but it is extremely unlikely he will return to Inter.
The former French international has been linked with a move away from the San Siro since the beginning of the season, only making one appearance under coach Jose Mourinho in a 4-0 win over Roma as a substitute. He was not included in Inter's Champions League squad either.
The player's agent had announced some time ago that the 34-year-old's intention was to leave Inter to find more playing time as his career winds down to a close.
It is a return to England for Dacourt, who played for Everton in the 1998-99 season and for Leeds United from 2000-03.
Dacourt joined Inter under the Bosman ruling on a free transfer in 2006, playing a part in the Nerazzurri's last two Scudetto victories. His future will be decided when he returns from his loan spell is completed at the end of the current campaign but it is extremely unlikely he will return to Inter.
Cristiano Ronaldo for Madrid Next Summer
According to The Sun, that most impeccably honest of tabloid newspapers, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United for Real Madrid next summer.The reason? Three little digits sent to the copyright office in Portugal last month.
The FIFA World Player of the Year's agent, Jorge Mendes, had the tag 'CR9' trademarked on his client's behalf in December - and that could spell the end of his career at Old Trafford, apparently.
Ronaldo currently operates under the 'CR7' brand, which are his initials combined with the shirt number he wears for both club and country.
But he would have to pick a different digit (or two, perhaps) if he moved to the Santiago Bernabeu, because legendary Blancos captain Raul already sports the No. 7 jersey.
Thus, the registration of 'CR9' - which Ronaldo can now use on merchandise, among other things - would seem to indicate that not only a change of number, but also a change of scene, is in the offing.Furthermore, the current incumbent of the Merengues' No. 9 shirt - Argentine striker Javier Saviola - is expected to leave the club shortly after failing to make any real impact since joining from Barcelona.
It is a tenous link on it's own, certainly; but combined with the recent reports of Madrid's preparations for a summer swoop, all signs suggest that the Spanish giants are finally getting somewhere in their pursuit of Ronaldo.
Manchester City Open Talks To Sign Kaka
Manchester City have begun talks with Milan to sign Kaka, according to reports.Garry Cook, City's chief executive, was in Milan today to open discussions with the Rossoneri about the possibility of prising their superstar forward away from San Siro, according to Sky Sports News.
It is understood that at the moment, the Citizens are merely making an enquiry into the possibility of signing the man that has in the past been courted relentlessly by Real Madrid and then Chelsea.
Kaka himself has always underlined his eagerness to stay with the the Diavoli and the club have long said that they are unwilling to sell the Brazilian ace. The one question mark over his future comes due to Milan's waning financial power; the potential sale of Kaka would allow them to re-strengthen an aging squad and begin competing financially with the Premier League big boys, as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid.
La Gazzetta dello Sport speculate that City are set to offer an incredible, world record-breaking €100 million for Kaka, who relinquished his FIFA World Player of the Year title to Cristiano Ronaldo yesterday evening.
City may be hesistant to sign the the megastar in January, as he would not be eligible to play in the UEFA Cup, and for Milan to relinquish their star performer mid-season seems even less probableMilan vice president Adriano Galliani was said to have been told this afternoon by Cook that in addition to the transfer fee that almost doubles the current world record, Kaka would be earning €221,000 per week - over €10m per season - which would make him by far the highest paid player in world football.
This latest development bears some resemblance to City's move for Robinho on deadline day, which came just after Abu Dhabi United Group's takeover and rocked the world of football.
The once modest Eastlands club now have the financial clout to eclipse any other club in the world, and though no bid has been made yet, no statement has been released by Milan rebuffing the deal, beyond president Silvio Berlusconi's earlier statement, in which he declared he knows of no offer, but hopes that Kaka will stay at the club
Andrei Arshavin, to Manchester City Or Arsenal
Manchester City are reportedly set to beat Arsenal in the race for Zenit St Petersburg striker Andrei Arshavin, according to the Sunday Mirror.Zenit have previously admitted they have been in discussions with the Gunners over a proposed transfer for Arshavin and it had been reported that the Russian side rejected Arsenal’s initial bid.
Whilst the Gunners are believed to have returned with an improved offer, they still appear to have fallen short of Zenit’s asking price with the striker’s wage demands also a potential problem.
However, City, who appear to have limitless financial resources following their takeover, are reportedly ready to hijack the deal and bring Arshavin to Eastlands.
The Sunday Mirror reports that the Sky Blues have agreed an £18 million deal with Zenit and that club official’s have also met with the striker and agreed to meet his wage demands.
Should the report prove to be correct it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to Arsenal and manager Arsene Wenger, who appeared to have made Arshavin their primary transfer target.City, meanwhile, have already added Wayne Bridge to their ranks from Chelsea, yet have been frustrated so far in their attempts to add further players to their squad.
A bid for Blackburn Rovers’ striker Roque Santa Cruz has been rejected by Sam Allardyce's men and the Sky Blues have also so far failed in their attempts to sign West Ham United pair Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy
