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BETIS SEND LEADERS CRASHING
2008-02-17 11:17:00
Real Madrid threw away a lead as Real Betis did second-placed Barcelona a favour by coming from behind to see off the leaders 2-1 in Seville.Royston Drenthe scored after five minutes with Madrid looking in the same rampant mood which saw them thrash Real Valladolid 7-0 last weekend.But Betis had other ideas and two goals in three minutes from Edu and Mark Gonzalez - both headers - turned the game on its head.After two straight defeats and with the relegation spots looming closer it was the Betis players who were the more inspired, and Real had fallen behind they hardly looked likely to come back, although substitute Ruud van Nistelrooy did hit the post in the second half.That gave Barca the opportunity to close the gap to five points, and they did so with a hard-earned 2-1 victory away to Zaragoza.Thierry Henry put the visitors in front with a well-taken goal after 34 minutes at La Romareda.Diego Milito blazed a penalty kick over the bar on 42 minutes but Zaragoza did get back on le...
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ESPANYOL SLUMP GOES ON
2008-02-17 08:24:00
Espanyol's dream of Champions League football now looks even more distant after the Barcelona side lost for the fifth time in six league matches on Saturday - 4-2 at home to Sevilla.The Catalans found themselves two goals down after Luis Fabiano and Frederic Kanoute struck within 11 minutes for a Sevilla side looking close to their brilliant best, and were unable to get back into the game despite Luis Garcia's strike four minutes before the break.Christian Poulsen added a third for Sevilla after Espanyol full-back Pablo Zabaleta was sent off.And, although Ferran Corominas hit back immediately for the home side, Diego Capel struck two minutes later to ensure a third win in four games for Sevilla and another miserable evening for Espanyol.The first chance of the game fell to Espanyol on four minutes, when Luis Garcia found himself one-on-one with Andres Palop, but saw his effort pushed wide by the Sevilla goalkeeper.From the resulting corner, Ewerthon then missed a great chance to p...
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LES VERTS STROLL TO VICTORY
2008-02-17 08:22:00
Inspired striker Bafetimbi Gomis grabbed a brace as St Etienne forgot about their relegation troubles by sinking Nancy 4-0 at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard on Saturday.Gomis netted neat finishes in each half and ran the Nancy defence ragged throughout, while Loic Perrin and Pascal Feindouno - from the penalty spot - added further goals for Les Verts, who picked up only their second win in eight games.Nancy barely threatened and will have to improve defensively, on this showing at least, if they are to keep hold of third place in the table.St Etienne, who have now given themselves a bit of breathing space at the bottom, had only scored once in their last three league games but they were irresistible going forward here.Gomis was a pest all night and he almost put ASSE ahead when he fooled Andre Luiz to create space, only to power his shot straight at Nancy goalkeeper Gennaro Bracigliano.A very avoidable opener came two minutes later. Issiar Dia tried to usher the ball out for a goal-kic...
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UNITED RESTORE CUP PRIDE
2008-02-17 08:19:00
The FA Cup may not be Sir Alex Ferguson's priority this season but you would hardly have known it from the way his Manchester United side wrested a 4-0 victory against Arsenal at Old Trafford which could prove so much more than a route to the quarter-final.Football is all about momentum and the winning of psychological battles. It is about desire and hunger too.And the simple fact is that United demonstrated all those qualities on a weekend which restored pride and romance in the world's most famous domestic club competition.The romance came from little Barnsley with a 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield which further jeopardises the job of manager Rafael Benitez.The pride came from a United side, shorn of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ryan Giggs and Owen Hargreaves, but who were transformed from the flat, disjointed team who were overwhelmed by the Munich tributes in a 2-1 defeat by Manchester City last Sunday.Darren Fletcher, in a rare first-team outing, was a revelation. Nani and Anderso...
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We Want Zambrotta ? Berlusconi
2008-01-12 20:24:00
The Barcelona wing-back is desperate to return to Italy as his wife is homesick living in Spain. Zambrotta has been heavily linked with a move to Milan in recent months, and large sections of the Italian press believe that a move to the Rossoneri in the summer is a certainty. ?Zambrotta would be a good resource for the future because we will have to cover certain roles,? said Berlusconi . ?We are focusing on young people though, and we must not forget the likes of Marzoratti, Matri, Borriello and Pozzi.? Berlusconi also had some words of support for under-fire goalkeeper Nelson Dida. The Brazilian has had a nightmare of a season, committing a number of disastrous mistakes, and there have been reports that the club are looking to replace him. ?Do not forget that when we won the Champions League in Athens [against Liverpool] he was decisive in making a great save from [Steven] Gerrard,? noted the former Italian prime minister. ?Unfortunately he has had problems with his shoulder. Anoth...

Liverpool Set To Sign Garay?
2008-01-12 20:21:00
Reds boss Rafa Benitez has identified his defence as the area that most needs strengthening, and only yesterday completed the signature of Zenith St Petersburg?s Slovakian stopper Martin Skrtel. Acording to Radio Marca, Benitez has now set his sights on Argentine centre back Garay. The defender signed for Racing Santander in 2005 from Newell?s Old Boys and has since established himself as a key member of the team. The 21-year-old recently won his first cap for his country in Argentina?s friendly with Norway in August, and is regarded as a future regular for Los Gauchos. Garay, who can also play at right back, is well known for his free-kick ability, scoring from a number of set-pieces for Racing. Italian giants Juventus are also said to be very interested, however it seems that Liverpool have won the race after offering young midfielder Lucas Leiva as part of the deal. Lucas has struggled to find space at Anfield, given the presence of Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Javier Maschera...
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Maduro: ?January Move Not Excluded?
2008-01-12 20:17:00
?I won?t stay in the Netherlands and I won?t play for one of the Ajax competitors. I don?t really mind where I?ll go, even though I?d prefer Spain or Italy,? the 22-year-old told the Algemeen Dagblad. ?I?ve said in the past that I came close to joining Valencia as a teenager. I?ll just have to wait and see what happens.? Adrie Koster is widely expected to bench Maduro for Sunday?s clash with AZ. ?That?s why I must decide whether I should leave Ajax sooner rather than later. But I?d like to finish off my career in Amsterdam on a positive note - perhaps an Eredivisie title. And I?ll do everything I can to achieve such a goal.? Euro 2008 on his mind ?I haven?t lost my motivation. But if I become a reserve player that wouldn?t be to my benefit. The European Championship finals are just around the corner and I?d very much like to be involved. Therefore I need to play.? ?I need to make a decision in the coming days. I want to play for a club which has faith in me one hundred perce...
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MUTU TAKES CENTRE STAGE
2008-01-12 14:34:00
Striker Adrian Mutu will be centre of attention when fifth-placed Fiorentina visit Parma on Sunday.Not only is the Romanian returning to the club where he enjoyed one of the most prolific spells of his career, he is also the centre of persistent speculation linking him with a transfer to Roma.First in Mutu's mind is starting 2008 in positive fashion."I hope there isn't a transition period after the break," he said. "I feel good and I don't think the weight of the work will affect our play."We want a good away win followed by success in the Coppa Italia to progress on all fronts."The 29-year-old, who celebrated his birthday this week, was also quick to distance himself from the rumours linking him with a move to the Eternal City."It certainly is nice to be sought after but Fiorentina remain my only choice," he said. "I have a contract which I respect and I am only thinking of my football."At the moment it is good that we are all concentrated on the game and on the results. Certain...
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BETIS WANT CROWD SUPPORT
2008-01-12 14:33:00
Struggling Real Betis need to win back the support of their own fans with a positive performance against Getafe, the team have acknowledged.Home supporters at the Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium began cheering Valencia and booing Betis during Wednesday's 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat.It was their second setback in a few days after being thumped 3-0 by city rivals Sevilla in the Primera Liga last weekend, leaving Paco Chaparro's side just one point above the drop zone."The players deserve the fans support while they are playing because they will never give up. They need help to turn around our situation," Chaparro said."Are we with the team or not? The fans need to get behind them, not have a go at them."Although the popular Chaparro apologised for his outburst and sought to smooth the waters later in the week, the players have recognised they need to do the utmost to turn the whistles back into roars of support."No one likes it when the fans whistle their own players, but it is understand...
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HOME COMFORTS FOR PSG
2008-01-12 14:31:00
Paris St Germain head into their Ligue 1 clash with fellow strugglers Lens hoping a new year will bring a change in fortunes in their home form.PSG are yet to win at the Parc des Princes this campaign, and only their impressive away results are keeping them out of the relegation zone.They are fifth from bottom, two places and two points above their opponents this weekend, but know a good run will lift them towards the European places, such is the congested nature of the table.Captain Sylvain Armand is well aware how vital a good start to the second half of the season is."January is an important month, which includes the Coupe de France, as well as the Coupe de la Ligue," he told www.psg.fr."We also have league matches to play against our direct rivals at the bottom - Lens, Lille and Metz."We must negotiate them all in the best possible way. If it works out well, our aims for the season could change."Boosted by last weekend's 2-0 win over Epinal in the last 64 of the Coupe de France...
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Aouate: Either Munua Goes, Or I Do
2008-01-12 12:03:00
Deportivo La Coruna 'keeper has spoken out after being assaulted by his fellow stopper and squadmate, Gustavo Munua.Munua was said to be angry with Aouate after the latter spoke out in the press stating that he did not deserve to be dropped in favour of the Uruguayan.But things came to an ugly head on Friday, with Aouate describing the situation."Training had fnished, and after taking a shower I was getting dressed."Munua showed up, and when he arrived, I said, 'What are you looking at?' Suddenly, I received a punch in the eye, which began to bleed heavily."When I saw that blood, I fell to the floor. The whole team was there. Soon the doctor came, and the physio, Pablo, helped me. I went to the locker room with the doctor while the team stood in shock."This was no fight. It was a surprise. I was hit without any explanation. A big surprise. I was shocked that a team-mate of mine would do that."The player would not rule out legal action, but definitively stated that he would not re...

Defoe To Be Redknapp's First Newcastle Signing?
2008-01-12 12:01:00
Reports in Saturday's Sun indicate that Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is as good as confirmed as the next manager of Newcastle . So much so that he's already lining up new signings for the St. James' Park outfit, starting with Tottenham outcast Jermain Defoe. The striker was told by Juande Ramos in the week that he is free to leave White Hart Lane, with Newcastle believing that an £8m bid would bring Defoe to Tyneside. Redknapp knows Defoe having managed West Ham United as the player came through the Hammers ranks, and is said to be keen on a reunion, especially since Michael Owen's injury woes show no signs of subsiding and Obademi Martins is on international duty. More To Follow?The Sun says Defoe might not be Redknapp's only raid on White Hart Lane, however, as he has also set his sights on defender Pascal Chimbonda. Meanwhile, ex-Tottenham defender and current Portsmouth star Sol Campbell may follow his current boss to the north east. Official ApproachAn official approa...
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Barcelona Fail With Cheeky Benzema Approach
2008-01-12 11:59:00
Benzema is one of the hottest strikers in Europe after having banged in 19 goals already this season. Many already compare the 20-year-old to a young Ronaldo - who also joined Barcelona at a similar age.Most of the rumours have linked the player with AC Milan and Real Madrid, but Barcelona made a cheeky attempt this week, while negotiating the loan move of youngster Marc Crosas.Barca technical director Txiki Begiristain was in France early this week to negotiate the Crosas deal, and posed as a condition a preferential option over Benzema - which would allow them to sign the player if they matched the highest offer.However, Lyon president Jean Michel Aulas categorically refused the possibility, insisting that he would simply not sign off anything to do with his star player. Lyon are set to offload Fred, and Aulas is in no mood to let Benzema go any time soon. Perhaps more importantly, such an option would limit Lyon's options when trying to create an auction for the player in the su...

Carrizo: I Rejected Barcelona For Lazio
2008-01-11 20:24:00
The 23-year-old was due to sign for the Biancocelesti from the Argentine giants in the summer, however the move stalled after problems arose concerning the player?s Italian citizenship. Carrizo claimed to have an Italian great grandfather, which would have allowed him to be registered as a non-EU player. This was rejected in the summer, meaning that Lazio went into the campaign with the 43-year-old Marco Ballotta as their first choice-stopper. Following a whole host of disastrous performances from Ballotta and number two Fernando Muslera, the club are still trying to push Carrizo?s transfer through in January. ?I said no to Barcelona . Either I will join Lazio, or I will stay at River,? said Carrizo. ?I do not know a lot about my future. If the problems with my passport can be solved then I will arrive in the capital. ?If not I will continue to play here and try to win the Copa Libertadores and return all the affection that was given to me since I was young.? Carrizo is regarded as o...
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Manchester City Seal Akram Signing
2008-01-11 20:23:00
Iraqi midfielder Nashat Akram has done emough while training with Manchester City this week to earn himself a contract with the Premier League club. He will now join Sven-Goran Eriksson's side after finalising terms with his previous club, Al Ain, in Abu Dhabi, and when a work permit is issued. "I've signed a contract with Manchester City for two years and a half after finishing the medical tests," Akram told Middle Eastern television channel MBC. "The financial terms are good although I don't prefer to talk in such matters. "The negotiations with Manchester City started a long time ago and these negotiations were enclosed until we had a successful agreement.City manager Eriksson, had earlier said the 23-year-old, who was a key figure in Iraq's AFC Asian Cup triumph last year, had impressed him during the initial week-long trial."He's a very good football player, he will need to get used to the style of English football but he's a very elegant player and in the Asian Cup he wa...
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Official: Chelsea Strike Anelka Deal
2008-01-11 20:21:00
Negotiations between the two clubs began earlier this week, when Bolton were quick to knock back a 12 million pound bid from Chelsea .The Blues confirmed that an offer had been made, and that talks would continue. However, neither party seemed to be willing to budge from their position, 3 million separating them.Later in the week, Avram Grant indicated that he would like to have the Frenchman available as soon as possible, and Chelsea have followed that up by meeting Bolton's asking price.A 15 million deal has now been struck between the two clubs.Read a statement on the club's website: "Chelsea Football Club and Bolton Wanderers can confirm that terms have been agreed between the clubs for the transfer of Nicolas Anelka."The player has since agreed personal terms, and will sign a four-and-a-half year deal with Chelsea after completing a medical.He will be available for Saturday's clash against Tottenham.Chelsea are his fifth English club, after Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City...
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EIGHT OUT FOR BARCA
2008-01-11 18:25:00
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will be deprived of the services of eight first-team players for his side's Primera Liga clash at home to Real Murcia on Saturday night.Ronaldinho, Deco, Lionel Messi, Oleguer, Edmilson and Albert Jorquera are all sidelined through injury, while Yaya Toure has joined up with the Ivory Coast squad for the forthcoming African Nations Cup and Marc Crosas has joined Lyon on loan for the rest of the season.Those absences mean Rijkaard has just 17 players at his disposal for Saturday's game.Samuel Eto'o is available, though, after the club reached an agreement with Cameroon to delay the striker's trip to Ghana for the African Nations Cup.Eto'o - who scored in last week's win over Real Mallorca - will start up front, where he is likely to line up alongside former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry and Mexico starlet Giovani Dos Santos.Following the injury to Edmilson in Wednesday's Copa del Rey game at Sevilla and the departure of Toure to link up with his ...

ZIDANE EYES RETURN TO GAME
2008-01-11 18:24:00
France legend Zinedine Zidane has revealed he would love to return to football in some capacity.The 35-year-old retired from the sport after his red card in the 2006 World Cup final defeat to Italy, which followed an injury-plagued season at Real Madrid.He has since taken time out from the game and done charity work, but the former Juventus star feels a return could soon be on the cards."When you stop football there is this break which is really pleasing," he told L'Equipe. "But at a given moment you feel something is missing."A return to football really attracts me. Later I will tell you how and in what way."Zidane, who is one of only four players to win 100 caps for Les Bleus, also expressed regret at the way his career ended.In his last-ever game Zidane - who earlier in the same match had become the fourth player to score in two World Cup finals - was dismissed for headbutting Italy's Marco Materazzi."I would have wanted to leave in another manner," he added. "But it's done no...
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O'NEILL WILL FIGHT TO KEEP MELLBERG
2008-01-11 18:20:00
Martin O'Neill has confirmed Juventus' interest in signing Olof Mellberg - but the Aston Villa manager has not given up hope of the defender signing a new contract with the midlands club.The Italian giants have formally asked Villa for permission to speak to Mellberg who is in the final year of his current deal.O'Neill understands the 30-year-old's desire to explore all options before deciding on where his future lies.But he insisted the Sweden international had impressed sufficiently to earn a new deal with Villa and he will also have no hesitation in continuing to play him even if he signs a pre-contract agreement with Juventus.O'Neill, whose side host Reading on Saturday, said: "Juventus have sent a letter through saying they want to speak to Olof."It is their prerogative. I am not even sure that they have to do that but at least they have made their intentions clear. They are well within their rights to do so."Olof has been here seven years. He has earned the right to do th...
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Kanoute To Spurs: Come And Get Me
2008-01-11 10:50:00
The Mali international scored 21 goals in two years at White Hart Lane between 2003 and 2005, but failed to find top form and was subsequently offloaded to Sevilla.He has since become one of Spain's most lethal strikers, playing a starring role under Juande Ramos as the Sanchez Pizjuan club won back to back Uefa Cups.With Ramos off to Tottenham, the 30-year old is repeatedly being linked with a return to The Lane, and seems to be pretty keen on joining forces with his mentor.“I would like to play in the Premier League again one day - who knows?" he told The Sun. “I had a good time there so why not? If the opportunity comes I’d look into it. “At the moment I am happy in Spain but if Tottenham offer me a great opportunity then I would consider it. Let’s wait and see.�Ramos has already told Jermaine Defoe that he can leave the club, which could pave the way for Kanoute's move. “I’ve probably improved since I went to Spain but I feel there are parts of my game that can...
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Ferguson Ready With 18M Huntelaar Offer
2008-01-11 10:48:00
Alex Ferguson is known to be a long time admirer of the young Dutch ace, and tried to sign him after selling Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid 18 months ago. An attempt last January was also knocked back, while the summer budget was utilised to strengthen other departments of the squad.However, the prolific striker, who has scored 53 goals in just 65 games, and 18 in 22 for the Dutch under-21 team - a record - remains a top target for Fergie.The Manchester United boss has insisted that there will be no signings this month, but is supposedly considering Huntelaar as his 'summer signing', aware that getting him now could be the only way to avoid the bidding war that could ensue in June.The Sun insist that The Red Devils have lined up an 18 million euro bid to convince Ajax to let their star man go.Ajax supposedly want a sum closer to 25 million, but are in the need of some quick cash to ease financial worries, and Manchester United are ready to make the most of that to emerge as th...
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No Lucarelli For Parma After All?
2008-01-11 10:45:00
The Ukrainian champions are reportedly demanding £5m for a permanent transfer and £1.2m to secure the former Livorna icon on loan. Parma have shown the most intent up until this point but have balked at the fee, while other interested parties such as Torino, Genoa, Tottenham, Celtic, Porto and Napoli have all, at least temporarily, also withdrawn their interest Although Shakhtar have in principle agreed that the sale of the Italian striker is likely the best thing for all involved, they would loathe to take a heavy loss on the player that they signed for an estimated £6.5 million just a little over six months ago. Lucarelli is said to be growing increasingly frustrated by the current state of limbo, as not only is he homesick, but also desperate to get back in the frame in light of the upcoming European Championship. What he certainly does not want to do, is stick around for the remaining 12 games of the Ukrainian season, which restarts in March – especially since ther...
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SOUTHGATE: NO BORO BIDS
2008-01-10 19:50:00
Gareth Southgate has rubbished claims Middlesbrough have struck a £14million deal with Heerenveen for striker Afonso Alves.A 'source close to the player' was quoted in The Sun as saying the clubs had agreed a price - and discussions over the Brazilian's personal terms had also reached a satisfactory conclusion.But Southgate says he has not tabled any bids, let alone one for Alves.He said: "We've not had any bids for any of our players and we've not made any bids for any players."We've made enquiries and had one or two enquiries about some of players going out on loan and that's it."

BECKS KEEN TO HELP CUP BID
2008-01-10 19:42:00
David Beckham would be honoured to help England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.The England midfielder has not been confirmed as a bid ambassador by the Football Association yet but Beckham would love to be involved.Beckham played a high-profile role when London won the 2012 Olympic vote in Singapore and he is keen to help the 2018 campaign.Speaking after showing Prime Minister Gordon Brown around his football academy in Greenwich, London, the 32-year-old said: "I was proud to be involved in 2012 and being involved in 2018 is something I would be very interested in too."Being English, to bring the World Cup back to England would be something really special and I would be honoured to be involved in that."Brown has thrown his weight behind the 2018 bid and said although it was a matter for the FA, Beckham enjoyed respect across the world.The Prime Minister said: "David Beckham is known in every part of the world."It's a matter for the FA but I'm sure David Beckham will be associated w...
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SLOMKA WANTS MORE FROM DANES
2008-01-10 19:39:00
Schalke coach Mirko Slomka has called on strikers Soren Larsen and Peter Lovenkrands to make "significant improvements" if they are to play a more prominent role for the club in the second half of the season.Larsen has dropped to fifth in the club's striking pecking order while Lovenkrands has found his first-team chances limited, but both were on target in a 3-1 friendly win over Freiburg on Tuesday.With star striker Kevin Kuranyi laid low by a lung infection, Slomka is now ready to let the Danish pair challenge Gerald Asamoah and Halil Altintop for the starting berths in attack as the Royal Blues bid to challenge on three fronts between now and May."Both have already shown what they are capable of," Slomka said after watching Larsen and Lovenkrands' goalscoring displays."I expect them both to make significant improvements."Larsen has been linked with a move to Lovenkrands' former club Rangers, but Slomka is keen to keep his current squad intact as they chase Bundesliga, Champio...

Modric Disappointed About Tranfer Embargo
2008-01-10 17:38:00
The Croatian international forward was linked with a move to Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City and Barcelona, among others, but will not be going anywhere this month.After weeks of speculation, Modric has been told to stay put after Dinamo put a ?28m price tag on him to scare off any would-be suitors.?First I was very surprised by the club?s decision,? he said. ?Everything was getting ready for my transfer and I was sure I would leave Dinamo in January.?I am a little sad to say it but today it is not like that anymore. I must say I'm not unhappy with the club?s decision and I'm staying.?After all, Dinamo is my club. And I'm also happy that I will be the captain, able to lift trophy in the Croatian championship at the end of the season - I hope we will also win the cup.?But yes, I have been surprised when they told me I am staying in Zagreb."As for which clubs were closest to securing a deal Modric was not prepared to say, but he reiterated that his desire to move is motivated...
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Milan Want Boca Starlet Maidana
2008-01-10 17:32:00
Maidana is 22-years-old and is said to have hugely impressed the Rossoneri during the recent FIFA Club World Cup last month. The starlet, who has represented Argentina at Under-20 level, signed for Boca from Los Andes in 2005 and has since won two Copa Sudamericana?s and a Copa Libertadores with his current team. Maidana is regarded by many as a future full international and is also attracting the interest of Juventus and Fiorentina. Another Boca Juniors player who is receiving admiring glances from Serie A is defender Matias Silvestre. The 23-year-old is a target for Lazio, who are desperate to strengthen their leaky backline during this month?s transfer window. Silvestre grew up in the Boca youth system, before making his debut for the full side in 2003. He has since gone on to win a host of trophies with the club, but like Maidana he is expected to move on to Europe in the very near future.
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Geovanni To Leave City For Deportivo?
2008-01-10 17:30:00
"Super Depo" are flirting with relegation at present, making winter signings all but vital. As such, Geovanni of Manchester City has been mooted as a winter target.Coach Miguel Angel Lotina told Deportivo -La-Coruna.com, "He is another of the names that we are working on. Richard [Moar] is the one doing his job and we will tell the names as soon as they decide is the correct moment to do it."Geovanni is out of favour at City, having made just two Premier League starts all season. The attack-minded player is largely employed only as a substitute, and with only six months left on hsi deal, could leave Eastlands at a budget price.The former Barcelona and Cruzeiro man has not made his thoughts clear regarding a move to Galicia, but it is thought that his club would listen to an offer for him, at least.Lotina ruled out a move for Rodrigo Palacio due to pricing concerns - 15 million euros is a bridge too far for the Riazor club - while Miguel Mista of Atletico Madrid remains an outside bet...
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LOTINA: DEPOR WILL RECOVER
2008-01-10 14:58:00
Under-pressure Deportivo La Coruna coach Miguel Angel Lotina is confident he can lead the struggling Galician side out of trouble, although reports in Spain suggest he may not have long to achieve that goal.Depor are currently second-bottom of the Primera Liga standings having won just one of their last seven league games, and this weekend they travel to fifth-placed Villarreal in what promises to be a difficult match.However, with just five points separating Depor from ninth-placed Real Murcia, Lotina knows that a couple of good results could see the 2000 Spanish champions rocket up the table."It is logical that there is pressure because of our place in the standings, but that is part of the job," said Lotina, who took over last summer."I know that to get out of this situation takes work and if I have the support of the changing room, although I am not going to say it with 100% certainty, we believe we can do it," he said."As well as that, we are only two points from safety and alt...

DELGADO POISED FOR LYON SWITCH
2008-01-10 14:54:00
French champions Lyon are set to complete the signing of Cesar Delgado from Mexican side Cruz Azul.The Argentinian forward, who can also play on either wing, flew into Lyon on Wednesday and should finalise his transfer on Thursday after completing a medical.He is to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal, and could cost Les Gones up to 10million euros.The purchase of Delgado should pave the way for the departure of wantaway striker Fred from the Stade Gerland."This is a great club, a prestigious club that has lifted a lot of French titles," Delgado said on club website www.olweb.fr."I really want to give something to this team. Coming here is a dream come true for me."
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