Tag Archives: additions

Liverpool transfer latest: Brendan Rodgers to wait until summer for big spree

Posted on by

Sturridge and Ince set to sign but Kop boss Rodgers plans to save spree until summer

|

UPDATED:

16:23 GMT, 28 December 2012

Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince remain Anfield-bound in January, but Brendan Rodgers is adamant his main transfer strategy for reviving Liverpool’s fortunes will be played out at the end of the season.

Chelsea striker Sturridge has already had a medical on Merseyside, while Blackpool forward Ince will follow him into Anfield, as Rodgers looks to give his team more attacking impetus.

But the additions Rodgers sees as vital to restoring Liverpool to their former status as regulars in the Champions’ League will be made after he completes an in-depth review of his first season in charge.

Waiting game: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he plans to his big spending in the summer - not in January when the transfer window re-opens

Waiting game: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists he plans to his big spending in the summer – not in January when the transfer window re-opens

Rodgers cites instilling greater consistency as his main objective, and, much as Sturridge and Ince are expected to add energy and drive to the second half of Liverpool’s season, he admitted he will be looking for proven top-flight performers when the window reopens in the summer.

‘We have enquired about some players and hope to be able to do something in January,’ said the Liverpool manager.

‘There are a lot of names being mentioned, but we should be able to make some additions and make them pretty early.

Kop that: Chelsea's Daniel Sturridge is set to join Liverpool

Going back: Tom Ince is set to re-join Liverpool in January from Blackpool

At the double: Liverpool are set to sign Daniel Sturridge and Tom Ince (R) in the January transfer window

‘But the main review will take place in the summer, and it is clear we need that bit of experience up at the top end of the field.

'The best and most important period will be between now and the end of the season, when we can look at what needs to be done, in terms of progressing the club further, and then go again.’

Andre Villas-Boas rules out January transfer spending

Posted on by

AVB: I won't splash cash! Spurs boss rules out January move for Moutinho, Willian or Remy

|

UPDATED:

15:12 GMT, 23 December 2012

Andre Villas-Boas insists he still has no plans to enter the transfer market next month despite seeing his team fail to break down a stubborn Stoke side at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham could have moved third in the table yesterday with a win over the Potters, but they had to settle for a 0-0 draw thanks to a frustrating rearguard action from the visitors.

Despite having fit-again Gareth Bale back in the side, Villas-Boas' team rarely threatened the away goal, and Asmir Begovic's only important save came in injury time when substitute Gylfi Sigurdsson tested him with a close-range header.

January sales AVB has ruled out Spurs making moves in the transfer window

January sales AVB has ruled out Spurs making moves in the transfer window

Villas-Boas said earlier this week that there was only a slim chance that he would make new additions to his squad in the January window, and he now appears to have ruled out signing anybody despite yesterday's stalemate.

Although he has been linked with the likes of Joao Moutinho, Loic Remy and Willian, the Spurs boss says the options he has in reserve are good enough to see his team through the rest of the season.

'I don't think we need to do anything,' said the Portuguese, who was missing Clint Dempsey yesterday due to a groin injury.

'We have Clint out. He is a massive player for us. He has had a big impact. He scored 17 goals last season so we have to count on him.

'He plays striker, plays wings and plays through the middle so he gives us that option.

'(Andros) Townsend the other day had a good game. Today we had opted for Sigurdsson coming in but I think we have options.'

Villas-Boas is keen to offload some of his fringe players next month, with Carlo Cudicini, Heurelho Gomes, David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas and Danny Rose all potentially heading for the exit.

Wanted men: Spurs have been linked with Moutinho (left) and Remy (right)

Wanted men: Spurs have been linked with Moutinho (left) and Remy (right)

Wanted men: Spurs have been linked with Moutinho (left) and Remy (right)

Another player who may be on the move is Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel. The 41-year-old, who has been displaced by Hugo Lloris as Spurs' number one in recent weeks, has been linked with a return to former club Blackburn.

He tweeted this afternoon: 'I know there has been quite a but of speculation regarding my future. All will be revealed in next couple of days:). Happy Holidays!!!'

Lloris has a relatively easy afternoon yesterday, with Stoke rarely threatening the home goal.

Tottenham threw everything at the visitors in the final stages, but Stoke lived up to their billing as one of the best defences around by shutting out Bale, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe.

Shut out: Spurs failed to find a way through the Stoke defence

Shut out: Spurs failed to find a way through the Stoke defence

Shut out: Spurs failed to find a way through the Stoke defence

'Stoke have one of the best defences in Europe and they are very well organised. They don't make it easy for anyone,' Villas-Boas said.

'We gave them a run for their money and our players tried very hard. Sometimes you try everything and the ball doesn't go in the back of the net. We had a go and I'm very pleased with the players.'

Paul Lambert wants more Aston Villa signings

Posted on by

Lambert already seeking new Villa additions despite summer spending spree

|

UPDATED:

15:44 GMT, 2 November 2012

Big money move: Benteke cost Aston Villa 7million

Big money move: Benteke cost Aston Villa 7million

Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert admits he needs to further bolster the strength of his squad.

Villa brought in nine new signings during the summer at a net outlay of 21.7million – the fifth-highest of any Barclays Premier League club during that transfer window.

It took the transfer outlay of the midlands club to a net 70million during the past five seasons under owner Randy Lerner.

But Villa are still stretched in certain departments and currently have four centre-backs on the injury list in Richard Dunne, Ciaran Clark, Nathan Baker and Chris Herd.

When asked about his transfer plans, Lambert said: 'The squad needs to get bigger as well. That is important as well. That's normal.

'Everyone has to have competition for places. That is vital.

'It is like the centre-halves situation. We lose Ciaran and Nathan and have to put Matt (Lowton) or Chris (Herd) back there.

'It shows you are short in certain areas and you have to improve the squad which we will try and do.'

Show me the money: Lambert wants to bolster his squad in January

Show me the money: Lambert wants to bolster his squad in January

Lambert is convinced Villa are heading in the right direction despite winning only one of their opening nine league matches.

He said: 'This was never going to happen overnight. A lot of people just expected us to come in and see a real change in fortunes.

'There is certainly progress, you can see that, but you want to keep going until you think “we're there”.'

Brendan Rodgers looks to move on from Liverpool"s deadline day drought

Posted on by

Rodgers must move on from deadline day drought after missing out on Carroll replacement

|

UPDATED:

12:31 GMT, 1 September 2012

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers must quickly move on from his transfer deadline day disappointment as Arsenal visit Anfield this weekend.

Rodgers had hoped to make late additions on the final day of the summer window but the deadline passed without any new arrivals.

A goalscorer had been top priority, particularly after club record 35million signing Andy Carroll was allowed to join West Ham on loan, but nothing materialised.

Skeleton staff: Liverpool are lightweight in the striking department

Skeleton staff: Liverpool are lightweight in the striking department

A deal to bring United States midfielder or forward Clint Dempsey to Merseyside from Fulham had been hugely anticipated but talks broke down and the player signed for Tottenham instead.

Speaking before the deadline, Rodgers made clear he wanted another forward.

'Absolutely,' he said. 'That was what I felt coming in from the off. I felt we needed to have greater threats in the team, not just one or two.'

The failure to land Dempsey, who scored 23 goals mostly from midfield last season, leaves Luis Suarez and recent signing Fabio Borini as his only senior strikers. Back-up will come from youngsters Raheem Sterling and Adam Morgan.

With Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing also leaving the club, Rodgers thought he had cleared the way financially for extra recruits.

He said: 'Sometimes it is not through choice. If it was carte-blanche and I could do what I wish maybe some of these players wouldn't be out of the door.

'But the reality is the finances always dictate how you can build and how you work with your squad.

New boys: Fabio Borini and Nuri Sahin must shoulder much of Liverpool's attacking threat

New boys: Fabio Borini and Nuri Sahin must shoulder much of Liverpool's attacking threat

'Unfortunately for where we are at, we have to rebuild. If that means one or two players going out to finance that, that is a decision we are going to have to make.

'It is now the job here at the football to reinforce the squad and make sure we bring in players that can help the group.'

Despite the frustration, Rodgers will hope last week's creditable 2-2 draw against Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City can kickstart his side's season.

The Reds crashed to a 3-0 defeat at West Brom in their opener and they now host an Arsenal side who have made an indifferent start to their campaign.

The Gunners have drawn both of their games without scoring and their transfer window was noted more for departures than arrivals.

But Rodgers said: 'It was always going to be a difficult start for us. Even though Arsenal haven't scored, they are obviously a multi-talented team. It always presents a difficult game.

'Performance-wise, if we play similar to last week and how we have played a number of times since I have been here, it sets us up well.'

Mo Farah: I won"t let focus slip after Olympic glory

Posted on by

Child's play for Farah as Olympic track hero promises to keep 'Mo Mania' going in 2013

|

UPDATED:

15:44 GMT, 27 August 2012

Mo Farah is adamant he will not let his focus waver, despite his elevation to sporting super-stardom.

Mr Mo-tivator: Farah wants to push on and claim more glory next year

Mr Mo-tivator: Farah wants to push on and claim more glory next year

'Mo Mania' was in full force at the Alexander Stadium for the double Olympic champion's return to action at the Aviva Birmingham Grand Prix, with screaming fans performing his trademark Mobot celebration throughout the stands.

Such attention, on top of two new additions to the family after his wife Tania gave birth to twin daughters on Friday, means the 29-year-old has plenty to keep him occupied.

But he will not change the routine which made him the 5,000 and 10,000 metres champion.

Farah,
who won at a canter over two miles in Birmingham, said: 'If I wasn't
running well and winning medals I wouldn't be in this situation, so it's
important that you get on with what you do and what got you there and
you don't forget that.

'Next year it's going to be a harder year, because there are a lot more people with their eyes on me, who are hungry and want to beat me.

'When you are at the top it's hard to stay at the top, so I've got to keep that in my mind and stay motivated.

'I've got to keep doing what I'm doing.'

And he only needs to take a leaf out of Usain Bolt's book if he requires any reassuring of the recipe for sustained success.

The pair, who memorably swapped celebrations on the podium at London 2012, share the same agent and Farah said: 'I've known him for so long.

'When I got married he sent me a video message to congratulate me. He's just a normal guy you can have a laugh with and he's a great athlete.

'What he's done for the sport is unbelievable. Not many people used to be big fans of athletics – it was always football.

Giving it back: Farah wants to invest time in encouraging young people into sport

Giving it back: Farah wants to invest time in encouraging young people into sport

'But thanks to him there are lot more people watching athletics.'

Farah, if the near-13,000 capacity crowd and star-struck spectators at the Alexander Stadium were anything to go by, might just have the same effect on the British public.

'It's important that we give back something to the sport,' said Farah, who was born in Somalia, but moved to Britain at the age of eight.

'For me, in the future I would like to help kids and show them the right path and what it takes.

'I was just a lad, running around, playing football and at a young age didn't take it so seriously.

'Maybe if I had taken it seriously then I would have achieved a bit more over the years. But I'm glad everything's gone well. Sometimes you need to have a laugh when you're younger.'

Fernando Torres loves playing with Eden Hazard at Chelsea

Posted on by

Torres admits he's having a blast playing alongside Hazard in new-look Chelsea

|

UPDATED:

13:24 GMT, 26 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says it is a privilege to play in the same team as the likes of new Stamford Bridge favourite Eden Hazard.

Both Torres and Hazard had outstanding games in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday evening.

The 28-year-old Torres won the Blues a penalty that was converted by Hazard who then teed up the Spaniard for the second goal with a clever back-heel.

Super duo: Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres set up each others goals

Super duo: Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres set up each others goals

Torres has struggled for goals since his 50million move from Liverpool to Stamford Bridge but a change in mentality, plus the additions made over the summer, means he is now in a better position to find the back of the net on a more regular basis.

He told ChelseaTV: 'We have showed to everyone how strong we are when we have to defend like we did last season but we have another way to play as well – I think it is important a big team to have different kinds of ways to play.

'We are enjoying ourselves, I think we are having a really good start to the season and everyone can see from the stands we are enjoying it and I think the fans are enjoying it too.

'We are playing really good football for the moment so lets keep building on it.'

Chelsea lifted the FA Cup and Champions League last season under Roberto Di Matteo playing with a somewhat defensive set-up but with Hazard, Marko Marin, Oscar and Victor Moses all being added to the squad a more attacking philosophy has now been adopted and Torres is pleased to be a part of it.

'A player like him (Hazard) can make a difference,' he said. 'It is a privilege for a striker to have a player like him or Eden or Juan (Mata), Oscar or Lamps (Frank Lampard) behind you.

'I think we are having the ball more than usual and that is important, we are not as worried as last season about defending because we have the ball for most of the time.

Cool: Hazard slotted home his penalty superbly after Torres was felled

Cool: Hazard slotted home his penalty superbly after Torres was felled

'It is difficult to start wining games when you change your style but we are doing it and we must be proud of that.'

Torres was obviously happy to score but believes the victory, which saw Chelsea return to the top of the Barclays Premier League with three successive wins, is more important.

'Two nil at the end is the main thing, you helped the team by scoring and winning the penalty for Eden and that is good,' he added.

'Always the striker has to score and I have said many times it was one of the things I wanted to improve and I have done so far this season.'

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew praised both Torres and Hazard following the match but put his side's slow start to the game down to the fact they had played only 48 hours earlier in a Europa League qualifier.

The Magpies drew 1-1 with Greek side Atromitos on Thursday night and, despite making nine changes to his starting XI for the Chelsea fixture, Pardew feels it took its toll.

Back in business: Torres was superb against Newcastle

Back in business: Torres was superb against Newcastle

'I think today it was a little bit unfair to us that we couldn't get the game on the Sunday,' he said.

'It would have been nice to have had that extra day's rest it would have made a difference – we know from our own stats and information we take that a professional player cannot play at the same level in two games in two days, he can't. I don't care who you are it makes it difficult.'

The former West Ham manager also reckons it is unlikely there will be any more transfer activity before the close of the window but also refused to rule out a return to the north east for Liverpool striker Andy Carroll.

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers claimed earlier in the week that Newcastle's loan move for Carroll earlier in the month was a 'liberty' but Pardew remains interested in the England striker, even if the deal is out of his hands.

He said: 'That is above me that deal, it is a financial deal that will be done at board level if Liverpool agree.

'If I was saying on a playing level would I like him in the squad, of course I would he would add a nice dimension to us.'

Arsenal want to sign me, reveals Toulouse defender Cheikh M"Bengue

Posted on by

Arsenal want to sign me, reveals Toulouse defender M'Bengue

|

UPDATED:

10:17 GMT, 18 August 2012

Toulouse defender Cheikh M'Bengue has revealed that Arsenal have shown interest in taking him to the Emirates.

The 24-year-old has impressed in recent years in France, and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will see the player as one for the future.

Case for the defence: Toulouse star Cheik Mbengue (right)

Case for the defence: Toulouse star Cheik Mbengue (right)

'I do not expect it. When a big club like that think of you, it's nice. It's really flattering. In addition to the Premier League is a championship where I want to evolve,' he told French newspaper L'Equipe.

'I had not planned to leave, I have two year contract. But Arsenal, it can not be refused if everyone is benefiting.'

Toulouse owner Olivier Sadran clearly doesn't want the player to move however, saying: 'For me, everything is clear. The league has started and no one will leave.'

Arsenal will be hoping to win their first trophy since 2005 in the new season. Some important additions have been made to the squad in the summer, but the Londoners lost their biggest star, Robin van Persie, to Manchester United.

Arsenal can win Premier League – Arsene Wenger

Posted on by

Defiant Wenger confident Arsenal will challenge for Premier League title

|

UPDATED:

12:45 GMT, 13 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has warned the rest of the Barclays Premier League title challengers his strengthened squad will be 'up for it' again next season.

The Gunners ended their warm-up schedule with a 4-0 win at Cologne, where summer signing Lukas Podolski grabbed a brace.

While the future of captain Robin van Persie has yet to be resolved one way or another, as Manchester United weigh up increasing their offer for the Dutchman, Wenger insists the new additions – which also include Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla – as well as the expected return to fitness of England midfielder Jack Wilshere means the Gunners will be capable of a more consistent challenge.

Main man: Lukas Podolski (right) is among Arsenal's new signings

Main man: Lukas Podolski (right) is among Arsenal's new signings

'We want to (compete for honours) and we have a desire to. We are up for it and what we want is to come out of the season and know we have given our best,' Wenger said on Arsenal Player.

'I feel we did that last year, finishing third with the start we had.

'The first target is to do as well as we can in every single game and see where we stand at the end of the season, but of course we want to fight for the championship.'

Wenger added: 'We are in a much stronger position now because last summer we lost (Samir) Nasri and (Cesc) Fabregas, and on top of that we lost (Abou) Diaby and Wilshere (to injury).

'We lost four players at the start of last season and that is not the case this time.'

Spot on: Podolski (left) scores against Cologne in Arsenal's pre-season victory

Spot on: Podolski (left) scores against Cologne in Arsenal's pre-season victory

Van Persie, who announced earlier this summer he would not be signing a contract extension past the end of the season, received a mixed reception from travelling Arsenal fans when he came on in the second half against Cologne.

United are understood to be the main player in the market for Van Persie, but Arsenal are expected to hold out for an improved offer nearer to 20million at which they are likely to consider doing a deal rather than see the striker walk away for free next summer.

German international Podolski could emerge as the Gunners main goal threat should their skipper move ahead of the transfer deadline.
Podolski is relishing life at his new club.

In contention: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects a title challenge

In contention: Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects a title challenge

'I have felt like a part of Arsenal from the first day and I am very proud to play here and wear the shirt,' he said.

'It was a great match and in my first game I scored two goals, so it was very good.

'It was a good test for us and I hope we can win against Sunderland next week.'

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has, meanwhile, returned to Arsenal for treatment on an ankle injury after reporting for international duty with England ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Italy in Berne.

Jacques Kallis rested for ODI series with England

Posted on by

Proteas ace Kallis sits out ODI series with England to rest ahead of T20 World Cup

|

UPDATED:

16:25 GMT, 25 July 2012

South Africa have rested all-rounder Jacques Kallis for the one-day international series against England.

The 36-year-old Kallis, who scored an unbeaten 182 to help South Africa win the first Test against England by an innings and 12 runs at the Oval on Monday, has been replaced by the uncapped Dean Elgar.

In naming their 15-man squad, Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced that Kallis is 'being rested ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in September'.

Master of his craft: Jacques Kallis hit an unbeaten ton at the Oval last week

Master of his craft: Jacques Kallis hit an unbeaten ton at the Oval last week

The other changes to the squad that claimed a 3-0 ODI series win in New Zealand earlier this year sees spinner Imran Tahir and all-rounder Ryan McLaren recalled.

CSA selection convener Andrew Hudson said of 25-year-old all-rounder Elgar: 'Dean has been in our plans for some time and might well have made his debut last year but for injury.'

South Africa ODI squad

AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla
(vice-captain), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Imran Tahir, Ryan
McLaren, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Justin Ontong, Wayne Parnell,
Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

He added of the other two new additions: 'Imran is a genuine wicket-taking bowler and his selection enables us to explore our options in this area.

'Ryan has just come off some exceptional form for the South Africa A side and the added depth he provides in the seam bowling department will allow us to rotate players if we feel the need arises.'

South Africa play England in five ODIs, the first of which takes place on August 24 in Cardiff, after which the two countries will play three T20 internationals.

The Proteas will name their squad for those T20 matches, as well as ICC World Twenty20, in mid-August.

Everton boss David Moyes eyes transfer funds

Posted on by

Everton boss Moyes eyes transfer funds for top-six challenge

|

UPDATED:

21:29 GMT, 11 May 2012

David Moyes will meet Bill Kenwright
to discover whether he will receive the finance this summer to re-establish Everton as a top-six club.

The Everton manager, who has one year
left on his contract at Goodison Park, will not be delivering an
ultimatum to his chairman and is calm that talks on a new deal have not
started.

Plans: Everton boss David Moyes

Plans: Everton boss David Moyes

But after seeing Everton flourish in the second half of the season, Moyes says the right additions could propel the club to new heights.

'I speak with Bill every day but I plan to go down and see him (in London) to discuss things,' he said. 'I've got a year to go anyway so it's not as though it's absolutely desperate (for me to sign).

'I don't need reassurances about managing Everton. A lot of people would love the opportunity that I'm in and for me to have been here 10 years is incredible. But I want to be able to compete and I want to be ambitious. I want to give the people something more to shout about than we have done.'

Everton have been in this position before but have found their momentum checked by inertia in the transfer market and Moyes hopes they can do business early in summer.

The Scot, 49, whose side sign off at home against Newcastle on Sunday, said: 'We have tended to pick up from January and been more optimistic and then it has drained away during the summer because we have not been able to keep the fire in everyone's belly.

'I think that's affected the players as well. We learned we had to get things done early six or seven years ago but if you don't have the money to get things done, what can you do'