Tag Archives: bargain

Chelsea ace Frank Lampard snubs 20m offer from Chinese club Guizhou Renhe

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Lampard snubs 20m offer to join Drogba and Anelka in China

By
David Kent

PUBLISHED:

09:19 GMT, 15 January 2013

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UPDATED:

09:23 GMT, 15 January 2013

Frank Lampard has turned his back on a 20million offer to join former Chelsea team-mates Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka in China.

Mega-rich Chinese Super League club
Guizhou Renhe were prepared to break the bank to land the 34-year-old, who will
be a free agent in the summer when his contract runs out at Stamford
Bridge.

Bargain buy: Chelsea's Frank Lampard will be free agent in the summer

Bargain buy: Chelsea's Frank Lampard will be free agent in the summer

Guizhou Renhe were ready to offer the England midfielder a 250,000-a-week, two-year deal starting in March.

But Lampard could not be tempted to move to China despite Guizhou Renhe stating on their website that Lampard had agreed to the switch and would be team captain.

Hot shot: Lampard scores against Stoke at the weekend

Hot shot: Lampard scores against Stoke at the weekend

A Chinese source said: 'The contract offered to Lampard was amazing and
he would have been treated like a God out there. It would have been a
great adventure for him.

'But although there were a lot of talks, he would never give a definite
‘yes’ and a couple of weeks ago Guizhou Renhe finally gave up.'

LA Galaxy, Manchester United, Juventus, Lazio, Monaco and Fiorentina have all been linked with Lampard.

Michu bargain of the century? Football"s best ever buys

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Is Michu the bargain of the century Sportsmail gives its verdict on the players to rival him for the title

PUBLISHED:

14:57 GMT, 10 January 2013

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UPDATED:

16:51 GMT, 10 January 2013

His manager Michael Laudrup called him the ‘bargain of the season’ but Gary Lineker has hailed Swansea star Michu as the ‘bargain of the century’.

The Spaniard has been the surprise star of the Premier League since his 2.2million move from Rayo Vallecano.

Bargain buy: Michu has had a big impact for Swansea this season following his 2.2m summer move

Bargain buy: Michu has had a big impact for Swansea this season following his 2.2m summer move

MICHU'S GOAL CELEBRATION

Michu’s goal celebration, in which he ‘turns up the volume’ next to his ear, has been the talk of Swansea since he moved to Wales in the summer. He first did the action to Granada fans to let them know he couldn’t hear them after he scored for Celta Vigo. Cheeky.

He scored 15 goals for the Spanish strugglers from midfield last season, helping them survive on the last day of the season.

This season he has already scored 13 for Swansea in the Premier League — does it make him the bargain of the century

We asked our team of writers to pick their best bargain of this century. Who is your pick Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Finding the net: Michu scored the opening goal in Swansea's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea

Finding the net: Michu scored the opening goal in Swansea's Capital One Cup victory over Chelsea

MATT BARLOW
Robin van Persie (Feyenoord to Arsenal, 2.75m, 2004)

Arsenal got him for 2.75million. Once he got over his injuries and attitude problems he proved to be genuine world-class talent. Sold for nearly 10 times as much and still getting better.

Doing the business: Robin van Persie signed for Arsenal from Feyenoord

Doing the business: Robin van Persie signed for Arsenal from Feyenoord

ALEX KAY
Lionel Messi (Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona, Free, 2000)

The best player in the world… for almost nothing. So impressed were Barcelona with a young Lionel Messi they offered him a contract on a paper napkin and offered to pay for the boy’s medical bills if he moved from Argentina. The 11-year-old had been diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency. Luckily for Barca, he turned out all right.

Simply the best: Lionel Messi joined Barcelona for free as a teenager

Simply the best: Lionel Messi joined Barcelona for free as a teenager

SAMI MOKBEL
Edwin van der Sar (Fulham to Manchester United, 2m, 2005)

Sir Alex Ferguson fired plenty of blanks in his attempts to replace Peter Schmeichel. Massimo Taibi and Mark Bosnich, for instance, just could not cut the mustard. Enter Van der Sar. A colossus for United in his six years at Old Trafford.

Safe hands: Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United late in his career but had a big impact at Old Trafford

Safe hands: Edwin van der Sar joined Manchester United late in his career but had a big impact at Old Trafford

JOHN EDWARDS
Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, 12.2m, 2003)

It’s probably fair to describe Sir Alex Ferguson’s transfer dealings that summer as varied, until he struck gold with Ronaldo. Up to then, he had recruited David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Tim Howard and Kleberson. Howard apart, it was hardly an array of new talent destined to take the Barclays Premier League by storm. Ronaldo, on the other hand, drew comparisons with some of the all-time greats to don a United shirt and had completed a clean sweep of club and individual honours by the time he joined Real Madrid for 80million on July 1, 2009. If we are analysing value, a profit of 68m surely takes some beating.

Making his mark: Cristiano Ronaldo would become the best player in the Premier League

Making his mark: Cristiano Ronaldo would become the best player in the Premier League

SAM CUNNINGHAM
Cristiano Ronaldo (Sporting Lisbon to Manchester United, 12.2m, 2003)

Six seasons at the club returned three consecutive league titles, an FA Cup, two League Cups, one Community Shield, a Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup. So that cost them roughly 2m per season, or 1.4m per trophy. Then they made 68m profit on him. Bargain.

LAURIE WHITWELL
Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara to Manchester United, 7m, 2010)

A relative unknown when Sir Alex Ferguson signed him before the 2010 World Cup. A handful of sparkling displays in South Africa later and 7m already looked a snip. Hernandez stormed the Premier League in his debut season, scoring 20 goals in all competitions as United won the title and made the Champions League final. His place came under threat last term but he has come again, netting 12 times this season despite the arrival of Robin van Persie meaning limited game time. A firebox character and a joy to watch. United can depend on him from the start or from the bench.

Super sub: Javier Hernandez hit the ground running following his move to Manchester United

Super sub: Javier Hernandez hit the ground running following his move to Manchester United

JAMES ANDREW
Louis Saha (Metz to Fulham, 2.1m, 2000)

When Jean Tigana arrived at Fulham in 2000 one of the first things he did was sell Geoff Horsfield to Birmingham for 2.25m and then bought Saha for 2.1m. It proved to be a masterstroke as the Frenchman went on to score 27 goals in Division One (now the Championship) and fire Fulham into the Premier League. While his years in the top flight were blighted by injury he rediscovered his goalscoring touch again in 2003-04 when he netted 15 goals in 22 games before a 12.4m move to Manchester United. A 10m profit and Premier League football is not a bad deal.

Saha so good: Louis Saha helped gain Fulham promotion to the Premier League in 2001

Saha so good: Louis Saha helped gain Fulham promotion to the Premier League in 2001

MIKE ANSTEAD

Vincent Kompany (Hamburg to Man City, 6m, 2008)

In among all Manchester City's eye-watering signings, there is Vincent Kompany. An exceptional defender, a leader on and off the pitch and an all-round good guy. Oh, and he became the first City captain to lift the league trophy in 44 years. Not bad for 6million…

Flying start: Vincent Kompany takes on the FC Copenhagen defence in a 2009 UEFA Cup tie

Flying start: Vincent Kompany takes on the FC Copenhagen defence in a 2009 UEFA Cup tie

MARK ALFORD
Gareth Bale (Southampton to Tottenham, 7m, 2007)

Shrewd business by Tottenham – no not selling Berbatov to United for 30milllion – but buying Gareth Bale for an initial 5m fee from Southampton in 2007. That figure was set to rise to 10m depending on honours and appearances but Spurs struck another shrewd deal with the Saints, agreeing an early settlement so the total bill was 7m. The Welsh wizard is coveted by the world’s finest football clubs now and it’ll take 50m to prise him away from White Hart Lane. Kerrching.

Spur of the moment: A youthful Gareth Bale scoring for Tottenham against Middlesbrough

Spur of the moment: A youthful Gareth Bale scoring for Tottenham against Middlesbrough

PHIL GRADWELL
Jay Jay Okocha (PSG to Bolton, free, 2002)

So good they named him twice – and he didn’t cost a penny. Okocha’s brilliance kept Bolton in the Premier League in 2003 and he scored a stupendous free-kick to help them to the Carling Cup final in 2004. Was made club captain by Sam Allardyce and dazzled the Reebok with his tricks, the best of which was an outrageous flick over Ray Parlour’s head.

Scorcher: Darren Anderton looks on in awe as Jay Jay Okocha unleashes a shot

Scorcher: Darren Anderton looks on in awe as Jay Jay Okocha unleashes a shot

CHRIS CUTMORE
Joe Hart (Shrewsbury to Man City, 100,000*, 2006)

Every great team needs a huge presence between the sticks – think Banks, Schmeichel or Casillas – and it cannot be questioned that Hart was a major force behind City’s Premier League title triumph last season. Roberto Mancini’s men saw off local rivals United on goal difference alone and Hart marshalled by far the stingiest defence in the league. His mistakes this season have shocked all the more because of his consistent brilliance previously. But don’t expect the dip in form to last long, or Hart’s Premier League medal to be his last.

*according to City deputy chairman John Wardle

Young at Hart: Joe joined Man City from Shrewsbury for the bargain price of 100,000 in 2006

Young at Hart: Joe joined Man City from Shrewsbury for a bargain 100,000 in 2006

LUKE BENEDICT
Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid to Liverpool, 21m, 2007)

To get 65 goals out of a player and then make a near 30million profit is pretty good business. In fact, it surely ranks as the bargain of the century. Aged 23, El Nino took a pay cut to move to Liverpool for 21m from Atletico Madrid. He scored more than 60 goals in a 102 games. Then Chelsea infamously paid 50m for him and he’s scored only 26 in his first 100 games at Stamford Bridge. That’s an awful lot of profit for a striker who can hardly score.

Hit the ground running: Fernando Torres scores one of his first goals in Liverpool colours

Hit the ground running: Fernando Torres scores one of his first goals in Liverpool colours

Didier Drogba should join Milan, says Marcello Lippi

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He's a beast! Lippi urges Milan to splash big money on former Chelsea striker Drogba

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UPDATED:

11:33 GMT, 29 December 2012

Marcello Lippi has described Didier Drogba as ‘a beast’, insisting Milan should buy him, despite his price tag.

The Guangzhou Evergrande boss, who has been linked with Real Madrid, has been highly impressed with Drogba’s performances for Shanghai Shenhua.

But Milan bosses have already said he is too expensive.

Beast: Didier Drogba (right) should join Milan, according to former Italy manager Marcello Lippi

Beast: Didier Drogba (right) should join Milan, according to former Italy manager Marcello Lippi

The Ivory Coast international has been training with Chelsea during the Chinese Premier League’s close season and is still likely to leave before the next campaign.

‘If both Robinho and Alexandre Pato are really going to leave Milan, then I would see Drogba doing better for the Rossoneri than Juventus,’ Lippi told Gazzetta dello Sport.

‘He has played against our team and is still a beast. He makes a real difference on the field. Drogba would therefore be a valuable addition to the squad both in Serie A and the Champions League.’

The former Italian coach can also envisage him pairing up well with Stephan El Shaarawy, but knows Drogba will drive an exceptionally hard bargain.

Impressed: Drogba (right) has been in excellent form since joining Shanghai from Chelsea

Impressed: Drogba (right) has been in excellent form since joining Shanghai from Chelsea

One more time The last time Drogba played in Europe, he scored the winning penalty against Bayern Munich int he Champions League final

One more time The last time Drogba played in Europe, he scored the winning penalty against Bayern Munich int he Champions League final

‘I think, technically speaking, he would form a great partnership with El Shaarawy.

‘But, he did not follow his heart or, indeed, make a footballing decision when he decided to go to China.

‘He earns one million euro a month. Who can imagine he will agree to halve his wages to play in Italy’

Christian Benteke not for sale, says Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert

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Don't call him the new Drogba: Lambert says it's unfair to compare Benteke to former Chelsea star

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UPDATED:

14:10 GMT, 21 December 2012

Paul Lambert believes it is unfair to label Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke as the new Didier Drogba but insists the Belgium international can have an outstanding career.

Benteke has been drawing comparisons with former Chelsea star Drogba with his physique and power and the way he tormented the Liverpool defence during last weekend's 3-1 win at Anfield.

The 22-year-old is already looking a bargain buy at 8 million from Genk during the latter stages of the summer transfer window.

A star is born: Christian Benteke has made a big impact at Villa since signing in the summer

A star is born: Christian Benteke has made a big impact at Villa since signing in the summer

Lambert, whose side visit Chelsea on Sunday, said: 'I can understand why people are comparing with Drogba with the size of the two guys – but Christian is his own man.

'It's unfair for me to turn around and say he's going to be the next Didier Drogba with the career he's had.

'Christian has only just turned 22. But the potential there is incredible, what he can achieve.

'He's been absolutely brilliant for me, not just as a footballer but as a guy he is really humble, which is important. He's been brilliant.'

In the goals: Benteke has scored eight goals for Villa this season

Didier Drogba

Don't compare: Paul Lambert has asked for Benteke not to be compared with Didier Drogba

Lambert has a long-term vision for Villa and is adamant Benteke is part of that future admidst speculation he could become a target for the leading clubs during the January transfer window.

He said: 'There's no point in us even being here if it's a case of bringing people in and then letting them go.

'What's the point in that We're trying to build something here which can take a few years and you need good players with you to achieve that.

'There's no point in them coming for half a season or a year and then we let them go. That's not the right way.'

Not for sale: Paul Lambert says Benteke is not going anywhere in January

Not for sale: Paul Lambert says Benteke is not going anywhere in January

Benteke is developing a thriving partnership with Andreas Weimann who has started to realise his potential since being an extended run of games under Lambert.

The understanding was demonstrated via Weimann's sublime finish after Benteke's back heel for the second goal at Anfield.

Lambert said: 'Andi (Weimann) was here long before I came in. He's a natural finisher and has an incredible work-rate for the game of football.
'Provided he does not lose that, he can be a right good player.

'He's a totally different player to Christian, but he certainly knows where the goal is.

'We try to let them have the freedom to go and play and create.

'The second goal against Liverpool had great build-up and the finishing touch was the backheel from Benteke while the hardest part of the game is putting the ball in the net.'

In good form: Chelsea beat Leeds 5-1 in the Capital One Cup

In good form: Chelsea beat Leeds 5-1 in the Capital One Cup

Villa are unbeaten in their last five league games and also reached the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup.

Lambert still expects Chelsea to pose a formidable threat despite their hectic schedule and travelling back from the World Club Championship in Japan.

He also has immense respect for the Blues interim manager Rafael Benitez.

Lambert said: 'I hope the travelling affects them – but I don't think it will. They had a good result the other night against Leeds.

'The tiredness only comes in if you are not getting results, if you're winning nobody bothers.

'In terms of Rafa, you look at his managerial career and it is phenomenal.

'He's gone in there at a difficult time and tried to stabilise it and get results at the same time.

'You look at Chelsea's squad, and the players they've got, and there are some world-class players in there.'

Liverpool"s Jonjo Shelvey buys hoover from Comet

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Sucker for sales! Shelvey takes to Comet clear-out for hoover…despite signing new Liverpool deal in summer

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UPDATED:

16:42 GMT, 26 November 2012

With little choice of strikers and a few teething troubles under Brendan Rodgers, chances of silverware are in more hope than expectation for Liverpool this season.

But that doesn’t look like it is going to stop Jonjo Shelvey from completing a clean sweep this term – and saving a few pennies in the process as well.

Eye for a bargain: Liverpool midfielder, Jonjo Shelvey revealed he was on the lookout for a new hoover in Comet

Eye for a bargain: Liverpool midfielder, Jonjo Shelvey revealed he was on the lookout for a new hoover in Comet

Eye for a bargain: Liverpool midfielder, Jonjo Shelvey revealed he was on the lookout for a new hoover in Comet

The midfielder, who signed a new long-term contract at Anfield in July, revealed on Twitter that he was on the hunt for a new hoover…at a Comet clearance sale.

Old favourite: Henry hoovers have been popular in Britain for over 30 years

Old favourite: Henry hoovers have been popular in Britain for over 30 years

The retail brand that has fallen into administration is in the process of closing all of its stores, with the England international showing that even a well-paid Premier League footballer looks out for a bargain.

Shelvey tweeted: ‘Currently in comet getting a Hoover on the cheap as they're closing down #bargain. So what if I play football . Don't stop me from buying things on the cheap . Relax yourselves.’

The former Charlton midfielder didn’t reveal if his bargain hunt was successful but we are not ruling out the 20-year-old opting to pick-up the tried and tested ‘Henry’ over a technology laced Dyson.

Liverpool fans will forgive Shelvey for his austerity measures after making strong progress at the club since arriving from the Valley in 2010 for 1.7m.

Shelvey has made 18 appearances in all competitions this term, with only Edinson Cavani and Raul Bopadilla netting more than his four Europa League goals.

The midfielder also made his international debut last month, coming off the bench for England in a 5-0 win over San Marino.

Luka Modric profile posted on Real Madrid website

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Luka who's coming! Real Madrid in blunder as Modric profile is posted on club website

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UPDATED:

09:12 GMT, 23 August 2012

That way to Madrid: Modric is set to leave Spurs

That way to Madrid: Modric is set to leave Spurs

Real Madrid were involved in an embarrassing gaffe on Wednesday when a profile of Tottenham midfielder Luka Modric appeared on the club's official website, listing the Croatian as one of their own players.

Modric's proposed moved to the Spanish capital is one of the summer's most protracted sagas, but, despite what you may have real on realmadrid.com, he remains a Spurs player for now.

The profile, which described the 26-year-old as being a Madrid player since 2012 and listed 'Tottenham (2008-2012)' under his previous clubs, was quickly removed and blamed on a hacker – but not before thousands viewed it.

Madrid boss Jose Mourinho – who has made no secret of his admiration for the diminutive playmaker – is yet to make a signing this summer, having focused all of the club's attention on securing a deal for Modric.

Tottenham, however, are driving a hard bargain for the man they paid Dinamo Zagreb 15million for, demanding that Madrid stump up 40m for their No 1 target.

Modric's departure would be the latest in a long line of White Hart Lane exits this summer.

Six of last season's first-team have left already, with Michael Dawson, Tom Huddlestone, David Bentley, Jermaine Jenas and Heurelho Gomes all looking set to follow Modric out of the door and make it a dozen departures since new manager Andre Villas-Boas took over in June.

The Modric saga will be concluded before the transfer window closes next week.

Real Madrid Modric grab

Emanuele Pesoli still determined to prove his innocence

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Pesoli still desperate to prove match-fixing innocence despite abandoning hunger strike

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UPDATED:

18:37 GMT, 16 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Former Siena defender Emanuele Pesoli remains determined to confront his accusers despite ending his four-day hunger strike on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old, now with Verona, chained himself to the gates of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) headquarters on Saturday in protest at the three-year ban handed to him for his alleged involvement in match-fixing.

But following medical advice, and on the promise of a meeting with FIGC president Giancarlo Abete, he unchained himself and returned home.

Gone home: Emanuele Pesoli (second right) has stopped his hunger strike

Gone home: Emanuele Pesoli (second right) has stopped his hunger strike

Pesoli was hit with the lengthy ban from football as a result of federal prosecutor Stefano Palazzi's investigation into betting irregularities during last season.

He was accused by two former team-mates, defender Carlo Gervasoni and midfielder Filippo Carobbio, in assisting in the fixing of Siena's game with Varese in May 2011.

Pesoli told calciomercato.com: 'I've never spoken to Palazzi but he suspended me for three years.

'I've never considered any plea bargain, I'm innocent and I'm not prepared to pay this penalty.

Innocent: Pesoli rejects any allegations

Innocent: Pesoli rejects any allegations

'I'm grateful to the FIGC for listening to me but I haven't got what I want yet.

'I want a meeting with Gervasoni and Carobbio but they haven't made that happen.

'Palazzi believed everything they said and I have never even spoken to him or had the chance to defend myself.

'He believed them and banned me for three years, while giving Gervasoni only three months.'

He added: 'I was at home, my phone rang – an unknown number. It was Gervasoni. I didn't know him at the time.

'After that call followed a lot of texts, mostly asking who would be playing on the next Sunday.

'They weren't direct questions, but they seemed to be asking for specific information.'

Determined: Pesoli (left) has a point to prove

Determined: Pesoli (left) has a point to prove

Despite his suspicions at the time, Pesoli is still unclear as to why he was implicated by Gervasoni.

'I can only assume it was out of revenge that I wouldn't be his accomplice,' he added.

'Maybe he thought if he dragged people down with him, he'd receive a lighter punishment.

'It's absurd that he's been banned for three months but I got three years.

'As far any contact with Carobbio – totally fabricated. My only crime was being a man of integrity and a clean player.'

The Verona defender is set to hold talks with Abete at the FIGC headquarters in Rome at 10am on Friday morning.

Antonio Conte banned for 10 months after match-fixing investigation

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Juve boss Conte hit with 10-month ban after match-fixing investigation

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UPDATED:

09:15 GMT, 10 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has been banned for 10 months in relation to a match-fixing investigation.

The coach of the reigning Serie A champions had been accused of failing to report alleged match-fixing involving Siena when he managed them in the 2010-11 Serie B season.

Juventus released a statement immediately, saying they are working on appeal against the decision.

Banned: Antonio Conte has been hit with a 10-month punishment

Banned: Antonio Conte has been hit with a 10-month punishment

JUVENTUS STATEMENT

Juventus Football Club warmly
welcomes the acquittal of its players Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe,
and reiterates its full support for Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio in
the hope the next stage of the process will finally prove their
innocence.

A group of legal professionals have
been appointed by the individuals concerned and, with the full support
of the club, is already working to prepare grounds for an appeal.

Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio will be assisted by attorneys Antonio De Rensis and Luigi Chiappero, as well as lawyer Giulia Bongiorno.

Conte had a plea bargain deal rejected
by the Italian federation (FIGC) earlier in August, a proposal which
would have seen him serve a three-month suspension and pay a fine of
157,500 and the federation have now confirmed the 10-month sanction.

Grosseto and Lecce have both been excluded from Serie B, the Italian second tier, for the 2012-13 season for their part in the scandal, with both clubs' former presidents banned for five years.

Charges against Conte of direct involvement in match-fixing were dismissed last month, but the FIGC are satisfied he was aware it was taking place during his time with Siena.

His assistant coach at Juve and formerly at Siena, Angelo Alessio, has also been banned for eight months, while former Lecce president Giovanni Semeraro and former Grosseto president Piero Camilli face even longer suspensions.

See ya: Conte won't be in the dug-out for a while

See ya: Conte won't be in the dug-out for a while

A statement from the FIGC read: '(These are) the judgments issued today by the National Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Sergio Artico,in relation to two cases of match-fixing.

'Among the officials, the more severe penalties are those of the president of Grosseto, Camilli, and the former president of Lecce, Semeraro, (for both a five-year ban); the disqualification of 10 months for Antonio Conte, currently coach of Juventus, and for eight months his deputy Angelo Alessio.'

Semeraro sold Lecce in June, ending an 18-year association with the club.

In a statement released by the FIGC, it was confirmed Serie B side Novara have been docked two points while top-flight Bologna and fourth-tier Ancona face fines of 23,600 and 7,900 respectively.

Lecce have also been fined 23,600 in addition to their demotion, having been accused – along with Grosseto – of direct involvement in match-fixing rather than the lesser charge of failing to report it.

Suit: Attorney Antonio De Renzis is supporting Conte

Suit: Attorney Antonio De Renzis is supporting Conte

The FIGC also confirmed former Bari defender Nicola Belmonte has been banned from football for six months but six other players – Leonardo Bonucci, Simone Pepe, Marco di Vaio, Salvatore Masiello, Daniele Padelli and Giuseppe Vives – have been acquitted of the charges against them.

In total, 45 people and 13 clubs were under investigation, among them Conte's old club Siena, who last week accepted a six-point deduction in a plea bargain deal.

Serie A newcomers Torino, Serie B side Varese and relegated Albinoleffe will pay fines of 23,600 and begin the season with one-point penalties after their plea bargains were also accepted.

Michu signs for Swansea City

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Swansea make Spanish midfielder Michu their third signing of the summer

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UPDATED:

16:34 GMT, 20 July 2012

Swansea have completed the 2million signing of Rayo Vallecano midfielder Michu.

The 26-year-old, who scored 15 goals in the Primera Division last season, came through his medical on Thursday and has put pen to paper on a three-year deal subject to international clearance.

He becomes manager Michael Laudrup's third summer signing following the arrivals of defender Chico Flores and midfielder Jonathan de Guzman.

Laudrup believes capturing a player, who had attracted the attentions of Manchester United, Liverpool, Sevilla and Valencia, for such a low fee represents great business for Swansea.

New arrival: Michu (left) has cost 2million

New arrival: Michu (left) has cost 2million

He said: 'It's a fantastic signing. We are talking about a player who scored 15 goals in the Spanish league last year for a small club, who were saved by the bell in the last minute of the last game to avoid relegation.

'He was a big difference for them with his goals.

'We lost (Gylfi) Sigurdsson, who played in that position for half a season, so to sign a player like Michu is fantastic for us when you look at the price and quality of the player.

'It is a bargain.

'When you see the big newspapers in Spain and people commentating on how we can sign a player like that for such a small amount of money, then the Spanish economy must be really bad.

'It's a very difficult moment for clubs in Spain in general and this signing shows that.'

Rebuilding: Laudrup has made his third signing of the summer

Rebuilding: Laudrup has made his third signing of the summer

Unlike De Guzman and Flores, Michu has not previously worked with Laudrup, but said the chance to be coached by the Dane was too good to turn down.

He said: 'I had other offers, but I really wanted to come to Swansea because of the coach, the style of play and the Premier League.

'I've always followed the Premier League from Spain and I watched a lot of Swansea games last season. They played good football and I liked their style.

'I also know how Michael Laudrup's teams play, so I'm looking forward to being part of that. The coach (Laudrup) was fundamental to me joining Swansea. I remember watching him as a player – he was a machine.'

Laudrup added: 'I am happy that the player wanted to come here because I was here. I have never worked with him and I haven't paid him!

'He has had a press conference in Madrid to say goodbye to Rayo Vallecano and he should join us for the tour to the USA.'

Swansea will hope Michu's knack of scoring goals from midfield will help fill the space vacated by Sigurdsson's decision to join Tottenham rather than complete a permanent switch to the Liberty Stadium.

With the Spaniard being linked with a host of big name clubs, both in Britain and on the continent, the Swans moved quickly to get their man for a fee that comes in a long way below the reported release clause of around 3.1million in Michu's contract.

The Welsh club head out on their three-match tour of the United States on Sunday, following Saturday's friendly against Port Talbot, which will see midfielder Kemy Agustien return to action after an ankle injury.

Alan Pardew wants to keep Demba Ba

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Pardew hopeful of hanging on to Ba as striker's 7.5m release clause looms

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UPDATED:

23:00 GMT, 11 July 2012

He signed a 7.5million release clause last summer when Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was the one man prepared to take a risk on him.

Twelve months on and Demba Ba’s future at the club is uncertain. But with less than three weeks left before that clause can be invoked, Pardew is optimistic the Senegal striker will still be a Newcastle player for the start of the new season.

Hopeful: Alan Pardew is hopeful Demba Ba will stay at Newcastle

Hopeful: Alan Pardew is hopeful Demba Ba will stay at Newcastle

Ba is back for pre-season at Newcastle’s sodden training ground and will be among the party travelling to Germany for a training camp and warm-up games on Wednesday.

Bargain: Ba has a release clause of 7.5million

Bargain: Ba has a release clause of 7.5million

Only France internationals Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa will be missing with Tim Krul and Papiss Cisse due to join the squad before the weekend.

Pardew said: 'I’ve not seen any sign from Demba since he came back, and he’s actually training very well, that suggest he wants to find another club. I don’ t sense that at all.

'I genuinely don’t see a situation where he wants to move on. He has not stressed to me he wants to move to pastures new.

'He has said to me he wants some reassurance from me, he wants more of a striking role this season and I think he will.

'He played a couple of roles that were unorthodox for me last season to help the team, that’s the sort of person he is.

'He wants to play through the middle and score goals, that’s what he does best.

'The situation has been the same since he arrived at the club. He has a contract to Newcastle and he is loved here.

'He had a brilliant season, especially the first half, then after the African Nations, I think it did not go as well for him as it could have.

Still team-mates: Ba (left) partnered compatriot Papiss Cisse up front

Still team-mates: Ba (left) partnered compatriot Papiss Cisse up front

'That is something we will look at because we want him to be at his very, very best.

'But we are planning for him to have another great season with us.’

After his failed medical at Stoke, and despite his seven goals in 12 games for relegated West Ham, Ba was perceived as a risk last year when Newcastle signed him for nothing.

His response, after an initial settling in period of a month, was to score 14 goals in 16 games from September.

And when news of his clause was leaked, the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool were quickly sniffing around the 27-year-old.

Star men: Pardew is holding on to players like Yohan Cabaye

Star men: Pardew is holding on to players like Cheik Tiote

Star men: Pardew will hope to hang on to Yohan Cabaye (left) and Cheick Tiote

His advisers, who will benefit from any sale, have not been backward in offering the forward to numerous clubs either.

Ba scored just once after the African Cup Nations, and the addition of fellow-countryman Cisse, but interest from Newcastle’s Barclays Premier League rivals remains while the club are hoping to re-open fresh contract negotiations with the striker and his advisers after initial talks earlier this week.

Pardew is relaxed about the on-going speculation. He has already fended off the link with Cabaye and Barcelona, and he knows the stars who guided Newcastle to fifth last season will be subject to increasing uncertainty until the transfer window closes in August.