Tag Archives: makeweight

Chelsea flop fernando Torres has "lost it" since leaving Liverpool, claims Fabio Capello

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Chelsea flop Torres has 'lost it' since leaving Liverpool, claims Capello as he slams FA for Terry axe

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UPDATED:

13:13 GMT, 20 November 2012

Former Juventus manager Fabio Capello is the latest to claim Fernando Torres has lost it.

Several high-profile figures have questioned whether the 50m striker can rediscover his best form.

Tough decision: Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo faced selection dilemma over Fernando Torres

Tough decision: Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo faced selection dilemma over Fernando Torres

And former Chelsea player and manager Ruud Gullit even thinks the club should use him as a makeweight in a deal to capture free-scoring Atletico Madrid star Falcao.

Torres has struggled since his British transfer record move to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool, scoring just 11 goals in 58 league games.

Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo faced a dilemma over whether to pay him in Chelsea's do-or-die Champions League clash with Juventus on Tuesday and Capello, who won three league titles with the Serie A club, can understand why.

'Fernando Torres is slowly losing it,' said former England boss Capello to Italia 2.

'I don't know what is happening because he was very good when Rafael Benitez was the Liverpool manager.

Dropped: Torres is unlikely to start for Chelsea on Tuesday night

Dropped: Torres is unlikely to start for Chelsea on Tuesday night

Dropped: Torres is unlikely to start for Chelsea on Tuesday night

'But he has not found inspiration [at Chelsea] and scored the goals that used to distinguish him.

'Before, he was unpredictable with Liverpool but now defences manage to beat him for speed and this is worrying.'

Meanwhile, Capello added in the same interview that he had no choice but to resign as England manager earlier this year after John Terry had been sacked as captain.

Terry was removed from his role as England skipper for a second time after he was charged by the FA for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand – a decision that Capello strongly disagreed with.

Old acquaintances: Capello with Terry (left) last year

Old acquaintances: Capello with Terry (left) last year

'I left England to defend what I had done for John Terry. On the field he was always an important player,' said Capello.

'The English are moralists – they want people to behave in a certain way. They make decisions too quickly as they did in this (Terry) case. He was later cleared by a court of law.'

Terry – who has now retired from international football – was cleared of racism in court in July but was fined 220,000 and banned for foutr matches by the FA last month.

Jordan Henderson to play for Liverpool v West Brom

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Henderson's big chance as Rodgers gives midfielder nod for West Brom clash

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UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 25 September 2012

Brendan Rodgers has challenged Jordan Henderson to seize his chance and convince him he can become a Liverpool regular.

The England Under 21 captain was surprisingly offered to Fulham before the transfer window closed as a makeweight in a deal that Liverpool hoped would have enabled them to sign Clint Dempsey.

But Henderson, who moved to Anfield for 16million from Sunderland in June 2011, refused to leave, even though he has fallen down the pecking order in Liverpool’s midfield.

Chance: Jordan Henderson (right) will play against West Brom

Chance: Jordan Henderson (right) will play against West Brom

However, Jonjo Shelvey’s three-match suspension and an injury to Lucas Leiva has re-opened the door to Henderson and he will be given a chance to stake his claim at West Brom on Wednesday, as Liverpool begin their defence of the League Cup.

‘It is about the balance in the team,’ said Rodgers, who is expected to make wholesale changes at The Hawthorns to the side that was beaten by Manchester United on Sunday. ‘We have got one controlling midfielder in Joe Allen.

‘We have got Steven Gerrard, who is a great player and speaks for himself. He has got a goal in him, he has got influence and he has got stature. He carries his qualities on the field. Then we have got Jonjo, who is a goalscoring midfielder.

‘But Jordan is working his socks off every day. He has got a great appetite to learn; he lives his life right and he doesn't do stupid things off the pitch. He works hard, he works well. Really it is just games like (tonight) that offer me the opportunity to see him.

‘Can he affect the game going forward
but play also with that tactical discipline, which keeps us nice and
strong in the middle of midfield I have said to him that whatever
happens, whether he stays or goes, there is nothing changes in the
relationship him and I have.’

Banned: Jonjo Shelvey was sent off against Manchester United

Banned: Jonjo Shelvey was sent off against Manchester United

Meanwhile, Darren Burgess, Liverpool’s Head of Fitness, has left his role at Anfield. He moved to England from Australia two years ago and received a promotion after Dr Peter Brukner, the club’s head of Sports Science, was sacked in April.

His role changed after the appointment of Colin Driscoll, who followed Rodgers from Swansea to Anfield.

Liverpool to fund Clint Dempsey bid with sales of Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing

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Liverpool looking to offload midfielders Adam and Spearing to fund 7.5m Dempsey bid

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UPDATED:

06:35 GMT, 23 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Liverpool are desperately trying to raise money to fund a 7.5million bid for wantaway Fulham star Clint Dempsey.

New Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has been tracking the American international all summer, but after already spending 25m on Fabio Borini and Joe Allen he needs to sell before he can buy again.

With an Andy Carroll departure from Anfield looking less likely by the day, Rodgers is now looking to offload midfielders Charlie Adam and Jay Spearing, according to the Daily Mirror.

Wantaway: Dempsey was left out of Fulham's opening day win over Norwich

Wantaway: Dempsey was left out of Fulham's opening day win over Norwich

Both Adam and Spearing were favourites of former Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish, but Rodgers sees neither as playing a part in his first team plans with Steven Gerrard, Lucas Leiva and Allen his preferred midfield trio.

Adam, 26, has been offered to Fulham as a 2.5m makeweight as part of the Dempsey deal, although it is thought the Scot is not keen on a move to London.

Merseyside rivals Everton are interested in Adam, but manager David Moyes is prepared to play a waiting game to get the former Blackpool man for as cheap as possible.

Up for sale: Adam (left) and Spearing (right) are set to leave Liverpool

Up for sale: Adam (left) and Spearing (right) are set to leave Liverpool

Up for sale: Adam (left) and Spearing (right) are set to leave Liverpool

With Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey also in contention for a starting spot at Anfield, academy graduate Spearing looks certain to move on before the transfer window closes next week, with Bolton showing an interest in 23-year-old.

Unsettled Dempsey, 29, was left out of Fulham's opening day win over Norwich with his future remaining unclear.

Inter Milan want Tottenham"s Aaron Lennon

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Inter to use Julio Cesar in move for Lennon after being scared off by Walcott fee

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UPDATED:

10:46 GMT, 13 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Inter Milan have turned their attention to Tottenham's Aaron Lennon after being put off by an asking price of 20million for Theo Walcott.

The Italian club want to inject some pace into their side as they bid to reclaim the Serie A crown they last won in 2010.

Lennon would represent a far cheaper option than Walcott, despite the Gunners star entering the final year of his contract at Emirates Stadium.

In and out: Julio Cesar could be a makeweight in Inter's bid for Aaron Lennon

In and out: Julio Cesar could be a makeweight in Inter's bid for Aaron Lennon

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Spurs winger Lennon is yet to fully realise his potential after an injury-ravaged couple of seasons, and he wasn't even considered for Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad despite featuring in the previous two World Cups.

According to reports in Italy, Inter believe they are in a strong position negotiating with Spurs due to the Premier League club's desire for goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

The Brazilian keeper will leave the club before the transfer window shuts at the end of August and Tottenham have earmarked him as the next No 1 with Brad Friedel now into his 40s.

The report suggests Inter will drive down the price of Lennon by offering the 32-year-old as a makeweight in the deal.

Tottenham chasing Julio Cesar

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AVB turns attentions to Cesar after Lyon slap 15m asking price on Lloris

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UPDATED:

10:51 GMT, 11 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Andre Villas-Boas's hunt for a new Spurs goalkeeper continues as he turns his attention to Inter Milan and Brazil's stopper Julio Cesar.

Cesar could be available on a free transfer too. Inter are keen to get the sky-high earning goalkeeper off their wage bill, as the Brazil international pockets 85,000 a week after tax.

The newly installed Villas-Boas was interested in acquiring the services of Lyon goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, but the Ligue 1 club wanted 15million for the France number one.

Game on: Spurs are keen to land a new goalkeeper and have turned their attention to Julio Cesar

Game on: Spurs are keen to land a new goalkeeper and have turned their attention to Julio Cesar

A deal for Lloris, who captained the France nartional team at the European Championships, seems to be slipping through Tottenham's fingers, as the two clubs struggle to compromise on their valuations of the goalkeeper.

Italian giants Inter attempted to offload Cesar on a free transfer to Palmeiras in July.

The deal fell through after the keeper's wage demands proved too much for the Brazilian club to meet.

There was also talk of a potential swap deal for the goalkeeper. Giovani dos Santos has been out of favour for some time at Spurs, and could be used as a makeweight in the deal if Tottenham are unable to land the keeper on a free.

If Cesar were to up sticks to north London, he would be joining Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen at White Hart Lane.

Jermain Defoe meanwhile could be on his way out of the club. That is if Martin O'Neill gets his way, and manages to convince the England international to join him at Sunderland.

Stephen Lichtsteiner wanted by Chelsea

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Lichsteiner on Di Matteo's radar as Chelsea bid for Azpilicueta hits the skids

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UPDATED:

09:24 GMT, 10 August 2012

Chelsea are ramping up their interest in Juventus defender Stephen Lichtsteiner.

Manager Roberto di Matteo has been forced to consider alternative options in his bid for a new right-back after seeing a 5milllion offer for Cesar Azpilicueta rejected by Marseille.

And according to The Mirror, Lichtsteiner, who joined Juventus last summer, fits the bill.

Wanted: Chelsea are considering a bid for Lichtsteiner (right)

Wanted: Chelsea are considering a bid for Lichtsteiner (right)

The Switzerland international, 28, will cost Chelsea in the region of 5million.

Marseille are still willing to do business with Chelsea over Azpilicueta but value the Spain Under-21 international at 15m.

Gael
Kakuta, who has failed to make an impression at Stamford Bridge, could
be used as a makeweight in their attempt to seal the deal.

Chelsea ready to offer Gael Kakuta as bait for Cesar Azpilicueta

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Chelsea ready to offer Kakuta as bait for 15m Azpilicueta

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UPDATED:

21:41 GMT, 7 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Chelsea are considering using Gael Kakuta as a makeweight in their attempt to land highly-rated defender Cesar Azpilicueta.

Sportsmail revealed Chelsea's
interest in the Marseille right back in December and manager Roberto Di
Matteo is now intensifying the club's attempts to land the Spain Under
21 international.

Target: Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta

Target: Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta

Marseille are willing to do business with the European champions over Azpilicueta, 22, who is valued at around 15million by the French club.

And Marseille are keen to explore the possibility of taking Kakuta back to France as part of the deal.

Kakuta has failed to live up to his billing as one of Europe's hottest prospects during his five years at Stamford Bridge and has been loaned out to Bolton, Fulham and Dijon.

Chelsea are now considering cutting their losses on the skilful forward as they close in on Azpilicueta.

Outcast: Chelsea's Gael Kakuta

Makeweight: Chelsea's Gael Kakuta

Meanwhile, Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has told Victor Moses his hands are tied in helping the forward move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have already failed with three offers to sign the Nigeria international – the highest being a 6.5m bid – but Sportsmail revealed last week how they were preparing a final, 7.5m deal.

Moses has told Martinez he wants to quit the DW Stadium for a return to London. But while the Spanish manager is sympathetic, Martinez has explained to the 21-year-old that he will have to stay put until owner Dave Whelan agrees a fee.

Wigan rate the player at 10m.

Moses has a year left on his Wigan contract, but the club will be due compensation if he leaves on a free transfer next summer because he is under 24.

Benfica interest in Anderson could help Manchester United buy Alex Witsel

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Benfica interest in Anderson could help Fergie snap up Chelsea target Witsel

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UPDATED:

22:04 GMT, 4 July 2012

Benfica remain keen on Manchester
United midfielder Anderson as they consider options to replace Axel
Witsel, who is a target for United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The Brazilian midfielder, 24, endured a frustrating season due to knee problems and Sir Alex Ferguson appears ready to cut his losses on a player signed for 18m in 2007.

Frustrating: Anderson's season was interrupted by knee problems

Frustrating: Anderson's season was interrupted by knee problems

In demand: Benfica ace Alex Witsel

In demand: Benfica ace Alex Witsel

Anderson could be used as a makeweight by Ferguson in bids for Porto winger James Rodriguez and midfielder Joao Moutinho after growing frustrated in his bid to sign Luka Modric.

But Moutinho has backed his countryman Andre Villas-Boas to succeed as Tottenham boss and may follow him to White Hart Lane.

The former Chelsea manager was interested in bringing Moutinho to Stamford Bridge before he was fired last season.

Celtic in for Mills: Lennon ready to offer Wilson as makeweight for 5m Leicester defender

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Celtic in for Mills: Lennon ready to offer Wilson as makeweight for 5m Leicester defender

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UPDATED:

22:04 GMT, 15 May 2012

Celtic face a cash battle to lure want-away Leicester City defender Matt Mills to Parkhead.

Manager Neil Lennon has turned his attentions to the former Foxes captain following the collapse of a move for Polish defender Jaroslaw Fojut.

Fojut was due to arrive in Glasgow on July 1 until his pre-contract agreement was wrecked by knee-ligament damage and an imminent operation in the US.

Big hitter: Leicester City paid Reading 5m for Celtic target Mills last summer

Big hitter: Leicester City paid Reading
5m for Celtic target Mills last summer

The SPL champions have also watched Polish international defender Tomasz Jodlowiec of Polonia Warsaw.

Neil Lennon’s first choice, however, is 25-year-old Mills and the Northern Irishman is prepared to offer Kelvin Wilson as a makeweight for a player Leicester signed for 5million from Reading last summer.

As Sportsmail first revealed, Leicester are keen on Wilson — an indifferent performer since his Bosman move from Nottingham Forest last summer.

A deal involving both players is now being discussed.

Signed by Sven Goran Eriksson, Mills fell victim to change of management when Nigel Pearson arrived and Leicester are now desperate to sell after a move to Leeds United fell through in January.

After paying big money last year, however, the Championship club are reluctant to go below 3m for their former skipper.

The newly-crowned champions are in the market for defenders, with Daniel Majstorovic agreeing a deal at AIK Stockholm and Glenn Loovens also set to leave.

A left winger is also sought, with Nottingham Forest’s Garath McCleary targeted, but expected to join Wigan or Newcastle.

Strikers are also on Lennon’s radar, with newly-promoted Southampton expected to return to the table with a fresh offer for Gary Hooper. A 3m bid for Latvian international Artjoms Rudnevs failed when the Lech Poznan player joined Hamburg instead.

Scotland striker Jordan Rhodes and Charlton’s Yann Kermorgant remain possibilities, however, while Blackburn Rovers forward Yakubu has a relegation release clause in his contract and is available, but is seeking wages in the region of 50,000 a week.

Transfer dealings: Neil Lennon is looking to add to his squad

Transfer dealings: Neil Lennon is looking to add to his squad

Lennon — who was in London as Celtic donated 50,000 to sponsor a room in Paul’s House, the CLIC Sargent Home from Home, near University College Hospital — admitted there are set to be some tough decisions ahead.

‘Already Niall McGinn, Mark Wilson and Richie Towell will leave the club because their contracts are up, and Daniel Majstorovic has signed for Stockholm this week,’ he said.

‘There are a few more who will be out of contract and I need to know what their plans are.

‘There are some I would like to keep, but I am not too sure that is going to be the case.’

One player Lennon intends to do all he can to keep at Parkhead is goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who has impressed in his two loan seasons from Newcastle.

‘He is a priority for us and, hopefully, we can get it over the line,’ said the Celtic boss.
Lennon also spoke of his relish for the Old Firm battle, amid concerns over crisis-hit Rangers.

‘It is a great rivalry and it is important that it stays there,’ he said.

AC Milan offer German teen in Carlos Tevez chase

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German teen star Merkel offered to City as Milan try new tactic to lure Tevez to Italy

AC Milan have offered Germany Under 20 midfielder Alexander Merkel, 19, as a makeweight in their bid to sign Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez.

The Italians have agreed terms with Tevez but are still not close to agreeing an appropriate transfer package.

Looking to the future: Carlos Tevez is wanted by both Milan clubs, especially AC

Looking to the future: Carlos Tevez is wanted by both Milan clubs, especially AC

Chelsea have asked about AC Milan midfielder Bryan Cristante, 16, while at the same time allowing French winger Gael Kakuta to join Dijon on loan.

Meanwhile, City have been giving a trial to Israel and FC Ashdod midfielder Nir Biton, 20.