Tag Archives: ransom

Loic Remy transfer: Newcastle made fair bid, says Alan Pardew

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We wouldn't pay Remy ransom: Pardew fears QPR now have edge over Newcastle

By
Colin Young

PUBLISHED:

16:27 GMT, 17 January 2013

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UPDATED:

21:46 GMT, 17 January 2013

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew
has admitted Queens Park Rangers have a stronger squad for the
relegation run-in after Marseille striker Loic Remy rejected a move to
Tyneside to join the Barclays Premier League’s bottom club.

But Pardew, who is still looking for a
replacement for Chelsea’s early transfer window signing Demba Ba, says
he was still surprised the France star chose to move to Loftus Road
rather than St James’ Park.

Getting shirty: Remy chose to join QPR over Newcastle

Getting shirty: Remy chose to join QPR over Newcastle

Newcastle face fellow strugglers
Reading at home tomorrow and Pardew is desperate for a win to appease
fans unhappy with the club’s progress in the transfer market, and the
threat of captain Fabricio Coloccini quitting to return to South
America.

This week Remy rejected a move to Newcastle after accepting Rangers’ offer to double his wages to 80,000 a week.

It was a huge public blow for Pardew
and the club, who are still reeling from Ba’s departure to Stamford
Bridge within days of the transfer window opening.

Pardew said: ‘It was a little
strange. We put a lot of work into it, we made his club an offer that
was accepted and made a fantastic offer to the player.

We did all we could: Pardew was left frustrated on missing out on Remy

We did all we could: Pardew was left frustrated on missing out on Remy

'I honestly think if you’re a French
player with the French players that we’ve got in the squad, this would
be my first port of call. That is why the Remy decision surprised me
because of course we get the communication through to those players.

Colo go Pardew hopes the Argentina defender stays at St James' Park

Colo go Pardew hopes the Argentina defender stays at St James' Park

'But we’re not going to pay silly
money to anybody.

'We’ve lost Demba Ba and we need to find a replacement,
there is no doubt about that. We definitely need a player or two in
this window to make sure of our Premier League status.

There are better
teams than the one I manage who have gone down. I could argue QPR’s
squad, on paper, is stronger than ours in terms of depth. I’m not sure
about starting XI, but we’ve not had our first XI out all year.

'I think we shouldn’t be lost to the
fact that we could be relegated. I’m not going to lose that. That’s an
important message for our fans too. We need them to not give up on us.'

On the Coloccini issue, Pardew added: 'We’re going to sit down next week
and hopefully iron out the issues and come to a conclusion where Colo
stays. That’s what I hope for.'

Lee Westwood watches Golden Hoof win on his phone

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Ryder Cup hero Westwood watches Golden Hoof win on debut at Kempton

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UPDATED:

19:47 GMT, 5 November 2012

Golfer Lee Westwood watched his Golden Hoof make a winning debut over hurdles at Kempton via his phone.

His manager Chubby Chandler, who part-owns the four-old-gelding trained by Nicky Henderson, said: ‘Lee’s out in Shanghai at the moment and was watching on his phone.

Debut win: Andrew Tinkler rides Golden Hoof to victory at Kempton

Debut win: Andrew Tinkler rides Golden Hoof to victory at Kempton

‘He (Golden Hoof) is a big baby. Nicky didn’t give us that much encouragement but everything turned out well. It’s terrific fun and we just enjoy the day out.’

Golden Hoof, sent off at 7-2, cruised through much of the race under jockey Andrew Tinkler before scooting clear to beat Rysbrack four and half lengths.

The big disappointment of the race was smart Flat performer Ransom Note who jumped sloppily throughout and eventually finished a well beaten seventh.

Arsenal will not break the bank to keep Theo Walcott

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Arsenal insist they will not break the bank to keep Walcott as winger's contract winds down

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UPDATED:

08:58 GMT, 9 October 2012

Arsenal have warned Theo Walcott they will not be held to ransom over his pay demands.

The England forward, aged 23, could leave on a free transfer at the end of the season after snubbing a new deal worth 75,000 a week.

Fresh talks: Arsenal winger Theo Walcott

Fresh talks: Arsenal winger Theo Walcott

Walcott's representatives
will hold talks with the Arsenal hierarchy during the international
break in a bid to thrash out a new agreement.

But Gunners chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists that the club will not break their wage structure for Walcott, who has less than 12 months left on his current contract.

'We have got our general overall wage structure and we are not prepared to break it for anybody,' he told the Daily Star.

'We have made an offer which he didn't think was acceptable and that is the end of it. We think it is a very reasonable offer.

'For the moment his people are still talking to us and we hope it will be resolved. But don't ask me when, because I haven't a clue.

'I hope that he will eventually come round and sign. It will be a pity if he does not, but the whole issue of pay for footballers has got totally out of hand and they don't get terribly well advised a lot of the time.'

Premier League title rivals Manchester City and Chelsea are ready to move for Walcott if he fails to sign a new contract. Liverpool and Tottenham are also expressed an interested.

Arsenal are lining up Crystal
Palace forward Wilfried Zaha as a potential replacement for Walcott.

Former
Gunners assistant manager Pat Rice – who still works for the club
despite retiring in the summer – watched the 19-year-old forward score
twice in the Eagles' 4-3 win over Burnley on Saturday.

Oscar trains with Chelsea for first time

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Oscar looks so young, laughs Cole as 25m Brazilian finally joins Chelsea team-mates

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UPDATED:

15:29 GMT, 17 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Brazilian sensation Oscar linked up with his new Chelsea team-mates for the first time on Friday.

The 25million midfielder is one of the Blues' big summer signing after arriving from Sao Paulo.

His start at Chelsea was delayed because of his involvement at the Olympics with runners-up Brazil.

But he was finally introduced to his new colleagues during a session at Cobham ahead of Sunday's match away to Wigan.

Ashley Cole tweeted: 'Just met our new signing Oscar – wow he looks young but I'm sure he will do very well with us this season, good luck to him #cfc.'

I'm here now! Oscar (centre) enjoys himself during his first training session on Friday

I'm here now! Oscar (centre) enjoys himself during his first training session on Friday

Nice touch: Oscar had a chance to show off his skills after joining up with his team-mates

Nice touch: Oscar had a chance to show off his skills after joining up with his team-mates

Meanwhile, Roberto di Matteo insisted Chelsea would not be held to ransom over their transfer targets as he considered blooding his latest signing in Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener.

The Blues travel to Wigan seemingly no closer to reaching an agreement with their opponents' chairman, Dave Whelan, over the transfer of Victor Moses.

Whelan this week accused Chelsea of 'messing about' over the fee for Moses, warning the 21-year-old was going nowhere unless his demands were met.

The Blues' business elsewhere may also have stalled, amid reports they have yet to agree a price for Porto forward Hulk or seal a deal for Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

On top of that, they have had bids rejected for other targets as rival clubs have tried to eke the maximum return possible from a side bankrolled by billionaire owner Roman Abramovich.

But having already splashed out more than 60m this summer in an era of Financial Fair Play, Chelsea are not about to be bled dry during what remains of the transfer window.

Let's go: Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo directs his players during training

Let's go: Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo directs his players during training

Di Matteo said: 'I think that goes for many teams, not just for us. We're not going to pay over the top. What we think is the real value for a player, we have paid.'

Di Matteo typically refused to be drawn on potential comings and goings at Stamford Bridge other than confirming: 'There won't be anybody coming in for Sunday.'

That means Chelsea coming face to face at the DW Stadium with a player who they want and who – it would appear – also wants to join them.

Di Matteo was at pains not to discuss Moses this afternoon before being pressed into doing so by virtue of the fact his side will have to try to stop the forward on Sunday.

'We've played against him before – we know very well what ability he has,' he said. 'He's a young, talented guy… that plays for Wigan.'

One Chelsea star who will soon be given a break following what has been a gruelling schedule is last season's player of the Year, Juan Mata.

The 24-year-old was part of Spain's European Championship and Olympic squads and Di Matteo has been looking into leaving him out completely at some point in the near future.

That will probably be once the Blues boss is satisfied the likes of Eden Hazard, Marko Marin and Oscar can fill the void.

Ready Ashley Cole posted this picture of Twitter with team-mate Juan Mata

Ready Ashley Cole posted this picture of Twitter with team-mate Juan Mata

Chelsea certainly have no shortage of options in attacking midfield – if only the same could be said about the striker department. Many expressed surprise they were not in the thick of the race to sign Robin van Persie.

But although Di Matteo refused to reveal if they had been interested, he cast doubt on whether the Holland star would make the difference between Manchester United winning the title and finishing behind arch-rivals City again.

'Personally, I still believe that Man City is the favourite because they haven't lost any key players,' he said. 'But, certainly, Van Persie is a good signing for United.'

Chelsea midfielder Raul Meireles is a target for Tottenham and Di Matteo refused to confirm whether the Portuguese was a key part of his plans, saying only: 'He's with us. He's going to be with us at the weekend.'

That weekend heralds the big kick-off in the Premier League and Di Matteo said: 'It's about time that we start now. All the players are looking forward to it now, and we are.'

The Chelsea boss has repeatedly spoken of the need to slash last season's 25-point gap to City and United but less about whether Abramovich expected the title itself.

He said: 'We have to try, for sure. It's not that we're not going to try. We have to try to challenge ourselves with the other teams, so I wouldn't say there is no expectation.'

Chelsea threaten to end Edinson Cavani and Hulk chases

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Chelsea threaten to pull out of Cavani and Hulk chases over financial demands

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UPDATED:

22:40 GMT, 14 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Chelsea are refusing to be held to ransom in their pursuit of long-term targets Edinson Cavani and Hulk.

The South Americans have been on the European champions’ radar throughout the summer transfer window.

But both moves have stalled over financial reasons and the Blues are now threatening to completely withdraw their interest in the attacking duo.

Pricey: Chelsea may pull the plug on their pursuit of Edinson Cavani

Pricey: Chelsea may pull the plug on their pursuit of Edinson Cavani

As revealed by Sportsmail last month, Cavani has insisted he become one of Chelsea’s top earners should he agree a move to London – demanding a hefty 150,000-per-week.

In addition to his wages, Cavani would cost 35million in transfer fees.

And Chelsea are not prepared to give in
to the Uruguay striker’s demands and it is understood Blues technical
director Michael Emenalo has told Cavani’s advisers that the club will
not pursue their interest in the centre-forward until he lowers salary.

Similarly, the Blues are currently unwilling to meet Porto’s asking price for Hulk.

The Brazil international has an 80million release clause written into his contract – but the Portuguese giants will let him leave for 38m.

Talks between both clubs will accelerate in the coming days after Hulk’s Olympics involvement came to an end at the weekend.

But Porto’s valuation is threatening to scupper the transfer despite Hulk’s attempts to force through a move to Stamford Bridge.

Growing gap: Chelsea once seemed close to landing Hulk but talk has quietened

Growing gap: Chelsea once seemed close to landing Hulk but talk has quietened

‘I have left the door open to be transferred,’ said Hulk.

‘My preference is to play in England or Spain because they are the most watched league in the world. Now is a great time for me to move.’

Meanwhile, Wigan’s demand that Chelsea pay 7million of Victor Moses protracted 10m transfer fee up front is the key stumbling block towards the completion of a deal.

Moses – who will net in the region of 40,000-per-week if his move to Chelsea goes through – is desperate to quit the Latics.

But Chelsea are keen to pay a smaller initial payment with the rest of the few made up in performance related add ons.

Talks between both club’s are ongoing and a compromise is expected to be reached to pave the way for Moses return to London.

Luka Modric frustrated over delay in Real Madrid move from Tottenham

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Boost for Spurs as Modric move to Real faces collapse over huge 35m transfer fee

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UPDATED:

06:12 GMT, 6 July 2012

Luka Modric could yet start the new season as a Tottenham player after growing frustrated over the delay in sealing a move to Real Madrid.

The Croatian star was expected to join the Spanish champions after Euro 2012 but a deal has yet to be done.

Modric, who is valued at 35million, wants Real to make a decision by July 17 or he will explore other options.

Stall: Luka Modric (centre) wants a move to Real Madrid sorted quickly

Stall: Luka Modric (centre) wants a move to Real Madrid sorted quickly

Reports in Spain claim Madrid must sell before they can buy and Modric, 26, is reluctant to demand a move away from White Hart Lane, according to The Sun.

Chelsea failed with a bid of 30m for the playmaker last summer as Spurs dug their heels in.

New manager Andre Villas-Boas will be keen to hold on to Modric but has already made plans to replace him.

Hope Tottenham fans may yet see Modric (right) in action again

Hope Tottenham fans may yet see Modric (right) in action again

Gylfi Sigurdsson snubbed Liverpool to join the White Hart Lane club and Lassana Diarra has also emerged as a target.

Spurs will not be held to ransom as Modric's contract runs until 2016 but it remains to be seen if Villas-Boas can convince him his future lies at a club who will not feature in the Champions League.

Spurs make 10m move for Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge

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Spurs make 10m move for Chelsea striker Sturridge

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UPDATED:

05:33 GMT, 3 July 2012

Tottenham are lining up a 10 million move for unsettled Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge.

Spurs, who are expected to confirm
the appointment of former Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas as their next
manager, have made the 22-year-old their top target, according to Metro.

Spurs target: Daniel Sturridge

Spurs target: Daniel Sturridge

Sturridge is currently seeking showdown talks with Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo having fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

The 22-year-old wants assurances over his future, but while Di Matteo is keen to hang onto the prospect, he will not accept players holding the club to ransom and would contemplate a 10 million bid.

Rafael van der Vaart and Salomon Kalou top Schalke summer transfer list

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Schalke boss reveals he is rivalling Liverpool for signature of Chelsea freebie Kalou

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UPDATED:

08:56 GMT, 11 June 2012

Schalke say they are battling Liverpool to sign Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou.

They also have Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart at the top of their summer shopping list.

Boss Huub Stevens admitted he is desperate to boss Dutch ace Van der Vaart again after managing him at Hamburg before the 29-year-old moved to Real Madrid.

And Stevens has identified Champions League winner Kalou to join his Bundesliga side with the Ivory Coast international looking for a new club following his release from Stamford Bridge.

Join us: Schalke are desperate to sign Rafael van der Vaart

Join us: Schalke are desperate to sign Rafael van der Vaart

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Van der Vaart, whose wife Sylvie works for a German TV station nearby Schalke's home ground, would cost the German club around 10million but he is refusing to discuss his future until after Euro 2012.

Up for grabs: Kalou is available on a free

Up for grabs: Kalou is available on a free

'His qualities are unprecedented,' Stevens told Sky Sports.

'I would love to work with him again. We have contacts with his agent. Every day I speak to Horst Heldt (Schalke’s general manager) on the phone about our plans.

'There are rumours circulating that Rafael would return to Germany. But I have not heard from his mouth. I have not spoken with him and we’ll have to see after Euro 2012 .

'He has a contract so we will have to pay a ransom. If Rafa really wants it, he is welcome.

'If that opportunity arises, and he looks forward to it, let him come.'

Stevens believes Schalke have every chance of tempting 26-year-old Kalou too, despite interest from Liverpool.

He said: 'Kalou is a Bosman player this summer.

'It’s obvious; there are many other clubs keen on him. Liverpool for example.

'But I know for sure he wants to move away from England. This could be our chance.'

Didier Drogba weighs up new Chelsea deal

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Drogba weighs up Chelsea deal as Blues fend off China interest

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UPDATED:

10:41 GMT, 8 May 2012

Didier Drogba is set to be offered an improved contract as Chelsea ramp up their bid to pin down the Ivorian international.

The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and has been promised a 20million package to join former team-mate Nicolas Anelka at mega-rich Shanghai Shenhua.

Four-some: Drogba is out of contract at the end of the season

Four-some: Drogba is out of contract at the end of the season

But Chelsea are keen to hang on to the veteran striker, who scored in Saturday's FA Cup final win over Liverpool.

The Blues are prepared to offer Drogba a 12-month extension on the one-year deal that already sits on the negotiation table.

A club source told The Sun: 'Everyone is keen to keep Didier but the owner won't be held to ransom.

Bidding farewell: The Ivory Coast international is wanted by Shanghai Shenhua

Bidding farewell: The Ivory Coast international is wanted by Shanghai Shenhua

'He has to be realistic with his demands if he wants to continue playing at the highest level.'

Frank Lampard urges the Chelsea hierarchy to keep Drogba after his Cup heroics.

The midfielder said: 'I'm desperate for him to stay. He is a magnificent player. He's a machine.

'His body is a machine, when you look at him stripped down. He's lost no pace, he's lost none of his finishing instinct.

'As a man, I love Didier and whatever he decides to do, whether he stays or whatever, he has been a hero for this club and will go down as a legend.'

Chelsea set to bid for Edinson Cavani

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Chelsea steal march on rivals in race for 30m Napoli striker Cavani

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UPDATED:

10:26 GMT, 25 March 2012

Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue to sign 30million-rated Napoli striker Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguayan has been in impressive form this season and took his goal tally to 26 in midweek.

He also helped the Italian club knock Manchester City out of the Champions League but could not inspire Napoli to complete an English double against Chelsea.

Wanted man: Edinson Cavani is a target for Chelsea and Manchester City

Wanted man: Edinson Cavani is a target for Chelsea and Manchester City

The highly-coveted 25-year-old is also high on City's wishlist but Roberto Mancini could lose out after Chelsea reportedly opened talks with Cavani's representatives.

According to The Sun, discussions took place in London on Friday with a view to a transfer in the summer.

Napoli have continually stressed that it would require a king's ransom to convince them to part with their star man who is under contract until 2015.

So close: Cavani (right) was unable to help Napoli beat Chelsea in Europe

So close: Cavani (right) was unable to help Napoli beat Chelsea in Europe

In November, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis said: 'If (Manchester City owner) Sheikh
Mansour wants to buy one of our jewels, he should pay much more than he
has already spent at City.'

Liverpool are also keen to partner Cavani with international team-mate Luis Suarez but would need to finance the move by selling flop Andy Caroll.

Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich are also interested.