Football News Round-Up
June 19, 2008 by CLDsport
In this article: Hleb in talks with Barcelona, Ince set to become Blackburn manager, Nasri ‘agrees’ Arsenal contract, Roma sign Riise from Liverpool, and the latest Cristiano Ronaldo rumours.
With Euro 2008 creeping towards the final, it’s important that we don’t forget all the other football news. So, this is your chance to catch-up on all the latest football transfer news, managerial vacancies and more.
Firstly, Alexander Hleb has been linked with a move to Barcelona for the last few months, and reportedly Inter Milan were interested - although Jose Mourinho’s appointment may have changed that.
It now seems that the player is in direct talks with Barcelona with regards to a possible transfer, although it’s unknown if Arsenal are willing to sell.
Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla said on a Spanish radio station:
“Barcelona’s negotiations with Hleb are still in progress. But despite him being a player with special qualities, if his club are not ready to sell him, we have other options in mind.”
Earlier in the season, Hleb was thought to have held a secret meeting with Inter representatives when Arsenal were in the city for their Champions League meeting with AC Milan.
On the plus side for Arsenal, it appears that Samir Nasri has agreed to join Arsenal. Nasri has been called the new Zidane, and he won the Young Player of the Year Award in the French league last season. There has been no official announcement, but the 20-year-old has reportedly agreed a 4-year contract with the Gunners.
Nasri, who can play on both the left and the right wing, has scored 6 goals in 30 appearances for current club Marseille, and is a favourite with the fans - winning their vote for player of the year last season. He has made two appearances for the French in their disappointing Euro 2008, although one of them only lasted for approx 19 minutes!
John Arne Riise has left Liverpool - who he joined in 2001 - for AS Roma for a reported £4million. The left-back has fallen behind Fabio Aurelio in the pecking order, and will unfortunately be remembered for the disastrous own goal he scored against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final (click here for a reminder!). Despite this, the Norwegian has clocked up over 300 appearances for Liverpool, and helped them win the FA Cup, League Cup, and the Champions League in that time.
Paul Ince looks set to become the new Blackburn manager, replacing Mark Hughes who has moved to Man City. The former Man Utd and England midfielder has impressed in his current role as MK Dons manager. He led them to the League Two title, and the Football League Trophy in his first season.
Blackburn would need special dispensation to appoint Ince, as he has not gained his UEFA Pro License coaching qualification yet. Ince is a firm favourite to take over at Blackburn - and the bookies concur.
The Cristiano Ronaldo is still grumbling on. The midfielder is refusing to comment on his future at Euro 2008, despite his coach’s decision to announce his appointment at Chelsea in the middle of the tournament.
The latest rumours suggest Real Madrid are just as eager to hear Ronaldo’s attentions as we are. Madrid official Angel Arroyo has told a newspaper:
“As soon as he says he wants to play for Real Madrid, there will be conversations. We would willingly reach an agreement with Manchester United if it is possible, if they want to sell and if the price was affordable.”
The question is, would United ever agree to sell their prize asset. The attitude of the club seems to be ‘not at any price’ at the moment. With the club £600million in debt, it’s thought that a £70million offer would be too hard to resist. But, the Glazer’s (who own the club) have stated that the interest ‘more than covers’ the debt - and Ronaldo will NOT be allowed to leave the club.
It will be interesting to see how this situation develops. If Ronaldo publicly says that he wants to leave United for Madrid, then will the club force him to stay rather than cash in on him? It seems that United do not want their fans to think they are becoming a ’selling’ club, but if Ronaldo admits he wants to go, then he becomes the bad guy - and the club doesn’t lose respect. Right?
Where do you think Ronaldo will be playing his football next season? All comments welcome…..
To me let adebayor go this is a man who scores one with over ten chances ,for hlebs case i dont agree coz he is a talented player .Arsenal fan in UGANDA
I must say that a price of £25million has been mentioned for Adebayor. Arsenal fans may correct me, but is he really worth that much?!
There is no doubt he is a good player - but don’t think I rate him that highly. I’d sell him at that price!