Obertan Agrees to Leave United

Manchester United are close to selling their young French winger, Gabriel Obertan to Newcastle in a £3 million deal.

The 22 year-old, who signed for United in 2009 after Cristiano Ronaldo had left for Real Madrid, has found it difficult to establish a starting spot and has rarely impressed at Old Trafford.

He was relatively unknown before his £3 million move to United, and after two seasons with only 28 appearances and one goal in total, as well as a bunch of reserve games in which he seemed a lot more comfortable, Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to say goodbye.

Few will be shedding a tear at the thought of Obertan departing United, but most at the club will wish him well for the future at a club whose fans may give him more time and exert less pressure or immediate expectation on an inexperienced, young, potential talent.

According to the Mail, the player has agreed a five year deal at Newcastle after discussing personal terms with Newcastle, with United expecting to recoup the fee paid for him in 2009.

 Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball

Sneijder to United: The Timeline of Events

Nothing ever seems to be simple with Manchester United, and the Wesley Sneijder to United saga which has continued to dominate the headlines is certainly one of those complicated transfers we'd all rather see completed very soon.

United have thought about Samir Nasri of Arsenal and Luka Modric of Tottenham as replacements for Paul Scholes, but it seems that United have made Sneijder their number one priority. It is a story which journalists and reporters have absolutely loved, with hundreds of varying stories spurted out for us to digest in a rush of excitement only to be disappointed again and again.

So I have collected and shortened as best I can, all of the reports, stories and "exclusives" that we have all been fed over the past couple of months, and stuck them in a sort of timeline. Enjoy:

11th April

• Rumours circulate that Manchester United could be ready to offer their influential winger Nani to Inter Milan to persuade them to let go of Sneijder.

26th April

• Sneijder praises United: “Do I want to go to United? It’s a beautiful club, but I’m fine in Milan and not at the point to think about it.” 

8th May

• An Old Trafford insider says of the move: “It’s up to the owners now. Sir Alex wants the player — it’s just a matter of agreeing to the wage demands.” 

30th May

• It becomes the general consensus that Manchester United must sign Sneijder to keep up with Barcelona.

5th June

• Sneijder flies to California to meet his wife Yolanthe where they discuss whether a move to England with either Manchester United or City would be desirable.

10th June

• Sneijder praises Inter: "Milan is marvellous, picturesque and full of elegance. I love it. At the moment I am very happy here and I don't see why I should leave."

12th June

• Sneijder says something to fuel suggestions he will say goodbye to Inter: "The Inter fans have always treated me very well. They were wonderful and I want to simply thank them. Only God will decide where my future lies."

20th June

• When Sneijder was asked whether he fancied a switch to United he replied rather ambiguously: "We shall see." 

21st June

• Manchester City and Manchester United are locked in a battle to land Wesley Sneijder. 

29th June

• According to reports Manchester United are set to go for broke to land Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder. Manchester United set to offer Wesley Sneijder £200k-per-week deal. [Click Manchester] 

July 6th

• Sneijder would be ‘ideal’ for United, according to Old Trafford first-team coach Rene Meulensteen.

July 9th

• Inter Milan’s board will meet to sanction the sale of Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United.

• Inter boss Gian Piero Gasperini said: “I try not to be worried about Sneijder. He is one of the best players in Europe. But I am convinced we can find a new player when he goes.”

July 11th

• Wesley Sneijder admits desire to remain at Inter: "I want to stay. I have great friends here like Javier Zanetti who kept us all together when morale was low [last season]. If the team decides to sell me then I would go where they say, but I would be unhappy [to leave]."

“Whatever will be will be.” [Goal.com]

July 12th

• Inter Milan director Marco Branca has warned interested clubs off Wesley Sneijder, insisting that the Dutch star "is not for sale". 

July 13th

• Federico Macheda says on Twitter that he hopes to see Sneijder in the United team soon, sparking hundreds of new reports saying the United striker has "leaked" information he shouldn't have. 

• Manchester United are close to completing Wesley Sneijder's £35million transfer.

• United chief executive David Gill is believed to have agreed terms with representatives of the Inter Milan and Holland star, who will earn £190,000-a-week at Old Trafford. [the mirror]

14th July

• United are ready to use Nani as bait in their bid to lure Wesley Sneijder to Old Trafford (again.) 

• Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said the club have "no real interest" in signing Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder. [BBC] 

15th July

• Sportswear giants Nike have emerged as key to Wesley Sneijder completing a £35.2 million move to Manchester United. The US-based firm sponsor Sneijder and supply the Premier League champions' kit and could be ready to step in and pay a percentage of the Dutchman's wages to ensure the club record transfer goes through.

16th July

• With Arsenal refusing to sell Samir Nasri and Internazionale reluctant to do business for Wesley Sneijder, the Reds boss is now thought to have turned to Hamsik.

To Be Continued...

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Bébé Leaves Man United on Loan - His United Story So Far

According to reports, Manchester United's 2010 summer signing Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, or Bébé as he is better known has been loaned out to the Turkish side Besiktas. It is thought Sir Alex Ferguson wants the Portuguese 20 year-old to get more games and experience under his belt in preparation for a successful return to Old Trafford, and it can surely only be a good thing.

Watching Bébé's performances in a Manchester United shirt so far have, although disappointing for a £7.4 million signing, showed some signs of promise. Many called him the worst signing of the summer, and a terrible player, but these labels are supremely harsh and unfair for a player who only managed two Premier League performances. He may not have shone in those games, but a goal in Europe and a goal in the League cup, as well as several in the reserve side do show that he has talent.

He has played 75 minutes of Premier League football in two games for United, coming on in the 80th minute against Sunderland for Anderson, and replacing an injured Owen Hargreaves in the fifth minute against Wolves, only to be substituted off himself seventy minutes later. In those games he was played out on the wing, and it didn't do him much justice.

One of the essentials of a winger is of course the ability to cross the ball, and this quality is one that is lacking in the young Portuguese attacker, as can be seen below in the chalk board. All but one of his crosses from the right hand side failed to find a team mate with 14 of his total 32 attempted passes being unsuccessful. Considering this was only his second game in a very different and far more competitive league than what he was in before he joined United.

Of course, all players have their off days, and Bebe clearly had one here, with Sir Alex deeming him ineffective, and substituting him before the game had finished, but goals in the reserves have shown far more promise. Below, you can see two of Bébé's goals in the reserve, the second one in particular showing a fantastic technique in striking the ball.

Loans have their various success's and failures, with Tom Cleverley's loan to Wigan proving effective, while Federico Macheda's loan to Sampdoria not so much. What Bébé needs is some regular football and some proper coaching in the basics of football. He does have talent, but he needs to have the time and people around him with patience to mature it. He needs to be taught to keep the ball, to pass the ball, to run with the ball to head the ball, to control the ball - all the basics really, and if he works peristently, he may become a decent footballer.

It was a rather odd signing on Sir Alex Ferguson's behalf, and he may now be regretting spending £7.4 million on a player who was going at just £125,000 a few weeks before United signed him, and who Sir Alex had never seen in action. According to some reports, Besiktas will have the option to turn the loan into a permanent deal for only £2 million, meaning a £5.4 million financial loss.

Is it all worth it? Lets wait and see more of what Bébé has to offer first, rather than taking the easy option and simply writing him off as a failure. He may very well turn into one of those transfer blunders that the United manager has overseen over the years, but who knows, if he learns to cross the ball, he may have a chance.

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Paul Scholes: A Special Player & A Footballing Legend

A footballing legend has retired today. A legend who has been praised by some of the best because he is one of the best. Nothing and no one can take away from the fact that Paul Scholes, the now former Manchester United midfielder has been a sensation at Old Trafford, and anyone who has had the privilege to play alongside him, play against him or even see him in action should count themselves very, very lucky because this man is one of the greats.

Described as the "complete footballer" by Zinedine Zidane, a "role model" by Xavi, and "the best" by Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Edgar Davids, Laurent Blanc, Pep Guardiola and Nani, you really do get the feeling straight away that he is a special player. He may not have developed the ability to tackle over his 17 years as a Manchester United professional, but with his stunning passing quality and precision, super natural vision and devastating shot accuracy and power, you can forgive him.

When you look at his career highlights, of which there are many in abundance, you get the feeling that you are witnessing something like magic. He can pick a man out from anywhere on the football pitch, he can spot a through ball that any one else who think of as impossible, and he can keep the ball like it is his life objective to not let it go. Sometimes words are not enough for a player like this.

It is sad to see such a fantastic footballer retire when many believe that he could go on so easily for a few more years and show up countless of players so much younger and quicker than him, but it was very fitting in my opinion that his last game in a Manchester United shirt came against Barcelona.

It was of course hugely disappointing that his career could not end on a perfect high note of lifting his third Champions League trophy, but when you look at the players in the Barcelona team and notice how much they admire the man, you can see why going out to Barcelona was so appropriate.

When the Spanish midfield maestro Andres Iniesta goes out of his way to ask for your shirt because he is afraid that your last game has been played, you know your different - superior to the rest. Iniesta averages 2075 passes per season when the average a player is only 658, and with a success rate in those 2075 passes of 93.7% last season, it is easy to see why Scholes is held in such high regard.

In just 19 games for Manchester United this season, 13 being starts, Scholes managed an amazing 1348 passes with a success rate of 90.4% - at the age of 36! It really is unbelievable, and playing his last game against the pair of midfielder's in Xavi and Iniesta who have seen Scholes as their role model really is a fantastic tribute to him.

17 seasons at Manchester United, 675 appearances, 150 goals, 24 trophies, and a huge impact on the world of football, this shy, humble 36 year old man has made a big name for himself all over the world, letting his football do all of the eloquent and articulate talking. Thank you Paul Scholes.

Follow Me on Twitter @DBSFootball 

An Open Letter To Barcelona FC

Dear Barcelona players, coaches staff.

Firstly, I would like to extend my congratulations to you for reaching the European Cup final for the seventh time in your 111 year history. It is of course, a wonderful achievement, and you will exercise the privilege to play against the English Champions Manchester United at the wonderful stadium that is Wembley in North-West London.

As I am absolutely sure you have heard countless times, your football can often be quite stunning, with "out of this world" passing and movement, ferociously graceful and relentless attacking ability and football players with stunning quality. Yes, it is true, you deserve to be in the final on your footballing merits.

However, there is another side to your team which fans and admiring pundits often hide away from. Many are so blinded by the talent that the team possess, they are distracted, or perhaps use selective viewing to ignore many of he areas most unwelcome in a fair game. I am sure you would also like to gloss over the subject I am talking about, and allow the praise to rain on you without a hailstone knocking you out.

Well put your umbrella's up, because the hailstone is coming, and it's been coming for a while now.

Cast your minds back to your Champions League semi-final, and even fans, admiring pundits and neutrals all over the world could not cover for you as they watched as you used disgraceful, anti-footballing tactics to gain the advantage. What am I talking about? I'm sure you already know - after all, you were the ones committing the offences. Diving? Gamesmanship? - Cheating?

I know this would be the point when you would like to stop reading, screw up the letter and forget what I say, muttering furiously under your breath about how wrong I am, and how your football is what the world wants to see. "Cheating" is of course, a very strong word, and a terrible accusation, but unfortunately, the name of Barcelona may forever be associated with it if you do not stop.

If you are still reading, then I would just like to ask a few players in particular who will be playing against Manchester United on Saturday a question. Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Pedro and Javier Mascherano, this next message is aimed at you:

Bear in mind that not everyone will be at Wembley on Saturday. Bear in mind that millions will be watching on televisions - high definition televisions, with the added advantage of slow motion replays. Please, please, please, would you refrain from diving, or I, and many other football fans around the world will need a new television - and a new window, because the two may be colliding viciously if we see any what was seen in the previous Champions League games.

Reluctantly, I wish you good luck for Saturday, as I very much hope that Manchester United v Barcelona will be a fair, diving free zone, and will not go down in history as a farce of a game. I also hope that the referee of the game is not in any way influenced by outside party's, and I hope he will not need to reach for his pockets and little black book to withdraw some cards - whatever colour.

I do not want to see a repeat of the red for van Persie when you played Arsenal, nor do I want to see a repeat of the first leg of the Real Madrid semi-final.

Thank you for your time,

DBS Football

P.S: I have previously dedicated two articles to you. Find them here:

http://dbs-football.blogspot.com/2011/05/guardiola-making-mockery-of-football.html

& here:

http://dbs-football.blogspot.com/2011/04/diving-disgrace-to-football.html

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DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Make Up Your Mind Maarten - Arsenal or United for Stekelenburg

It is usually good for players to be ambitious, but playing for two football clubs simultaneously is a bit much. However, if we are to believe what Maarten Stekelenburg has said, it seems he would be ready to play for both Manchester United and Arsenal if they were to come calling.

Of course, there is the far more likely possibility that he would choose between the two if they were to offer him a deal. Yes, that seems more likely. But even then, as such a big fan of the two rivals, who would he choose? Back in March, the 28 year-old Dutch World Cup finalist said this:

"I have possibly played my last game for Ajax. If an offer from Arsenal arrives, I will leave."

From that, you would think that Arsenal were his favoured preference if a choice were to present itself. He would be a good, experienced addition to an Arsenal side crying out for some solid, strong defending and goalkeeping. He would slot right in at the Emirates, and could very well help them to trophies.

He has also been rumoured to be interesting Manchester United, who are looking to replace Edwin van der Sar when the veteran goalkeeper retires at the end of the season. Manchester United have confirmed they will buy a new goalkeeper, and they have their eye on one in particular - though they teased everyone by understandably not revealing who. Stekelenburg is hopeful he is the man, as today he said:

"I have received a fantastic offer from Ajax which is under consideration. There has been nothing else, zero. Maybe because I have been injured."

"Anybody who does not want to play for Manchester United would be insane."

Stekelenburg is a massive 6 foot 6 inches, and has played 282 times over nine seasons at Ajax as well as making 40 appearances for his country, including the World Cup final in 2010 against Spain. He has completed 26 games in the Dutch League this season, keeping 13 clean sheets, but has been injured for a little while after breaking his thumb.

So a choice will have to be made by Stekelenburg over his future soon, with only 1 year left on his current Ajax contract - will it be Arsenal, or Manchester United - or will he take up Ajax's "fantastic" offer and stay in Holland?

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or @DBSFootball

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Owen Wants To be The New Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Michael Owen joined Manchester United in the knowledge that a starting place would be very rare. At 31, he has come to accept this, and the cameo role he plays in certain matches often prove absolutely vital in games, especially when you consider he was a free signing for United. But the main reason the former Liverpool fan favourite joined United was to do something that his previous teams rarely did in his time there - win trophies.

He came to no better place, and this season, he has the chance to help United to win both the Premier League trophy, and the Champions League trophy, both of which would be the first of his long, goal filled career. In a recent interview, Owen put his lack of pitch time down to the quality and depth of the squad at United. He said:

"Even if it is just one goal or one good performance, everyone is going to play their part."

"I was in the stand on Tuesday against Schalke. You are feeling sorry for yourself thinking I would like to be on the pitch or on the bench.

"Next to you is Wes Brown, who has dozens of England caps and John O'Shea, who has got even more for the Republic of Ireland. Darron Gibson is also an international.

"They are not even getting stripped. That tells you everything about the squad of player we have got.

The majority of Manchester Untied fans see Owen's best position as on the bench, and coming on late in the game when a goal is needed - a "super-sub" if you like, and it the interview, he said something quite interesting considering United's history:

"I suppose I am dreaming of coming off the bench and scoring the stoppage-time winner in the Champions League final.

"That is the motivation that drives me on. Every day I have to be ready and prepared to come in and do something."

Sound familiar? Cast your minds back to the 1999 Champions League final, and who came on in a Champions League final to score the winner? Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of course, and what was he genreally known as? A "super-sub". Scoring a late winner in the Champions League final must be a dream come true for any player, and every time I watch Solskjaer's winner in that final, goosebumps run fiercely all over my skin, so what it must be like for a player only they will know.

Michael Owen has done it before in his time at United - not in a Champions League final - but in the Manchester derby last season, when a draw seemed certain late on. His 96th minute goal is typical of United's never say die attitude, and there is no doubt, that if United make this years European Cup final, and they need a goal, Michael Owen will surely be sent on to find one. Like Solskjaer, his finishing and eye for goal are deadly. Who knows, perhaps late in May, Owen's dream may become a reality. Lets hope so.

Follow Me on Twitter @RealDan7 or DBSFootball

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Manchester United Winger Not Leaving

Rumours that a transfer request had been handed in to Manchester United by their French winger Gabriel Obertan were rubbished by his agent today, who insisted that Obertan is happy at Manchester United and no transfer request had been handed in at any time.

Obertan, who was brought in by Sir Alex Ferguson in July 2009 - a £3 million buy from French club Bordeaux, was rumoured to have come to the conclusion that he is not good enough to make the grade at Old Trafford. He has not had a lot of pitch time in his short stay at the club, but this is to be expected from a player that was relatively unknown in the English Premier League at the time of his aquisition.
Obertan's representative, Karim Djaziri, claimed the Frenchman has not handed in a transfer request and is happy to stay at Old Trafford:

"I have read that Gabriel has handed in a transfer request, but no he has not done this. He is very happy at Manchester United and he doesn't want to leave.

Obertan was signed and unveiled along with Antonio Valencia, who came from Wigan, and although Valencia is currently out injured (but soon to return), the Ecuadorian winger is one of a few players whom fight for a place on the wings. Obertan should be taking tips from players such as Nani, Ryan Giggs and Antonia Valencia, in the hope that he can learn how to become an accomplished wing man. It seems his representative acknowledges this:

"He is still learning and he knows he is not ready to be a regular starter in the team, but he is working hard to be a member of the first team."

It is true that Obertan hasn't set United alight, and his career in Manchester hasn't really taken off yet, but at the young age of 21, and still quite inexperienced in English football, the Frenchman has much to learn, and has plenty of time to learn it. Who and where better to learn his trade than under the wing of Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, who knows what it is like to be coming up through the United ranks?

Obertan has scored only one goal in the first team for United, which was in a Champions League game against Bursaspor, but he has been impressive in the reserves, scoring a handful of quality goals which must have impressed Ferguson. Young players like this need a chance, and therefore must be patient and prepared to work hard to prove that he is good enough to make the grade at United, because at United, only the best will do.

Carroll to Liverpool Confirmed, Adam on His Way

Liverpool announced on their website that the club have agreed a fee for Newcastle and England striker Andy Carroll. The deal is apparently worth in excess of £35 million, which is absolute madness when you consider Torres was bought for £20 million in 2007, while David Villa, World Cup winner and proven goalscorer was bought by Barcelona for £34 million.

 There is a whole host of players that can be named who were bought for better value in the market, and considering Carroll has only spent 6 months in the Premier League with a newly promoted side, it is certainly a big gamble for Liverpool as they throw over half the expected transfer money from the Torres sale at Newcastle's gaping mouth and impossibly wide eyes probably filled with pound signs.

I suspect the hefty price is to do with the fact that Carroll is English, which always raises the price of players; Darren Bent and James Milner for example. Not to mention the fact that Liverpool are desperate to find a Torres replacement before the window closes, and will evidently do all they can to find one.

Charlie Adam of Blackpool is on his way to Liverpool in a car sent by Liverpool to sign for Liverpool. The car is an Audi, if that is of any importance. Oh yes, and the deal is reportedly worth £14 million. Madness.

But let us remember, that it is goals that win games, not massive transfer fees, so the players that are bought, although massively overpriced with inflated figures of stunning magnitude, must have time to prove their worth with the thing that counts the most - match winning goals.

Listen: Richard Keys Explains, Apologizes - And Resigns

Richard Keys apologised today for his part in the sexist comments he made to fellow Sky Sports pundit, Andy Gray. Further videos have been published on YouTube of Keys and Gray talking in a derogatory way about women and Keys used the 15 minute radio slot on Talk Sport to apologise as people are call for his sacking. Keys has since resigned from his anchor role as Sky Sports presenter.

I couldn't wait any longer for this blog to upload the recording of Keys apologising, after all, I left it for over four hours to actually upload. My patience ran out, so listen to his apology here.

Andy Gray, the former Scottish player and now ex-pundit, issued a statement rather than spoken apology which read:

'I am very sorry that certain comments made by me have caused offence. Such comments were made off-air to work colleagues, and were of course never intended to be broadcast.

'I was very upset when the comments were brought to my attention, and it was my intention to apologise on Monday night when I was back on air for the Bolton v Chelsea game.

'Sadly I was unable to do so as I was suspended from the show by Sky Sports and have now been sacked.

'Football is my life and I am devastated by losing the job that I love.

'I am equally upset that third parties have been dragged into this issue. I ask that the media respect their privacy so that they can continue in their roles.

'I have worked for Sky Sports loyally for over 20 years and I do not wish to comment further at this time.'

Tevez Withdraws his Transfer Request

The latest twist in the Tevez transfer tale is that the former Manchester United striker has withdrawn his request to leave City. A Manchester City statement read:

"Carlos expressed his absolute commitment to the Club and formally withdrew his transfer request. Carlos’ contract remains unchanged and both Carlos and the Football Club are keen to focus on the opportunities that lie ahead."   

So what has changed the Argentinians mind? Probably nothing at all. Earlier in the month he was absolutely certain he wanted to leave the club because he had fallen out with certain members of the club, and that there was no way he would re think his decision - thus handing in a transfer request. Clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea were reportedly ready to swoop for the uncommitted player who was also apparently thinking of retirement.

Now, just before tonight's game against Everton - at Manchester City's ground, he withdraws his transfer request and praised by his manager:

 "Carlos is a world class player whose contribution since he joined the club has been invaluable"

He may have changed his mind because he knows that if City want to keep him at the club, they will. They are under no pressure to sell as they don't need the money, and they certainly won't want to sell to a title rival in England. Or is it simply an attempt to avoid a frosty reception from the home crowd tonight aimed at the disloyal former captain? Rooney didn't totally avoid a controversial reception after his contract ordeal at Manchester United and there will be certain members of tonight's crowd that take a disliking to the Tevez situation.

Carlos Tevez Hands Man City Transfer Request

Tevez has proved over his footballing career that he isn't exactly the most loyal of players. He left struggling West Ham for success at Manchester United. He became a fan favourite at Old Trafford, and seemed to have a good connection with the club. Alas, he moved to arc rivals Manchester City - rubbing salt in the Red Devils wounds. He is now a key player for City, as well as a good tool for City fan to tease their local rivals with. However, he has now handed in a transfer request to Manchester City - a move which will rock the club and it's fans as they prepare to say a bitter goodbye to their key, influential and best player.

As the club captain, you would expect him to be the perfect example of a mature, calming - and good influence in general to his surrounding players. A good influence is what he is (or can be) as his skill, movement, finishing, work rate and desire highlights to his colleagues what it means to win. But he showed a complete lack of respect last week when his manager, Roberto Mancini substituted him. Shaking his head, clearly muttering disapprovingly under his breath, walking off in anger and contempt.

His manager tried to explain his decision - something a manager shouldn't have to do, as their decision are final - they are in charge. But as I wrote on the 24th July on this blog, Mancini has, and is having a tough time managing all of these big, overpaid egos at City. Balotelli emphasised this today as he received a yellow card for dissent before storming past Mancini, shaking his head when he was substituted.

You might say that the substitution incidents simply show a players passion for wanting to play, but they are effectively ridiculing and showing total disrespect for the manager and managerial staff by throwing tantrums in front of their colleagues and fans. What kind of example does this set? Not a good one.

The fact is, Tevez has put Manchester City in an uncomfortable position with this transfer request. He is not only the captain of the cub, but he is also their best players and City have often been criticized for their over-reliance on the Argentinian.

City can paint over the cracks with all of their money to spend on a new striker, but the example that Tevez has set with his rebellious behaviour - already being repeated by Balotelli this week, is something that can only weaken the team spirit and have a detrimental effect on the team. They have gone second in the League due to their win against West Ham without him, but is the absence of Tevez something that they will have to get used to quite soon?

Watch: Newcaste 3 - 1 Liverpool

Manchester United Target Schweinsteiger signs New Deal

Bastein Schweinsteiger, reported target of Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid, has signed a new contract at Bayern Munich which runs until 2016. This news leaves Sir Alex Ferguson still looking for a central midfielder of real quality to come in and take the reigns from Paul Scholes in leading the United midfield line.

It had been widely suggested that the German was ready to leave Bayern for England, with him admitting that his brother begs him regularly to join the Old Trafford side, but this news has dashed his brothers (and United fans') chances of seeing the 26 year-old proudly wearing the red of United.

Schweinsteiger announced his future in a microphone after a win at the Allianz Arena. He told the fans:

"I have extended my contract and will stay at FC Bayern until 2016. Long live Bayern!"

United do look likely to sign Steven Defour of Standard Liege in the close future however. The Belgian has been a long term target of Ferguson and it is highly likely that the Scotsman will swoop for the central midfielder before any other team does as he looks to strenghten his midfield.


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Redknapp Rules out Benzema Move but Players Must be Sold

A January transfer move for Karim Benzema has been ruled out by Harry Redknapp, while he also said that he will have to sell some of his players in order to purchase any improvements for his squad.

When asked about a possible move for the Frenchman, Redknapp said:

“There’s nothing in that,"

"He’s a good player, I like him, he looks a real talent. But certainly we haven’t made any enquires at all for him. There’s definitely nothing going on there at the moment."

“Before we can bring anyone in, I’ve spoke with the chairman, we need to shift one or two.

"It’s going to be a case of the only way we can do any business would be to let one or two go and whatever we get in we can go and invest.”

He hasn't ruled a move completely; by saying there is "nothing going on there at the moment" he was hinting that a move for him could be a possibility - maybe in the summer. Redknapp knows that Benzema would be cup tied in the Champions League, having played for Real Madrid, and as a competition that Tottenham are aspiring to do well in, they need their big name players. Benzema would be one of them.

If Tottenham were to invest in a new striker in January, they would most probably look closer to home, at a lower Pemier League team. Andy Carroll of Newcastle has been tipped as a possibility.

As for these players that Redknapp will have to let go, and Croatian play maker Niko Kranjcar has been rumoured to want out of White Hart Lane, seeking first team football. Liverpool were rumoured to be interestd for £7 million, while Italians Juventus are also interested.

After guiding his team to an inspired comeback against rivals Arsenal at the week end, Harry Redknapp is leading Tottenham in the right direction. He believes that his team can win the title this year, and the addition of top players that a Champions League team that they now are can attract, Tottenham are looking good for the future.

Worst Football Miss in History? [VIDEO]

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The video above shows Qatar's Fahad Khalfan missing a golden chance to score. Never heard of him? You probably never will again after this.
The 18 year-old missed from just a yard out playing for Qatar Sports Club, a team based in Doha, Qatar in the Qatari League.

Arsenals Marouane Chamakh recently missed a sitter at Arsenal - watch HERE

Have you seen a worse miss in the Premier League?
Send a link in the comment box below!

£70 Million for Torres? Take it Hodgson.

Manchester City seem to be the only team making any transfer headlines this summer and it will probably be like that for the next few summers until the Arabs get bored and go and find something else to spend their money on. But for now, we will have to put up with endless rumours involving City and their millions, spending completely stupid amounts of money on average players, and even more stupid money on the better players.

There is no doubt that Fernando Torres is one of the best strikers in the world. He proved that time and time again at Liverpool by scoring goal after goal. But Liverpool bought him for about £20 million pounds. Apparently, City are prepared to smash the English transfer record by making Liverpool a £50 million profit for the striker. Thats £70 million. If that actually is the offer, Roy Hodgson should take it and run. Knowing City, he may even be able to squeeze another £10 million out of the Arabs, they'll just get it back in pocket money next week any way.

Torres has been picking up a lot of injuries, mainly because he is so difficult to tackle, and so defenders have no other alternative but to hack his legs off. But as a result of this dangerous tackle theme with Torres, he gets a few recurring injuries. Last season, when Torres was out, all Liverpool had was David N'gog. Thats the equivalent of Man United having Rooney injured and only having Danny Welbeck to replace him. Not good. But with £70 million, Hodgson could work wonders. It would change everything. He could bring in another 3 quality strikers. He did a great job at Fulham with only about £7 million - better, in fact than Liverpool in the Europa League.

So if I was Hodgson, I would take the amazing offer and give away a world class player and bring in two or three fresh faces which would in the long term strengthen the squad whilst stabalising the team. In addition, with Mascherano looking like he wants to go for £30 million, either buy a cheaper replacement or pay off some of that massive debt!

West Ham want Beckham & Owen

They have already audaciously attempted to sign Thierry Henry from Barcelona and re-sign Joe Cole from Chelsea, but now, maybe even more cheekily, are trying to persuade the England golden-oldies David Beckham and Michael Owen to East London.

The clubs interest in Owen is not yet confirmed, however, co-owner David Gold said that Beckham could play a big part in delivering West Ham the olympic stadium after the 2012 olympic games are over.

"For him to join a club like us and help us bring another dream to fruition would be perfect for everyone. "

Confirming that talks are or have been held, Gold said

"We've had conversations with his people and made it clear we want him aboard"

Michael Owen, under contract with Manchester United for one more year is recovering from a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the end of last season. Nevertheless, Owen's deadly finish is still in tact as he proved at United last season and would be a welcome addition to last seasons relegation survivors.

To re-unite the pair at West Ham would be a big success and a sign of intent. Both are still big names in the English game and I'm sure fans of West Ham would be excited to see them both playing at Upton Park. Their signings could also be a big commercial boost, with Beckham such a big world wide brand, shirt sales would boost dramtically and tickets would go even quicker as fans flock to see their heroes in person.

City's Brats Will be Hard to Control

Last season, an overwhelming amount of lies swept through the blue side of Manchester as City's new signings tried to fool us that they had joined Manchester City for it's bright and successful future and that alone. They tried very hard to persuade us that money had very little to do with their decision to join a club that had recently been taken over by Arab billionaires. These lies are set to continue, as Yaya Toure racked his brains for excuses and reasons why he should choose Manchester City over Barcelona and Manchester United.

I think we can all answer that question for you Yaya. £200k a week sounds pretty good. The simple fact is, Yaya Toure chose the desire for more money over the desire for guaranteed success with either Barcelona or Manchester United. He turned down Champions League football for money (and the Europa League of course!). He explained that:

"Manchester United is a big club, one of the biggest in the world, but I chose Manchester City because they had not won anything."

Read that again.

But to be fair, he goes on to say that it is a good feeling to go to a club that hasn't won anything and then see everything change for the better around you. I imagine it would probably feel even better if you were getting paid almost a quarter of a million pounds every week!

With all this money being paid to players at City, Roberto Mancini will have a tough job keeping all of their ego's in check. If things start going badly for the team and if a few players don't support the manager I can see a repeat of the the French horror at the World Cup. Players going on strike against the manager and refusing to follow the managers tactics. There was even a small hint of it last season when Carlos Tevez publicly stated that he didn't like the way Mancini had the team train. Don't be suprised if the City brats do something similar this season.

The New Premier League Kits 2010/11 Season