Transfer news and Rumours: 2009-10

Kimi

Valencia take Villa off market
Valencia have slapped a 'not for sale' sign on star striker David Villa following months of speculation.

Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea had all been linked with Villa as financially-troubled Valencia seemed poised to cash in on their prize asset.

Los Che president Manuel Llorente even admitted in midweek that although there were no offers on the table at that point, they had held talks with Madrid while other teams, including Barca, had asked about the player`s situation.

However, Valencia have now decided to take the prolific hitman off the market, and will only consider selling if they receive an "amazing offer" for the player.

"We have taken the decision to not sell David Villa. We've taken this decision after some days of thought in which we studied the advantages and disadvantages," Llorente told reporters tonight.

"We think David Villa is the best striker in Europe and we have the fortune to have him in our team and we are going to fight to keep him."

Llorente insists the move is not a ploy either, saying: "It's not a strategy, but to avoid all the rumours. Because they affect Valencia, the media and the player.

"We have to be calm and think about the project. When we talked of selling it was because we thought that some players could bring in a lot of money, like Villa. But it's not been like that."

Llorente did admit though that the decision taken by Valencia does not necessarily guarantee Villa will still be at the Mestalla next season.

"I cannot say that because there could arrive an amazing offer," he added.

Kimi

Cristiano: It was my faultWith many United fans feeling betrayed by his flippant switch to Madrid, the Portuguese thunderbolt wanted to explain his decisions.

News of the World reported that he said: "This transfer is no different to anyone else's. I expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement.

"Anything wrong with my exit was my fault, not Real Madrid's or Manchester United's. I opened my mouth and that is what caused problems between the two clubs, who acted in a proper manner.

"I could have handled things differently, and not have done everything so publicly," admitted the winger."

Ronaldo will join Brazilian ace Kaka as the two superstars who will be given the tough task of snatching back Spanish supremacy from archrivals Barcelona.

C.Ronaldo

Another upset for Devils!

Manchester United's hopes of landing Franck Ribery have been hit by an admission from his agent that the France star would prefer to join Real Madrid.

Ribery has been linked with United, Real and Barcelona this summer following a second sparkling season in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.

The France forward has been touted as the perfect replacement for Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

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"Ribery would prefer to play for Real Madrid than Barcelona," he said.

"The player has talked with (Real and France legend) Zinedine Zidane and he wants to play for Los Blancos for him.

"But at this moment everything is blocked because the people at Bayern are on holiday until the end of this month. I can't say anything else until we meet them in the next few weeks."

agent Alan Migliaccio

C.Ronaldo

Yet another setback!

Real Madrid have officially contacted Lyon regarding the availability of Manchester United target Karim Benzema.

The rising star of French football has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Madrid-bound Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international is set to join the big-spending Spanish club in a world record £80million transfer.

United could now face serious competition from Real to sign Benzema after the French club's director of communications confirmed their interest in the 21-year-old striker.

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prongs

Tevez may not be moving to Manchester City, But Chelsea.

Read it in newspaper today that he has enrolled his daughter in a scholl in Cheshire or something so it is expected that he may be going to Chelsea in August.

Will Miss You Tevez!!

C.Ronaldo

yes will miss Tevez

Kimi

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has set a deadline for his agent to complete his transfer to Real Madrid.

According to the Daily Mail, Alonso told his agent to cement his move to the Spanish giants by July 19. If the deadline is not met, then he will stay at Anfield.

The British paper reported that the midfielder met his agent immediately after flying back to Madrid after his Confederations Cup duty in South Africa.

It was at this meeting that Alonso is said to have set a deadline with his agent Inaki Ibanez.

July 19 is the date on which he is scheduled to return to Anfield for pre-season training - for his proposed move to Real.

He is quoted as saying to Spanish newspaper AS: "I don't know what will happen. The clubs now have to negotiate."

According to the Mail, Real will launch a monster £55million bid to sign Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Alvaro Arbeloa. But they are also willing to negotiate players separately as Liverpool are unlikely to even contemplate losing both Alonso and Mascherano.

In a bid to scare off suitors, Benitez has quoted a price-tag of £50 million for Alonso, but sources in Spain say the actual valuation coming out of Merseyside is £35 million.

broar94

Michael Owen joins Man Utd!

Dogbert

Michael Owen will complete his shock move to Manchester United player later this evening once final medical checks have been conducted.

The former Newcastle and England striker spent the day at the club's Carrington training complex but left early this afternoon in a black Audi 4x4 to attend a south Manchester hospital for more tests.

Full article: Owen on brink of United switch | espnstar.com

Eager to see how owen performs for United!

Kimi

Good for Owen and his international career..Good for the devils too