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Zola still on Mario trail

2009-12-04T09:11:00.001-08:00

West Ham boss still likes Inter star

Balotelli: Zola interest

Gianfranco Zola has confirmed that he would still be interested in signing Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli.

The young striker is again been heavily linked with a move away from Inter, where he has failed to convince Jose Mourinho that he should be a first-team regular.
He is not short of fans though with Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti confirming his admiration for the player this week, while Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be keen.
Zola tried to sign Balotelli in the summer but although that deal failed to materialise he is still keen on the young Italian, who could yet play for Ghana in next summer's World Cup finals.
"If Inter want to talk about him in January we are ready," Zola told Corriere dello Sport.
"Mario has extraordinary potential, but he must understand that he has to improve, showing the right attitude.
"Last summer there was a time when we asked about him. In January, we will see what intention they have.
"And sure if he does leave Milan, we would not be the only ones who want him."

Gunners close on Samba starlet

2009-12-03T11:02:00.001-08:00

Zezinho close to move

Wenger: Eyes on Brazilian

Arsenal are set to conclude a deal for Brazilian starlet Zezinho, according to his agent.

The 17-year-old midfielder has already spent time on trial with the North London giants, and has also attracted interest from Liverpool.
But Arsenal now look set to have won the race for his signature after opening talks with his club Juventude.
Reports claim that Arsenal have already had bids of £1.6million and £2.7million rejected with the club believed to be looking for closer to £7million.
However, a deal around £5million looks likely with the Brazilian Under-17 international moving to England in January.
"Arsenal want to close the deal with Juventude this month, who look set to accept," his agent Augusto Nogueira is quoted by Brazilian newspaper Zero Hora.
The player himself has also spoken of the impending move and claimed he has finished his career with Juventude.
"My time at Juventude ended on Saturday," Zezinho said.
"Until now, I thought that I would continue, but my agent said that it is impossible.
"He told me that Arsenal will submit a new offer to Juventude - the third in a year, it seems - and this time it will be solved.
"I don't know about any other interested team. The only proposal is from Arsenal, the others were for trials."

Nimani set for Prem switch

2009-12-03T11:00:00.000-08:00

English clubs line for up French striker

Nimani: Keen on English move

Monaco striker Frederic Nimani is set for a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window, skysports.com understands.

A number of clubs are understood to be tracking the highly-rated forward and are hoping to secure a loan move for the 21-year-old in the New Year.
Birmingham have been linked with the French Under 21 international in the past and a host of other sides have been alerted to his possible availability in January.
Nimani scored seven goals in his first full season for Monaco last term, but he has found his first-team chances limited this year.
The 6ft 3in target man is keen on a move away in search of regular action and the player's agent Willie McKay has confirmed the 21-year-old has set his sights on a switch to England.
"Frederic is hoping to find a new club in January and I believe Monaco are willing to loan him out," McKay told skysports.com.
"There are some clubs interested in him and Frederic wants to move to the UK as he feels his game would be suited to the style of football in the UK."

Rovers fail to land Brazilian

2009-12-03T10:58:00.001-08:00

Stopper staying in Slovakia

Alladryce: Won't get youngster

Brazilian starlet Dionatan Nascimento has seen a move to Blackburn Rovers fall through, skysports.com understands.

Rovers had beaten a host of English clubs to agree a deal for the young MFK Kosice defender.
The 17-year-old had agreed a three-year contract - but Rovers have been unable to finalise a deal as he does not qualify for a work permit.
Dionatan, as he is known, will now remain with Kosice, although a host of continental clubs are also keen.
He is not 18 until next summer, so will now stay in Slovakia until that time.

Ancelotti admires Balotelli

2009-12-03T10:57:00.001-08:00

Blues boss hoping Inter starlet does not waste his talent

Balotelli: A bit of a handful

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted to being an admirer of Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli.

The youngster's future in Italy has been the subject of much debate over recent weeks, with Jose Mourinho culling him from his squad following a breach of club discipline.
That has led to reports suggesting Inter may be willing to part with the 19-year-old during the January transfer.
Premier League giants Arsenal have already been strongly linked with a New Year move, while numerous other clubs would be willing to take a chance on the talented teenager.

Handle

Chelsea could be among those leading the hunt, with Ancelotti revealing that he would have no issue working with the powerful frontman - providing he displays the maturity required to be a world class performer.
"I'd take a player like Balotelli," the Blues boss said in La Stampa.
"I like him and with me he would always play.
"But I don't know how easy he is to handle. If he is really undisciplined, Mourinho is right to punish him. But I hope he doesn't waste his talent."

Pompey eye Benfica swoop

2009-12-03T10:55:00.001-08:00

Loan deal lined up for defender

Vitor: Pompey interest

Portsmouth are understood to have made a move for Benfica defender Miguel Vitor.

The highly-rated centre-back has also attracted interest from Ateltico Madrid in recent weeks and could be allowed to leave the Estadio da Luz in the New Year.
However, Benfica officials have confirmed that if Vitor was to leave it would only be on loan until the summer, and there would be no option of a permanent purchase as the 20-year-old is rated highly by the club.
The Under-21 international, who was previously loaned to lower league Aves, has featured just twice this season.
New Portsmouth boss Avram Grant is now seemingly keen to tie up a deal in the next week, with a view to Vitor joining in January.

Neymar interest grows

2009-12-03T10:54:00.001-08:00

But Brazlian starlet is happy with Santos

Neymer: Hot prospect

Interest is growing in Brazilian starlet Neymar, with Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly now in the hunt for his signature.

The 17-year-old is already a first-team regular for Santos and has been hailed as one of the South America's brightest young stars for the past 12 months.
Neymar has also cemented his reputation by grabbing 14 goals in the last year.
Manchester United and Arsenal were the first English clubs to show an interest back in 2008, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan are all hot on his trail.
Now Chelsea and Manchester Cit are also taking a close look at Neymar - whose value has also soared in the past year.
Reports suggest that Santos want over £20million for the gifted teenager, who has over four years left on his current contract at Vila Belmiro.

Working hard

The player himself insists he is not yet thinking about a move to Europe.
"I only know what is being said in the press, nobody has spoken with me about a possible transfer, and for saying the truth, it's not in mind the idea of leaving Santos," said Neymar.
"I haven't been thinking of a move to Europe.
"I really don't know what is happening and why it said that many European teams are interested in me because here in Brazil nobody has approached me and even the club hasn't told me anything.
"Personally the only thing that I am thinking about is in giving my best to Santos and working very hard for next season as I would like to have a better season."

No Krasic deal in January

2009-12-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

Agent insists he was misinterpreted

Krasic: No January move

Milos Krasic's agent has denied claims that the Serbian ace is set for a move in January.

Dejan Joksimovic was quoted by the Italian media suggesting that the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea were ready to bid for the CSKA Moscow midfielder.
However, Joksimovic has now told the press in Serbia that his comments were misinterpreted.
"Unfortunately, I was badly interpreted," he said.
"I didn't say that he will go to England. I said that only the English clubs are able to pay the money that CSKA is asking for Krasic.
"The situation is completely different.
"CSKA will not sell him until next June. That is what they have told me, and believe me, it will be like that."

Ljajic's United move in doubt

2009-12-03T10:50:00.001-08:00

But Partizan remain confident of deal going through

Ljajic: Deal uncertainty

Confusion surrounds the transfer of Serbian starlet Adem Ljajic to Manchester United, with reports suggesting the English side have pulled out of a deal to sign the Partizan Belgrade ace

Ljajic was part of the £16.5million swoop that also saw his Partizan team-mate Zoran Tosic move to Old Trafford in January.
The 18-year-old was due to arrive at United next month, but the Premier League champions are understood to have had second thoughts on signing the player and have informed Partizan they no longer want to pursue a deal.
It has been claimed United held a get-out clause on Ljajic in the initial transfer and that they have decided to pull the plug on the move after monitoring his progress over the last year.
A United spokesperson said: "We had an option to buy the player but, having closely monitored his development over the past 12 months, and taken into consideration the young players emerging through the ranks at the club, we have not chosen to pursue the transfer."

Optimistic

However, president Dragan Djuric claims work permit problems are proving the sticking point for any transfer to be sealed.
"I read the news in our media about the possibility that Adem Ljajic will not go to Manchester," Djuric told the Serbian media.
"All this is in the field of speculation. The truth is that Manchester United has not yet arranged a work permit to our players, but so far none of them refused.
"Maybe the news came because Manchester United is in financial crisis, but believe me we did not get anything official."
Ljajic's agent, Mladen Furtala, is refusing to panic and remains hopeful the move will eventually go through.
"As far as I know, the only problem is the work permit," said Furtala.
"Manchester can solve this quickly. Journalists called me, asking what was happening, but I am confident that everything will be OK at best and that from January Ljajic will be officially a Manchester United player."

Schalke rule out Neuer sale

2009-12-03T10:49:00.001-08:00

Bundesliga outfit keen to fend off interest in keeper

Neuer: Has a host of admirers

Schalke insist they have no intention of selling highly-rated goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

The Germany international's agent has sought to stir things up of late by claiming that Premier League giants Manchester United have expressed an interest in his client.
With Schalke currently enduring financial difficulties, it has been suggested that they may be forced to sell off their top talents in order to balance the books.
That has alerted the interest of United, among others, but Schalke boss Felix Magath is determined to do all he can to keep Neuer in Gelsenkirchen.
"I have said that Manuel Neuer is not for sale and there is no more news on this," he told BILD.
"We have a strong desire to play in the UEFA Champions League again. Therefore we are going to need our best players.
"I am definitely not prepared to sell potentially the best shot-stopper in Germany."
Neuer is currently contracted to Schalke until 2012 and the 23-year-old has recently expressed his desire to remain with the Bundesliga outfit for the foreseeable future.

Wanted man

Meanwhile, Manchester United are also reported to be trailing Italian starlet Andrea Ranocchia.
The 21-year-old defender is currently on the books of Bari, but his registration is owned by Genoa.
He only recently extended his contract with his parent club until the summer of 2013, but that has done little to curb speculation regarding his future.
United, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus are all believed to be monitoring his progress, with possible moves planned for the January transfer window.

Morimoto focused on Catania

2009-12-03T10:47:00.001-08:00

Japanese striker says there has been no contact with United

Morimoto: Catania focus

Takayuki Morimoto insists he is not looking to leave Catania after hearing of interest from Premier League champions Manchester United.

The Japanese striker has repeatedly been linked with a move to United, with Catania's general manager Pietro Lo Monaco claiming earlier this season that he is rated highly by Sir Alex Ferguson.
Recent reports have again suggested that Ferguson is planning a bid for Morimoto, who scored in Catania's Coppa Italia win over Empoli on Wednesday.
However, Morimoto does not believe the Red Devils have made an approach after discussing the latest bout of speculation with his agent.
And the 21-year-old has stressed his focus is on Catania's battle to climb out of the relegation zone, with the club currently second bottom in Serie A.
"I read about an interest in me from Mr Ferguson's club," Morimoto told itasportpress.it.
"I called my agent, who told me that he had not spoken with the English team.
"I like the Premier League that I watch on TV, but also the Liga and Serie A championships are just as interesting.
"However, at the moment, I am thinking about Catania's survival, not the transfer market."

TRANSFER TALK

2009-12-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

Inter quash rumours of Balotelli moving to Arsenal

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has rejected reports linking striker Mario Balotelli with a move to Arsenal in January.

Balotelli: Premier League move?

The 19-year-old has caught Arsene Wenger's eye after scoring four goals in 11 league appearances this season, but has struggled to secure a regular place in the starting line-up under coach Jose Mourinho.
Moratti insists the striker is not for sale and Balotelli has a future at the San Siro.
"Certainly Balotelli is not on the market and will not be on the market," Moratti told Gazetta dello Sport. "There is something to adjust between him, the team and the coach, his behaviour in particular, but this is due to his age.
"It's nothing serious, but it takes a certain continuity in getting used to living together with your team-mates, the trainer and certain rules. I don't believe it's anything dramatic.
"We base this assumption on the ability of the player to understand things and Mourinho's ability to make him grow up in such a way as to be useful to the club."
On Tuesday, Arsene Wenger revealed he is likely to sign a new striker in the January transfer window after the news that Robin van Persie will miss most of the season with an ankle ligament injury.

United and Toffees eye Belgian

2009-11-28T05:24:00.000-08:00

Youngster has trial at Carrington

Manchester United and Everton are both keen on Royal Antwerp starlet Geoffrey Hairemans.

And it would appear United are heading the race for the young midfielder, having handed him a trial at Carrington this week.
United's cause is further improved by the fact that Antwerp are their feeder club in Belgium.
Hairemans, 18, has broken into Antwerp's first-team this season and has impressed United's scouting network.
He revealed that Warren Joyce - who previously worked at Antwerp and is now United reserve coach - had invited him to England.
"I have had a very nice week, many boys would pay huge money to share such an experience," Hairemans said.

Owen

"The intensity was very high and the training those guys do was quite hard.
"I also trained with the first-team boys, with Paul Scholes and Michael Owen, but I dared not speak with them."
Hairemans, who likes to play on the left, also confirmed that he is aware that Everton have been watching him.
"I was shocked when I learnt that an Everton scout was watching me," he said.
"I have never expected anything like this, but I am very happy about the interest."
Westerlo are also keen to keep the player in Belgium, and Hairemans has admitted he wants to remain with Antwerp until the end of the season.

ARGENTINE TO ARRIVE IN JANUARY? Chelsea close to £100m deal to sign Aguero

2009-11-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Intermediaries have put together a £100 million "package" deal to take Argentine international superkid Sergio Agüero to Chelsea in the January transfer window.

Sergio Aguero rose to the occasion in scoring a brace against Chelsea in a recent Champions League encounter

The £100 million includes the player's salary which will be scaled up to reach nearly £250,000-a-week in the final years of the proposed Chelsea playing contract, the £40 million transfer plus near-£10m add-ons related to Chelsea's success, meaning a near £50 million transfer fee, with added agents' fees.The 21-year-old Atlético Madrid striker Sergio Leonel Agüero del Castillo, has privately indicated "yes" to a move that will make him one of the highest paid players in the world, with a transfer fee that will smash the British record of £32.5m for Robinho by some distance.
Chelsea almost signed the boy who is engaged to Diego Maradona's daughter, Giannina, with whom he has a son, in the summer, but the deal broke down over the players £6m-a-year wage demands on top of Atletico demanding a £60m transfer fee.
However Chelsea know they have to meet the player's wage demands to make a spectacular signing in the January window while their FIFA ban is still suspended.
Talks have been on-going for several weeks between a host of middlemen intent on making the deal happen, and there is now room for optimism that it will advance sufficiently in the next four weeks to be in a position for the move to take place in January.
ESPN Soccernet has been told by one of the insiders involved with the deal that there is far more flexibility on all sides than there was been in the summer when the deal broke down.
My source revealed: "There is still more talking to do, but let's see. There is now a possibility, although with so many complications involved you would have to say it's still 50-50 whether it will finally go though."
Chelsea are keen to capture one of the best young players in world football at a time when their transfer ban has been suspended pending a FIFA hearing. They urgently need to make significant signings at a time when the big clubs usually only make interim moves and wait for the summer.
Roman Abramovich cannot take the risk of waiting until the end of the season in case Chelsea are banned from making any signings, so needs to act now, and intermediaries have stepped up the process of attempting to bring Aguero to the Bridge.
Chelsea are not as reluctant to invest in Agüero's salary as much as they are about Atletico's asking price of £60 million, which has dropped to £55 million. Talks are aimed at trying to get the fee below £50 million and closer to £40 million.
A compromise of money offered up in relation to Chelsea's success is the logical route to resolve the differences in the transfer fee valuation.
Chelsea would be prepared to hit the £50 million mark, if it included add-ons related to success, given that Real Madrid paid £80 million for Ronaldo, and the Argentine is a few years younger.
Chelsea would ideally like to sign Aguero for six years, but five years is normally regarded as a long-term deal, but as the player is so young at 21, they be might be able to stretch to six years or more, even if the final years are optional.
While Chelsea might start to pay the youngster £6 million-a-year, that will rise quickly to £10 million and that will go even higher in the final year of his deal.
Overall, including bonuses, and given Chelsea's propensity for silverware, he can realistically expect to yield £50 million from his personal terms and image rights, to add to the near £50 million transfer fee, totally an eye watering £100 mllion.
The player's agent Bruno Satin, head of the football division of IMG, one of the world's biggest sports agencies, based in Chiswick in London, is one of a number of agents working on negotiating an acceptable fee with Athletico.
Manchester City are the only club that could possibly compete with Chelsea at this level of transfer, but my source tells me: "The player doesn't want to go there, and Manchester City do have a problem with trying to sing players at this level, as they did with Kaka, because they are not serious yet. They will be, but they are not just yet."
For that reason Atletico have to be realistic to drop their asking price as Chelsea are the only buyers at that kind of price. That's why there is greater optimism of a deal going through than there has been at any other time.
A transfer of £40 million plus a near £10 million add ons based on Chelsea's success during the duration of the players contract would be one of the biggest deals in world football. The entire financial package won't be far short of the Real Madrid deals for Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
My source added: "Money was the problem the deal fell through in the summer, and the money is the problem now, but we shall see, as I said, the talks are on going and everyone seems to want to find a solution."
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has targeted Agüero as his only major signing during the January transfer window. The club have been given permission to buy and sell after the Fifa-imposed transfer ban, following the Gaël Kakuta affair, was frozen pending an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Agüero scored two spectacular goals during the recent 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League. After the match Ancelotti joked that he would like to sign the exciting striker. But before that Ancelotti admitted Chelsea have been "monitoring" this player for some time.
Chelsea also remain interested in Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery, who would command a similar hefty investment in fees and salaries, and who is also greatly admired by Ancelotti.
But my source indicates that Ribery will be hard, if not impossible, to prise from Bayern in January, but will be a far more realistic target in the summer, if Chelsea win their appeal with FIFA. Chelsea's determination to secure the Aguero deal as they are aware that if their CAS appeal fails, they cannot make another signing for some time.
Agüero will not be eligible for Chelsea in the Champions League this season, having already played for Atlético, but Abramovich wants to win back the Premier League title from Manchester United, and the club are concerned about losing Didier Drogba and Solomon Kalou to the African Nations in January.
At 15 years and 35 days Aguero beat Maradona's record as the youngest player to make debut in Argentinean top flight. In May 2006, he joined Atlético Madrid for £16m.
He lost his place in the Argentine attack during the chaotic final stages of qualification, and needs to be playing at the highest level to play in the World Cup finals in South Africa, rather than with struggling Athletico, a factor that Maradona has made clear to him, and one of the reasons the player is keen to move to the Bridge.

Swede in dark over Stoke link

2009-11-27T11:01:00.001-08:00

Jonsson considering options

Jonsson: Stoke link

Swedish international Markus Jonsson insists that he knows nothing of possible interest from Stoke City.

The AIK Solna right-back is about to become a free agent as his contract is set to expire.
Jonsson had previously informed AIK that he wanted to move on, and a number of clubs are said to be showing an interest with a view to signing him in January.
The 28-year-old, though, insisted he was unaware of Stoke's reported move for him.
"I heard [about Stoke] when I came in to training," said Jonsson.
"He had read it somewhere. But I don't know if there is anything to it. My agent and I will talk by the end of the week."
AIK have already planned for life without Solna, and signed Martin Lorentzson from Assyriska.
But Jonsson admits he could yet be ready to sign a new deal with AIK.
"I don't know about Stoke. But I had a meeting with AIK," he said.
"We agreed to try to a transfer, but when the clubs came to look at me in June I got injured and AIK had already brought on Lorentzson so the situation has become a little odd.
"I had a meeting with Bjorn (Wesstrom, sporting director) and he said that AIK would like to keep my in the squad over next year.
"I really like here, and it's Champions League next year and that is something that I think a lot about.
"We haven't started sending the contracts between us so now it's up for me to decide on what I want."

Valencia prepare for Villa exit

2009-11-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

Los Che start replacement search

Villa: Wanted man

Valencia appear to have resigned themselves to the fact that David Villa will soon be leaving the club.

The Spain international is regarded as one of the hottest properties in Europe, with his future open to debate whenever a transfer window is approaching.
Needless to say, with January edging ever closer, the striker has once again been linked with a host of clubs over recent weeks.
He was reported to have come close to joining Real Madrid over the summer, and Los Blancos remain keen, while Barcelona, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City are also believed to hold an interest.
Valencia have, until now, maintained that their talismanic frontman is not for sale, but they could be about to relax that stance.
Coach Unai Emery is keen to retain Villa's services for as along as possible, but admits the club could be tempted into parting with the 27-year-old if they are able to bring in a player of similar calibre.
"The exit of Villa will be dependant on us identifying a suitable replacement," he said.

Mission

"At the moment the club is working on that, but any decision will not rest with me.
"My mission is to prepare the squad for the present and not think too much about the future.
"Valencia will always be a big club and we do not depend on just one or two players."
Meanwhile, Emery has also warned Portuguese full-back Miguel that he needs to raise his game if he is to have a future at Mestalla.
"The decision is in Miguel Brito's hands," he said.
"The only demand I make on my players is that they are fully focused on their football.
"The team needs Miguel, but until now if he has been giving 60 per cent and I need him to raise that to 100 per cent."

McLeish pessimistic on Jovanovic

2009-11-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

Blues boss plays down transfer talk

Jovanovic: Has a host of admirers

Alex McLeish has admitted to holding an interest in Milan Jovanovic, but feels he is unlikely to land the striker.

The Serbia international is currently with Belgian champions Standard Liege, and is forging quite a reputation.
A number of impressive showings in the UEFA Champions League this term have helped to raise his profile and bring him to the attention of potential admirers.
Birmingham are just one of a number of clubs known to be tracking his progress, keen to bring the 28-year-old on board.
Reports have suggested that the Blues will make their move during the January transfer window, but McLeish has been quick to curb expectations.
He admits he is keen to do business in the New Year, but the experienced Scot is keen to avoid causing hysteria around St Andrews.

Private

"I've always admired Jovanovic, but whether he's a player who can come here or not remains to be seen," said McLeish.
"I'm sure he has got many admirers and it's a shame that something like that has got around because we try to keep as much private as possible.
"I feel uncomfortable talking about players. From a fans' perspective, to see us linked with players like that is brilliant, but I have to respect the fans.
"I could name another six big names that would excite them but if we don't get them, they are disappointed.
"We have got to keep our business private and move forward, but we will see if something can be done there. I don't know though. It's doubtful."

United-Hamsik link dismissed

2009-11-26T18:15:00.000-08:00

Napoli again deny star is for sale

Hamsik: Interest

Napoli have again stressed they are not looking to sell star man Marek Hamsik as Manchester United become the latest club to be linked with the midfielder.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of the highly-rated Slovak, who is now also said to be attracting interest from United.
Napoli, though, remain consistent in their stance over the player, insisting that they are not looking to sell.
"If we rejected the rumours about a friend like (Carlo) Ancelotti and Chelsea it is obvious that we also reject these," Napoli director of sport Riccardo Bigon told Radio Marte when asked about United.
"We have no intention of giving away Marek."
Hamsik's Italian representative Fulvio Marrucco insists there has been no contact with any English clubs.
"It's a normal thing that a player with the potential of Hamsik is followed with interest by big clubs," he told Napolipress.
"But I haven't had direct contact with any English teams.
"Marek now only thinks of Napoli and the World Cup in South Africa.
"All the assumptions about the market are not true, there aren't negotiations with any team and there isn't the will of the player to change club."

Swiss starlet eyes big move

2009-11-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Ben Khalifa keen to test himself at higher level in the future

Ben Khalifa: Highly rated

Switzerland starlet Nassim Ben Khalifa admits he dreams of playing in 'a big league' after being linked with Arsenal.

Ben Khalifa impressed at the recent Fifa Under 17 World Cup and finished second in the player of the tournament voting as Switzerland won the competition.
He has been likened to current Arsenal schemer Samir Nasri and has also attracted the attention of European giants Barcelona and Juventus.
The 17-year-old is currently on the books of Grasshoppers and is rated in the 7million Euros (£6.4m) bracket by his club.
Reports have claimed that Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looking to steal a march on any rivals for his signature by making an immediate bid for Ben Khalifa.
The Tunisian-born attacker has not been contacted about a move, but acknowledged his desire to play in a major competition in the future.
Ben Khalifa told reporters: "I have seen the rumours, but now I prefer to stay focused on my club, although my dream is to play in a big league."

Depor still keen on Dos Santos

2009-11-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

Spaniards hoping to snare Spurs starlet in the New Year

Dos Santos: Keen to move on

Deportivo La Coruna are still hoping to tie up a deal for Tottenham playmaker Giovani dos Santos.

The Spanish outfit have been tracking the Mexican since the start of the season, but have been forced to bide their time in their efforts to lure him back to Spain.
Dos Santos shot to prominence after graduating through the academy ranks at Barcelona, but opted to join Spurs in 2008 in an effort to find regular first-team football.
Unfortunately his time in England has been largely disappointing, with injuries and a lack of opportunities curtailing his progress.
He is believed to be keen on a move elsewhere, with Spain regarded as his preferred destination.
Deportivo lead the hunt for his services and they are keen to reach an agreement during the January transfer window.
"The market has not moved yet, we'll wait and see what happens," said Depor boss Miguel Angel Lotina.

Miguel could move on

2009-11-25T18:27:00.001-08:00

Portugal ace could leave Los Che

Miguel: Could move on

Miguel's agent has revealed the Portugal international could leave Valencia in January in search of a fresh challenge.

The former Benfica defender has reportedly fallen out with manager Unai Emery and is looking to move on.
While Valencia are not actively looking to sell the 29-year-old, they could be tempted to sell if seduced by a big-money offer.

Impressed

Miguel's agent Paulo Barbosa hopes Valencia allow him to leave, although he knows his client has impressed at the Mestalla this season.
"We're working on the view that it's better that he leaves the club in the January transfer window," explained Barbosa.
"It's almost certain he'll leave, but it's necessary to be cautious as this season Miguel is developing and playing well for the team

Fergie rules out Akinfeev raid

2009-11-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

United boss quashes keeper rumours

Akinfeev: Highly rated

Sir Alex Ferguson claims he has no plans to make a New Year approach for CSKA Moscow keeper Igor Akinfeev.

The Manchester United boss is known to be a long-standing admirer of the Russia international, who raised his profile with two impressive displays against the Red Devils during the UEFA Champions League group phase.
Speculation is rife that United will look to bolster their goalkeeping options during the January transfer window, with doubts persisting over the ability of Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak to step into Edwin van der Sar's boots when the veteran Dutchman hangs up his gloves.
Ferguson, though, is adamant that his two back-up shot-stoppers have the potential to claim the No.1 jersey and insists reports linking him with a move for Akinfeev are wide of the mark.
"I told you to watch out for him (Akinfeev) and he was fantastic as I expected," Ferguson told United Review.
"He is athletic, powerful and distributed well.
"Having said that, don't go rushing to conclusions. I know there have been rumours that we are interested in trying to sign him but that is not true.
"He is a great goalkeeper but I am very happy with our goalkeeping strength - from the senior ranks down to some bright lads coming through the ranks."

Perotti plays down Real link

2009-11-25T06:30:00.001-08:00

Sevilla star set to stay put

Perotti: Real link

Diego Perotti's agent has played down speculation that he could be on his way to Real Madrid.

Indeed the Sevilla winger looks set to extend his contract with his current employers.
The Argentina international joined Sevilla in 2007, but it is only this year that has he claimed a regular starting spot.
His form this season has seen Real show an interest in luring him to the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I know that Diego is a player that Real Madrid like very much but we haven't had any official proposal," said his agent Alvaro Torres.
"In addition, I think that Diego is nearer to extending his contract at Sevilla rather than being transferred to another team.
"Diego is very happy at Sevilla as he is growing up as a player.
"And he will always be very thankful to this club for all what they have done for him. For all this talk he wants to stay at Sevilla."

Dzeko rules out January switch

2009-11-25T06:28:00.001-08:00

Wolfsburg ace happy staying for rest of season

Dzeko: No early exit

Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko insists he will not leave the Bundesliga outfit before the end of the season.

The Bosnia international is very much in demand with the likes of AC Milan, Manchester City and Arsenal believed to be keen on securing his services.
Dzeko led Wolfsburg to last season's Bundesliga title and has five league goals this time around from 12 appearances.
The 23-year-old recently reaffirmed his desire to leave eventually, prompting manager Armin Veh to say he can leave at the right price.

Release clause

Dzeko's contract reportedly includes a €20million (£18m) release clause, although it seems he will not be moving on come the New Year.
While Dzeko will not be short of buyers when the transfer window reopens, he insists he will remain at the Volkswagen Arena this season.
"A transfer in the winter is not an issue at all," he told Sport Bild magazine.

Bolton plot Benjani bid

2009-11-25T06:22:00.000-08:00

Wanderers expected to step up interest in City striker

Benjani: On Bolton's wish-list

Skysports.com understands Bolton are lining up a January raid on Manchester City for striker Benjani Mwaruwari.

Bolton are desperate to add to their attacking options when the transfer window reopens in the New Year and have earmarked Benjani as the player to fire them to safety.
The Zimbabwe international has a wealth of Premier League experience having moved to England in 2006 when he joined Portsmouth from Auxerre.
Benjani has fallen down Mark Hughes' pecking order following an influx of new strikers over the summer with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz barring his path to regular football.
It is thought City could be ready to accept a cut price £1.5million fee for Benjani, with Wigan and West Ham also monitoring the situation.
Benjani may be an attractive proposition for a number of Premier League clubs as he will be available for the remainder of the season, with Zimbabwe having failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations.
He has recently recovered from injury and is expected to be in City's squad to play Hull City at the weekend.