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Juve announce signings of four players

2011-06-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

Juventus have announced the permanent signings of four players: Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella, Simone Pepe and Marco Motta.

The quartet had all been on loan at Juventus, but the club have taken up the option to buy them all on deals that are worth just over €35 million over a three-year period.
A statement on the club's official website read: ''Juventus Football Club announces the exercise of the rights of option for the definitive acquisitions of the following players:
Alessandro Matri from Cagliari Calcio for €15.5 million; the player has signed a four-year contract. Fabio Quagliarella from S.S.C. Napoli for €10.5 million; the player has signed a three-year contract. Simone Pepe from Udinese Calcio for €7.5 million; the player has signed a four-year contract and Marco Motta from Udinese Calcio for €3.75 million; the player has signed a four-year contract.''
New manager Antonio Conte has already seen the arrivals of Reto Ziegler and Andrea Pirlo, as Juventus prepare for a season without European football.

Sunderland swoop for Westwood. Larsson

2011-06-22T20:42:00.000-07:00

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has pulled off a double transfer swoop by landing free signings Keiren Westwood and Sebastian Larsson.

The Black Cats have agreed terms with out-of-contract Coventry goalkeeper Westwood and Birmingham midfielder Larsson, who remain contracted to their current clubs until June 30 but will officially become Sunderland players on July 1.
Westwood was on Wearside earlier this week to finalise the deal and undergo a medical, and fellow 26-year-old Larsson followed him on Wednesday as Bruce finally tied up two deals which he had been pursuing for several weeks.
There were suggestions that the Black Cats could face late competition for Larsson from Aston Villa, now managed by former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish, but they moved swiftly to get their man today.
Bruce had identified the pair as two of three Bosman signings he hoped to make during the early weeks of the summer transfer window, and having missed out on Lorient midfielder Morgan Amalfitano, will be delighted to have succeeded.
The Black Cats will now concentrate on their remaining targets, with efforts to recruit South Korea striker Ji Dong-won ongoing despite his club Chunnam Dragons confirming his imminent departure in a statement.
It said: "Ji Dong-won is joining Sunderland on a three-year contract. The terms negotiated by the two clubs regarding transfer fee and salary will not be released publicly."
Ji is yet to head for Wearside and has therefore not undergone a medical, but work is continuing behind the scenes.
The striking department will be Bruce's main priority for the summer after he finished last season with Asamoah Gyan as his only fit frontman.
Loan signing Danny Welbeck has returned to parent club Manchester United and hopes to have a role to play at Old Trafford next season, while Fraizer Campbell will be sidelined by his latest knee injury for much of the new campaign.
Sunderland have now firmed up their interest in Ipswich's Connor Wickham with a bid, although the 18-year-old has many admirers and there is sure to be a battle for his signature if the Suffolk club decide to sell.
In addition, they are pursuing their interest in United trio Darron Gibson, Wes Brown and John O'Shea, who were the subject of a joint £12million-plus bid earlier this month.

Downing closer to Liverpool move

2011-06-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Stewart Downing is on the verge of joining Liverpool after being told by Aston Villa that he is free to leave the club, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

Downing is understood to be on his way to Anfield if the Reds are able to meet the £19 million asking price for the winger. It is believed that new boss Alex McLeish is reticent to lose the England international, but with recent contract talks at Villa Park stalling, the club may be prepared to take accept a transfer fee and move instead for Charles N'Zogbia from Wigan.
McLeish earlier told the Birmingham Mail that while he was resigned to losing Ashley Young to Manchester United, he was still interested in keeping Downing.
"He is a top player," said McLeish. "He has got a couple of years left on his contract and it is very important that we hold on to Stewart. I want Stewart to stay. I saw his statement. I'll have a go at talking to Stewart and see what happens.
"The guys are on holiday at the moment. When they are back in England I will try and get a meeting with them. I don't know but it seems that Ashley is going to leave. I don't know if the Young one is a fait accompli but I'll certainly be looking to try and keep Stewart."
Liverpool have also been scouting cheaper alternatives to Downing, including Dimitri Payet from St Etienne, but the Englishman is still the club's preferred target.
Meanwhile, the movement at Villa is set to continue, with Rangers confirming they have made an offer to Carlos Cuellar, while McLeish is expected to announce the signing of Germinal Beerschot's Victor Wanyama, despite the midfielder being heavily linked to Swansea and Celtic.

Gerrard: We must compete with United

2011-06-22T20:40:00.000-07:00

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says that the club will be motivated by trying to haul back Manchester United's Premier League title record next season.

Gerrard, 31, believes he has at least four years left in the game and is keen to add the only significant club winner's medal still missing from his personal trophy cabinet after the Old Trafford club claimed a record breaking league title No. 19 in May.
"As a Liverpool fan and a player it's frustrating when you see your arch-rivals lifting trophies but you've got to give credit where it's due. They've won it, they've overtaken us," he said. "Now the challenge for us is to equalise. We've got to make sure we've got a squad capable of going into the season and competing with Manchester United."
Gerrard's last Liverpool appearance was against Manchester United in March, when the Reds toppled their rivals 3-1, but the Anfield side fell woefully short of top spot last season and Gerrard missed a large chunk of the season through injury.
The skipper, however, believes he will be back in top form and, alongside some new signings, is hopeful of a more productive campaign next year.
"We're happy with what we've achieved but there's still a lot of time for me to achieve bigger and better things,'' he added. ''I'd like to finish my career with a few more trophies.
"I always look at the 35 marker. If I get there and I'm still involved with Liverpool I'll be delighted but at the moment I'm feeling as good as ever. I've had time to get my body right, get my body strong. I'm still four or five weeks away from playing a game but I believe I'll come back in better physical condition than I've ever been.
"I want to come back with a bang, I want to have a big season. It's been non-stop football for me since I started when I was 17. I've never had a period of more than four or five weeks out of the game, so it's been nice to rest mentally.
"You don't want to miss games but when you're watching them it gives you that edge, that buzz to get back. I'll come back hungry and hopefully there's a very productive season ahead for me. I've had a rest mentally, my injury's coming on well and I can't wait for the season to start."

David Beckham hopes to play in 2012

2011-06-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

David Beckham thinks he'll be more useful as a player than a coach at the 2012 London Games when Britain fields its first Olympic soccer team since 1960.
The former England captain will be 37 when his home country hosts the Games, but he insists he will be fit.

"There are 13 months to go and there are a lot of decisions to be made but I wold love to be part of it," Beckham told the BBC on Monday. "I'm sure I'd be better as a player than a coach, so I'll have to wait and see. I still feel as if I'm 21 when I'm playing. I still love the game like I did when I was 21. I still feel as fit.
"Everyone knows I have looked after myself -- eating-wise, fitness-wise. So I'm not in bad shape and I'll continue to work hard and hopefully I can be part of it."
England under-21 coach Stuart Pearce is set to lead the team, with The Football Association administering the squad and providing all the players.
The Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish associations won't be part of the team because of fears it would jeopardize their independence and voting rights within FIFA.
Beckham was at the World Cup last year as a member of England coach Fabio Capello's support staff after being ruled out with an Achilles tendon injury.
While Beckham made the last of his 115 appearances for England in October 2009, he is still playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy.
But Beckham might not be with the Galaxy by the time the Olympics start in July 2012, with his five-year Major League Soccer contract expiring at the end of this year.
Beckham has yet to announce what he plans to do after that.
"I've always said I will continue playing as long as I am enjoying the game," he said.
Beckham was in London to attend a sponsorship event linked to the Olympics where print journalists were not allowed to ask questions.

“ I'm sure I'd be better as a player than a coach, so I'll have to wait and see. I still feel as if I'm 21 when I'm playing. I still love the game like I did when I was 21. I still feel as fit. ”

David Beckham

Kaka sitting out to rest knee

2011-06-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Brazil coach Mano Menezes says Kaka called him and asked to be left out of the Copa America squad so he could have more time to regain his form following knee surgery.
Menezes says Kaka told him that he would rather rest and focus on properly preparing himself for next season with Real Madrid so he can try to play at a high level again after undergoing left knee surgery earlier this year.
In an interview with the SporTV channel Monday night, Menezes also hinted that Real Madrid defender Marcelo was left out because he recently asked to be released from the squad citing an injury he had not actually sustained. The coach said he found out that Marcelo told club officials that he was able to avoid the call-up to the national team.

Ronaldo won't leave Real Madrid

2011-06-15T10:16:00.001-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo says he will not leave Real Madrid amid rumors of Manchester City trying to lure the Portugal forward back to England with a huge contract.
Ronaldo told Spanish radio Cadena Cope on Tuesday that "I am not going. I give you my word. Today I would sign for 10 more years with Real Madrid."
He didn't, however, rule out a future move from the Spanish giants: "Could I think differently tomorrow? Yes. No one knows the future of a player."

The 26-year old forward even left open the possibility of joining Madrid's rival Barcelona.
He said "play for Barca? Never is a strong word."

Last season, Ronaldo set a Spanish league record with 40 goals as Madrid finished second to Barcelona for the third straight year.

Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arsene Wenger Could Move for Scott Dann

2011-06-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

Scott Dann may not be the defensive solution to excite Gunners fans when considered in light of Birmingham's relegation from the Premier League. Most think of Dann's fellow stopper Roger Johnson when examining any defensive merits offered by Birmingham City.

It is worth considering though that when Dann went down injured, Birmingham's free fall in the league started to gather momentum. The loss of Dann severely undermined Birmingham's previously respectable defensive record. As the number of goals conceded increased, it began to look as if Dann was the strongest link in the Birmingham defensive chain after all.
A question mark concerning any potential move for Scott Dann will be how well he can recover from the torn hamstring he suffered in January. The 24-year-old would need to demonstrate the appropriate fitness to be ready for the start of the next campaign, after sitting out the last 18 Premier League matches.
The 6'2" former Coventry City and Walsall player provided a steady, calm presence in the Birmingham defense. The solid, efficient play of Dann allowed Roger Johnson to step out and attack the ball with freedom. This contributed to the image of Johnson as the more accomplished of the two. Scott Dann is a combative and resourceful defender. His composure could be invaluable in an Arsenal back line too often crippled by panic and indecision.
Arsenal would have to act fast to ward off interest from Liverpool, the club Dann supported as a child. But with a price tag in the £8-10 million range, Arsene Wenger could be tempted by Dann as a solid and cheaper alternative to Gary Cahill.

Battle For Scott Dann Picks Up

2011-06-13T14:45:00.001-07:00

Following the announcement that Championship side Birmingham City are ready to sell Roger Johnson due to financial constraints, Liverpool and Arsenal have stepped up their chase for his defensive counterpart Scott Dann as the battle for British talent continues.
Over the last week and a half we have seen a number of British clubs looking to build for the future as they seek new and exciting British talent as they look to purchase a new breed of players as almost all clubs considered to be within the top four clubs in England look to youth over experience.
According to news reports this morning, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has pin pointed Dann as one of his primary targets for the summer transfer market proceedings as he looks to gear up for the upcoming season.
Arsenal will face a challenge for the 24 year old defender following the declaration that Liverpool are also interested in the young English born defender following an alteration to the club’s stance towards purchases after the appointment of Kenny Dalglish into a permanent managerial role with the club.
Birmingham have already announced that the only reason that they are looking to offload players is due to financial constraints that come as part of their relegation from the Premier League last season, opening them up to losing some of their best players.
Dann stands at 6ft 5in and plays within the centre of defence, an area in which both Arsenal and Liverpool have identified as a major issue within their performances last season and with the news that Dann is a childhood Liverpool supporter, thoughts are that he will be more than willing to overlook Arsenal in line with a move to his favourite club.

Scott Dann to Arsenal?

2011-06-13T14:43:00.000-07:00

Skysports.com understands Arsenal are ready to rival Liverpool for Birmingham defender Scott Dann.

Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger has made a new central defender one of his top priorities as he looks to shore up his rearguard after they looked suspect at the back last season.

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish is looking to bolster his squad as he seeks to get the side back in the top four and Dann figures highly on his shopping list.

Arsenal Transfer Rumours: Arsene Wenger Could Move for Scott Dann

2011-06-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

Diaby admits to wearing Spurs shirt

2011-06-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby has risked angering Gunners fans by admitting that he owns a Tottenham shirt and wears it when he is at home.

Diaby, 25, has come under fire for his performances on the pitch for the club this season and is now likely to face both barrels from the stands as well, after he revealed his liking for Arsenal's bitter North London rivals.
He told the Sun: "It's [the shirt] more difficult to wear in the street. There you are not safe."
The shirt was given to him by friend and fellow France international Younes Kaboul, who Diaby would also like to play alongside at club level. He said: "It would be good to play for the same club one day."
Meanwhile, Arsenal team-mate Johan Djourou says that Lille striker Gervinho - rated at £10 million - would be a great summer signing for the club.
"I have followed a bit of the French league this season and I have to say Gervinho is a great player," said Djourou at an event for his Kemi Malaika Foundation in Senegal.
"I have known him for a long time and he is just a great player & quick, with so much talent and good skills. He is a great, great talent and we need that because he can play as a striker, as a No10 or on the wing. He has all the ingredients to play for Arsenal, that is a definite."

Adams: Graham was better than Wenger

2011-06-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Arsenal legend Tony Adams claims that George Graham was a better coach than Arsene Wenger.

Wenger has come under scrutiny of late, having failed to deliver a trophy to the Emirates for a sixth straight year, which has unsettled star players such as Samir Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas.
However, it was still surprising to see Adams, one of the club's favourite sons, give a negative evaluation of arguably the club's greatest ever manager.
"No disrespect to Arsene, but George's coaching ability, defensive structure and technical ability, for me, is far better,'' Adams told the Daily Mirror. ''It's his strength, and that was George's particular strength. I think Wenger is a magnificent physiologist and psychologist. Those are the areas where he excels."
Adams, who is currently coaching in Azerbaijan, won two league titles under Graham and the Double twice under Wenger.
"Maybe not this year, but next season, I might have a chance of winning the Azerbaijan league title with Gabala and going into the Champions League qualifying rounds," he added. "We could even play Arsenal, but they are struggling to get in the top five now, aren't they? Who knows?''

Liverpool FC: Downing, Dann, and Henderson in This Mornings Transfer Rumors

2011-06-09T20:47:00.001-07:00

Liverpool keeps hot and heavy at the transfer market. Yesterday they marked the first signing of the summer with the Arrival of Jordan Henderson from Sunderland and more details continue to arise.

Other plans to strengthen are in the works but one player whom will not be coming in is Phil Jones. The former Blackburn Rover is no longer on the radar as he has opted to join the Red Devils of Manchester. This leaves opportunity to secure Birmingham's Scott Dann for a better price than Jones would have demanded if the Reds continue with their other youthful centerback prospect.

Stewart Downing is also again in the news as a Reds target, and he is linked with a move to Anfield as a cheaper alternative to his fellow Aston Villa attacker, Ashley Young.

Scott Dann Now the Primary Young Center Back Target for Reds

2011-06-09T20:46:00.000-07:00

24-Year old Birmingham City defender Scott Dann is now a main defensive target for the Reds as Phil Jones is now on his way to Manchester United. Dann is Liverpool born and bred and is a professed life long Reds fan. That makes the situation almost ideal for the young man to make a move to Anfield after his club was relegated on the last day of the Premier League season.

His value is believed to be in the £10million range and his attacking mentality that has seen him bag 13 goals during his career between several teams also plays into Kenny Dalglish's new system.

The Daily Mirror reported this morning that Dann was indeed under pursuit from the Reds as the next in line centerback option.

Santos demand £41m for Neymar

2011-06-09T20:43:00.000-07:00

Chelsea have been told that they will have to dig deep to the tune of £41 million if they are to prise Brazilian sensation Neymar away from Santos.

Neymar is one of the hottest properties in world football and has admirers all over Europe. Chelsea have long been in the frame and owner Roman Abramovich gave the green light to the deal last year, only to see the offer rebuffed.
Neymar's stock has continued to rise and that previous gambit from Stamford Bridge falls below Santos' valuation.
"Last year Santos received an offer of £32 million from Chelsea and it was rejected," the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro told The Sun. "Now he would not leave for less than £41 million."
Ribeiro is doing a decent job of talking up his client, likening him to world superstar Lionel Messi.
"Neymar is like Messi," he said. "Soon he will be the best in the world as he is a player like no other. "He is just 19 but all the big clubs are following him."

Usain Bolt: I could play for Man Utd

2011-06-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Athletics star Usain Bolt has said that he would like to play football when he retires from his current sport, and showed his trademark confidence by suggesting he is good enough to play for Manchester United.

Bolt, who gained a worldwide audience at the 2008 Beijing Olympics by setting records for both 100 metres and 200 metres, is confident he could electrify Old Trafford in the same manner.
"I really want to try soccer after I retire because I've watched football over the years and I think I could be a good contender," Bolt told the BBC. "I'm really looking forward to it and yes, I definitely think I'm good enough to play for Manchester United. I'm good enough because I'm quick, I have a little skill - I have to refine it a little bit but I should be good enough."
The speedy Jamaican met the Red Devils at their training ground back in 2009 and apparently offered sprinting tips to then-United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
Even if it isn't for Sir Alex Ferguson's squad, Bolt is expected to arrive in England next summer to compete in the 2012 Olympic games in London. For now, the world's fastest man is focusing on his 200 metre offering at Thursday's Diamond League meeting in Oslo.

Ferdinand comes bottom in vocab study

2011-06-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

An analysis of footballers' vocabulary on social networking site Twitter has revealed Manchester United Rio Ferdinand to have an overwhelmingly 'basic' command of the English language.

Ferdinand, who has led the way for footballers on Twitter under the name @rioferdy5 and recently engaged in a war of words with Daily Mirror journalist Oliver Holt, has been criticised by former News of the World editor Piers Morgan for his poor spelling and grammar.
And now, a Google study has revealed that 88% of Ferdinand's words were "basic" while 11% were "intermediate".
Other players to have been tested fared better, with Ferdinand's United team-mate Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) surprisingly articulate, with 43% basic and 56% intermediate.
Everton skipper Phil Neville had the most expansive vocabulary among his peers, using 59% intermediate words mixed with 40% basic.
However, none of the footballers in the study used more than 1% in advanced words.

Birmingham want £15m Dann payment

2011-06-08T10:25:00.002-07:00

LIVERPOOL, Tottenham and Arsenal will have to find £15million to sign unsettled Birmingham defender Scott Dann.

The centre-back, 24, has told the relegated Carling Cup winners he wants out.
But Brum have slapped a huge price tag on Dann as they prepare for life in the Championship.
Scouser Dann supported Liverpool as a boy, while Arsenal and Spurs have confirmed he is a target.

Birmingham City's Scott Dann is ruled out for the rest of the season

2011-06-08T10:25:00.000-07:00

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has confirmed that Scott Dann is unlikely to be play again this season.

The defender requires surgery in his hamstring, a major blow for the club as they struggle to avoid relegation.

The 23 year-old sustained the injury at Upton Park last week during Birmingham City’s 2-1 Carling Cup semi-final first leg defeat to West Ham, and McLeish accepted it has in all probability ruled the defender out for the rest of the season.

"It will be a long shot for Scott to be back before the end of this season," admitted McLeish."It is not totally confirmed yet but we are going to miss him for a long time. It’s a blow and, first and foremost, we wish the big fella a successful recovery.”

Dann has been a fundamental presence in the Birmingham back four since joining from Coventry in June last year, and the success of his partnership with Roger Johnson at the heart of the Birmingham defence has seen him linked with Manchester United.

Fortunately for McLeish there are players capable of sitting in for Dann. McLeish deployed Liam Ridgewell at centre-back in Dann’s place against Aston Villa on Sunday, but he also has Czech international Martin Jiranek, who was on the bench.

Liverpool FC make approach for Birmingham defender Scott Dann

2011-06-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Liverpool have made an approach for Birmingham City defender Scott Dann.

The 24-year-old has been tracked by the Reds after emerging as one of the country's leading centre-backs at St Andrews since arriving from Coventry City over two years ago.

A hamstring injury sustained during Birmingham's Carling Cup semi-final with West Ham in January prevented Dann from aiding Alex McLeish's side in their battle for Premier League survival, which included a 5-0 hammering at Anfield in April.

But the Liverpool-born defender, who has been likened to Kop legend Alan Hansen, could remain be set for a return to his boyhood club with the Blues expected to demand up to £10million for his services as they prepare to face next season in The Championship.

Barcelona's Jeffren tonight revealed that he is also the subject of interest from Liverpool.

The Venezuelan-born winger, however, refused to be drawn on his future until he returns from international duty with Spain at this month's European Under-21 Championships in Denmark.

"I am not thinking about anything like that [my future] at the moment," he told radio station Cadena Ser.

"I just want to concentrate on this [European Under-21 Championships]

"It makes me proud that teams like Liverpool are interested in me. We’ll see what happens."

Walcott fears Nasri exit

2011-06-07T15:53:00.001-07:00

Theo Walcott has stressed Samir Nasri's importance to Arsenal as speculation intensifies that the France international could be set to leave the club.

• Nasri refuses to commit future
• Agent: Nasri wants to stay
Nasri's contract runs out at the end of next season and talks over a new deal have stalled, with the midfielder reportedly unhappy with the salary on offer.
He struck fear into the heart of Gunners fans at the weekend by refusing to rule out a move to Manchester United - and Walcott concedes Nasri could be headed to one of Arsenal's rivals.
"I don't like getting involved in people's careers," Walcott told Sky Sports News. "We need to keep hold of our best players - but it's up to Samir, it's his decision. He had a great season, he showed people what he can do. He's a very important player to Arsenal and we'll see what happens in the summer."
Meanwhile, Walcott has backed manager Arsene Wenger's declaration that he will be more active than usual in the summer this year. Wenger is believed to be targeting defensive reinforcements - ideally ones with experience of Premier League football - as he looks for Arsenal's first trophy since the 2005 FA Cup.
"Yeah [I'm expecting players to be signed], the manager's said so," Walcott said. "Hopefully we can keep hold of our best players, as we need to be winning something next season without a doubt. It's been so long and the fans have waited so long. And players don't like seeing every season go without winning anything."
Walcott hopes some summer signings can help give Arsenal a ''cutting edge'' next season.
''It will be interesting to see who comes and goes in the summer, the boss has said he is going to spend,'' Walcott told BBC Sport. ''We have got a great squad and play the best football, it is just a cutting edge which we need.
''It is disappointing for us players because we want to give the fans something to cheer about and we want to be in the history books. It was not meant to be this season, but we have shown great potential, with Jack Wilshere coming through, Aaron Ramsey is coming back to form as well, which was great to see, so I think it will look quite good for us next season.
''It has got to be because there is a lot of competition with Manchester City and Liverpool coming into the frame now, so it is going to be a very interesting Premier League.''

Swansea seal Graham signing

2011-06-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Swansea have confirmed the signing of striker Danny Graham from Watford for a club-record fee.

• Newcastle in for Taylor
The Premier League new boys have splashed £3.5million on the 25-year-old, who will sign a four-year contract.
Graham was the top scorer in the Championship last season with 24 goals and was a reported target for a host of top-flight sides. The deal for Graham remains subject to a medical, which will be completed when the player returns from holiday.
A Swansea statement read: "The club has today agreed personal terms with Watford striker Danny Graham. Graham will sign a four-year contract with an additional 15% sell-on clause to Watford on any profit above the £3.5million.''
Swans chairman Huw Jenkins added on the club's website: "Danny has also spoken to [Swans manager] Brendan Rodgers at length. He is thrilled to conclude the deal and is looking forward to the challenge of Premier League football with Swansea.
"He is a player we have admired for quite some time and as a football club we are delighted to get our man. Brendan is looking forward to working with him and there is no doubt he will strengthen our team for the new campaign.''
Graham, who began his career at Middlesbrough, scored 41 goals in 99 appearances for the Hornets since arriving at the club from Carlisle in a £350,000 deal in 2007.
Carlisle are also set to profit to the tune of nearly £500,000 as the result of a 15% sell-on clause in the deal that took Graham to Vicarage Road.

Redknapp: Stars staying put

2011-06-07T15:51:00.001-07:00

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has again insisted he will not allow any of the club's top players to leave this summer - and claims Luke Modric is worth far more than £20 million.

• Tottenham sign Friedel
The club's failure to book a second successive season in the Champions League had led to speculation that some of the bigger clubs in Europe could cherry pick their stars. But Redknapp says that will not happen.
Instead Redknapp plans to strengthen the team to break back into the top four, with the task likely to become even harder next season with Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish expected to spend big.
"We are not selling Luka, we are not selling Gareth and we are not selling Sandro," he told Sky Sports News. "We are looking to build a team at Tottenham, not dismantle one.
"If we're going to push on as a football club we need to keep them players and we need to add one or two other top players to them if we're looking to have a chance of ever getting back in the Champions League again.
"It's been busy - I've been busy doing nothing really, we haven't got anywhere.
"There's been lots of phone calls, lots of talk in the newspapers but we're really at the moment not close to making any signings and certainly not looking to sell any of our better players.
"So we're not looking to sell them players - that would be a massive backward step for the club. £20 million for Luka? They've got to be dreaming, he's such a fantastic player.
"You know, we've enquired about players and we're getting quoted more than that for people that couldn't lace his boots so it's not a goer. I wouldn't put a value on him, I wouldn't want to sell him. He's one of those boys every day you come into work for me, and that's what it's about now.
"I come in and I see him and he's just a great guy, he trains, gets on with the job, never complains, he loves his football. He's the most low maintenance, easy to handle professional you've ever seen and he's a fantastic player so he's the last player you ever want to see leave your football club - he's irreplaceable."
Modric's advisor also appears to have ruled out a move, with Manchester United one of his suitors. Croatian paper Jutarnji List quotes Mario Mamic as saying: ''Luka will not go to Manchester United and he will also stay at Tottenham because I know that chairman Daniel Levy will not let him go."

Crouch won't turn back on England

2011-06-07T15:50:00.001-07:00

Snubbed England striker Peter Crouch insists he is not about to turn his back on his country and intends to carry on playing international football.

Crouch was unhappy at being overlooked by England boss Fabio Capello in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Switzerland and it was reported he might call time on his career with the Three Lions.
Despite an impressive record of 22 goals in 42 games, and with Wayne Rooney suspended, Crouch did not even make the bench at Wembley, with Capello favouring Fulham's Bobby Zamora over the Tottenham striker.
Crouch, 30, admits he was disappointed to be left out but said at no point will he turn his back on his country.
"Do I want to carry on playing for England? Yeah, of course. I would never give up playing for my country at any stage. It's an honour,'' Crouch said.
Crouch's club boss at Tottenham, Harry Redknapp, has urged the player to stick it out with England.
Discussing Crouch and England, Redknapp told Sky Sports News: ''It's been great for him playing for his country. He's had a great run of it, the last few years. So I don't see any reason he should want to pack up. I'd encourage him to keep playing and keep wanting to play for England.
''And all those lads, I don't see how they would want to give up their international careers. It's such an honour to play for your country, you'd think they'd want to play forever. But if he asked my advice I would certainly tell him to keep playing, and if he's picked, play.''