WalesOnline - Football

Eddie 'Eagle' Johnson linked with the Eagles of Crystal Palace

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:01:21 +0000

Cardiff City cult hero Eddie Johnson has been offered to Crystal Palace, who are considering taking on the USA striking enigma.

Fulham player Johnson, who spent last season at Ninian Park, is surplus to requirments at Craven Cottage despite still has two years left to run on his current deal.

Johnson is looking for another loan move next season and his agent has contacted the Eagles with a view to move from West to South London.

Palace gaffer Neil Warnock said: "We've had a phone call about him from his agent - but we don't know if we are going to follow it up.

"It's an option."

Veteran defender Westwood pledges his future to Wrexham

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:01:21 +0000

Wrexham defender Ashley Westwood says he is happy to sign a new contract with the Dragons, especially after the club's disastrous end to last season.

A situation Westwood admits he is determined to rectify.

"I am definitely happy to stay here," said 32-year-old Westwood. "To be offered a contract at a club of any standard is welcome and I am happy to be in the game I am playing.

"I came to Wrexham determined to get promoted but we did not achieve that.

"It would be wrong to walk away - I have still got unfinished work to attend to.

"I have not completed the job and feel I need to stay here and give everything I have got to get promoted, that is the aim."

Westwood played alongside Wrexham boss Dean Saunders at Bradford City and is glad to continue their association.

"I have played in the same team and known the gaffer a long time. I have spoken with him and come to the conclusion we will come to an agreement between us.

"It has not been specific with terms and figures but we will sort it out. We have got a good relationship and both trust each other - that's half the battle.

"You are not talking about Ronaldo going to Real Madrid here but I am sure it will get sorted."

Gareth Bale set for Italian job?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:01:21 +0000

Gareth Bale looks set to exit Tottenham Hostspur with AC Milan said to have their sights set on the Wales schemer.

Milan are in the market for a left-back after a move Porto's Aly Cissokho fell through following a medical last month.

Bale, was rumoured to be a target for Milan's rivals Inter and Juventus in the Janaury transfer window.

Inter coach Jose Mourinho missed out Bale as negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur faltered.

The Welsh international teenager, who turns 20 on July 16, came in for particular praise from Inter coach Jose Mourinho.

"Bale has impressed me so much and I think he will become greater than Ashley Cole," Mourinho said back in January.

It's believed Milan directors Ariedo Braida and Adriano Galliani are keeping tabs on the Welsh star as they look for an attacking left sided defender.

Bale was this week also linked to a season long loan move to Birmingham City

Hull boss Phil Brown expects Sam Ricketts to stay at Hull

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:01:02 +0000

HULL City boss Phil Brown says he expects Wales defender Sam Ricketts to stay at the club this summer.

The former Swansea star has been heavily linked with a move to Portsmouth and Everton.

The 27-year-old, who has one year remaining on his contract, was amainstay of the Tiigers' fight against relegation last season.

Hull are currently in the process of negotiating a new deal with Ricketts, but Brown believe he'll be at the KC Stadium come the start of the new season..

"It is something that is ongoing and has been for six months - and something that will be ongoing for the next six months, I dare say," said Brown.

"He has got another year left on his contract so I fully expect him to be in for pre-season training.

"There is nothing with regards to any of the players making any kind of move with regards to getting away."

Alex McLeish admits to Gareth Bale interest

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:01:02 +0000

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish has admitted he is interested in bringing Gareth Bale to St Andrews.

The Wales and Tottenham Hotspur left-sided schemer is thought to be surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane and McLeish would be eager to take him to the Midlands club.

"Gareth Bale is another name we'd have to consider if he was available," said McLeish.

Bale has suffered with injuries and a loss of form at Spurs, I may see a loan move to Birmingham as a way of resurrecting his Premiership career.

Welsh defender tracked by Premiership and SPL suitors

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:24:29 +0000

Hull City's Welsh international left back Sam Ricketts is reportedly the target of a number of clubs in the Premiership and SPL.

Newspaper reports say the versatile defender, who can also play right back and at the heart of defence, is now interesting Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers and Scottish Premier League runners-up Celtic

The former Swansea City player, who has twelve months remaining on his contract at the KC Stadium having signed a two year extension to his deal in 2008, was a pivotal figure in the Tigers' Premiership releagtion fight.

Cardiff City's Warren Feeney looks forward to settling his future

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:24:29 +0000

Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney returns to South Wales this week keen to discover where his future lies.

The Northern Ireland hitman, who spent a successful season on loan at Dundee United, has a year left on his Bluebirds' contract, but is determined that any move is right for him and his family.

He said: "I'm at my peak now and the next move for me will be my last big move.

"The deal won't be about the money it will be about the security."

Clubs in Spain, Scotland and England are reportedly interested in the striker, who looks unlikely to feature in Dave Jones' plans for the forthcoming season.

"We are due back next week for pre-season, at the moment I'm not sure of the gaffer's plans for me but my agent tells me of interest in Scotland and England.

"If a deal is offered from Cardiff or elsewhere and gives me the kind of security I'm looking for then that will do me.

"I can then concentrate on doing my utmost for whichever club it is and also try to get Northern Ireland to next year's World Cup"

No change for Wales in world rankings

Wed, 06 May 2009 12:42:38 +0000

Wales have remained static at 73rd position in the FIFA World Rankings following the release of the latest figures.

England's place in the top 10 is unchanged at seven. European Championship winners Spain remain top of the list ahead of Germany, Holland, Brazil, Italy, Argentina and England.

The top 10 is completed by Croatia, Russia and France.

Scotland's position is unchanged in 24th and Northern Ireland remain 27th.

The Republic of Ireland stay in 34th.

Jack Collison return a boost for Toshack's Wales

Tue, 05 May 2009 15:03:57 +0000

West Ham's Jack Collison has handed Wales manager John Toshack a timely boost ahead of the forthcoming internationals by making his return from injury at Stoke at the weekend.

It was feared the midfielder maybe out until the end of the season after disclocating his kneecap in a Premiership game at Wigan, however a substitute appearance eight minutes from the end of the Hammers' victory at the Britannia Stadium delighted the promising Welsh star.

"Obviously it has been a bit of a long road for me, having two months out of the team," Collison told West Ham's official club website.

"To be honest, it was nice just to be around the boys and part of it. Although I only got ten minutes on the pitch, it was a great feeling going out there, especially hearing all the fans and securing such a great result for us.

"There were a few bumps and bruises in the dressing room afterwards. Robert Green was outstanding. He threw himself in front of everything and thanks to the likes of him, Matty Upson and James Tomkins, we came away with three points."

Billy Davies targets permanent Chris Gunter signing

Tue, 05 May 2009 11:17:28 +0000

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies is planning a summer raid for Wales full-back Chris Gunter,

It's understood the Midlands' club are prepared to offer £2m for the young gun's services, but may have to be satisfied with a season-long loan if a permanent deal can't be thrashed out.

"If I had the option of taking Gunter permanently I would do so but, if his club say no, I would be delighted to take him on a season-long loan," Davies explained.

"In an ideal world, I want to make permanent signings but there may be one or two we have to take on long-term loans. We want to bring good human beings to the club, players with the right attitude and spirit.

"Chris has that in abundance. He can also play in several positions and he has fitted into the dressing room brilliantly. He epitomises the type of player we want to bring in. We have to approach Spurs and see if it is a possibility."

Simon Davies to miss Wales double header

Tue, 05 May 2009 11:17:28 +0000

Simon Davies will miss Wales forthcoming games with Estonia and Azerbaijan after undergoing surgery on a persistent foot injury.

"Simon Davies has been operated on and will be out for the rest of the season which is a major blow for us," Fulham manager Roy Hodgson told the club's official website.

"He has been complaining about his foot for a while but has played through it."

"His problem has exacerbated in recent weeks so much so that we sent him for a scan," added Hodgson.

"It's a former stress fracture which has been accumulating over all the games he has played.

"Simon Davies, in the time I've been here, hasn't missed a game.

"We're talking somewhere in the region of 50 games where he has been playing every week, never missing a training session - I think it's just one of those things that can develop.

"I think Simon Davies is a star as to play 50 games non-stop, for me, that is a star."

Owain Fon-Williams tracked by Premiership suitors

Tue, 05 May 2009 11:17:28 +0000

Stockport County goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams is being courted by a host of suitors, according to Skysports.

The race for the talented young Welshman is hotting up after the club went into administration this week.

Fon-Williams is regarded as County's most prized asset and clubs are circling ready to take advantage of the club's parlous financial position.

Everton, West Ham, Sunderland, Ipswich and Leeds are all understood to have made contact about a possible deal.

The 22-year-old is currently receiving treatment for a shoulder operation, but is expected to be named in the Wales squad for the forthcoming games against Estonia and Azerbaijan.

Wales goalkeeper Jason Brown bound for Leicester City

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:19:51 +0000

According to today's Daily Mirror, Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson aims to sign unsettled Blackburn keeper Jason Brown.

Paul Robinson's understudy Brown, 26, is poised to quit Ewood Park this summer in search of first-team football. And League One promotion favourites Leicester lead the chase for his signature.

Brown is on almost £10,000 a week at Rovers but is prepared to take a pay cut if he joins the Foxes..

Wales striker Sam Vokes looks forward to Premier future

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:54:11 +0000

Wales young gun Sam Vokes is proud to be a Championship medal winner with Wolves.

The teenage hotshot has had an impressive first season at Molineux, scoring eight goals - despite spending most of the season on the substitutes bench.

The 19-year-old said: "It's going to be an unbelievable feeling - to be taking a medal will be a great feeling and I don't think I'll it off all summer.

"I think I'll come back with a suntan complete with white bits where the medal has been!"

"I couldn't have dreamt of this time last year when Bournemouth were relegated and went into administration.

"I don't think it will properly sink in until next season really when we're travelling to the big clubs. "

Wales defender linked with Villa and Everton move

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:54:11 +0000

REPORTS suggest that Oldham Athletic and Wales defender Neal Ardley has been watched by both Everton and Aston Villa.

Despite being only 20-years-old Eardley is already a full Wales international and has captained the Lactics, racking up well over 100 games for the club.