Football News, Transfer Rumours, Transfer Window updates

Trio involved in Newcastle takeover bids?

Current Toon owner Mike Ashley wants a quick sale of the club and brokers Seymour Pierce, led by Keith Harris, are in discussions with upto 5 group.

We understand that 3 of the groups could be led by:

SIR TOM HUNTER
A Scottish billionaire who has previously attempted to takeover Glasgow Rangers in the past. Hunter previously owned sportswear firm Sports Division, which was sold to JJB Sports, in which Ashley owns shares.

In 2006 Hunter admitted that he

"had a look at Rangers' in terms of possible investment but was 'not prepared to put money in and wave goodbye to it".

With the possibility of buying Newcastle at a knock-down price, Hunter could see the possibility of taking the club back to the Premier League, which could double or even treble the value of the club.

FREDDIE FLETCHER
The controversial former Chief Executive at St James Park, who joined the club from Glasgow Rangers in 1991 and stayed with the club until 2000. He was at the centre of the ‘Save Our Seats’ campaign in 1998, in which the club informed 4,000 season ticket holding fans that their seat prices would be increased to corporate rates, with the option of paying it or being moved to seats in the proposed expanded sections.

Fletcher was the man who brought Kevin Keegan to the club in 1992 and last year Fletcher backed the potentially managerial partnership of Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer:

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to put Newcastle where it should be, at the top of the tree,"
"For their own, and the sake of this great club, I say: Don’t blow it!"
"The ideal scenario would then be for Kevin to move into an executive capacity as director of football,"
"In the short term this would achieve much needed stability, but the long-term potential is limitless."

FREDDY SHEPHERD
The former chairman who has this week been linked with a £60m offer for the club. Shepherd would not be able to finance the club and his own and would need financial backers if he was to buy back a stake in the club.

As with Fletcher, Shepherd in an unpopular figure with the fans on a number of issues including:

- Sacking Sir Bobby Robson after only 4 games of the season.
- Being blamed for running the club into massive debt
- The 1998 ‘News of the World Exposé’
- The managerial appointments of Sam Allardyce, Graeme Souness and Glenn Roeder

With an expected announcement on new owners to be made as early as next week, Newcastle players joined pre-season training today under orders from temporary boss Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood who has re-joined the club on a week-to-week basis until new owners take charge.

City to seal 'monster' Eto'o transfer

Manchester City have agreed to make Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o the highest paid player in Premier League history.

Barcelona have accepted an offer in the region of €29.5m for the player who’s current contract with the Catalan club is set to expire in one years time.

Barca president Joan Laporta said:

"Eto'o has a stratospheric offer from City, which would convert him into the best paid player in the world," Laporta confirmed to Catalan radio station iCat FM.

"It's starting to become clear that he has this monster offer.

"He wants to stay but an offer like this is very difficult to refuse.

"If Eto'o accepts this stratospheric offer we will have to bring in someone."

The Cameroonian striker scored 30 goals in 36 La Liga games last season.

Eto'o is set to be joined at the City of Manchester Stadium with Everton defender Joleon Lescott and Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez who will both be announced in the next 72 hours.

After completing the additions to the City squad, boss Mark Hughes is set to sanction deals to allow defenders Richard Dunne and Tal Ben Haim leave the club while striker Jo, will be loaned to Everton for one season as part of the Lescott deal.

Defender Ben Haim has been offered to Blackburn Rovers, but wages could be a stumbling block. Striker Benjani has been told he can leave the club, but as of yet there are no takers for the injury hit player.

Chelsea bag Zhirkov

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign winger Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow.

The 25 year old Russian International was recommended to Blues owner Roman Abramovich by former caretaker boss Guus Hiddink, coach of the Russian National team.

Zhirkov can play as left-back but it is expected that he will be employed in a left-wing role.

The move is expected to signal the end Joe Cole's England career, with Tottenham currently interested, along with many others.

Barcelona sign Keirrison to secure Villa?

Barcelona has this afternoon competed the signing of Keirrison from Brazilian side Palmeiras. The fee is set to be in the region of £13m and potential add-ons of another £3m.

We understand that Keirrison could be immediately loaned out to Valencia as part of the proposed deal to take David Villa to the Camp Nou.

Valencia want around £45m for the Spanish International, but could accept £40m plus the Keirrison on loan for next season.

City beat Chelsea to capture Tevez

Manchester City have beaten off a late move from Chelsea to sign Carlos Tevez

Tevez and his representative Kia Joorabchian had agreed a move to City last month, only for Chelsea to make a late move for the Argentine International, however, Chelsea are not willing to match City's wage offer and are believed to be have offered the same £120,000 a week deal as Manchester United, around £30,000 a week less than he will receive at Eastlands.

Meanwhile, City have broken off talks with Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o after the striker demanded a whopping £200,000 a week, though the deal could be resurrected if the Cameroonian International drops his price. Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan had been City's number one target, only for the player to reject the move, as he hold's out for Real Madrid.

Newcastle Takeover to be completed in the next 10 days

We understand that Newcastle United will be under new ownership, as soon as next week.

Two interested parties have entered into due diligence and one party is eager to complete the deal as soon as possible.

The identities of the parties are not yet known, however we believe that a consortium, headed by former St James Park chairman, Freddy Shepherd is one of the interested parties.

Current owner Mike Ashley placed a £100m price tag on the club 10 days ago.

City make Forlan offer

Manchester City have submitted a £20m offer for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan.

The Uruguayan international ended last season as top scorer in La Liga, with an amazing 32 goals in only 33 games.

City will now move for Forlan after failing to land number one target, David Villa, who is set to complete a move to Real Madrid this week.

A move to Eastlands will signal a return to the Premier League for Forlan, who spent a two year spell at City rivals Manchester United between 2002-2004, netting 10 goals in 63 appearances.

Earlier in the season Forlan hinted a return to the Premier League could be on the cards.

He said:

"At the moment my desire is to score goals, to fight for the Golden Boot and to help Atletico to get to a position in the Champions League.

"I will think about my future in June. Do I want to return to the Premier League? I believe I have a debt with England after my time with Manchester United."

Maldini set for Chelsea coaching job

New Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is attempting to add to his Stamford Bridge coaching staff by bringing in AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini.

Madini retired from playing at the end of the current Serie A league and wants to follow in his father, Cesare Maldini's footsteps into management and could see a coaching roll in England as a good strating point.

Spurs to make Adu move

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is lining up a move for Benfica striker Freddy Adu.

The 20 year old shot to international fame when he signed a pro contract with MLS side D.C. United as the age of just 14, and a massive sponsorship deal with Nike followed.

However, Adu has failed to live up to his 'wonderkid' status. After 2 years at D.C. United he moved to MLS rivals Real Salt Lake, where he spent a year before moving to Portuguese side Benfica. Adu spent last season on loan at French side Monaco who have since turned down the option to make the move permanent.

Shearer faces delay over Newcastle job, Curbs on standby

Newcastle United favorite Alan Shearer will not be offered the St James Park manager’s job until a new buyer is found for the club.

Current owner Ashley will not appoint Shearer after the pair disagreed on issues to take the club forward during a series of meetings following the clubs relegation.

If a new buyer is not found in the next month, then we understand that former Charlton Athletic and West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is on standby to take the hot seat, on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile, The Singapore-based Profitable Group has confirmed its interest in buying United.

The company released a statement on its official website stating that they have made contact with investment bankers Seymour Pierce.

The statement read: "A preliminary discussion with representatives appointed to handle the sale of the club has been held. There will be no further comment at the present time."

Man Utd accept World Record £80m Real Madrid offer for Ronaldo

Manchester United have accepted an £80 million offer from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.

United's website released a statement this morning which read: "Manchester United have received a world-record, unconditional offer of £80 million for Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.

"At Cristiano's request - who has again expressed his desire to leave - and after discussion with the player's representatives, United have agreed to give Real Madrid permission to talk to the player.

"Matters are expected to be concluded by 30 June. The club will not comment until further notice."

Ashley set's £100m Newcastle asking price

NUFC Official Statement

The Board of Newcastle United can today confirm that the Club is for sale at the price of £100m.

Interested parties should contact Newcastle United at admin@nufc.co.uk (or Keith Harris at Seymour Pierce) for further details.

The Club will not be making any further comment at the present time.

Arsenal set to complete deal for Ajax's Vermaelen

Ajax defender Thomas Vermaelen will join Arsenal for a fee in the region of £11m.

The Belgium International is set to sign a 4 year deal at the Emirates Stadium.

The 23 year old, joined Ajax in 2003 and has made almost 100 appearances for the club and has gone on to captain the side this year.

An Ajax source is quoted as saying: "It's true. He's a very good player and could certainly be a success at Arsenal."

Chelsea head the race for Charlton's Shelvey

Chelsea have made an approach to League One outfit Charlton Athletic for wonderkid Jonjo Shelvey.

The 17 year old have been a rare highlight of the Addicks season which ended in relegation from the Championship.

The Romford-born midfielder has come through the academy at The Valley at a rapid rate and was handed his first-team debut aged just 16 years and 59 days.

Shelvey is being chased by a number of Premier League clubs and was recently linked with a £3m move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea are also on the verge of completing the signings of out of contract duo, striker Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City and goalkeeper Ross Turnbull from Middlesbrough, as backup to Peter Cech.

EXCLUSIVE - Edgar set for Birmingham City move

Newcastle United defender David Edgar is set to quit the relegated side in favour of a move to Premier League new boys Birmingham City, on a free transfer.

Edgar has struggled to establish himself in the first team at St James Park, and only used as cover for injuries.

The 19 year old Canadian has only made 19 appearances for the Toon Army since he made his debut in 2006.