Church of Football

Evra set to sign for United

2006-01-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Monaco defender Patrice Evra will undergo a medical on Monday prior to joining Manchester United. Patrice Evra has been capped by France 5 times and is set to sign for £5 million. He will join Nemanja Vidic as the second signing United have made in January. Ferguson said: "The deal is done, he will come in Monday."We have been looking at him for some time since Gabriel Heinze was injured in September." Evra was also wanted by Inter Milan but decided to go to Manchester United.

I think Patrice Evra is a quality player who has pace, power and alot of skill. He has proven himself on many levels including international level. He was a part of the Monaco team that almost won the champions league in 2004. I think he will be a great signing for United.

Newcastle linked with Joaquin

2005-11-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

Spainish international Joaquin has declared that Newcastle have expressed an intrest in bringing him to St James' Park. Joaquin has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United in previous years and he has said "I'm flattered by the constant attention he is receiving from various European clubs but I'm not prepared to discuss my future at this stage of the season". He also added "These stories do appear every year though".

However in Spain the media suggest that Real Betis will have to sell their best player in order to buy big players in January. It does appear that it will cost any club at least 15 million euro. I have pointed it out before and I will point it out again Joaquin is one of the best right wingers in the world and I think it would be great to see him in the Premiership. However I don't think he should move to Newcastle but I think he should move to Liverpool or Manchester United.

Mandaric eyes manager

2005-11-25T03:15:00.000-08:00

Portsmouth's chairman Milan Mandaric has drawn up a list of possible of successor's to Alain Perrain. The list includes Neil Warnock of Sheffield United, Former Hearts boss George Burley and 72 year-old Sir Bobby Robson. But another contender, Ruud Gullit, has reportedly rejected initial approaches from Mandaric to take over from Perrin. Warnock looks like the favourite to succeed Perrian but Yorkshire club's plc chairman Kevin McCabe has expressed his concern at the increasing speculation that Warnock could move to Pompey.

There are also a couple of outside bet that people should look out for including Iain Dowie of Crystal Palace and Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane. I think it is highly unlike that Keane would go to Portsmouth unless they offered him a role as player/manager.

Overall I believe Neil Warnock may be tempted into leaving Sheffield United and go to the Premiership even thought he will probably be in the Premiership next year. I think they should go for George Burley, he worked wonders at Hearts and Portsmouth need a manager that can work wonders or else they could face the drop come the end of the season.

Chimbonda signs new four year deal

2005-11-10T08:43:00.000-08:00

Wigan defender Pascal Chimbonda has signed a new four year deal with Wigan. Chimbonda signed from Bastia for £500,000 in the summer and was given a three year deal with a buy out clause."I'm surprised how well it's gone so far, but when you are offered new terms so soon it means people have confidence in you," he told the club website. The former Bastia player has scored the winning goal in Wigan's last two matches, in a run of six straight wins which has taken them to second in the Premiership. Chimbonda however is not surprised at how well Wigan are currently doing, Chimbonda said "I saw what good players we had here, how hard everyone works, and how much everyone respects the manager."

Chimbonda is a great player and one of the signings of the summer according to me. He has become a hero among the Wigan fans and most of the other premiership supporters. He plays right back for Wigan but has already scored a couple of goals for high-flying Wigan. He plays in a solid defence with De Zeeuw, Hencoz and Baines which has been one of Wigan's strong points this season.

Ireland's Dream Ends

2005-10-13T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream ended last night ended when Ireland drew 0-0 against Switzerland. Ireland had many chances but Robbie Keane, John O'Shea and Clintion Morrison all missed chances. The draw saw the Switz through to the world cup play-offs where they should get an easy draw. The game also saw the end of Kenny Cunningham's international caraer and may see Brian Kerr end his regime as Ireland manager.

I was at the match and I thought Ireland were crap. Robbie Keane and Clintion Morrison had countless chances but ruined each by trying to do every thing with to much flair. As for Brian Kerr I think the man should just step down and maybe look for a club job. I would love to see either David O' Leary or Martin O' Neill take over as Ireland manager and hopefully bring back the glory days for Irish Fotball

England Squad Annouced

2005-10-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

England squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Austria (8 October) and Poland (12 October):

Goalkeepers: Paul Robinson (Tottenham), Robert Green (Norwich), Chris Kirkland (Liverpool/West Brom)

Defenders: Ashley Cole (Arsenal), Phil Neville (Everton), Luke Young (Charlton), Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea), Sol Campbell (Arsenal), Ledley King (Tottenham)

Midfielders: David Beckham (Real Madrid), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Jermaine Jenas (Tottenham), Alan Smith (Man Utd), Kieran Richardson (Man Utd)

Strikers: Michael Owen (Newcastle), Wayne Rooney (Man Utd), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Darren Bent (Charlton), Peter Crouch (Liverpool).

This is the squad for the two world cup qualifier. Alan Smith has been called up after his impressive display for Manchester United. Sol Campbell returns to the squad after his injury. I think the main surprise is that both Scott Parker and Danny Murphy haven't been called up. It looks like a strong squad for two vital games.

Carragher rules out title bid

2005-09-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Jamie Carragher has today ruled out Liverpool's chances of winning the premiership but has told press that Liverpool aim to break into the top 3. "It's going to be very difficult for us to win the league this time when you look at Chelsea's start and the signings they have made," said Carragher. He also believes that Liverpool do have a good chance of retaining the Champions League due to the signing of some quality players during the summer.

I don't think Liverpool have a chance of winning the premiership this season or in any other season for that matter. However I do believe that with one or two good signings in January then Liverpool could break into the top 3 and with names like Joaquin floating around as a possible signing then the future may look bright for Liverpool.

Joaquin wants Liverpool move

2005-09-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

Real Betis and Spain right winger Joaquin has stated his desire to play for the Europen Champions Liverpool. Joaquin was a transfer target for Chelsea last summer and is regarged as one of the best right wingers in the world. Liverpool are currently looking for a new right winger due to Luis Garcia poor form."I know Liverpool are looking for a right winger and I'd love to play there if they want me," the Spaniard told the News of the World. Joaquin is set to play against Liverpool on Tuesday in the champions league.

I personally think Joaquin is the best right winger in the world and believe he would fit in great at Liverpool. Joaquin has pace,skills,brains and a eye for goals. At 24 years of age I think he has the poteinal to become one of the greatest right wingers ever but I think he needs to move to a bigger club to show his talents. Wheater Liverpool is the right move remains to be seen.

Bridge to leave Bridge

2005-09-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

Newcastle and Tottenham have declared an interest in bringing Wayne Bridge to their teams. Bridge is currently behind Asier Del Horno in the Chelsea starting 11 and this isn't do his England world cup place much good. Stephen Warnock has already been called into the England team due to Bridge not playing yet this season.

I think Wayne Bridge is a world class player who deserves a place in the Chelsea team but due to Asier Del Horno playing very well this season he has been left out of the squad by Jose Mourinho. Personally I think it is time for Wayne Bridge to move on from Chelsea and revive his career somewhere else.

Salgado to Juve

2005-09-05T11:13:00.000-07:00

Michel Salgado is moving to Juventes on a loan deal in January reports have claimed. Real have an agreement with Brazillian international Cicinho to take him to the spainish gaints in January which will see Salgado lose his place in the Real team.The initial six-month loan is likely to include an option to make the deal permanent should Salgado impress in Turin.

I personally think Salgado should leave on a permanent basis come January considering that he won't be playing to often when Cicinho arrives. If Cicinho impresses when he comes to Real then that is Salgado's Real career preaty much over.

Wigan consider Guardiola

2005-09-04T07:52:00.000-07:00

Wigan boss Paul Jewell is considering signing former Barcelona midfielder Joseph Guardiola. Guardiola turned down a six-month with Manchester City last month because he wanted a longer deal but Paul Jewell is eyeing up a move for the free agent. "I've spoken to Pep and I was very impressed that he knew so much about us," Jewell said.

I believe Guardiola would be a good signing for Wigan and would add alot of experience to a team which I think can stay in the premiership. I think should have gone to Man City when he had the chance but Wigan is also a good move for him.

Spurs agree Rasiak deal

2005-09-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

Tottenham have agreed terms with Derby for Grzegorz Rasiak. Rasiak has been capped 20 times for Poland and burst onto the scene with Derby last year scoring 17 goals. Martin Jol told the club's website: "Rasiak is a tall target man, a hard working, honest player with a good goal scoring record. Wolves came close to signing Rasiak but he didn't agree terms.

I don't think Rasiak is a very good signing for Spurs due to them having 3 top class strikers already. I also don't think Rasiak will fit into the premiership and I think he is a player made for the lower leagues.

Premiership Saturday review

2005-08-27T03:24:00.000-07:00

Aston Villa vs Blackburn:Milan Baros is set to make his debut for Villa and
Blackburn will be without the suspened duo of Lucas Neill and Andy Todd.
Predication: Villa 2 Blackburn 1

Fulham vs Everton:Matteo Ferrari looks set to make his Everton debut after he signed on a one year loan deal.Carlos Bocanegra is to start for Fulham
Predication: Fulham 0 Everton 2

Man City vs Portsmouth:Onuaha may replace Jordan for City but the rest of the team should remain unchanged.Matthew Taylor may come back into the first 11 for Pompey
Predication: City 3 Pompey 1

West Brom vs Birmingham:Geoff Horsefield hopes the goals will keep coming for him as he starts.Emile Heskey looks set for his first start of the season.
Predication: West Brom 1 Birmingham 1

West Ham vs Bolton:Roy Carroll still has a back problem but is expected to start.
Bolton new signing Hidetoshi Nakata is unlikely to start.
Predication: West Ham 2 Bolton 2

Tottenham vs Chelsea:Frank Arnesen will return to Tottenham. Cech and Ferria look set to return for Chelsea.Spurs unchanged.
Predication: Spurs 1 Chelsea 0

Wigan vs Sunderland:Sunderland new boy Christian Bassila could go straight into the squad.Josip Skoko looks set to make his Wigan debut.
Predication: Wigan 1 Sunderland 1

Dutch winger set for Everton

2005-08-26T05:52:00.000-07:00

Andy van der Meyde will undergo a medical at Everton today. The dutch winger is looking for a new club after not getting enough first team football. Everton officals flew to Milan and have agreeded a fee of £2million for the Dutch international. Van der Meyde wants regular action to ensure he stays in Holland's squad ahead of the World Cup.

I believe the signing of Van Der Meyde will bolster Everton's midfield and will also benefit Van Der Meyde because he will get first team football in the World Cup year.

Newcastle look to Luque

2005-08-25T16:06:00.000-07:00

Albert Luque will arrive in Newcastle today to undergo a medical after a £10million fee was agreeded. Luque himself expressed his delight at the chance of playing in England, saying: "I am happy that a deal has been done.The Premiership is an excellent league. Newcastle haven't scored in the premiership yet and Luque hopes to open their account on Sunday against Manchester United.

I think Luque is a very good player and I am looking forward to seeing him play in the premiership. Deportivo have already lost Walter Pandiani to Birmingham and now look set to lose Luque to Newcastle.

Ashton commits himself to Norwich

2005-08-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

Dean Ashton today signed a one year extention to his current contract and will stay until at least 2009. Ashton has been linked with a move away from Norwich since they were relegated. Ashton signed for £3million from Crewe in January and scored 7 goals in 16 premiership appearances. The 21-year-old had been linked with Manchester City, West Ham and Wigan. But he told the club's website: "I feel my ambition is matched by Norwich. I'm happy here and am delighted to continue working with Nigel Worthington."

I think Ashton is a great player and is well suited to the premiership so it came as no surprise when I heard rumours about his future but he has decided to stay at Norwich and shom great loyalty to the club which gave him a taste of the premiership.

Champions League Draw

2005-08-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

GROUP A:FC Bayern, Juventus, Club Brugge, Rapid Vienna
Players To Watch:Micheal Ballack, Patrick Viera, Roy Makaay

GROUP B:Arsenal, Ajax, Sparta Prage, FC Thun
Players To Watch:Cesc Fabregas, Thierry Henry, Wesley Snedijer

GROUP C:Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Wender Bremen, Udinese
Players To Watch:Ronaldinho, Johan Micoud, Samuel Eto'o

GROUP D:Man United, Villareal, Lille, Benfica
Players To Watch:Wayne Rooney, Cristino Ronaldo, Diego Forlan

GROUP E:AC Milan, PSV, Schalke 04, Fenerbache
Players To Watch:Kaka, Sanli Tuncay, Andriy Shevchenko

GROUP F:Real Madrid, Lyon, Olympiakos, Rosenborg
Players To Watch:Robinho, Junioho, Jan Gunner Solli

GROUP G:Liverpool, Chelsea, Anderleacht, Real Betis
Players To Watch:Steven Gerrard, Michael Essien, Jouqain

GROUP H:Inter Milan, Porto, Rangers, Artmedia Bratislavia
Players To Watch:Adriano, Diego, Nacho Novo

Goalkeeper of the Year: Petr Cech
Defender of the Year: John Terry
Midfielder of the Year: Kaka
Attacker of the Year: Ronaldinho
M.V.P: Steven Gerrard

Newcastle agreed Owen fee

2005-08-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

Newcastle today agreeded a £18million fee with Real Madrid for Michael Owen. Owen has stated his desire to move back to Liverpool and claims he will go to Newcastle on a one year loan deal if a move to Liverpool can not be done. Newcastle's bid will smash their transfer record of £15million for Alan Shearer.Madrid have promised to help Owen return home to boost his World Cup hopes.

I believe Owen would be a good signing for Newcastle but I think Owen would be making a bad decision moving to a team that isn't in Europe and dosen't have a hope of finishing in the top 6. The good thing for England is that Owen will be playing week in week out in the world cup year.

Baros to Villa

2005-08-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

Liverpool and Aston Villa today agreed a fee of £6million for Milan Baros. Baros was out of favour at Liverpool and will strenghting the Aston Villa front line alot. Aston Villa were favours to capture Baros and it appears they have got their man. Baros was the top goalscorer at Euro 2004 with the Czech Republic.

I believe Baros will become a good signing for Villa but I think £6million is a bit dear for a player who isn't a prolific goalscorer. However if he can form a good patnership with Juan Pablo Angel then Aston Villa will rept the rewards.

Henry denies contract stall

2005-08-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Arsenal captain Thierry Henry today claimed he was happy to carry on contract talk with Arsenal. It was reported that Henry was going to leave when his contract ended however Henry claimed it was a mis-translation of a french interview that caused the comments. Henry has two years left on his contract which will expire when he reachs the age of 30. Henry was made the skipper of Arsenal when Patrick Viera left and the Arsenal faithfull couldn't bare to see Henry leave.

I believe if Henry left then Arsenal would fall behind the big clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool. Henry is a fans favourite and if he were to leave then Arsenal would find it near impossible to replace him.

Ronaldo plea to team mates

2005-08-20T11:31:00.000-07:00

Cristiano Ronaldo today pleaed with his Machester United team mates to never go through another season without winning a trophey. Ronaldo said: "It makes me even more determined to ensure we win something this time around." Ronaldo was in tears after the defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup final last season and is now determined to win something this season.

I believe United have a great chance of winning something this season because they have brought in a good keper in the shape of Edwin Van Der Sar and they have made a great start to the season.

Chelsea finally get Essien

2005-08-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Chelsea today completed the signing of Michael Essien from Lyon for a fee of £24.4million. Essien arrives in London with a great reputation and at only 22 years old he has the poteintal to become one of the greatest midfielder in the world. Essien said: "I wanted to come to the Premiership and now I am very happy. Chelsea had tracked Essien for the whole summer and had 5 different bids turned down.

I believe Essien is a good player for the premiership who will make Chelsea even stronger. Alongside Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele, Chelsea could form the best midfield in the Premiership and Europe.

Kanoute switch to Sevilla

2005-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

Mali striker Fredi Kanoute has completed a £4.4 million move to Sevilla. The striker decided to move after he became 4th choice striker at Tottenham. Sevilla moved for Kanoute after losing Julio Baptista to Real Madrid. "He's going to bring us the sort of skills we thought the team needed," said Sevilla sporting director Ramon Rodriguez.

I think Kanoute was left with no option but to move after falling behind Jermain Defoe, Mido and Robbie Keane. Kanoute will be competing with Javier Saviola and Luis Fabiano for a place in the Sevilla team.

Canaries catch Clinton

2005-08-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Norwich City are on the verge of signing Birmingham and Republic of Ireland striker Clinton Morrison. Norwich have agreed a fee of £2 million with Birmingham for the Ireland player. Morrison had revelled he was unhappy with life in Birmingham and indicated he wanted to move. Sunderland and Southampton were both linked with Morrison but Clinton has opted for Norwich.

I believe Norwich have pulled off a good piece of business for Morrison. Norwich now have a good strike force with Dean Ashton,Leon McKenize and now Clinton Morrison. He also has a good international goalscoring record which Norwich will hope he can turn into club form.

Jenas future in doubt

2005-08-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

Jermaine Jenas has been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham. Jenas is currently playing for Newcastle but is unhappy with their poor form. Spurs are keen admireres of Jenes and have already had a bid turned down. Newcastle want £12 million for the England international.

I believe Jenas is a very good player who has played well in a poor team. Newcastle are a team going nowhere and this is why I think Jenas should move. Spurs on the other hand are a team with alot of potential.

Schalke 04 enter Baros race

2005-07-28T13:26:00.000-07:00

Schalke 04 have entered the race to sign Liverpools champions league winner Milan Baros after letting Ailton move to Besiktas. Baros dosen't feature in Rafa Benitez long term plans after Peter Crouch signed. Aston Villa are leading the chase for Baros with West Ham but Schalke can provide champions league for the Czech striker if he were to move.

I personally think Baros is overated and can see why Benitez wants to sell him. Baros would raise a good sum of money due to him winning the golden boot at Euro 2004. I think Baros is a player with alot of poteinally but he just hasn't shown it since he came to the premiership.

An update from the Eircom league

2005-07-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Cork City have gone 7 points clear of the chasing pack with a 3-0 over bottom of the league Shamrock Rovers with the goals coming from Joe Gamble, John O'Flynn and a Keith Doyle own goal. George O'Callaghan also missed a penalty.

Derry City also won 3-0 against UCD to remain in 2nd place. Goals came from Ciaran Martyn who scored 2 and Mark Farren.

Shelbourne were held to a 2-2 draw against Bray Wanderers. Shels goals came from Owen Heary and Glen Crowe. Bray came from 2 goals down with goals from Eamon Zayed and Colm Tresson.

Bohemians beat Drogheda 3-2 to rise to 4th in the table and see Drogheda move down to 5th. Bohs took the lead through Domenic Foley but two goals from Declan O'Brien saw the Drogs take the lead. A 88th minute goal from Fergal Harkin saw Bohs draw level and then in the 94th minute Foley added his second to clinch all 3 points.

St Pats won 1-0 against a Waterford side which have looked depleted going forward since the sale of Darryl Murphy to Sunderland. St Pats goal came from Keith Dunne who was at his devasting best to head past Pat Holden.

The table now stand like this:
P GD PTS
1.Cork City 18 24 43
2.Derry City 17 14 36
3.Shelbourne 18 12 32
4.Bohemians 16 4 28
5.Drogheda 18 4 26
6.Longford 18 2 26
7. UCD 18 -8 21
8.St.Pats 17 -3 19
9.Bray 18 -9 19
10.Waterford 18 -12 15
11.Finn Harps 18 -15 11
12.Sham Rovers 18 -13 9

Celtic set to miss Europe

2005-07-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

Celtic's champions league hopes took an unexpected turn for the worst last night as they lost 5-0 against Slovakian minniows Artmedia Bratislava. In Gordan Strachan first competitive game he watch his Celtic side ripped to piece by the unknown Slovakians. "I have been a manager for eight years and a player for 25 years and this is out and out the worse football night I have ever had," said a demoralised Strachan.

If this is a sign of things to come I can see Rangers running away with the SPL and Celtic maybe scraping a mid-table finish. Celtic will need to improve dramatically if they are going to get ,not only to the third qualifying round, but the group stage.

Rio to stay next season

2005-07-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Rio Ferdinand's agent has indicated that the England star defender will be a Manchester United player but Rio hasn't signed a new deal at United. Ferdinand has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Real Madrid within the last year and angry United fan's have turned against Rio in there last to friendlies.

I believe Rio owes United alot after the fans and staff stood by him when he failed his drugs test and was banned for 8 months last year. Ferdinand has two years left on his contract and if he dosen't sign a new deal he would be allowed leave on a free next year.

Emre set for Toon move

2005-07-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

Inter Milan player Emre will complete his £5 million move to Newcastle on Friday after passing his medical. The Turkish prime minister pleaed with Emre to return to his homeland to play for one of the big clubs. Emre is considered the 'David Beckham' of Turkish football and is to become Newcastle's second summer signing after completing the signing of Scott Parker from Chelsea.

Emre set to join Newcastle
I believe Emre would become a good addition to the Newcastle team that lacked a left midfielder after letting Laurent Robert go to Portsmouth.

Manchester City transfer frenzy

2005-07-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

Manchester City have been linked with a host of players today after it was revealed Shaun Wright Phillips is set to join premiership champions Chelsea. City will recieve £23million for the talented right winger. Phillips will become Chelsea's second summer signing after Asier Del Horno joined.

Half of the money City recieve will go to easing their £62 million debt. Stuart Pearce will be given £10 million to bring in new players. Romeo Castlen has emerged as the player to take Wright Phillips place. Castlen would cost City £4million from his Dutch club Feyenoord.

Preace has also revealed that he wants to bring in two new strikers. Andy Johnsen and Freddie Kanoute are at the top of Preace's wish list because City only have one proven striker in the form of Robbie Fowler.

I believe the sale would be beneficial to both clubs because Chelsea would be getting a top class player who is only 23 and Manchester City would recieve money to get rid of some debt and bring in some new players as they push for a top 7 finish next season.

Youth Systems

2005-07-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

I believe that many teams now a days don't use their youth systems to their full extend. It is understandable when a team may buy a player with consirable talent for a cheap price but when a team decides to buy a unknown player for £15 million you have to wonder.

Many top European teams have great youth systems where the players get many chances to play for the first team,such as Ajax of Holland and Sporting Lisbon of Portugal. Manchester United proved 10 years ago that youth players can not only win matches but also league titles. Shaun Wright Phillips came through the Manchester City youth system and is now one of the greatest talents in the premiership.

Chelsea have spent £217.95 million on new players in the last two years but no Chelsea youngsters have come into the first team during this time.

I think youth systems are great assets for teams who decide to invest a sum of money into them and these will reap the rewards in 1-5 years if they start now.

Johnson plea to Palace

2005-07-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Andy Johnson is pleaing with Crystal Palace to let him move to a premiership team in a £6million move. Everton and Tottenham are set to enter into a bidding war to get the England striker's signature. The striker scored 22 goals in the last premiership season and just signed a new long term contract.

Johnson wants to leave Palace

I believe Johnson would be a great signing for any club. He has become a proven goalscorer in the premiership even though 13 of his goals came from the penalty spot. £6million is a good price for a proven goalscorer considering Didier Drogba cost £24million last season for Chelsea.

Baptista to stay with Sevilla

2005-07-11T04:40:00.000-07:00

Julio Baptista has stated that he wants to spend at least one more season with Seville instead of joining Arsenal. Baptista scored 18 La Liga goals last season and also made several appearances for the Brasilian national team. The 23 year old striker's contract ends in 2008 and has told Sevilla he will not sign a new deal.

Baptista: Staying with Seville

I think the signing would have been very good for Arsenal because it would give them a proven goalscorer to play along Thierry Henry.Arsenal have only made one signing during the summer and that was the addition of Alexander Hleb.

Ballack to United?

2005-07-10T16:18:00.000-07:00

Michael Ballack has claimed that he would love to play in the premiership and Manchester United would be his ideal destination.Sir Alex Ferguson has been a long term admirer of Ballack who is the captian of the German national team.FC Bayern Munich have put a £20 million asking price to United which may scare them off the 29 year old.

Ballack in Action
Ballack(left in picture) would become an ideal signing after United missed out on Michael Essien of Lyon.The only problem I believe is that Ballack is 29 and £20 million is alot of money to pay out on a player of his age.

Crouch to renounce Saints

2005-07-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Peter Crouch is set to leave Southampton to join Liverpool in a deal worth £8 million. Southampton were relagated to the championship at the end of last season. Crouch has made it clear that he wanted to strenghten his chances of playing for England at the world cup. Many clubs including Manchester City and Wigan were interested in the 6 ft 7inch striker who made his England debut in the recent friendly against Columbia.

Crouch: Rather Tall

I believe the signing will bolster the Liverpool attack force because he is a great aerial presence and he has proven he is a good finisher. Southampton will gain from this move financialy, both in transfer fees and wage reduction, and Crouch will gain because he will play in Europe.