Thursday 21 July 2011

Carlos Tevez's Move To Corinthians Is Off

Carlos Tevez's move from Manchester City to Corinthians has fallen through because the Brazilian club pulled out.

City thought a £40m deal had been agreed for the Argentine striker after he told the Premier League outfit he wanted to return to South America.

But Corinthians said there was not enough time to sign the 27-year-old before the Brazilian transfer window closes at 0400 BST on Thursday.

Corinthians still want Tevez and hinted an agreement can be reached in January.

It had appeared that the former West Ham forward had got his wish for a transfer but then in a statement, Corinthians said: "The board of Sporting Club Corinthians hereby officially announces the impossibility of hiring the Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.

"While acknowledging the efforts of Manchester City and all involved in the negotiation, more time is needed for the transfer to be achieved, given that the window to sign players from abroad closes on Wednesday, 20 July [Brazilian time].

"We are aware of the dream our fans had of having this player at Corinthians again and we look forward to him being with us in the near future."

That would indicate that Corinthians may look to revive the deal in the January transfer window, although that would not be the preferred option of Tevez or his current club.

Tevez, who had a spell at Corinthians from 2005 to 2006, originally asked City for a transfer in December and has since reiterated that desire to leave so he can be closer to his family in Argentina.

However, there are few clubs who can match the asking price of about £40m.

Corinthians' move for Tevez - which emerged on Monday - was believed to be funded by a new television deal for Brazilian clubs.

But the Sao Paulo side's response to City's demand for a proper payment schedule on Tuesday was perhaps a sign the transfer would not have gone smoothly.

The breakdown of Tevez's transfer to Corinthians also leaves City manager Roberto Mancini's proposed move for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero in doubt.

Tevez, who is contracted to City until 2014, has been a key player for the club since arriving from neighbours Manchester United in 2009.

He helped Mancini's side to FA Cup success and Champions League qualification in the 2010/2011 campaign. He has scored 43 Premier League goals in his two seasons at City - the highest total of any player in the top division.

Jo Joins Brazilian Side Internacional

Manchester City striker Jo has completed his transfer to Brazilian side Internacional for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club has confirmed.

Jo joined City from CSKA Moscow in an £18 million deal in July 2008 but failed to establish himself at Eastlands and was loaned out to Everton mid-way through his first season in England.

The 24-year-old, who was briefly City's record signing before his countryman Robinho joined a month later, returned to Goodison Park for part of the 2009-10 season, which also included a loan spell at Turkish giants Galatasaray.

In his final season at City, Jo spent a large amount of time on the bench, playing the occasional game under Roberto Mancini and scoring three goals in the Carling Cup and Europa League.

Despite being capped three times by Brazil the former Corinthians forward never adapted to life in the Premier League, and scored only six goals in 41 appearances for City.

Atletico Sign Portuguese Midfielder Tiago From Juve

Atletico Madrid have signed former Portugal international Tiago from Juventus on a two-year contract, the La Liga club said on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who also had stints at clubs including Chelsea and Olympique Lyon, had been on loan at Atletico since midway through the 2009-10 season.

Tiago will join up with his Atletico team mates later this month to prepare for the Europa League third qualifying round tie against Norwegian side Stromsgodset, Atletico said on their website (www.clubatleticodemadrid.com).

He rescinded his contract with Juve on Tuesday, the Serie A club said on their website (www.juventus.com).

Denilson Leaves Gunners On Loan

Arsenal has confirmed midfielder Denilson has returned to former club Sao Paulo on loan for the 2011-12 campaign.

The 23-year-old, signed in August 2006, struggled to hold down a regular place in Arsene Wenger's side last season.

The Brazil midfielder is looking forward to getting back into action. He said: "I will be playing in Brazil next season as I felt that this is a good opportunity for me to play regular first-team football."

He added: "I move away with sadness because I have so many friends at Arsenal and everyone has always been so supportive towards me.

"I'm now focused on doing well in Brazil next season, but will always be looking out for the Arsenal results.

"It is a great club with many great players, a good team spirit and a top-class manager. I wish you well for next season."

Roma Set To Make €6 Million Offer For Maarten Stekelenburg

Roma is ready to make Ajax an offer for goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and will use his reluctance to sign a new contract as leverage.

Sky Sport Italia reports Roma director of sport Walter Sabatini is expected to meet Ajax officials to thrash out a deal for the 28-year-old on Thursday.

Sabatini will offer the Eredivisie club around €6 million for the transfer. Ajax are said to be expecting more, but the goalkeeper has refused to commit himself after failing to sign a new deal.

His current contract expires in June 2012, meaning the Dutch outfit could lose him on a free deal as soon as January. Roma will try to use this in their favour to reach an agreement.

Previous reports suggested the potential arrival of Carlos Kameni from Espanyol saw Italian interest in Stekelenburg dry up, but it now seems Roma are still eager to land him.

On Monday Ajax coach Frank de Boer said he wanted clarity from his shot-stopper regarding his future at the club.

Arsenal In Talks To Complete Shock £22m Superstar Signing

Sources in both Bavaria and London are suggesting that Arsenal are in advanced talks with Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery in a move that could cost the North London club £22m.

The Bundesliga giants are looking to offload the France international this summer after what has been a frustrating year for the club and player with Bayern not winning the Bundesliga and 28 year old Ribery once again injured for most of the season.

The club is also looking to freshen the side up and also fear that Ribery’s history – issues with an underage prostitute – it will be best to cut their losses. The Frenchman has always been keen to join up with Arsene Wenger but it will take a brave man to purchase a player who can be so prone to injury.

The price had always seemed the biggest barrier for Arsenal but with Munich looking to cut their losses, the price that was quoted last year – anything from £40m to £70m – is a thing of the past.

There had been talk earlier in the year of a possible swap deal involving Andrei Arshavin which could still be on the cards although sources claim the only big player that could be sold this summer will be that of the Emirates captain.

Villarreal Offer €12m For Gilardino

It’s reported Villarreal have contacted Fiorentina with a €12m offer for hitman Alberto Gilardino.

This is not the first time the striker has been linked with a move to Spain, but the claims are intensifying.

The rumour has it that Gila’s agent, Beppe Bozzo, is flying out to Spain today for negotiations with Villarreal.

The ‘Yellow Submarine’ have offered €12m for the Italy international, plus a contract worth €3m per season.

Gilardino has steadfastly refused to pledge his future to Fiorentina, who have missed out on Europe for the second year running.

However, the Viola has set a price-tag of at least €18m on the hitman.

Arsenal Will Use Players Plus Cash To Tempt Gary Cahill

Arsenal is considering using Ignasi Miquel and Henri Lansbury as bait to tempt Bolton to sell Gary Cahill, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Arsene Wenger is looking at a range of prospects since confirming the signing of Lille striker Gervinho this week, and Cahill, who is rated at £17m, is reportedly a top priority for the club.

Arsenal look set to build on their defence over the summer, and Cahill has been a star since moving to Blackburn in 2008.

Owen Coyle is reportedly interested in taking Miquel and Lansbury on loan next season, and Arsenal are hoping to use this, along with cash to bring the fee up to the £17 million, to tempt the club into making a deal for their star man to move to the Emirates.

Arsenal are also reportedly hopeful of securing Juan Mata this summer, along with Chris Samba, as the squad looks to end their six-season-long trophy-less run.

Sevilla's Martin Caceres Linked With Juventus Return

Juventus are considering making a move for Sevilla full-back Martin Caceres. The 24-year-old Uruguay international, who is currently at the Copa America, was on loan at Juventus during the 2009-10 campaign before he moved back to Barcelona.

Sevilla signed Caceres permanently from the Camp Nou side in June after he impressed them while on loan last term.

But Marca.com reports his career at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan could end soon as Juventus want him back.

Juve coach Antonio Conte is eager to bolster his defence ahead of the new campaign and sees Caceres as an ideal player for his project.

However, Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido appears reluctant to sell now after paying just €3 million for the defender from Barcelona.

Coach Marcelino is also reportedly reluctant to lose the former Villarreal ace. Caceres is tied to Sevilla until 2015.

Malaga To Battle Paris Saint-Germaine For Adel Taraabt Signature

Malaga are looking to gazump Paris Saint-Germaine in the hunt to sign QPR captain Adel Taraabt.

The mega-rich duo, who are both backed by Middle Eastern owners, are now set to duke it out for the signature of the £15million-rated Moroccan playmaker.

Taraabt has refused to rule out a move away from Loftus Road, and seeing as his girlfriend and family are still based in France; PSG looked the favourites to land the 22-year-old schemer.

However, Malaga have now thrown their name into the hat, and the chance to play in La Liga could represent an intriguing prospect for Taraabt, who could view the move as a chance to directly showcase his talents to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

The former Tottenham youngster firmly believes he should be playing at the highest level, and seeing as Malaga could afford to match PSG’s financial package, the Spaniards may well hold the advantage if they can convince Rangers to sell.

Juventus Ponder Move For Wolfsburg's Simon Kjaer

Juventus are looking at Wolfsburg defender Simon Kjaer as a possible transfer market signing this summer.

As Juve move closer to wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen's Arturo Vidal, Il Corriere dello Sport claims Kjaer has appeared on the radar in Turin.

Antonio Conte is a fan of Kjaer's and it's no secret Juventus have always admired the 22-year-old following his days with Palermo in Serie A.

Kjaer left Italy for Germany last summer, but his maiden season in the Bundesliga was almost disastrous as Wolfsburg narrowly escaped relegation.

The Denmark native was recently linked with a move to Roma, but last month his agent Mikkel Beck said there was "no chance" of his client leaving Wolfsburg.

However, a €10 million cash offer from Juventus could change the stance in Germany.

Kjaer is currently tied to his club until 2014 and made 32 appearances last season.

Real Madrid Eye Le Havre Youngster Gueida Fofana

Real Madrid are keeping tabs on defensive midfielder Gueida Fofana from Ligue 2 side Le Havre, news daily Marca claims.

The France Under-20 international has been strongly linked with a new challenge after establishing himself as a key member of Le Havre, who finished Ligue 2 in ninth place last season.

Lille and Paris Saint-Germaine are both understood to be keen to take Fofana to the top tier of French football, while Premier League duo Aston Villa and Newcastle have also been suggested as possible destinations.

However, Real Madrid's interest could prove to be crucial to decide the future of the player, who will captain his country's Under-20 squad at the upcoming World Cup, in Colombia.

It is reported Real Madrid are lining up a bid for Fofana if they manage to cash in on Lassana Diarra and Fernando Gago, who have both been linked with the exit door.

The Copa del Rey holders have already dipped into the French market this summer, having signed Raphael Varane from Lens.