Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Manchester United To Resurrect Interest In Greek Sensation

Manchester United are rumoured to be planning a January move for Greek sensation Sotiris Ninis.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has been earmarked by Old Trafford chiefs as the creative spark United have been lacking of late.

The Panathinaikos star is currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, which will see him out of action until the new year, but this isn't expected to be too much of a stumbling block, if a move were to materialize.

Ninis, who progressed though the youth ranks, has attracted the attention of some of Europe's biggest clubs, and United will have to move soon if they are to get their man.

The Greek international, who scored the winner in Greece's Euro 2012 qualification match against Israel in September, is valued at €7.5 million, although it is thought that United may have to pay upwards of €10 million for his services.

Villas-Boas Targets January Deal For Italy Midfielder

According to reports on tribalfootball.com, Chelsea has set their sights on Parma's Sebastian Giovinco and could move for the attacking midfielder in January.

The 24-year-old Italy international was regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe whilst at former club Juventus, but it seemed at one point he may not fulfill his huge potential.

However, since moving to Parma this summer, Giovinco has shown what he is capable of with five goals in his first five games.

His sparkling form has alerted Juventus, who are reportedly set to make a shock move to re-sign him, but they will face competition from Chelsea.

It is thought Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas has been tracking Giovinco since his time in charge at Porto and he is reportedly convinced the midfielder will be able to handle the rigours of the Premier League.

The Portuguese tactician is still on the look-out for a new midfielder despite bringing in Raul Meireles and Juan Mata in the summer.

He is reportedly impressed with Giovinco's versatility - he can play in an advanced central role or wide on the flanks - and his creativity.

Giovinco is considered an important member of the Parma team and the Serie A outfit will reportedly only consider offers in excess of €20m.

Arsenal Eyeing Surprise Move For Juventus Veteran

Arsenal could make a shock move to sign Juventus striker Luca Toni.

Toni, 34, has failed to make any impact under new coach Antonio Conte and is looking for a new challenge when the transfer window re-opens.

The Italian international has a wealth of experience and still feels he can compete at the highest level.

Arsene Wenger is keen to bolster his forward line and provide more competition for the likes of Robin Van Persie and Gervinho.

Toni could be available on a free transfer as his contract runs out with Juventus next summer and he would relish the chance to sign for a Premier League club.

Tottenham Eye New Goalkeeper

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is checking on Bulgarian keeper Nikolay Mihaylov.

Brazilian Heurelho Gomes has made it clear he wants to quit after losing his starting place to Brad Friedel, and that has left Spurs scouting for a new face at the position.

Mihaylov currently plays for Dutch side FC Twente after a brief spell at Liverpool was ruined by work-permit problems.

The Bulgaria international, 23, is now building a strong reputation and a few clubs are watching developments.

Mihaylov's dad Borislav was the wig-wearing Bulgaria keeper at the 1994 World Cup in the USA and at Euro 96, who later played for Reading.

Newcastle To Make Second Attempt For Birmingham Defender

Newcastle United is reportedly set to make a renewed attempt to sign Birmingham City defender Liam Ridgewell when the transfer window reopens in January.

Toon boss Alan Pardew was reported to have made an attempt to sign Ridgewell in the summer but the deal fell through at the last minute.

Despite Newcastle's impressive start to the season, particularly defensively, Pardew remains keen to bolster his back-line in January.

Ridgewell was reported to have submitted a transfer request in August as interest from Premier League clubs emerged, although Birmingham decided to reject his request.

And according to The Journal, Pardew will make a second attempt to sign the former England Under-21 centre-back with Birmingham now expected to listen to offers as they attempt to off-load the club's highest earners.

Aston Villa Line Up Move For Danish International Defender

Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish will be on red alert after the latest comments coming from AZ Alkmaar defender Simon Poulsen.

The Denmark international is versatile and can operate in the full-back role as well as in midfield.

There have been reports that Aston Villa along with a number of other Premier League clubs are keeping tabs on Poulsen with a view of making an offer in the January transfer window.

Speaking to Danish publication AD about speculation linking him with a move to Villa, the 27-year-old said: "I still haven't made a decision.

"I also know nothing about Aston Villa's interest in me. I've only heard that from the media.

"My agent will only notify me only if there is something concrete.

"I haven't heard anything after last weekend. I did not play such a good game."

He added: "Aston Villa, what can I say? It's a beautiful club."

Arsenal Winger Being Lined Up For Switch To Spanish Giants

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott could be the next big name heading out of the Emirates with Spanish giants Barcelona reportedly interested according to the Daily Star.

During the course of the summer transfer window Arsenal lost two key players with former skipper Cesc Fabregas moving to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Premier League rivals Manchester City.

However the speculation hasn't stopped since the transfer window closed shut and Robin van Persie and Walcott have been linked with moves away from the Gunners.

The 22-year-old, England international has recently been linked with a move to Serie A side Juventus but it is now believed Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola is keeping tabs on Walcott whose contract expires in 2013.

Many people around the Gunners feels if a bid was to come in for Walcott it would be seriously considered as he has not lived up to his potential and new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is staking his claim for a place in the first team ahead of Walcott.

In the past Barca manager Guardiola commented on Walcott and said: "You would need a pistol to stop him.”

Whilst Lionel Messi added: "He's one of the most dangerous players I have ever played against."

Liverpool Lead Race For Wycombe Wonderkid Jordan Ibe

Liverpool is leading the race for Wycombe Wanderers sensation Jordan Ibe, Goal.com has learned.

The 15-year-old schoolboy, who has already broken into the League One side’s first team, had a trial at the Merseyside club’s Melwood training base earlier this season, where he impressed manager Kenny Dalglish and his coaching staff.

But Liverpool faces competition for the wide attacker from Manchester United and Fulham, who have also made enquiries for the youngster.

Scouts from Manchester City have also watched Ibe on a number of occasions this season although the Premier League leaders have not registered any formal interest in the player.

Ibe is in his final year of secondary school in south London and it is understood that the teenager is keen to remain at Wycombe this season because of the prospect of first-team football.

“Jordan is pretty special,” a source told Goal.com “He has exploded onto the scene this season and a lot of big clubs are taking an interest in him. He is very quick, skilful and plays out wide.

“Liverpool really liked the look of him but he is still at school and is happy at Wycombe because he can get in the team, which won’t happen at Liverpool or Man United.”

The youngster made headlines when he became Wycombe’s youngest debutant since the club entered the Football League, making his senior bow in a League Cup clash against Colchester in August aged 15 years and 244 days.

He has played five matches in total for Wycombe this season, including substitute appearances in the club’s last two fixtures, although he had to pull out of one game because of school commitments the following day.

Wycombe gave permission for Ibe to spend a few days with Liverpool, where it is believed that he took part in training sessions and was shown around Melwood by senior staff.

The League One club will struggle to hold on to the teenager should a Premier League or top Championship team make a substantial offer, although the new Elite Player Performance Plan system, which was agreed by Football League clubs last week, means that sides like Wycombe will soon receive lower fees for leading players under the age of 17.

Wycombe were one of the 22 clubs who voted against the new proposal last week, which will come into effect from the start of next season and put an end to million pound-plus deals for teenagers.

Barcelona's Jonathan Soriano Hints At Benfica Switch

Barcelona B striker Jonathan Soriano has refused to rule out the possibility of joining Benfica in the winter transfer window.

The 26-year-old's agent claimed on Monday that Benfica were still following his client after he had been on their wishlist in the summer.

Soriano sustained a serious knee injury in a friendly match against Bayern Munich and Benfica decided not to follow up their interest in the player.

As Soriano nears the final stages of his recovery, the striker admitted he would be tempted to join the Portuguese outfit.

"My contract runs out at the end of the season and I will try to find the best solution for me," he told TSF. "It is clear that Benfica are an option, they were interested in the summer already, but things did not work out.

"In the winter transfer window we will be able to talk and see what the best option is.

"Benfica are a great club, they have been doing very well in the Champions League and they fight for the Portuguese Liga title.

"They are a club full of tradition and everyone would like to play there.

Inter Milan Lining Up Raid On Arsenal's Ramsey

Last week there were tentative reports in Italy linking Inter Milan with the Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, and today those reports are gathering pace.

The Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sport reported last week that Ramsey was a target for Inter Milan, and again today they are reporting that Ramsey is a target for Inter boss Claudio Ranieri in January.

The report hinted that Inter were prepared to offer €20 million for the Welsh international, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal would even consider selling one of their brighter young talents.

Maybe Arsenal would do business if they could secure a cash deal plus the services of the Argentinian international Ricardo Alvarez. Alvarez chose Inter over Arsenal in the summer, but he admitted recently that he is finding life hard in Italy since his arrival from Velez Sarsfield, and he has only appeared three times for the Nerazzurri this season.

Whatever happens, if Arsenal do decide to sell they would want a considerable return on the £4.8million they paid for Ramsey three years ago. But €20million may be a sum that Arsene Wenger cannot turn down, as he could use the money to add a marquee signing to his squad, a signing that the Arsenal fans are craving in January.

Celtic Looking To Sign Young Swedish Defender

Celtic are interested in signing £1.5m highly rated Swedish defender Alexander Milosevic after the AIK impressed during a trial spell at Parkhead last January.

The Glasgow side will face competition from a number of other sides also interested in the Swedish Under-21 centre back and Milosevic has already trained with Italian side Fiorentina while Ajax, Partizan Belgrade and Werder Bremen have all made enquiries about the player.

Bremen had a €600,000 official bid for the player turned down as his agent felt that more first team football in Sweden would aid his development.

Milosevic though has expressed a desire to move to Celtic after being impressed by the club during his trial earlier this year.

“I spent a week training at Celtic earlier this year and really enjoyed it”, he said.

“I have three years left on my contract, but Celtic is a big club. If the clubs can work something out, I would be interested.”

Under-fire Celtic boss Neil Lennon knows that he will need to strengthen his side if they are to have any chance of overcoming the 10 point advantage Rangers have amassed after a disappointing start to the season for the Hoops.