Lucio Set For New Contract

Brazilian defender Lucio is confident he can still win trophies with Inter Milan, as he prepares to sign a contract extension.

Lucio has been linked with a move away from the Giuseppe Meazza this summer, with Spanish outfit Malaga among the clubs keen to acquire the services of the 33-year-old.

But, with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, the centre-back is preparing to commit to a new deal with Inter.

"I am very happy," Lucio told Corriere dello Sport. "Inter is a great club and I feel very happy here.

"I know can still win a lot of trophies with this jersey."

Lucio joined Inter from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2009 and is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

Barcelona Complete Move For Alexis Sanchez

The Italian media are suggesting the protracted transfer of the Chilean attacker has finally drawn to a conclusion, with the deal set to be announced imminently

Alexis Sanchez can be considered a Barcelona player as just an official announcement is missing after the Camp Nou side completed their move for the 22-year-old on Thursday afternoon, Sky Sport Italia reports.

The player's agent, Fernando Felicevich, and Barcelona director Andoni Zubizarreta have apparently held positive final discussions about the transfer.

Felicevich arrived in Barcelona on Wednesday night to wrap the move up following an agreement with Udinese.

The meeting took place less than 24 hours after the Serie A outfit announced they had reached an agreement for the player's transfer.

A number of financial issues have also been resolved and Barcelona are expected to announce the move officially either on Thursday evening or on Friday once the final paperwork has been filed.

Udinese will reportedly receive around £22.9 million in cash, plus another £9.7m related to bonuses.

Nico Perrey Joins Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen announced that it has completed the signing of Arminia Bielefeld starlet Nico Perrey.

The center-back was one of the stars of the German U-17 team that reached the European Championship final and took third place in the World Cup earlier this summer.

Last year, the 17-year-old played for Bielefeld's U19 team. However, following his good performances on the international stage and the relegation of his club to the 3. Liga, Perrey opted to move to Leverkusen.

There, he joins fellow Germany U-17 internationals Samed Yesil and Okan Aydin.

"Nico wants to take the next step with us. He was well trained in Bielefeld, but with the relegation of Arminia from the A-Junior-Bundesliga, he would no longer be called for at a high level," Bayer youth coach Jurgen Gelsdorf told the club's official website.

Along with his fellow youth international teammates, Perrey will spend the next two weeks on holiday before resuming training on August 1.

Internacional Complete Loan Deal For Malaga's Sandro Silva

Internacional have completed the signing of Malaga's Sandro Silva on a season-long loan deal, according to the Spanish club's official website.

The Brazilian outfit agreed a deal with the Liga side and has the option of purchasing the defensive midfielder once the loan period is over.

Silva joined the club when Jesualdo Ferreira was coach for €1.5 million. However, when Manuel Pellegrini replaced Ferreira, Silva played a bit-part role as the team finished in 11th place in the Primera Division.

The purchase of players such as Julio Baptista and Jeremy Toulalan means that his first team opportunities next season would have been even more limited.

Silva had previous stints with Mirassol, Palmeiras and Botafogo.

Benfica Complete Capdevila Transfer

Benfica have announced the signing of Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila on a two-year deal.

No details of the fee were announced, but the Portuguese club did reveal that the 33-year-old's contract includes a €20million (£17.6million) buy-out clause.

The full-back, who has won 57 caps for Spain and featured in the victorious UEFA EURO 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaigns, will be expected to fill the void left by Portugal international Fabio Coentrao's departure to Real Madrid.

Capdevila made 145 appearances in four seasons with the Yellow Submarine, scoring 15 goals.

Bremen Swoop For Papastathopoulos

Werder Bremen have signed Greece defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos on a season-long loan from Genoa.

The deal, which also includes an option for the Bundesliga side to make the move permanent next summer, was completed on Thursday after the player met Werder general manager Klaus Allofs at the team's pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen.

Allofs said of the 23-year-old centre-half: "He is a young player who with Genoa and Greece has already gained some experience. With his speed, strength and tackling he will certainly help us.''

Papastathopoulos, who has also had spells with AEK Athens and AC Milan, added on the club's official website: "After initial discussions with Klaus Allofs and (coach) Thomas Schaaf it was immediately clear that I would accept the offer from Werder.

"Now I will try to integrate as soon as possible into the team.''

AZ Alkmaar Signs Jozy Altidore

Dutch club AZ Alkmaar says it has signed United States striker Jozy Altidore from Spain's Villarreal to a four-year contract.

Alkmaar announced the deal for the 21-year-old forward on its website Wednesday but gave no financial details.

Altidore joined Villarreal from Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls in 2008 but failed to establish himself at the Spanish club, which loaned him to Spain's Xerez, England's Hull and Turkey's Bursaspor.

Altidore, who played at last year's World Cup in South Africa, has made 39 appearances for his country, scoring 12 goals.

Chelsea Conclude Signing Of Barcelona Midfielder

Chelsea is on the verge of completing a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Oriol Romeu, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

The Catalan newspaper says the 19 year-old Romeu will move to Stamford Bridge for approximately £4m, and only one issue needs to be resolved before the transfer is wrapped up.

Barcelona are believed to want to insert a clause for them to re-sign Romeu in two years time, but Chelsea are understandably reluctant to accept - though it is common practice for Barca to demand this in sale negotiations.

Romeu is primarily a defensive midfielder, but is also able to fill in at centre back when required, like the man he is sometimes compared to, Sergio Busquets.

However, unlike Busquets, Romeu offers more of a physical presence, and Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas will hope he suits the Premier League.

Liverpool Eyeing Intelligent Move For Excellent Spain Winger

Liverpool's search for a right winger has led them to seriously consider a bid for Sevilla's Jesus Navas.

The Reds have filled the vacancy on the left flank with the £20m signing of Stewart Downing from Aston Villa and now want to provide balance on the opposite side of the field in a formation that resonates with traditional English football tactics. With Andy Carroll reminiscent of legendary Bolton and England centre forward Nat Lofthouse, Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish wants Navas to reprise the role of Sir Stanley Matthews to supply the bullets to his target man.

The £22m-rated wide man has been identified as a target with two huge positives against his name. Firstly, he is a player of huge talent. A full Spain international, he is consistently one of the best performers in La Liga despite not playing for either Barcelona or Real Madrid. He was pivotal in both of Sevilla's recent UEFA Cup wins in 2006 and 2007 under former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos and was also part of Spain's World Cup winning squad of 2o1o.

Secondly - despite his talent - he is yet to play in the UEFA Champions League. Sevilla reached the eliminator for last season's competition but lost to Sporting Braga in a two-legged tie and with the club only finishing fifth in the Primera Division in 2010/11 he is yet to fulfil that particular dream. Liverpool will not feature in Europe at all next season but their expenditure in recent months belies their ambition to at least finish in the top four of the Premier League in the forthcoming campaign. At 25, Navas is entering the prime years of his career and Liverpool want him to spend those on Merseyside.

However, there is one huge obstacle to be overcome. Navas is afflicted by chronic homesickness, a condition that has prevented him from leaving his hometown of Seville for an extended period. He required treatment in order to facilitate his part in going to South Africa with the national team last year and it is believed that he feels rather more confident about the prospect of living outside of his usual support structure. since that experience.

Although the Spanish influence at Anfield has waned since the departure of Rafael Benitez, Liverpool will try to convince Navas that he will receive all the support he needs should he decide to make the switch.

Heinze Poised To Join Roma

Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze is on the brink of signing for Roma after leaving Marseille earlier this summer.

The 33-year-old is expected to pen a one-year deal with the Giallorossi, with the option for another season.

Heinze arrives at the Stadio Olimpico as a free agent after parting ways with Ligue 1 giants Marseille,who missed out on the title to Lille last term.

He travelled to Rome on Thursday to meet with club officials ahead of putting pen to paper on a deal.

The stopper, capped 71 times for the Argentina national side, arrived at Marseille from Real Madridin 2009.

Heinze also spent three seasons at Manchester United between 2004-07 before departing for the Bernabeu.

He has previously stated his desire to play in Italy having already turned out in Spain, England and France, while Roma's Serie A rivals Juventus were also thought to be chasing his signature.

Atletico Madrid To Land New Chelsea Keeper On Loan

Chelsea new boy Thibaut Courtois will fly out to Spain to finalize a loan move to Atletico Madrid.

Courtois, 19, is set to complete his dream move to Chelsea this week from Genk, but is set to go straight out on loan so he can get some regular first-team football.

The Belgian star is regarded as one of the best young keepers in Europe but knows he needs to be patient as he waits to make his breakthrough into the Chelsea first-team.

Atletico Madrid was in the race to sign Courtois on a permanent basis, but could not compete with Chelsea and is now looking to secure a loan deal for the 19-year-old.

Courtois is hoping that the terms can be agreed quickly and he can focus on getting himself ready for the start of the La Liga season which gets underway next month.

Vidal To Make Juve Move

Arturo Vidal has revealed that he is set to secure a switch to Juventus from German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

The Chile international had put discussions regarding his future on hold while he represented his country at the Copa America.

He is, however, now in a position to decide what his next move will be, and he has opted to try his luck in Serie A.

The 24-year-old midfielder is on his way to Italy to thrash out terms with Juve and admits he cannot wait to experience life at one of European football's most iconic clubs.

"I'm happy, it's a big and important step for my career at one of the biggest clubs in Europe," said Vidal.

"I'm very content about this new opportunity that I'm being given. It's a new team which is being built with the aim of being champions and qualifying for international competitions."

Vidal, who has spent the last four years in Germany with Leverkusen, added: "My experience in Germany will be useful to me in Italy because tactically it's a similar kind of football."

Leverkusen are reluctant sellers, but general manager Rudi Voller has confirmed that an agreement to take Vidal to Turin is close.

He told Tuttosport: "We are in touch with the authorities of Juventus and we are close to sealing a deal."

Mirko Vucinic Lined Up As Tottenham Alternative To Emmanuel Adebayor

Tottenham will swoop for Roma striker Mirko Vucinic if they cannot thrash out a deal with Manchester City to sign Emmanuel Adebayor.

City would rather sell Adebayor than loan him out again, and with the striker’s wage demands likely to scupper any deal anyway, Spurs have now turned their attentions to Montenegrin Vucinic.

The Roma forward has fallen out of favour with the club's fans, and despite the Giallorossi’s desire to keep him, Spurs are still trying to strike a £15million deal with the Serie A giants.

Vucinic managed just 10 goals in the league last season, and has since asked to leave after his attitude and body language came in for heavy criticism from the clubs’ supporters.

But despite doubts over the 27-year-old’s temperament, Harry Redknapp still sees the talented front man as an improvement on his current strike force and is confident of turning his form around.

Atletico Madrid Target Falcao

Sergio Aguero's move to Manchester City has moved a step closer with Atletico Madrid reportedly setting their sights on signing Falcao as his replacement.

City has made Aguero their principal transfer target, and a deal worth £35m is expected to be completed this week.

And Atletico are lining up Falcao to replace him, according to newspaper Marca, even though the striker has signed a new deal at Porto following interest from Chelsea.

That could ease Aguero's move to the Etihad Stadium, although the future of captain Carlos Tevez remains unclear.

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.

Jerome Boateng Completes Move From Man City To Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich has completed the signing of Manchester City defender Jerome Boateng on a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old arrived at City from Hamburg in 2010 but failed to win a regular starting place.

The Germany international left City's tour of North America last week to finalize personal terms.

Boateng, whose last game for City was on 2 March in the FA Cup fifth-round victory over Aston Villa, has left for an undisclosed fee.

After training with his new team-mates Boateng was introduced to the media. He said: "I've come here to make the defence more solid.

"It was important to me that Bayern had me marked in for a specific position. I believe it will end up with me playing at centre-back for the national team more often."

After a successful 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Boateng signed a five-year contract with City, but his first season was disrupted by injury and he was limited to 24 appearances.

Boateng was also played at right-back, rather than in his favoured central position, something that will change with his move to Germany.

Bayern's new manager Jupp Heynckes told the club's official website: "I have a very good impression [of Boateng]. He's fitted in with our training program extremely well."

Bayern sporting director Christian Nerlinger added: "We're delighted we've succeeded in bringing him here. He was utterly determined to come here from the very start."

Roma Sign Highly-Rated Spanish Defender

AS Roma has reached an agreement with Sporting Gijon over the transfer of talented defender Jose Angel.

The left back was a key member of the Spanish Under-21 side that won the European Championships last month, and has been called in to the Giallorossi as cover for John Arne Riise, who recently departed for Fulham.

The Spanish club released a statement on their official website, confirming the move.

It read: “Roma and Sporting Gijon have completed the transfer of Jose Angel to the Italian team. The player has already said goodbye to his team-mates and is on his way to the airport to join his new club in pre-season training.”

Angel was also strongly targeted by European heavyweights Barcelona and Manchester City, however the opportunity to work alongside the former Barcelona B coach Luis Enrique in Rome, was enough to get the starlet over the line.

Atletico Signs Young Striker Adrian Lopez

Atletico Madrid reinforced its attack on Tuesday with striker Adrian Lopez a day after the Spanish player won a legal dispute to break with his former club Deportivo La Coruna.

“I am happy to join a great club,” Adrian said. “My goal is to reach the top in all the competitions we participate in.”

Earlier this summer, Adrian won the Golden Boot award as he led Spain to the under-21 European Championship with a tournament-high five goals.

The 23-year-old will possibly have to replace Argentine standout Sergio Aguero, who has said he wants to leave the club.

Deportivo, which was relegated last season, had tried to exercise an option to renew Lopez against his wishes, but a judge ruled in favor of the player.

Atletico will play in the Europa League after finishing in seventh place in La Liga last season.

Wesley Sneijder 'Offered To Man City In Carlos Tevez Transfer Swap'

Inter Milan have reportedly proposed a sensational swap deal with Manchester City that would see Wesley Sneijder exchanged for Carlos Tevez.

The trade would come as a massive blow to City’s neighbours United, who despite recent denials, are still keen on the playmaker and would be devastated to see him move to their title rivals.

Italian sources though, have told Manchester Evening News that Inter are keen on the wantaway Blues forward, and are willing to sacrifice the Dutchman in order to get him.

A swap deal would also likely suit City and Tevez, who are both supposedly eager to avoid a deal with Corinthians.

The Brazilian’s transfer proposal for the striker is beginning to look increasingly complicated, and a straight exchange for a £35million-rated player may prove the more attractive option to the Eastlands outfit.

Tevez was prepared to join Corinthians as a last resort, but a move to Milan would keep him playing at the top level, as well as represent a realistic relocation destination for his family.

Barcelona Close To Winning Race For Alexis Sanchez

Barcelona has seemingly won the race for Alexis Sanchez - a target for Manchester United - after the Catalan giants confirmed they hoped a deal would be concluded soon.

"We are near the end, we have worked with enough patience," said Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.

"The player's participation was also important, sometimes delaying the end, but we want Alexis to be here soon."

According to talkSPORT, Barca is set to tie up a deal in the region of £27 million for the Udinese winger, who has been heavily linked with Manchester City, as well as United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has previously been ousted as a fan of the Chilean, with reports suggesting the United boss had been interested in bringing the 22-year-old to Old Trafford.

Whether or not United ever made a formal approach for Sanchez remains to be seen but Barca will no doubt regard triumphing in the chase for the youngster as a moral victory.

Should his transfer to the Nou Camp be completed in the coming days, Sanchez could potentially make his debut against United in Washington DC.

United are due to face Barca on July 30 during their pre-season tour of the USA, in what is being hyped as a repeat of May's Champions League final.

Liverpool's French Forward Target 'Will Leave For €8million'

Liverpool target Nolan Roux will be allowed to leave Stade Brest for €8million according to club chairman Michael Guyot.

The 23-year-old has attracted interest from a number of clubs in recent months after a series of fine displays in Ligue 1 last season, where he added to his total of 21 goals in 53 appearances for the French outfit.

The France U21 international striker was the subject of a recent €6million bid from Bundesliga side Schalke, who are thought to be Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish's main rivals in their bid to capture another long-term transfer target.

Reds director of football Damien Comolli, who is well regarded in France, will likely have a key role to play in the potential move to Anfield, having collated detailed scouting reports on Roux over the past six months.

But Brest are determined to stand firm over their valuation of the player who, if signed by Liverpool will take the club's summer spending past £50million having already captured Jordan Henderson, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing and Alexander Doni.

In a recent interview with L'Equipe, Guyot reiterated, "I have had no contact with Nolan Roux, but he will only be allowed to leave for 8million euros.

"He should not have signed his contract if he would not respect it later."

Palermo Close To Selling Playmaker Pastore

Palermo expects to sell their Argentine midfielder Javier Pastore within the next 10 days for a fee of around 50 million euros ($70,120,000), club president Maurizio Zamparini said on Tuesday.

The future of the 22-year-old, who was in Argentina's World Cup squad last year, has been the subject of speculation for weeks.

"Yesterday, I spoke to a big European club and they said they would pay between 45 and 50 million for Pastore," he was quoted as saying by Italian media.

"At this point, I think we can sort out the situation in 10 days."

Pastore shot to prominence in the first half of 2009 when he inspired the Huracan team who surprised everyone by challenging for the Argentine Clausura championship, beating River Plate in the process.

He moved to Palermo in July of that year.

Manchester City Ready To Tempt Daniele De Rossi With £7.9m Wage Deal

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi could be enticed to leave the club and move to Manchester City who are offering him a £7.9 million wage package.

Sky Sport Italia reports City are ready to offer the 27-year-old £4.4m more than his current wages at the Serie A side in order to convince him to leave Italy.

However, Goal.com Italy understands Manchester City's offer will be closer to £5.3m per annum.

De Rossi is considered by coach Luis Enrique as fundamental to his plans, and just last week club president Thomas Di Benedetto said he would do everything to ensure the Italy international was offered a new deal.

No contract offer appears to have arrived since then, and De Rossi's current deal expires next year, adding pressure on his side to move with haste or risk losing him on a free transfer in 2012.

City boss Roberto Mancini is eager to land the Italian and has the money to do it. Roma are not able to match City's spending power and they are unwilling to offer De Rossi anything more than what he currently earns.

De Rossi, however, is seen as heir to captain Francesco Totti, and the Lido di Ostia-born player has always said he would never leave the club, even when Real Madrid were knocking at the door.

Emmanuel Adebayor Subject Of Tottenham Loan Transfer Offer

Tottenham have launched a bid to take Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City, although his colossal wages could prove a stumbling block.

The Eastlands outfit is desperate to offload the unhappy striker, and now that the chances of a transfer to Real Madrid appear to be fading Spurs have wasted no time in making their move.

But with City demanding £14million for the Togo international, Harry Redknapp has proposed a loan move with the option to buy.

That still wouldn’t solve the problem of Adebayor’s £175,000-a-week wages, though, which City are keen to shift to someone else.

However, Spurs would only be prepared to offer the striker in the region of £75,000-a-week.

A solution could be for the north Londoners to pay an initial loan fee, but the Blues would still prefer a straight sale and are likely to hold on until the last minute in order to attract a rival bidder.

Redknapp tried to sign the former Arsenal striker in January, and Adebayor admitted he was tempted by a move to White Hart Lane.

‘Before joining Real Madrid, my first choice was Tottenham,’ said the 27-year-old.

The striker was then racially abused by a section of Spurs fans during their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real in the Bernabeu.

AC Milan Offer Cash Plus Alberto Paloschi For Fiorentina's Riccardo Montolivo

AC Milan is preparing their next assault on Fiorentina for midfielder Riccardo Montolivo.

The Serie A champions are proposing a cash-plus-player deal which will include the playing rights of striker Alberto Paloschi, according to Tuttosport.

Goal.com previously revealed that Milan's proposal of €6 million plus Antonio Cassano hit a snag and is unlikely to go through.

The report on Tuesday claims that Milan have made an offer of €5.5 m to Fiorentina, in addition to 50 per cent ownership of Paloschi, taking the total amount to around €8 million.

The 21-year-old attacker recently returned to San Siro, after a six-month spell with Genoa. However, the Under-21 international seems to already be on his way out of Milan if their latest bid is accepted by Fiorentina.

The Tuscan outfit are holding out for €10 million for the services of Montolivo, whose contract expires next summer, but Milan do not intend to budge, mainly due to Fiorentina's weak bargaining position, as they risk losing the Italy international for nothing in 2012.

Juventus Target Inter Defender

Juventus have joined the race to sign Inter Milan’s key defender, who is reportedly struggling to agree terms to a new deal with the Nerazzurri.

Manchester City and Chelsea have also held talks with the Milanese club earlier in the summer, over the future of powerful Brazilian defender Lucio.

According to the latest reports from Sky Italia however, the Bianconeri’s general director Beppe Marotta is closely monitoring developments in Milan, as he and the club believe that Lucio could be the perfect partner for Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of defence next season.

With less than one year remaining on his contract at the San Siro, the Brazilian may be tempted to make the controversial switch, in order to receive the pay rise he is after.