Chelsea Make Surprise Transfer Move For Celtic Striker

Chelsea is close to sealing a deal for young Celtic striker Islam Feruz, according to the Scotsman.

Feruz is just 15 years of age, but Celtic officials cannot match the £2500 per week that Chelsea is reportedly offering.

The Glasgow club is now expected to have to settle for compensation of around £300,000, which is far less than perhaps they would receive should Feruz develop as expected and become a first team player.

Neither Celtic nor Chelsea agreed to comment on the matter - with a Stamford Bridge official stating:

"Until an official press release is made by Chelsea FC, we cannot make any comments regarding signing speculations."

Porto Lead Chase For Spurs And Everton Target

Tottenham and Everton target Eliaquim Mangala is the subject of a bid from Porto.

Both English clubs have been monitoring the Standard Liege defender's progress in the Belgian league but the Portuguese champions are believed to have beaten them to the negotiating table.

Liege is believed to want £6m for the France Under-21 international and Porto have tested their resolve with a bid of £5m according to newspaper A'Bola.

The 20-year-old centre-back's agent Fabrizio Ferrari said: "In the first days of next week the matter will be closed"

Liege's general director Pierre Francois added: "We are now waiting for a response from Porto who is studying the details of the deal."

Sunderland Ready To Pounce For Niko Kranjcar

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has confirmed he wants to sign out-of-favour Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar on loan.

The Croatia international has grown frustrated at White Hart Lane after fallen out of favour with Spurs manager Harry Redknapp, making just two Premier League starts last season.

Kranjcar, 26, has already expressed his desire to leave Spurs this summer and Bruce could be set to make the former Portsmouth man his eleventh recruit of the transfer window.

Redknapp will be content to let the winger move to the Stadium of Light, but would prefer any deal to be permanent.

Bruce told the Daily Star: "Bringing someone in on loan remains an option and Kranjcar is a quality player who we are very much aware of."

Bruce has also been linked with out-of-favour Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy this summer, but it remains to be seen whether a move will materialize.

QPR Clinch Perone Deal

QPR have confirmed the signing of Brazilian defender Bruno Perone, subject to international clearance.

The 24-year-old, who can also play in midfield, has signed a one-year deal with the Premier League newcomers.

Sao Paulo-born Perone has been on trial with the west London side for the last month, featuring in several pre-season matches.

QPR boss Neil Warnock told his club's official website: "Bruno has fitted in very well in the time he has been with us.

"He did well during pre-season. He has still got lots to learn but when the time comes I am sure we will be able to put him in the team with confidence.

"One of the things he has got to learn is the language. At the moment Ali Faurlin is helping him out.''

If the international clearance proves no problem, Perone will join fellow newcomers Jay Bothroyd, Kieron Dyer, Danny Gabbidon, DJ Campbell and Brian Murphy at Loftus Road.

La Liga Set For Delayed Start As Spanish Players' Union Calls Strike

La Liga and Segunda División players will go on strike for the first two weekends of the new Spanish season as the players' union steps up pressure on the league for a new deal over conditions.

The AFE president Luis Rubiales told a news conference: "We are unanimous and firm in our decision to call a strike. The league will not start until a new agreement [between the league and the players] has been signed."

At the heart of the dispute is the union's demand for a larger emergency fund to help players not being paid by clubs who are in financial administration.

The La Liga and Segunda División seasons are scheduled to start on the weekend of 20-21 August.

The AFE were supported by more than 100 top-flight footballers in a Madrid hotel where the event was held. The Spain internationals Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol were among the players and there were union representatives from France, Germany and Italy among others to lend their support.

Rubiales said the players had been negotiating with the Spanish football league (LFP) over a series of protective measures for players that are commonplace in other leagues in Europe but which Spanish players do not have.

"It is lamentable. As it stands we are at the bottom of the pile in Europe. We don't want more money, we want the clubs to honour the contracts they sign with their players. We don't want palliative measures. We have put forward proposals which exist in Holland, Germany, France and England which are preventative. In these countries if a club shows it can't pay its players the club doesn't compete.

"We have asked that players who are owed more than three months [wages] can break their contracts. It seemed like we had an agreement but it was left out."

Rubiales said that, despite the lengthy negotiations, the LFP had imposed a new settlement at the beginning of August which the players rejected.

"Enough is enough," he said. "This does not mean we are refusing to negotiate any more. We will do for the good of the players and football in general. But the league will not start until a new collective agreement is signed."

Lemoine Signs For St Etienne

St Etienne have announced the signing of Fabien Lemoine on a four-year deal from Rennes for an undisclosed fee. 

Lemoine, 24, missed five months of last season through injury following a nasty collision during a match against Nancy.

It was later revealed he had badly damaged his kidney in the incident, which meant it had to be removed.

The defensive midfielder has become St Etienne's seventh signing of the summer as they look to build a squad capable of bringing them their first Ligue 1 title since 1981.

St Etienne began their season with a win over Bordeaux last weekend but will face stiff competition from free-spending Paris Saint Germain for the title.

Lemoine will miss this weekend's match with Nancy, as he still serving a suspension.

Aston Villa And Hamburg SV Vying For Nicklas Bendtner

Aston Villa have joined Bundesliga club Hamburg SV in the hunt for Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner and may be in a position to offer up to £9m.

Hamburg have been interested since the player became available however they have since admitted that it would be difficult for them to sign the Dane given the transfer fee expected by the North London club. Alex McLeish’s Aston Villa meanwhile are still looking to add a striker to help Darren Bent up front and believe the 23 year old would fit in well.

Arsenal still have business of their own to sort out but are in no rush to sell Bendtner and will wait for the right offer to come in, it is also worth noting that Bendtner is particular about which club he would like to join with certain teams in Portugal also interested in his signature.

Eto'o Close To Agreeing Russia Move

Samuel Eto'o's Italian agent claims the Cameroon forward could soon be on his way to Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala.

It was revealed on Tuesday that Anzhi is prepared to dip into their deep pockets to finance a big-money move for the Inter Milan striker.

And Inter has announced they are prepared to consider the offer put to them.

Anzhi now believe it has every chance of luring one of the most potent forwards in European football to Russia.

Eto'o's representative believes an agreement could be struck, with initial talks regarding a transfer having already been held.

Claudio Vigorelli told sports.ru: "We have almost reached an agreement with Anzhi. We now hope that the clubs can agree with each other."

While Inter has done little to rule out an imminent exit for their 30-year-old striker, owner Massimo Moratti insists there is no guarantee that a sale will be sanctioned.

He said: "At the moment Eto'o is not going anywhere and we are not negotiating for someone else to come in.

"We are only answering other teams that are interested in our players.

"I don't want to offend those who have made interesting offers for our players, offers that are right for the players' value.

"Then it will be up to us and the player to decide if we want to accept an offer or not.

"I have to say that, luckily, almost all of our players are sought-after."

Inter Milan Target Tevez Loan Deal As Eto'o Set For Exit

Inter Milan have made an offer to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez on a loan basis with a view to a permanent move next summer.

Tevez has made no secret that he wants to leave Manchester City and saw a move to Corinthians fall through during the summer.

Inter Milan are now in pole position to clinch his signature and reports in Italy today suggest they have opened talks over a season-long loan.

Manchester City are determined to do a straight cash deal for the Argentine superstar, but they could change their mind if Inter agree to sell Wesley Sneijder as part of the deal.

Inter are considering an offer from mega-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for striker Samuel Eto'o and see Tevez as the ideal replacement.

Paris Saint-Germain Set Sights On Sevilla's Mouhamadou Dabo

The Ligue 1 side were previously hot on the trail of Porto's Alvaro Pereira, but his €30 million release clause, coupled with reported interest from Liverpool and Arsenal, has seen the French outfit turn their attention towards Dabo.

PSG director Leonardo is desperate to add a left-sided defender to the squad and Dabo could return to France just a year after leaving Saint-Etienne for Spain.

The Senegal native is tied to Sevilla until 2014, but a serious offer from PSG could tempt the Spanish outfit to part company with the 24-year-old.

The French capital club were stunned 1-0 at home by Lorient in their Ligue 1 opener on Saturday and Leonardo is keen to make some last-minute changes to the squad so they can mount a serious title challenge.

Serie A Flyer Set For Manchester City Switch

Manchester City have reignited their interest in Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci.

The 24-year-old winger has been strongly linked with the Blues and a deal was on the cards earlier in the summer, but both clubs failed to agree a fee.

Now City boss Roberto Mancini is ready to re-open negotiations with the Italian side have started once again and the Citizens are prepared to increase their offer to £5m as they look to finalise his a deal.

Cerci is highly-rated in Serie A and Mancini is hoping the addition of his fellow countryman will help increase competition in midfield as City try to mount a successful challenge in both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Italian is hoping to land a four-year deal and will double his wages if he make a move to the Etihad Stadium.

A Fiorentina source said: "We are optimistic and hope a deal can be agreed in the next week."

Chelsea Striker Linked With Shock AC Milan Move

Didier Drogba could quit Chelsea to join AC Milan. The Ivorian has been coveted by the Giallorossi for several years who have tried - and failed - to sign him on two previous occasions but fancy their chances on making it third time lucky. They are hoping that the chance to play for one of football's most venerable institutions coupled with the potentially fewer first team opportunities at Chelsea could be enough to turn the player's head.

Drogba has enjoyed a fine pre-season whoich has seen him back to his dominant best but he knows he will have to jostle with £50m signing Fernando Torres and imminent teenage arrival Romelu Lukaku for a starting berth. With Nicolas Anelka, Salomon Kalou and the in-form Daniel Sturridge also in the mix, the compeiton for places will be fierce.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas is known to be a fan of the 33-year-old but might consider using the player as leverage in his attempts to bring Alexandre Pato to Stamford Bridge. The Brazil international has been a long-term target of the club's and the Portuguese manager is thought to have given a green light to his pursuit. However, until a formal approach for Drogba is made by the Italians he will remian a key figure in West London.

Manchester United Striker Becomes Surprise Arsenal Target

Arsenal are reportedly interested in bringing Manchester United's Danny Welbeck to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners are facing a player exodus with Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Vela and Nicklas Bendtner all eyeing the exit door which would leave manager Arsene Wenger short of options in attack. With Robin van Persie likely to miss the start of the season, the need for a striker is brought into even sharper focus and that has led to the interest in Welbeck.

The 20-year-old had an impressive season on loan at Sunderland last campaign scoring six goals in the process. His form was enough to earn him a first international cap in a friendly with Ghana earlier this year though with Welbeck also eligible to play for the African nation through both his parents' nationality, there was also a hint of opportunism behind the selection on the FA's behalf.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has always spoken in glowing terms about his striker - even recommending him to Fabio Capello as a potential member of his 2010 World Cup squad - so it would be something of a surprise were he to entertain the thought of selling him to one of his main rivals. However, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen, Mame Biram Diouf and Federico Macheda all competing for a first team place, a decent bid in the region of £11m and the promise of more regular football could be enough to turn both United's and Welbeck's head.

Inter Hold Talks With Napoli Regarding Ezequiel Lavezzi

Inter are targeting Napoli striker Ezequiel Lavezzi as a replacement for Samuel Eto'o, who looks set to leave the club this summer.

Eto'o, 30, is currently in negotiations with Anzhi Makhachkala after Inter received a mega offer from the Russian club.

Inter director of sport Marco Branca has now been in talks with Napoli for the Argentina international.

Branca spoke with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, but have been told it will take at least a £27 million (€31m) bid to land the 26-year-old.

However, the Coppa Italia winners are willing to tempt the San Paolo-based club with a cash-plus-player deal.

Goran Pandev, MacDonald Mariga and Davide Santon could be used as leverage to lower what appear to be high demands.

Inter have also been linked with Manchester City's Carlos Tevez, but the feeling in Italy is Lavezzi a significantly cheaper alternative in terms of wages.

It has been reported the Argentine currently earns around £1.2m (€1.4m) per annum at Napoli.

Lazio Join Lugano Chase

Juventus will face competition from Lazio for Diego Lugano of Fenerbahce, reports Sky Sport Italia.

The Old Lady are looking for a new centre-back to boost their options and the Uruguayan is a possibility.

Lugano, 31, could apparently be signed for as little as €3.5m from his Turkish club this summer.

Given the attractive nature of the fee, Lazio are now also monitoring the South American’s situation.

Lazio have been paired with Lugano on numerous occasions in the past.

Juventus, meanwhile, have also been paired with Chelsea stopper Alex and Bruno Alves of Zenit St Petersburg.

Manchester City Considering First Option Deal For Newell's Old Boys Starlet Eugenio Isnaldo

Manchester City look set to snap up one of Argentina's top prospects after Newell's Old Boys director Jorge Ricobelli confirmed that his club have sent Manchester City their teenage starlet Eugenio Isnaldo for a trial.

Speaking to Cruz del Sur, the Argentine club's treasurer revealed that Roberto Mancini's side had requested a first-hand look the 17-year-old prospect.

Ricobelli explained if City were impressed by the trial, they would have the opportunity to sign a first-option agreement with Newell's.

He stated: "The kid [Isnaldo] has gone to play in a tournament, and do a kind of trial so that he can be viewed.

"If they like him, an agreement will be signed through Newell's in which the club will receive a sum of money."

The Argentine club's official also added that the Argentines would earn around £170,000 from a first option deal.

If an agreement is made between the two clubs, it would mean that City would have first refusal on the midfielder when Newell's decide the time is right to sell.

However, Ricobelli did add he would not be rushed into a sale, stating: "Please make it clear that this kid will play in the Newell's first-team.

"The only thing that Manchester City are doing is assuring the possibility of matching a future offer when the player is ready to be sold."

Blackburn Sign Petrovic

Blackburn has completed the signing of Partizan Belgrade midfielder Radosav Petrovic for an undisclosed fee.

Petrovic, 22, has signed a four-year contract with Blackburn after having received a work permit. The 6ft 4in defensive midfielder has made 19 appearances for Serbia, having made his debut for the country in August 2009.

Petrovic started his career at hometown club FK Jedinstvo Ub. A move to Radnicki Obrenovac followed, before he moved to Partizan in the summer of 2008.

He was named in the Serbian league team of the year for the last two seasons and is currently with his international colleagues ahead of Serbia's international match against Russia in Moscow.

Blackburn face a race against time to make sure Petrovic is eligible for Saturday's Premier League opener against Wolves at home.

He is the club's second signing this summer, following Dundee United striker David Goodwillie to Ewood Park.

Newcastle Seal Deal For Manchester United Star

Newcastle has completed the signing of Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan, confirming the transfer on their website.

The former France Under-21 international has joined the Magpies on a five-year deal after failing to establish himself as a Manchester United regular in two seasons at Old Trafford.

"Gabriel is a player I've watched for the last couple of seasons since he arrived at Manchester United," Newcastle boss Alan Pardew said.

"He has great pace and excellent technique and he has improved his power in the last 12 months and is ready now to make a real impact in the Premier League.

"I contacted Sir Alex about him early at the start of the summer to see if there was an opportunity to bring him to Newcastle, but it wasn't until Wayne Routledge joined Swansea that we were able to bring him in.

"His best years are ahead of him which is exactly what we want at this club, and with the backing of our magnificent fans I'm sure he will prove an excellent signing for us," he added.

Obertan's signing makes the 22-year-old the fifth French-born player to arrive at St James Park this summer following the signings of Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba, Sylvain Marveaux and Mehdi Abeid.

Vitesse Sign Kazaishvili

Vitesse Arnhem have signed 18-year-old Georgian winger Valeri Kazaishvili on a three-year contract.

Kazaishvili has signed from Olimpi Rustavi on a contract which has an option for a fourth year.

Vitesse technical director Ted van Leeuwen revealed Kazaishvili had been watched by the club for some time and would go straight into the first team squad.

"In the past six years he has developed enormously and we have signed him immediately after his 18th birthday," van Leeuwen told the club’s website.

"Basically he is a player for the future, but (his career) can also go (develop) very quickly. He will also immediately be part of the first team selection."

Vitesse have applied for a work permit Kazaishvili who was in his second season with Olimpi.

Birmingham City Midfielder Michel Joins Getafe

Birmingham City midfielder Michel has joined Spanish La Liga side Getafe for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old arrived in January 2010 from Sporting Gijon for £3m but made just 12 appearances for Blues.

Michel, whose full name is Miguel Marcos Madera, was brought to St Andrews by former manager Alex McLeish.

But he failed to make an impression and spent the second half of last season on loan at AEK Athens, featuring 15 times for the Greek side.

The Spaniard had made 138 appearances for Sporting Gijon during five years at the club, and scored seven times for the La Liga side before his move to England.

AC Milan Open Door To Pato Chelsea Move

Long-term Chelsea target Pato could be allowed to leave AC Milan, Barbara Berlusconi, daughter of AC Chairman Silvio Berlusconi has announced.

The news is even more remarkable given the fact that 27 year old Barbara is currently dating the Brazilian striker.

Not only that, but she is also a director at the Milan football club her father owns, and so could have a particularly large part to play should an offer from Stamford Bridge be forthcoming.

Pato recently denied claims he may be about to leave the San Siro, but it now appears that the AC board don't deem him as indispensable, and even the 22 year old Brazilian star may have a price.

In an interview with fashion magazine Vanity Fair, Ms. Berlusconi is quoted as saying:

"Everyone is transferable and Pato is no different," she said. "This is a delicate matter that does not concern me. I'd rather not talk about it. We are simply enjoying ourselves and taking things one day at a time."

Atletico Madrid Poised To Land Turan

Atletico Madrid appears to have won the race to sign long-term Liverpool target Arda Turan.

Liverpool has been keen on the Turkey international for over two years and scouts have tracked his progress with Galatasaray.

Turan's career has taken off with the Turkish giants and he is keen for a new challenge, having previously stated his admiration for Liverpool.

Numerous clubs across Europe want the 24-year-old, with Liverpool among them, but officials from Madrid have been in contact with Galatasaray regarding the winger.

Liverpool is keen on bolstering their options on the wings and has already signed Stewart Downing this summer.

Turan, however, looks to be heading to Madrid, with Galatasaray said to be resigned to losing him.

Manchester United And Man City Fight For Italy International Enforcer

AS Roma star Daniele de Rossi has rejected the latest contract offer from I Giallorossi, resurrecting talk of a transfer abroad in the process.

His current deal at Stadio Olimpico has just 10 months remaining, and though Roma have offered him a new deal of approximately £67,000 per week - placing him towards the top of the club wage hierarchy - he has received better offers.

Corriere dello Sport claim that Manchester City have offered £118,000 per week - not short of double Roma's offer - and de Rossi has begun to think again about leaving a city that has not always treated him well in recent times.

Manchester United are likely to join their city rivals in the pursuit of the Italy international star though, with a holding midfielder perhaps more urgently required than the playmaker more widely written about in the press.

Wesley Sneijder would cost far more than de Rossi, but would the Italian be a more worthwhile signing for either Manchester club?

Lorient Linked With Loan Swoop For Arsenal's Carlos Vela

Lorient is lining up an ambitious move to bring striker Carlos Vela from Arsenal on loan, according to France Football.

Christian Gourcuff's side have reportedly shown more than a passing interest in the Mexico international and it is possible that a six-month loan deal could be negotiated.

The publication also states that the two clubs share a positive relationship, as a number of players have left Lorient to join Arsenal in recent times, with Laurent Koscielny being the most prominent transfer, as well as the likes of Gilles Sunu and Francis Coquelin.

The 22-year-old has found first-team opportunities in north London increasingly difficult to come by, and the recent arrival of Gervinho has only pushed him further down Arsene Wenger's pecking order, forcing him to branch out to West Brom on a temporary basis during the second half of last season.

The Guadalajara youth product has made 61 appearances for the Emirates outfit, scoring 11 times.

Anzhi Makhachkala Step Up Chase For Arsenal Star

Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala will step up their interest in Andrey Arshavin by approaching Arsenal over the player's availability this week.

Playmaker Arshavin has had a mixed time in England since his move from Zenit in 2009.

The highlight of his three year stay at Arsenal would undoubtedly be his four-goal haul in their 4-4 draw with Liverpool towards the end of the 2008/09 season.

But Arshavin was well short of his best form last season and failed to nail down a regular starting spot.

Anzhi are now keen on offering him a route back to Russia, with Suleyman Kerimov, the club's billionaire owner, eager to add more big-name signings to the team having signed Roberto Carlos earlier this year.

According to sources in Russia, Kerimov is ready to sanction a move for Arshavin and Anzhi are keen on approaching Arsenal to set up talks.

Chelsea And Real Madrid Set For Battle Over Porto Star

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas could be set to go head-to-head with former boss Jose Mourinho in a transfer battle over Porto star Fredy Gaurin.

The west Londoners and Real Madrid are the two clubs believed to be leading the race to sign the 25-year-old Columbian.

Guarin made 22 league appearances for the Portuguese champions under Villas-Boas last season, however, he was unhappy at starting just ten of those matches and at one point made his feelings public via Twitter.

The former Saint Etienne player, who can play in central midfield or on the right, did score five goals in Porto's successful Europa League campaign, and that sort of strike rate from the centre of the park would enable to the new Chelsea boss.

Gaurin played just the final 34 minutes of the Super Cup game against Vitoria Guimaraes at the weekend and it appears he may not fit in with the style new manager Vitor Pereira is planning to play at Porto.

Arsenal Confirm £15million Deal For Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has sealed his dream switch to Arsenal for £15million, according to the Southampton club's website.

Southampton had initially been reluctant to sell their most prized asset, but after the midfielder made it clear he wanted to move to the Emirates Stadium, they accepted an offer which breaks the previous record for their highest transfer income.

The transfer is still subject to Premier League and FA approval.

Arsene Wenger will now concentrate on bringing in a centre back after Thomas Vermaelen was injured at the weekend.

John Carew Moves To West Ham United On Free Transfer

Former Aston Villa striker John Carew has joined Championship side West Ham United on a free transfer.

The 31-year-old, 6ft 5in Norwegian striker, who scored twice in 13 games on loan at Stoke last term, became a free agent after being freed by Villa.

"I am very happy to sign for such a big club," he told the West Ham website.

"I am so pleased to be here and am looking forward to being part of a good team here that will bring this great club back up to the Premier League."

Carew's registration was not completed in time for him to play in West Ham's opening Championship match against Cardiff on Sunday.

The powerful forward, who has been given the number 11 shirt at Upton Park, passed a medical before he was confirmed as West Ham's fifth signing of the summer.

He has scored 23 goals in 88 appearances for the Norwegian national side, and netted 52 goals in 133 matches for Villa.

His strike-rate in the FA Cup was particularly impressive, as he scored 11 times in 10 games.

Carew joined Villa from Lyon in 2007 and was a key member of their side under former manager Martin O'Neill.

But injury has prevented the striker from making an impact last season while his relationship with O'Neill's successor Gerard Houllier was strained, with the pair arguing in the press in 2010.

Alberto Gilardino Set For £10.4m Switch To Genoa

Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino has turned down interest from Marseille and is on the verge of joining Genoa, a source close to the situation has told Goal.com.

Last week the player's agent confirmed that the Ligue 1 outfit was in negotiations for the 2006 World Cup winner. However, the French side has now lost out on the 29-year-old to Genoa, for a fee believed to be in the region of €12 million (£10.4m) plus bonuses.

The likely move will see Gilardino link up with his former Fiorentina team-mate Sebastien Frey, who made the switch to Genoa last week.

Gilardino has made 47 appearances for Italy, scoring 17 goals while representing his country at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

He has scored 56 goals in 130 appearances for Fiorentina since joining the club in 2008.

Real Madrid Snap Up Seven-Year-Old Argentine

Real Madrid has signed seven-year-old Leonel Angel Coira from Argentina.

The Spanish club’s spokesman Juan Tapiador confirmed the move on Monday and added that the youngster would begin training on September 6.

Atletico Madrid were also reportedly interested in Leo but their city rivals made the first move in an effort to stave off challenges from other European heavyweights in the future.

The youngster admitted that Barcelona star Lionel Messi was his favourite player but added that Real Madrid is his preferred club.

"Lionel Messi is my idol, but my dream is to play in the Real Madrid first team," he told Ole. "I will start training there on September 6."

Leo’s father was delighted with the move and was quoted by ESPNSoccernet as saying: "It looks good when I say it because I'm the father, but I'm excited to see how he plays with the ball."

Kharja Set For Fiorentina

Genoa midfielder Houssine Kharja is on the verge of completing a move to Serie A rivals Fiorentina.

The Moroccan has been paired with the Stadio Artemio Franchi outfit over the last few weeks after he was told to find a new club.

Kharja, according to reports, will join the Viola on a co-ownership deal that will see Genoa net €3m for him.

The former Siena midfielder only returned to Marassi this summer after spending the last six months of the previous campaign at Inter.

Kharja joined the Nerazzurri on loan in January, but the club opted against signing him outright at the end of the 2010-11 campaign.

Tottenham Turn Attention To FC Twente Striker

Tottenham have made a move for FC Twente striker Bryan Ruiz.

Ruiz has impressed in Holland, scoring 33 goals in 61 Eredivisie games, alerting Redknapp to his possible availability.

The Costa Rican striker, signed by Steve McLaren in 2009, is aware of Spurs' interest and is keen to test himself in the Premier League.

The Spurs boss was there to see Ruiz play for FC Twente in the 1-0 league win away to NAC Breda on Sunday.

And Ruiz admitted: "They have approached my agent. I was told about Tottenham's interest two days ago. Spurs are a great club. I'd say that the chance that I'll leave Twente is 50%."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to freshen up his strike force this season, having seen Jermain Defoe, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Peter Crouch score just 17 Premier League goals between them last season.

He looks likely to lose out on Emmanuel Adebayor to Real Madrid, while a move for Edin Dzeko failed due to his wage demands, and Redknapp has now turned his attentions to Ruiz.

Chelsea Linked To Surprise Move For Ligue 1 Playmaker

Chelsea is weighing up a potential bid for Marseille's Lucho Gonzalez.

The Argentina international celebrated his 30th birthday in January and with the emphasis seemingly being on lowering the average age of the squad at Stamford Bridge, a move to the London club would certainly be a surprise. However, he is available having requested a transfer from the Stade Velodrome after the player and his family were the victims of a 'home-jacking' in March in which armed raiders attacked them at their property and robbed them.

The club has agreed to his demands under the difficult circumstances and he has been looking for new employers though so far to no avail. Chelsea is seeking to fill a creative void and have been linked to both Wesley Sneijder and Javier Pastore in this transfer window. But with the former likely to go to Manchester United and the latter already at PSG, Lucho is a more viable - and cheaper - option.

Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas has also received favourable reports on the player from officials at former club FC Porto where Lucho spent four years between 2005 and 2009. Though the pair's time in Portugal did not overlap, the schemer's efforts at the Estadio Dragao left a lasting impression.

Atletico Madrid Offer Cash Plus Eduardo Salvio for Radamel Falcao

Atletico Madrid has put together an offer of €25 million plus Eduardo Salvio for Porto striker Radamel Falcao, according to news daily AS.

The Colombian international has been a target of Atletico in recent weeks as the Spanish club look for a successor to Sergio Aguero, who left for Manchester City earlier in the summer.

Falcao has been linked with the exit door at Porto after a season in which he scored 38 goals in all competitions, including 18 in the Europa League, a new record in the competition.

The striker recently signed a two-year contract extension which saw his release clause increased from €30 million to €45m, but AS claims that Porto president Pinto da Costa promised that the player would be sold if an offer which matches his buy-out clause came in.

Salvio's stock in Portugal is very high after the winger impressed while on loan at Benfica last season. However, the Argentine has returned to Atletico without a guaranteed first-team role, meaning the player could move on as a result.

However, Atletico will have to convince Salvio to be included in the deal, as the player stated on Friday he did not want to be used as makeweight in negotiations for Falcao.

Bayer Leverkusen Reveal Interest In Stuttgart's Bernd Leno

Bayer Leverkusen has expressed their desire to bring young Stuttgart goalkeeper Bernd Leno to the club as a short-term replacement for Rene Adler.

German international goalkeeper Adler is a long-term injury casualty with a knee injury and is unlikely to return until the second half of the season. With deputies Fabian Giefer and David Yelldell far from convincing, the club has turned their attentions to the 19-year-old.

"We are looking at Leno," Leverkusen president Wolfgang Holzhauser told Sky Deutschland. "Whether we bring him in depends also on Stuttgart."

Giefer was at fault for Mainz's first goal as last season's runners-up went down to a 2-0 opening round defeat at the Coface Arena. He then suffered a concussion towards the end of the game following a collision with Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and was taken to hospital.

Holzhauser outlined the profile of the shot-stopper the club are looking for and ruled out a move for Jens Lehmann, who had been close to joining Bayer's Bundesliga rivals Schalke earlier in the summer.

"[The new goalkeeper] should be stronger than the other two but not a direct competitor for Rene Adler. We have not spoken at all about Jens Lehmann."

Man City Eye Shock £15m Swoop For Tottenham flyer

Manchester City is eyeing a shock move for Tottenhams England winger Aaron Lennon.

City chief Roberto Mancini wants a wide man before the start of the season and has earmarked Lennon as his number one candidate.

According to previous reports, the former Leeds man was set to be part of a swap deal that would see City misfit Emmanuel Adebayor move to White Hart Lane.

But a straight £15m switch is looking more likely, after the Togoleses high wages proved a stumbling block in agreeing a move.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has made Lennon available after a hit-and-miss season with the Lilywhites.

Redknapp has been told by chairman Daniel Levy he will need to sell before he can buy this summer and Lennon looks set to be the first high-profile casualty of the White Hart Lane overhaul.

Mancini has admitted he wants a winger to open up defences and Lennon’s pace and ability to beat defenders would offer the Blues something different in attack.

City is still keen on Arsenals Samir Nasri with Mancini planning to deploy him in a more predominant central midfield role.

The Eastlands club's lack of flair in forward areas was all too apparent in Sunday's shocking 2-3 defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United, and Mancini wants the signings of Lennon and Nasri to provide a creative spark in attack.

German Bundesliga Review

Bayern Munich lost on the opening day of the Bundesliga season for the first time since 2001 as they went down 1-0 at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Gladbach, who beat Bayern by the same scoreline in the first game 10 years ago, repeated history to spoil Jupp Heynckes' third debut in charge of the Bavarians.

It proved to be an even worse bow for Bayern's new number one Manuel Neuer as his glaring error allowed Igor de Camargo to score the only goal of the game in the 62nd minute.

In Sunday's other game, defensive failings cost Bayer Leverkusen as they opened their Bundesliga season with a 2-0 defeat to Mainz.

Goalkeeper Fabian Giefer's poor clearance allowed Sami Allagui to open the scoring before half-time and Omer Toprak's late own goal ensured there would be no way back.

Thomas Tuchel's side suffered a shock Europa League elimination on penalties against Gaz Metan in the third qualifying round, and they will be pleased to have bounced back to form at the new Coface Arena.

On Saturday, Stuttgart baptised their newly-renovated Mercedes-Benz Arena in style with a 3-0 win over Schalke.

Cacau, Martin Harnik and Shinji Okazaki were on target for Bruno Labbadia's side as they made light work of the Royal Blues, whose defence failed to impress.

Stuttgart could even have won more comfortably but missed numerous chances to punish their opponents' defensive shortcomings.

Patrick Helmes struck twice as Wolfsburg downed 10-man Cologne 3-0 to make a flying start to the new season having narrowly avoided relegation last term.

Helmes put the Wolves ahead in the 17th minute and then doubled his account late on as Felix Magath's side added two more goals in the final five minutes, Marcel Schafer the other man on the scoresheet after netting direct from a corner.

A second-half brace from Markus Rosenberg helped Werder Bremen to an opening-day 2-0 win over Kaiserslautern.

There had been little in the game until the Swede struck his first on the hour mark, with a second nine minutes from time wrapping things up.

Kaiserslautern could have few complaints about the result either, creating just two chances in a largely drab performance at Westerstadion.

Hannover enjoyed a winning start after downing Hoffenheim 2-1 at the Niedersachsen Stadion.

All three goals came in the opening 30 minutes with Jan Schlaudraff putting Hannover ahead, Sejad Salihovic equalising from the spot for Hoffenheim, and then Mohammed Abdellaoue netting the winner with another penalty.

Hannover finished fourth last term to qualify for the Europa League and they looked keen to prove that was not a one-season wonder as they started on a winning note.

Sascha Molders' second-half double ensured Augsburg were not beaten in their first ever Bundesliga match as they drew 2-2 with Freiburg.

Molders twice dragged the newcomers back after falling behind to goals from Papis Demba Cisse and Cedric Makiadi after the interval.

Cisse picked up where he left off from last season, when he top-scored with 22 goals, to fire Freiburg ahead on 48 minutes.

Molders' first equalizer arrived on 57 minutes, and while the celebrations were cut short when Makiadi sent the visitors back ahead almost immediately, he struck again nine minutes from the end to snatch a point.

Hertha Berlin's return to the Bundesliga ended in disappointment as Tomas Pekhart's 80th-minute goal earned Nurnberg a 1-0 win.

The visitors were good value for the victory, creating most of the chances in front of a crowd of 61,118 at the Olympic Stadium.

On Friday night, Borussia Dortmund made it clear that they will not give up their Bundesliga title easily with an emphatic 3-1 win over Hamburg in the opening top-flight fixture of the season.

The Westphalians dominated the game almost at will and could have won more comfortably against a woeful Hamburg side, who nevertheless managed a late consolation.

A Kevin Grosskreutz brace and a goal from the livewire Mario Gotze had already put the result beyond doubt, however, and gave the defending champions a perfect start to the season in front of a full house of over 80,000 at the Westfalenstadion.