Manchester United Ready To Sell £30m Star In January

Dimitar Berbatov is considering his options at Manchester United and could request a transfer in January.

His status in the pecking order of strikers at the club has changed drastically in the last twelve months, and he has lost his place to first Javier Hernandez (or Chicharito, as he is known), then Danny Welbeck, who came back from his loan spell at Sunderland with brilliant results.

The 30 year-old Berbatov is aware that the next contract he signs will be likely be the last major deal of his career.

He could make a move to Paris Saint-Germain in January, where he would join a rejuvenated team in part thanks to Qatari money.

Record signing Javier Pastore has inspired PSG to greater heights, and the French capital side would hope that he and Berbatov could develop the kind of telepathic understanding that intelligent footballers seem to forge.

As for Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will be confident he already possesses decent cover in his squad – and may be glad to acquire any transfer fee he can get for his Bulgarian striker

Arsenal Contemplate Signing Chelsea Playmaker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed he will consider signing Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on a permanent basis.

The Israel captain made his first start for his club in the UEFA Champions League draw at Borussia Dortmund, and Wenger has been impressed with what he has to offer.

"It's too early to say at the moment (whether we will sign him), but I don't rule it out," stated Wenger.

"I want him to contribute as much as he can to the rest of the squad like every other player - not more, not less.

"Benayoun gives his best every time he plays and we think he can integrate well.

"He can play on both flanks. He can play in the middle, although I think he prefers to play on the wing.

"Overall he has shown on Tuesday night (against Borussia Dortmund) that he is completely physically fit again."

Spurs To Sign Teenage Peruvian Horacio Benincasa

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp is reportedly ready to pull off a transfer coup in signing young Peruvian defender Horacio Benincasa.

The left back impressed hugely at the recent South American U17 Championship, where he was watched extensively by White Hart Lane scouts.

However, the Daily Mirror has claimed that the 17-year-old has also flown to the UK and taken part in a reserves games as a trialist that slipped under the radar of most news providers.

It is hoped that the youngster could be eligible to work in the UK through a Spanish passport thanks to his family ties with Spain - a fact that would avoid the often complicated and difficult process of obtaining a work permit for talented South American youngsters.

However, Redknapp might have to act quickly with Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen having also shown strong interest and held talks with the star.

Benincasa currently plays for Esther Grande de Bentin and is reportedly available for a nominal fee.

If he does sign, the young defender might hope to force his way into the manager's plans before long, with Gareth Bale, who started his career as a left back, now regularly being deployed further up the field.

Raul Albiol Looks Set To Join Malaga In January

Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol is close to agreeing a January move to ambitious Malaga, according to Radio Marca.

The former Valencia man is reported to have reached an agreement to join the Andalusian club in January, with a three-year contract offered to the player.

Albiol joined Madrid in 2009 for €15 million and featured regularly at the club in his first season, playing under Manuel Pellegrini, who is now coach of Malaga.

However, since the arrival of Jose Mourinho in 2010, the 26-year-old centre-half has often found himself on the substitute bench, with the experienced Ricardo Carvalho coming into the team to partner compatriot, Pepe at the hear of defence.

With next summer's European Championships on the horizon, Albiol is said to be keen to play more first-team football in the hope of earning a spot in Vicente Del Bosque's starting line-up for the tournament.

Madrid and Mourinho are yet to sanction the proposed move with Malaga hopeful of concluding a deal before the January transfer window opens.

Since Qatari investment last summer, Malaga have secured a number of high profile transfers with Santi Cazorla, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Jeremy Toulalan, Joaquin and Joris Mathijsen just some of the names to join the ambitious club.

Samba Admits He Was Keen To Join Gunners

Blackburn defender Christopher Samba has admitted he had his head turned by Arsenal's reported interest this summer.

The Gunners were linked to a host of centre-backs in the transfer window before settling for Germany international Per Mertesacker.

And Samba, who faces Arsenal in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off, has said it did have an effect on his focus.

"It's all behind me now and if this club didn't make a bid for me in the end, then that's life," he said.

"Was it unsettling? Of course. It's difficult, you think about your future, dreams, your own ambition. Some people will understand, others won't.

"I don't say I've been perfect in my approach. I should have been more focused.

"I had a chat with the manager and senior players, Ryan Nelsen, David Dunn, Paul Robinson.

"The only thing we need is me playing 100 per cent for the club.

"Being the captain is not an issue."

Chelsea Considering Bid For Real Madrid Stopper

Chelsea is considering a bid for Real Madrid defender Raul Albiol in January, according to reports in Spain.

Albiol, 25, joined Madrid from rivals Valencia in 2009 for €15 million, but has failed to live up to expectations and has slipped out of favour with coach Jose Mourinho.

With the likes of Sergio Ramos, Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho preferred in central defence, Mourinho had looked to offload the Spanish international to Manchester City this summer in a deal bringing Emmanuel Adebayor to the Bernabeu.

However, that move failed to materialize and now a switch to Stamford Bridge seems an ideal solution for both parties.

Despite having several options at his disposal, Blues' boss Andre Villas-Boas is keen to bolster his defence with the possibility that Brazilian ace Alex could leave the club in January having come close to a switch during the summer.

It is reported that Chelsea scouts have been keeping a close eye on Albiol, and the club will make their move when the transfer window re-opens.

However, Villas-Boas may face competition in the shape of ambitious La Liga side Malaga, who are reportedly close to agreeing a permanent move for Albiol in January.

Africans Target Kakuta

DR Congo are hoping that Gael Kakuta will switch international allegiance to them.

The Chelsea starlet, currently on loan at Bolton, is French-born and has been capped by France up to Under-20 level.

But now Claude Le Roy is hoping to persuade him to switch to DR Congo, where his family originates from.

"If Gael would be attracted, how could I not be attracted to him? Of course, he would be welcomed, as any talented players with dual nationality," Le Roy told FranceFootball.

"I would not need to say any special words, I would remain coherent with my arguments: Congo has a great potential, only if all the players of highest level accept to give us help.

"We have the means to build an amazing team."

Betting Recommendation for BPL Match (17 September 2011)

Blackburn Rovers (20th) vs Arsenal (12th)

Blackburn playmaker Junior Hoilett is fit. The Canada-born forward was concussed after a heavy collision with Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer last week. Morten Gamst Pedersen (hamstring), David Dunn (calf) and Ryan Nelsen (knee) all face fitness tests.

Arsenal will welcome back Alex Song and Gervinho from three-match bans but midfielder Aaron Ramsey (ankle) faces a fitness test. Defender Carl Jenkinson is also available following a one-match suspension, but Tomas Rosicky (knee) and Ryo Miyaichi (calf) are doubts. Midfielders Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby (both ankle) are longer-term absentees.

This is the worst start to a Premier League season for both Blackburn Rovers and Arsenal. The home side are currently at the bottom of the standings, whereas their opponents are in 12th place after four games. Arsenal have lost only one out of the last 10 meetings between the two sides, winning seven matches in the process. My prediction will be Arsenal to win this game, 1-0 or 2-1.

Aston Villa (8th) vs Newcastle United (4th)

Aston Villa will be without Emile Heskey and Jermaine Jenas. Heskey looks set to be out for two to three weeks with a pulled hamstring, while on-loan Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas also misses out this weekend after suffering a thigh injury in training. Eric Lichaj is expected to be sidelined for three to four months after undergoing a hip operation. Fellow defender Carlos Cuellar is recovering well from a knee problem but lacks match fitness.

Full-back Davide Santon could be out of action for a month after suffering a cartilage injury which will require minor surgery. The 20-year-old former Inter Milan defender will miss out on a chance to make his senior debut for the club at Aston Villa on Saturday, and utility man Ryan Taylor is likely to continue in what has been a problem position for manager Alan Pardew since Jose Enrique's summer departure for Liverpool. Hatem Ben Arfa is back in training after his ankle injury but is unlikely to be risked at the weekend, although he could make the squad for Tuesday night's Carling Cup trip to Nottingham Forest, while Haris Vuckic (broken hand), Mehdi Abeid and Mike Williamson (broken arm) remain on the casualty list.

Both sides remained unbeaten in the league. With 7 of the last 10 ties between these two teams ended with the home team taking all three points, expect this game to continue with the trend. Prediction will be Aston Villa to win 2-0 or 3-1.

Everton (10th) vs Wigan (9th)

Loan signing Royston Drenthe could be pushing for his first Everton start against Wigan at Goodison Park on Saturday after featuring for the reserves in midweek. Fellow deadline-day arrival Denis Stracqualursi may also make his Toffees debut while Phil Neville is fighting to regain his place in the side after being left out last weekend. With striker Louis Saha still not fully match fit Tim Cahill is expected to start in attack again.

Wigan defender Emmerson Boyce (hamstring) is rated only 50-50. Defenders Steven Gohouri (calf) and Antolin Alcaraz (thigh) are getting closer to fitness but remain sidelined. Manager Roberto Martinez, who made seven changes in the Carling Cup in midweek, will revert to a more familiar line-up but Shaun Maloney, David Jones and Patrick van Aanholt could make league debuts.

Everton has been struggling at the moment and the departure of Mikel Arteta does not help their cause. Everton giving one goal is pretty generous to me. My pick will be Wigan +1 on the Asian Handicap.

Barclays Premier League Preview

After a busy week of European football for many teams, it is a return to Premier League action.

Seven top-flight sides played in the Champions League and Europa League in midweek and it will be interesting to see how those particular teams adapt to the rigours of the domestic division after some tough fixtures.

In what should be a cracker of a Super Sunday, Manchester United host Chelsea in the most anticipated tie of the weekend, with Tottenham taking on Liverpool.

Elsewhere, the pressure is on Blackburn manager Steve Kean as Rovers welcome Arsenal to town, while high-flying Manchester City visit Fulham.

Champions Manchester United have swept away all opposition in the league so far this season, with a ridiculous 13 goals scored in their last two games. All eyes will be on Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon when Chelsea travel to the North West, and you can watch the action live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 4pm. Andre Villas-Boas faces his biggest test so far since joining the Blues but will have been heartened by a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night - United drew with Benfica in Lisbon. Expect fireworks in this one.

The only other side with a 100 per cent record is Manchester City and Roberto Mancini will be looking to make it five wins from five on the banks of the Thames at Fulham. City marked their Champions League debut with a draw at home to Napoli in midweek while Fulham played Dutch outfit FC Twente in the Europa League. Martin Jol's side have made a sluggish start to the campaign but it is still early in his reign and he has plenty of time to get them going.

Tottenham earned a 0-0 draw with PAOK Salonika in the Europa League on Thursday - a competition Harry Redknapp has been none-too-shy about criticizing. His side has three days to recover before Liverpool go to the capital on Sunday, looking to bounce back from their defeat at Stoke. Kenny Dalglish was certainly outspoken after the 1-0 reverse in the Potteries and these are two teams who will be desperately trying to break into the Premier League's top four this term. Watch the action live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 1pm.

Blackburn fans will protest against Steve Kean before Saturday's home tie against Arsenal, which is a lunchtime kick-off. Rovers have only earned one point from a possible 12 this season and a certain section of supporters are calling for his head at this early stage. Kean insists that he has the backing of the club's owners but another defeat and he could be the Premier League's first managerial casualty, which was expected in August. Arsenal earned a credible draw at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday and are seemingly on the road to recovery after their Old Trafford nightmare.

Tony Pulis will be justly proud of his Stoke team after their draw away to Dynamo Kiev on Thursday, although the Potters were so close to a famous victory in Eastern Europe. Pulis had a number of players missing who could return when his fifth-place team goes to Sunderland. For the Wearsiders the season has not gone according to plan so far. Asamoah Gyan's shock departure to the UAE has added to Steve Bruce's woes - he needs a win.

Two sides looking to bounce back from defeats last weekend are Norwich and Bolton, with the pair locking horns at the Reebok Stadium. Manchester United tore Owen Coyle's men to shreds and there were sure to be some heated words in the dressing room at the final whistle. Norwich, meanwhile, played well against West Brom but lacked a cutting edge in the final third. The Canaries will want to get their teeth into a shaky Trotters defence.

Newcastle currently occupies fourth in the standings after an impressive start, but they face a tricky encounter away at Aston Villa, who have been unspectacular but solid under Alex McLeish. Hatem Ben Arfa is close to a return which will be a boost to the Magpies, although Davide Santon suffered a knee injury in training on Thursday. Alan Pardew's men were held to a 0-0 draw at QPR on Monday night while Villa were fortunate to come away with a point from their match at Everton.

Yorkshire grit

A good start to the season for Wolves was ended last week after they fell to Tottenham, but Mick McCarthy has the chance to see his side get back to winning ways when QPR go to Molineux. This is a meeting between two Yorkshire managers who certainly do not mince their words and there could be some interesting verbals after the match in the Black Country. Rangers are slowly settling into life back in the Premier League and this one is difficult to call.

Unrest remains the order of the day at Everton but if the Toffees can overcome Wigan at Goodison Park then they will be well placed in the top half of the division. Question marks always remain over the Wigan defence, especially away from home, but David Moyes is now short of options up front after summer sales. A North West clash is always a spicy occasion, even if there is not really any bad feeling between these two sides, and the Everton board will be hoping a win can appease the dissenters.

Finally, Swansea will be desperate to break their goalscoring duck when West Brom travels to South Wales. The Swans had a decent game at Arsenal last week and could have snatched a point were it not for Danny Graham's profligacy in the final third. The Baggies have only managed three points from four games and, with the Liberty Stadium a tough place to visit, Roy Hodgson will know this is not an easy game.

Spanish Primera Liga Preview

Real Betis striker Jorge Molina has highlighted his side's never-say-die attitude as the promoted outfit head into the third round of Primera Division action as one of only three clubs still boasting a 100 per cent record.

Last season's Segunda Division champions are currently level on six points with Real Madrid and Valencia after starting their campaign with 1-0 victories over Granada and Real Mallorca.

Both of those victories have been secured with goals in the last four minutes from Ruben Castro, and Molina believes that is proof his side are ready to battle until the final whistle.

He said ahead of this weekend's trip to Athletic Bilbao: "The goals are arriving late but this shows that we don't give up at all. We're showing that we're going to fight for matches until the end and letting our rivals know that we want the points at all times.

"Hopefully things continue like that."

He added: "Clearly we would've wanted to start as well as this. It's very good to start with six points from six, although we know there's a long way to go."

Early-season pacesetters Madrid will look to build on their impressive start when they go to Levante.

Jose Mourinho's troops followed up their 6-0 opening win over Real Zaragoza with a 4-2 home triumph over Getafe last weekend.

Madrid then recorded a 1-0 midweek triumph at Dinamo Zagreb to begin their Champions League campaign on a winning note as well, and although the club were unhappy about the treatment meted out to Cristiano Ronaldo in that match, assistant coach Aitor Karanka is pleased with the way things are going.

"We must keep this up, growing and working hard to do a good job. It's easier to work when you earn positive results. If we keep this up we'll reap rewards," he said.

Defending champions Barcelona will be looking to end a disappointing week on a high note when they host Osasuna at the Nou Camp.

Last weekend Barca had to settle for a draw at Real Sociedad despite leading 2-0 after 11 minutes, and then on Tuesday they were held to a 2-2 Champions League draw at home by AC Milan after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer.

Barca midfielder Xavi said: "What happened on Tuesday is pure bad luck, totally unfair. The other day (against Sociedad) we dropped our intensity in the second half of the game, but this time the team played well, we pressurized them until the 90th minute, and we had possession of the ball."

He added: "We have to win, now, this Saturday. We'll battle on. We know we have a great team to carry on winning things, and we're competitive."

Valencia striker Roberto Soldado will look to add to the four goals he netted in wins over Racing Santander and Atletico Madrid when Los Che travel to second-bottom Sporting Gijon.

Sevilla and Real Sociedad will both attempt to build on their four-point haul so far when they meet at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, while Atletico host Racing, Espanyol go to Zaragoza and Malaga make the trip to Mallorca.

Also, rock-bottom Granada hunt their first points as they meet Villarreal while local rivals Getafe and Rayo Vallecano meet in this weekend's other match.

Italian Serie-A Preview

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti expects his club to bounce back after a disappointing week to start the season.

Having lost to AC Milan in the Italian Supercup last month, Inter began their Serie A campaign with a 4-3 defeat at Palermo and then fell again on Wednesday night at home to Champions League newcomers Trabzonspor.

Moratti's side host Roma on Saturday.

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is under pressure to obtain a good result but he is apparently not in danger of losing his job.

"Don't expect any sudden decisions," said Moratti, when asked about Gasperini after Wednesday's 1-0 defeat.

"I thought the team played well even though it lacked the finishing touch.

"Probably the players were shocked after the defeat to Palermo.

"I don't believe the coach is at fault.

"The team missed a couple of chances and then it conceded a goal.

"Football is like this."

Moratti did admit, however, losing to Trabzonspor was the last thing he had expected.

"I'm disappointed because we have lost our first game against a team that has no experience in the competition," said Moratti.

Rivals Roma, meanwhile, lost 2-1 at home to Cagliari last weekend.

Draws against Lazio and Barcelona in Serie A and the Champions League, respectively, have left AC Milan seeking their first win of the campaign on Sunday.

AC Milan face a tough game at Napoli, who followed up their 3-1 win at Cesena with a 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Wednesday night.

Antonio Conte has got off to a good start as coach of Juventus, the club he once played for.

He is likely to have strange emotions this weekend when he leads the Turin giants in Tuscany against Siena, the side he led to promotion last season.

Juve, who are not competing in Europe, thumped Parma 4-1 last weekend.

Lazio, who got goals from summer signings Djibril Cisse and Miroslav Klose in their season-opener against Milan, host Genoa.

Palermo, having come from behind twice in their victory over Inter, play at Atalanta on Sunday.

Fiorentina had just three wins on the road last season so they will be hoping for an improvement starting with their first away game this weekend at Udinese.

Parma will try and bounce back from their heavy defeat at Juventus when they host Chievo on Sunday.

Bologna will be bolstered by the return of Jose Angel Crespo, Daniele Vantaggiato and Gaston Ramirez for Sunday's match against Lecce.

The trio missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina through suspension.

Catania coach Vincenzo Montella expects a vast improvement from his players in Sunday's game against Cesena.

The Sicilian outfit was held to a goalless draw by Siena in their first game.

Novara are to visit Sardinia on Sunday to take on Cagliari and will be looking for their first win in Serie A in 55 years.

The promoted outfit drew 2-2 at Chievo last Sunday.

German Bundesliga Preview

Schalke's new captain Benedikt Howedes says his predecessor Manuel Neuer deserves a warm welcome from the Royal Blues' fans when he arrives at the Arena AufSchalke with his new club Bayern Munich this Sunday.

Neuer, who was born in Gelsenkirchen and grew up watching from the terraces at the club's former Park Stadion, made a controversial switch to the Bavarians in the summer.

He returns to the Arena for the first time this weekend and Howedes hopes he is given the reception he deserves, even though he knows it is unlikely.

"I think he is going to have to expect some whistles and he knows that, but I still believe that Manuel does not deserve any animosity," he told Kicker magazine.

"He always performed really well, if not sensationally for us."

And Howedes does not expect his side to gain any advantage if the fans do jeer Neuer each time he touches the ball.

"Manuel will not lose his concentration," he predicted. "He has always made great saves when he is under particular pressure."

Sunday's encounter is the highlight of this weekend's Bundesliga program, which starts off with a Baden-Wurttemberg derby in Freiburg.

They host Stuttgart, who would move up to third in the table with three points.

Werder Bremen can move to the top of the pile on Saturday when they travel to in-form Nurnberg, who have won their last two matches, while Borussia Monchengladbach also have the chance to reach the summit with a win at crisis club Hamburg, who have yet to win all season.

Augsburg has yet to win a single game in the Bundesliga since their promotion to the top flight and they will hope to break their duck with a trip to the capital on Saturday.

However, they meet a Hertha Berlin side who are full of confidence after beating defending champions Borussia Dortmund last weekend.

Dortmund, meanwhile, are not in action until Sunday when they travel to Hannover.

Elsewhere, Hoffenheim host Wolfsburg and Kaiserslautern entertain Mainz in one of three derbies this weekend.

The other takes place at the BayArena, where Bayer Leverkusen lock horns with Cologne.

Arsenal Identify Everton's Midfielder As January Transfer Target

Arsenal could move for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini when the January transfer window opens after David Moyes suggested the player may leave the club.

Moyes is desperate to keep hold of his most talented players, but has today admitted that it may be difficult to hand on to the Belgium international as he is yet to sign a new contract.

Fellaini has entered the final 18 months of his current contract and Everton are aware that they cannot afford to let the £15million signing leave on a free.

Everton lost influential midfielder Steven Pienaar on a free to Spurs and with Mikel Arteta making the move to Arsenal, Moyes is worried that the best players will follow suit and look for an exit from Goodison Park.

"Yes, there is a danger that selling Mikel could set a precedent, but I hope not. I would like to think we can hang onto our best players," said Moyes.

"But there is always a danger when someone goes after saying they want to leave that it could set a precedent, and we will have to be careful of that."

The Merseyside club is struggling financially and should an offer come their way in January then they may be forced to cash in on the defensive midfielder.

Arsenal missed out on transfer target Yann M'Vila during the summer and it is assumed the club will be back in the market for a defensive midfielder when the window reopens.

Juventus Chase Lisandro Lopez

Serie A club Juventus are chasing Arsenal de Sarandi centre-back Lisandro Lopez as they look to increase their defensive options, Tuttosport reports.

22-year-old Lopez has caught they eye with his performances in the Copa Sudamericana and made his debut for the Argentina national side in May.

It is believed that Lopez, who started his career with Chacarita Juniors before moving to Arsenal de Sarandi last year, would cost the Italian giants €6 million.

Meanwhile, the player's agent, Fernando Felicevich, already has good links with the Italian side as he handles the affairs of summer signing Arturo Vidal.

Another potential defensive target is Brazilian centre-back Rhodolfo, who is currently plying his trade for Sao Paulo.

Barca Still After Silva

Thiago Silva's last-gasp equalizer against Barcelona for AC Milan has revived the European champions' interest in the defender, according to his agent.

The Brazilian nodded in a stoppage-time goal to seal a 2-2 draw in Tuesday night's UEFA Champions League Group H opener.

Silva, who recently extended his deal with the Rossoneri until 2016, was linked with a move to Barca over the summer and his display at Camp Nou has prompted that speculation to resurface.

His agent, Paulo Tonietto, told Calciomercato.it: "It's true, we had already talked about Barcelona in the past and it can only make us happy that the Blaugrana are tracking him.

"After all, they are currently the best team in the world.

"However, it's normal for the world's best to be interested in great players like Thiago Silva. He is happy at Milan and only recently extended his contract until June 2016."

Silva's goal against Barca allowed Milan to snatch a welcome point and Tonietto says the stopper was delighted to play such a crucial role.

"Milan were very lucky to score in stoppage time and it is certainly an important point," he added.

"I heard from Thiago and obviously he was very happy with the goal. After all, being able to time his runs to head the ball is one of his characteristics and he showed that last night."

Chelsea Loan Out Keeper

Chelsea have loaned out teenage goalkeeper Matej Delac to SK Dynamo Ceske Budejovice for the remainder of the season.

The 19-year-old spent a season-long loan at Vitesse Arnhem last year but was confined to the bench for the campaign.

But at international level he has thrived for Croatia, and played all three of their group games at this summer's Under 20 World Cup in Colombia.

His potential was spotted by Chelsea scouts while he was playing for his local side Inter Zapresic.

At 6ft 3in, he has a towering presence and completed his move to Stamford Bridge last summer, having earlier signed a pre-contract agreement.

Andre Villas-Boas is happy with his goalkeeping options at present and has sent out his callow keeper to gain some invaluable first-team experience.

Chelsea Favourites To Sign £40m Brazil Star

Chelsea is in pole position to sign Santos starlet Neymar are hoping to sign the striker when the January transfer window reopens.

The Blues now appear favourites to clinch the signature of the Brazil international after Santos suffered a breakdown in relations with interested parties Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Santos president Luis Ribeiro angrily denied claims that Neymar was on the verge of agreeing a pre-contract agreement with Real, while he is also accused Barcelona of delaying tactics.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is now ready to take advantage of the situation and meet the teenagers £40m buyout clause the West London club held preliminary talks with the Brazil side in August.

But Ribiero has said Neymar is close to agreeing a new deal, however, this could be a tactic to get reported suitors to firm up their interest.

"He is closer to a contract extension than to a move abroad," said Ribeiro.

"He will sign a new contract. He has a very good salary at Santos and we're confident that he will stay in Brazil.

"We expect him to sign shortly. We are working hard on this and expect news in the near future."

He added: "Neymar hasn't signed anything with another club as that would be illegal.

"He has an ongoing contract with us and I'm sure that [Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez wouldn't do anything like this as he knows the potential consequences.

"We will not hesitate to report them to FIFA if there's proof that there's a pre-contract, but I don't think we have to go that far, because there's no signed pre-agreement."

Manchester City Eye Swoop For Germany International

Manchester City is considering a move for unsettled Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

The German international has admitted he would like to play in a foreign league when his contract expires next year with the German league club.

City signed Costel Pantilimon from FC Timisoara for an undisclosed fee in the summer, but Roberto Mancini is keen on recruiting another 'keeper to aid City's bid to challenge on all fronts this season.

Weise, who has made five appearances for Germany, is out of contract with Bremen after next June's Euro 2012 tournament to be hosted by Poland and the Ukraine with the final being held in Kiev on July 1.

The 29-year-old is seeking a contract extension at Werder or a main move abroad, with the Citizens mulling over a cut-price £1m bid for his services in January.

"Next year, I will be on a free transfer and so there are lots of possibilities," Wiese told German magazine Kicker.

"I'm only 29 years old and another league would appeal to me if things don't work out at Werder."

Werder are currently second in the Bundesliga having won four of their first five games and Wiese says things are going well in Bremen after last season's flirt with relegation.

"Things are going well because we are successful and having fun," he said.

"We are playing football together again, it's as simple as that."

Juventus Ponder Move For Benfica's Joan Capdevila

Juventus are weighing up the merits of a winter bid for Benfica's out-of-favour left-back Joan Capdevila, Tuttosport claims.

The current Serie A leaders are understood to be scouring the market for a left-sided defender after shipping Reto Ziegler out to Fenerbahce on loan.

Capdevila has grown unsettled at his lack of playing time after joining Benfica in the summer on a free transfer from Villarreal.

The 33-year-old has not been included in Benfica's 25-man squad for the Champions League, with coach Jorge Jesus making no secret the Spaniard falls behind Emerson in the pecking order.

Juventus are reportedly monitoring Capdevila's situation very closely and could soon engage in talks with Benfica with a view to signing the World Cup winner for the second half of the season.

Chelsea Set To Join Manchester City In Sergio Busquets Race

Chelsea is being linked with a big-money transfer battle with Manchester City over Spanish international midfielder Sergio Busquets.

The Barcelona star is reportedly set to become the subject of a bidding war between the two Barclays Premier League clubs, with the Etihad Stadium outfit first linked with a £35 million move for the player earlier in the week.

Reports in France now claim Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is prepared to rival Roberto Mancini when the transfer window re-opens in January, should the La Liga giants be willing to sell the 23-year-old.

With concerns over the long-term fitness of Ghanaian international defensive midfielder Michael Essien, Chelsea is reportedly weighing up their options with regards to cover in the position.

Busquets has rapidly risen through the ranks at the Nou Camp to become regarded as one of the world's best in his position, making an impact at both domestic and international level since making his first team debut for the Catalan outfit in 2008.

The Spaniard would also add youth to an ageing squad at Stamford Bridge, whilst joining a growing crop of compatriots at Chelsea with Fernando Torres and Juan Mata already in the ranks.

Manchester United Eyes Double Samba Swoop

Manchester United are rumoured to be keeping tabs on Brazil's latest twin talents Alex and Andre Santos reports talkSPORT.

The pair, who recently signed four-year deals with Eredivisie outfit Vitesse, are yet to appear for the first-team, but are tipped for bright futures having emerged from South America with big reputations.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a known admirer of young, up-and-coming talent from that part of the world, having snapped up teenage twins Rafael and Fabio Da Silva from Fluminese three years ago.

And history could be about to repeat itself, as Fergie deploys his team of Manchester United scouts to run the rule over the promising duo, with a view to bringing the 19-year-old siblings to Old Trafford.

The Santos brothers will be monitored closely, to see how they are progressing in Holland, before the Barclays Premier League champions make a decision - based very much on the future of Manchester United football club - as to whether or not they could have a future with the Reds.

Sources in Brazil have indicated that United's track record with the success of the Da Silva twins means the Santos brothers are well-placed as they look to realize their dream.

Bayern Munich Plot January Raid For Chelsea Star

Bayern Munich is set to make a move for Chelsea winger Florent Malouda when the transfer window re-opens in January.

Germany's leading sports magazine Kicker is reporting that Bayern Munich are showing a big interest in the French international and are hoping to finalize a deal to bring him to the club in the new year.

Malouda was linked with a switch away from Stamford Bridge during the summer following the arrival of Juan Mata, but the move never materialized.

AC Milan and Juventus have also been linked with the 31-year-old, but Bayern Munich is confident they can win the race to clinch his signature.

Malaga Keen On Real Madrid's Esteban Granero

Malaga is looking to sign Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero, news daily AS claims.

The 24-year-old has only appeared as a late substitute so that this season, in the capital side's 4-2 La Liga victory against Getafe.

Granero has reportedly grown unhappy at his lack of playing time at the Santiago Bernabeu and is currently assessing his options.

And a move to Malaga appears to be Granero's liking as it would spell a reunion with coach Manuel Pellegrini, under whom he enjoyed his most successful period at Real Madrid.

The Chilean boss is reportedly interested in adding to his central midfield, an area in which Malaga are short of numbers.

It is believed Madrid would not stand in the way of a transfer for Granero, who re-signed for the Copa del Rey holders in the summer of 2009 after two seasons at Getafe.

David Beckham Wanted By Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed he would like to bring David Beckham to the club.

During the LA Galaxy midfielder's loan spells in Italy with AC Milan, Beckham was managed by the Brazilian.

Asked if the Qatari-owned club would consider signing the 36-year-old former England captain, Leonardo told the BBC: "The door is open.

"He is more than a football player - he's a brand, a pop star. I would always consider him."

PSG, who last won the French league title in 1994, were Europe's second biggest spenders in the summer transfer window, with an outlay of £75.6m - just £3m less than Manchester City.

Leonardo was hired by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) to revamp the Ligue 1 club and in just two months the former AC Milan and Inter coach has used his extensive contacts to reshape the PSG squad.

Half of that £75.6m was used to buy Argentine star Javier Pastore, who credited Leonardo with persuading him to join the club.

PSG spent six times more than French champions Lille, who brought in Liverpool's Joe Cole on loan.

Asked if he would like to follow suit and sign any English players, Leonardo said: "Why not? I have an English player who I really like and I worked with him.

"It's someone that I really appreciate and admire so much - his values and everything he has done in football. It's David Beckham - a big brand of English football.

"I coached him in AC Milan and we created a good relationship. He is more than a football player, but when you see him every day he trains and plays like a kid.

"He respects the rules, listens to you and wants the best for the team. That's why for me he is a big example. I worked with him and that's why I talk about his name."

Beckham's contract with LA Galaxy runs out at the end of the Major League Soccer season, but he has already been linked with Premier League clubs Spurs and QPR and he is keen to be a member of the Great Britain squad at the London Olympics next summer.

As well as the recruitment of players, Leonardo spoke about the importance of creating a new brand for PSG to enable them to compete with Europe's top clubs in the Champions League.

"We have the Eiffel Tower in our club badge - we have to use that - it's not only French, but a worldwide brand," said Leonardo.

Former LA Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas has talked of the "incredible" impact Beckham's arrival in the United States in 2007 had on the MLS club in boosting shirt sales, sponsorship and appearance fees, as well as helping to make the Galaxy brand "international".

Established in 2005 by the son of the Emir and heir to the Qatari throne - Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani - QSI has a five-year plan to turn the sleeping Parisian giants into a major European powerhouse. The club finished fourth in last season's Ligue 1 and qualified for the Europa League.

During the transfer window, PSG also tried to sign Dimitar Berbatov, Adel Taarabt, Samir Nasri and Brazilians Ganso and Neymar.

Qatar is attempting to build on its controversial success in winning the right to host the 2022 World Cup.

The Qatar Foundation last year signed a £126m sponsorship deal with Barcelona - a first for the Spanish champions and Champions League winners - while another member of the Qatari ruling family bought Spanish club Malaga last year.