Chelsea To Move For £30m AC Milan Star

Chelsea are weighing up a bid for AC Milan's Alexandre Pato as they seek to revamp their squad for the new season.

The Blues are currently in the Far East competing in the Barclays Asia Trophy where they beat Hong Kong champions Kitchee 4-0. While Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge, impressed during the rout, doubts remain in manager Andre Villas-Boas' mind about the futures of Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou and they could be moved on despite their desire to stay.

Pato has been on the Londoner's radar for the last two seasons and while owner Roman Abramovich's last vanity purchase - £50m Spain international Fernando Torres - is yet to make his mark in a blue shirt, Villas-Boas could be ready to give the green light to the pursuit of the Brazil striker especially after seeing another . The 21-year-old would cost a minimum of £30m but after seeing long-term target Sergio Aguero head to Manchester City, a bid is looking likelier by the minute.

And Pato would certainly be worth the money. An excellent finisher with both feet and potent in the air despite not being the tallest striker around, he found the back of the net 14 times in just 25 games last season after suffering a spate of niggling injuries. AC Milan will not want to lose their star striker but might find a huge offer too good to turn down especially with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho also on their books and attempts being made to lure Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger to the San Siro.

Lugano Set For Juve Talks

Juventus will start talks for Diego Lugano after the defender’s agent reportedly touched down in Milan.

The Uruguay and Fenerbahce centre-back was again linked with the Old Lady earlier this week and a move could be on the horizon.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Juan Figuel has arrived in Italy ahead of a probable meeting with Juve director general Beppe Marotta.

The Bianconeri are in need of a new central defender for the campaign ahead.

Lugano, 30, would be a low cost solution for the Bianconeri seeing as he could be sold for just €3.5m.

Liverpool Attempt Copa America Star Transfer After Work Permit Issues Resolved

Liverpool are set to reignite their transfer pursuit of Diego Godin after the Uruguay international defender won Spanish citizenship.

Atletico Madrid have already sold a number of their best players this summer, with Diego de Gea having moved to Manchester United and Sergio Aguero seemingly set for Man City.

Godin may well join his former team-mates in the north west of England then, as well as his international colleague Luis Suarez at Liverpool.

Suarez is believed to have extolled the virtues of life at Anfield under Kenny Dalglish, and as a result the central defender signing Liverpool fans have craved could soon happen.

The 25 year-old has won 47 caps for Uruguay, scoring three goals in the process, and having gained Spanish citizenship will not require a work permit.

Emmanuel Emenike Set For Fenerbahce Exit

Fenerbahce striker Emmanuel Emenike has been tipped to make a swift exit from the Turkish outfit he joined just two months ago.

Emenike's stay at the club has been tempestuous so far. Initially, reports surfaced that there was a seven-year discrepancy between his real age and the age printed on his passport, and then he was one of the players arrested in the corruption scandal currently plaguing Turkish football.

It seems that the Fenerbahce hierarchy has lost patience with the Nigerian international, with the club announcing to the stock exchange that they are willing to listen to offers for the 24-year-old.

"If an offer comes from an overseas club, then talks will begin over the transfer of Emmanuel Chinenye Emenike."

Emenike moved to Fenerbahce for a fee of €9 million, but the former Cape Town man has yet to make his debut for the side.

Newcastle Snub Blues Offer

Skysports.com understands Newcastle have rebuffed Birmingham's request to sign Nile Ranger on loan.

As revealed by skysports.com earlier this week, Birmingham made an enquiry to land Ranger as they look to solve their striking problems.

Birmingham is short of options in attack, with Nikola Zigic, Marlon King and Cameron Jerome sidelined through injury and Blues boss Chris Hughton was keen to raid former club Newcastle for Ranger.

The Championship outfit, who are thought to be struggling financially, were keen on taking Ranger on a six-month loan.

However, Newcastle has rejected their offer as they will only consider a permanent deal for the 20-year-old this summer.

Ranger, who has also attracted interest from Blackpool this summer, is thought to be surplus to requirements at St James' Park, with the player not figuring in Alan Pardew's plans.

It remains to be seen if Birmingham will come back in for Ranger, with Newcastle hoping to offload the former Southampton youngster before the close of the transfer window.

No Offers Yet For Gary Cahill - Bolton

Bolton manager Owen Coyle has reminded his sought-after defender Gary Cahill to focus on performing well where he is, saying that he has not yet received any offers for the player.

Arsenal is believed to be among the suitors for the 25-year-old who has impressed at the Reebok Stadium since joining in 2008.

But Coyle told Sky Sports News: “I know there is interest from other clubs, nothing concrete in terms of offers, but all these elite clubs know he is an outstanding player so we will have to wait and see what happens with that.”

The former Aston Villa man has started to break into the England national setup during his time at Bolton, having earned his first caps last season.

And his manager is keen to make sure that Cahill is focused on performing to the best of his ability while he remains on the books.

“I think it is well known the belief I have in Gary Cahill, the quality he has, but that's the nature of football,” Coyle said after Cahill scored the second goal in Bolton’s 2-0 pre-season victory over Bury.

“It only takes a phone call for it to all change but I have said to him he is a Bolton Wanderers player, he is well paid by Bolton Wanderers and he has to make sure he is focused to do the job in hand until something was to change.

“He is such an outstanding player that we are very fortunate to have him.”

Cahill has made over 100 league appearances for the Trotters since joining three summers ago.

German Winger David Odonkor Begins Trial At Rangers

Rangers have taken German winger David Odonkor on trial after the 27-year-old was released by Real Betis.

The former Borussia Dortmund player will spend a few days with Ally McCoist's side after an injury-strewn five years in Spain.

Odonkor, who won 16 caps between 2006 and 2008, had several knee operations whilst with Betis.

McCoist signed winger Juanma Ortiz earlier this summer but Rangers are short of natural wide players.

Afellay Quiet On Spurs Link

Barcelona playmaker Ibrahim Afellay is keeping quiet over rumours linking him with a move to Tottenham.

The Netherlands international arrived at Camp Nou from PSV in January but has struggled to force his way into Pep Guardiola's first team.

Spurs are thought to have made the 25-year-old a target this summer, with reports suggesting they have tabled an offer.

And while Afellay insists he is focused on Barca, the Dutchman stopped short of denying that Tottenham have made a bid.

Asked if the speculation was true, he told AS: "Look, if there is anything that is clear it's that rumours are part of football and we must learn to live with them, but now I'm just focused on Barcelona.

"I'm aware (of the reports) because I read the information arriving from England. People call you and say they have seen such a thing."

Afellay, who is tied to a four-and-a-half-year contract at Barca, has also reportedly attracted interest from Juventus and Lazio this summer.

But the midfielder insists he is happy with the European champions and keen to secure more regular first-team action.

"It's perfect. I feel happy. On a sporting level, I hope to express my potential," he added.

"(Playing more) is my intention, of course. I want to play as much as possible."

Park Hopes To Sign Soon

Manchester United's South Korean ace Park Ji-sung hopes to sign his contract extension soon.

After struggling to make an impact during his early years following his move from PSV Eindhoven in 2005, the midfielder has emerged as a key figure in recent seasons at Old Trafford.

Last term he scored the winner against Arsenal, while he was then on target with United's crucial second in their UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea in April.

So far this pre-season, the South Korean, who has been offered a two-year contract extension, has scored in three of United's four games on their tour of North America.

He is delighted to have proved his worth for the Red Devils and hopes to sign his contract extension soon.

"It's on the table now so maybe, hopefully (we can) get it done quickly," he told Sky Sports News.

"I keep saying I want to stay at Manchester United for more years.

"Hopefully one day we will get together and sort it out."

Some believed his move to the Red Devils in 2005 was a cynical marketing move, designed to sell shirts in the Far East, and Park is delighted to have proved the doubters wrong.

He added: "At first, some said I was selling T-shirts. It didn't hurt. It was my first year and maybe they thought an Asian player could not perform in European football.

"I proved it was the wrong thing to think and I am delighted with that.

"I have proved I can play in European football."

Other Premier League teams are starting to look at South Korea as a recruiting ground, with Bolton having made a home for Chung Yong-lee while Sunderland signed Won Ji-dong.

Park believes there are other compatriots who have the capability to follow his lead.

"More Korean players will come here," he said.

"There are Korean players who have the talent to play in Europe. Hopefully they can come over to play and show how much Asian football has improved."

Cazorla Completes Move

Malaga has completed the signing of Spain international Santi Cazorla for an undisclosed fee from Villarreal.

The Andalusian outfit brokered a deal with the Yellow Submarine on Tuesday and now the 26-year-old has passed his medical and penned a five-year contract.

The midfielder, who will be presented by his new club on August 1, now has a €45million (£39.5m) release clause in his new long-term contract.

No fee has been announced but reports in Spain suggest Malaga will pay around €20m (£17.5m), which would be a club record.

Cazorla becomes the 10th new arrival at La Rosaleda this summer, following the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Joaquin and Jeremy Toulalan, and he will link up with his new team-mates on their current tour to Holland.

The Spaniard, who has 34 international caps, was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2008, although he missed out on World Cup glory two years later after a season spent battling injury.

Reo-Coker Signs For Bolton

Nigel Reo-Coker has joined Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer, according to reports.

Reo-Coker parted company with Aston Villa at the end of last season after his contract expired, ending his four-year stay at the club having signed from West Ham for £7.5 million in 2007.

The midfielder, 27, scored once in 85 Premier League starts for Villa, and, despite playing on 30 occasions for the Midlands club last season, he was released this summer.

It is reported that Reo-Coker has inked a two-year contract at Bolton after passing a medical and holding talks with Trotters manager Owen Coyle. He becomes the club's second signing of the summer, following on from Darren Pratley's arrival from Swansea.

Velez Sarsfield's Maxi Moralez Agrees Atalanta Switch

Velez Sarsfield star Maxi Moralez is gearing up for an Italian adventure, after agreeing terms with Atalanta.

La Nacion reports that the diminutive No. 10 will fly to Bergamo on Wednesday to undergo a medical and put his signature on the contract with the Italian club. Velez had no choice but to release their star when Atalanta met Moralez's buy-out clause, valued at €4.5 million.

Speaking after his final training session with the Argentine champions on Tuesday, Maxi admitted that he would leave Velez with a heavy heart.

"I am 24 years old and I think the time is right to go to Europe. I had a wonderful time in Velez and I won two titles, I will leave with great memories of the club, the fans and my team-mates," he affirmed.

A product of Racing Club's youth academy, this will be Moralez's second attempt to break into European football, after a move to Russia's FC Moscow failed to work out.

Tevez Closing In On A Move To Inter Milan

Manchester City could complete a like-for-like swap this weekend as Carlos Tevez’s move to Inter Milan nears completion.

Sergio Aguero was in Manchester on Wednesday undergoing a medical before a £38m move from Atletico Madrid and that could signal the end of Tevez’s time at Eastlands.

Tuttosport, a respected Italian sports newspaper, claims that Inter will meet with City bosses this weekend with a view to bringing an end to Tevez’s transfer saga.

The Italian media has repeatedly reported that Tevez’s agent Kia Joorabchian has met with Inter bosses in the months since the former West Ham man announced the wanted to leave the club in December.

City are believed to want at least £40million for their talismanic skipper.

Man United Ready To Make Move For Want-Away Real Madrid Star

Man United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly preparing a move to sign out of favour Real Madrid star Lassana Diarra after hearing that the French international had failed to report to pre-season training as the La Liga giants training camp at Valdebebas.

The 26 year old midfielder was not selected by Jose Mourinho for the club’s tour of the US and is expected to be allowed to leave as soon as an acceptable offer is made for his services. Ferguson has been a long term admirer of the former Chelsea and Arsenal enforcer and now may well appear to be the right time to make an offer for the £15m rated Parisian.

Man United have already spent out over £50m to bring Ashley Young, Phil Jones and David de Gea from Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Atletico Madrid respectively and the good relationship he enjoys with Mourinho may help in Ferguson’s quest to bring Diarra back to the Premier League.

Diarra failed to secure regular first team football at both Chelsea and Arsenal before a move to Portsmouth saw his star rise and after one hugely successful season at Fratton Park the Paris born former Le Havre man was sold to Real Madrid.

Ferguson is looking to further improve his squad as he looks to maintain his stranglehold on the Premier League title as well as challenging for a Champions League triumph. Whilst the Old Trafford boss has a number of central midfield options the likes of Anderson, Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher are not out and out defensive midfield options, hence the Man United manager looking at possible additions to fill that role.

The likes of Juventus, Fenerbahce and a number of Ligue 1 sides are said to be keen on Lassana Diarra but a return to the Premier League, where he arguably displayed his best form, may well tempt the defensive midfielder.

Real Madrid To Offer Arsenal £25m Star Striker

Real Madrid will offer Arsenal striker Karim Benzema for £25million as they prepare their move for Manchester City captain Carlos Tevez.

Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho has decided to move for the City talisman after losing out to the Blues in the race for Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero.

Tevez, 27, has declared his intention to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer because he wants to be closer to his family.

The Argentinian has already seen one £40million bid from Corinthians fall through and has been trying to drum up interest from Inter Milan.

But the Serie A club cannot afford to buy him and pay his astronomical wages, leaving Real with a clear shot to Mourinho’s new number one target.

With Aguero moving to City, boss Roberto Mancini will be looking to offload Tevez so the club does not fall foul of the the new Financial Fair Play rules.

Real will hope to finance the deal by selling Frenchman Benzema to Arsenal for what would be a club record £25million.

The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is a long-term admirer of the forward and could have plenty of disposable cash available if Cesc Fabregas completes a £40million move to Barcelona.

Mourinho has stated his desire of buying one striker this summer and would love the chance to link Tevez up with Cristiano Ronaldo again, following their days together at Manchester United.

Newcastle Plot Shock £22m Double Swoop For Tottenham Duo

Newcastle United are lining up a shock £22m double raid on Tottenham for strikers Peter Crouch and Jermain Defoe.

Magpies boss Alan Pardew has money to spend following the £35m sale of Andy Carroll to Liverpool in January is looking to splash the cash on two new forwards.

Crouch and Defoe have emerged as his top targets after both players were seemingly made available to purchase by the North London club.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is looking to freshen up his attack after a disappointing goals return from his strikers last season and he could offload the experienced duo to make way for new faces.

Peter Crouch has been on Newcastle's radar for some time but, according to The Sun, the £9m price tag cooled their interest.

While Defoe would take some convincing to quit London, but may be willing to move to the North East to help ensure his England career stays on track after a disappointing season in which he scored just 4 goals and lost his place in the Spurs attack.

Pardew is hoping Redknapp’s eagerness to overhaul is flagging strike force could result in £22m double bid being accepted by the White Hart Lane Club.

Manchester United Fight Barcelona For Transfer Of £10m Brazilian

Manchester United and Barcelona are both preparing offers for Flamengo starlet Adryan, according to talkSPORT, but may balk at the Brazilian club's asking price.

Flamengo are reportedly demanding £10m, which is an astonishingly high fee for a 16 year-old, but the young attacking midfielder may eventually prove worth it.

Manchester United attempted to bring Adryan on trial in April, but to no avail, and now face competition from Barcelona for their man.

TalkSPORT now claim both teams have now approached the teenager's agent Rodrigo Pitta, and Flamengo may consider dropping their asking price should either club allow Adryan to stay in Brazil until the age of 18.

That strategy worked for Manchester United with the twin fullbacks Rafael and Fabio, and should Adryan develop at his current rate it could work again.

The 16 year-old has earned comparisons with Kaka, due to his elegant running with the ball, but in truth tends to play in a different position.

Adryan cuts in from the left wing onto his stronger right foot, and his dribbling and creativity were a big part of Brazil Under-17s progress to the semi-finals of the U17 World Cup.

He is certainly one for the future, but the race may be on to secure his signature sooner rather than later.

Bulgarian FA Blocks Marquinhos Move Over Unpaid Debts

The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has blocked Brazilian-born midfielder Marquinhos's move from CSKA Sofia to Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta over unpaid debts to several clubs.

The 29-year-old, who was capped by Bulgaria immediately after obtaining citizenship earlier this year, had agreed a three-year contract on Monday but the BFU has held up the transfer, claiming CSKA owed money to three local sides.

"The transfer is blocked as CSKA still owe 421,000 levs ($319,022) to Sliven," BFU vice-president Yordan Lechkov told local media on Wednesday. "They'll not be allowed to sell or buy players until the debts are settled."

Lechkov added that CSKA also owed money to Chernomorets Burgas and Slavia Sofia, without revealing the amounts.

CSKA, however, plan to appeal the decision in court.

"We're preparing a complaint to the Sofia prosecutor as we think the actions undertaken by the BFU are unlawful and lower the prestige of the club," the 31-times Bulgarian champions CSKA said in a statement.

The Cypriot club also expects the transfer to proceed but the delay will prevent them from using the midfielder as soon as they had hoped.

"We have a perfectly legitimate contract with Marquinhos and CSKA and we should be able to sign him in 30 days according to UEFA's rules," Anorthosis coach Stanimir Stoilov told Bulgarian media.

"But the delay will affect our plans as we wanted to use Marquinhos in the Europa League."

Anorthosis play Macedonia's Rabotnicki in the third qualifying round of the European competition over two legs on Thursday and Aug. 4.

Walcott Set For Ankle Scan

Arsene Wenger has revealed Theo Walcott has left Arsenal's training camp in Germany to undergo a scan on a recurring ankle problem.

England international Walcott, 22, sat out training on Monday before the decision was made to send him home and try to fix the problem before Arsenal start their Premier League campaign against Newcastle next month.

Wenger, who will start the new season hoping to guide his side to a first piece of silverware in six years, told the club's official website the injury required 'investigation'.

"Theo went home early and was due to have an MRI," he said.

"It is an ankle injury that comes and goes. We need some more investigation because sometimes he's completely free of it and sometimes it affects him. But we had to send him back because he couldn't practice anymore."

Meanwhile, Wenger also confirmed young midfielder Conor Henderson is set to miss at least six months of the season.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international was stretchered off in the closing stages of Saturday's 2-1 win over Cologne and his injury has now been confirmed.

Wenger said: "Conor has a knee injury and it looks as if it is a cruciate. That means unfortunately that he will be out for six months at the very least."

Arsenal's pre-season comes to a head this weekend when they play Boca Juniors and New York Red Bulls in the fifth Emirates Cup, and Wenger is looking forward to clashing with the 23-time Argentinian champions.

"The South Americans will cycle the ball at a slow pace and suddenly try to kill you, so it's always a good experience - and they have all the tricks of street football too," he added.

"They can slow the game down, they always have good technique and intelligent behaviour at the back. It's always difficult to score goals against them. Boca Juniors is a great name of world football, so it will be interesting."

Brescia Rue Hamsik Sale

Brescia President Gino Corioni still has regrets over his decision to sell Marek Hamsik to Napoli in 2007.

The Slovakian was sold by the Lombard outfit for €5.5m back then and he’s now worth at least five times that amount.

“I regret letting Hamsik go to Napoli for such a low price,” Corioni told Radio CRC on Wednesday afternoon.

Hamsik was rumoured to be a €30m target for Milan this summer, but the attacking midfielder will remain at the San Paolo.

“He’s made the right decision in staying at Napoli because that club wants to construct a great side,” the Brescia chief added.

“Hamsik is not a top champion, but he is still irreplaceable. Players with his characteristics should not be sold.”

The Slovakian international today celebrates his 24th birthday.