Arsenal Face Uphill Battle To Sign Valencia Midfielder

Valencia have warned Arsenal that they will not let midfielder Daniel Parejo leave the club without a battle as they try to convince the 22-year-old to stay in Spain.

Arsenal had emerged as the favourites to sign the former Real Madrid youngster as he had fallen out of favour with Valencia boss Unai Emery earlier in the season.

Parejo was signed from Madrid based side Getafe in the summer for €6million but did not make his debut for the club until October 15 and it seemed as though he was destined to leave the club in the New Year.

Arsenal is keen to strengthen their midfield in January after the summer departures of Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, with Parejo heavily linked with a move to the Emirates.

However, Valencia are now keen to hold onto the midfielder after learning that attacking midfielder Sergio Canales will be ruled out of action for six months with a knee injury.

The La Liga side is now hoping to hang on to the midfielder and according to Talksport will turn down any offer for the player in January.

Arsenal will still hope to persuade Parejo to make the move to the Premier League as the midfielder has previously had a spell in England when he went on-loan to QPR back in 2008.

Liverpool Alerted To Wantaway Munich Striker

Liverpool have been alerted to Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic, who has voiced his dissatisfaction at being left on the sidelines.

The Croatian, who had been linked with a surprise move to Liverpool over the summer has re-emerged as a target, after revealing to Goal.com his desire to leave the club if he remains on the substitute's bench.

Olic, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, has found himself fourth choice striker, behind Mario Gomez, Nils Petersen and Thomas Muller.

Speaking after Bayern's 6-0 victory over Ingolstadt, in which he was used as a second half substitute, Olic said: "With each workout I feel a little bit better.

"But I was disappointed that I could not play from the beginning today. In the end I was happy to come on for a half hour.

"I always hope that I will play. I was injured a long time, maybe I need to have more patience. Nevertheless, I feel well and I've always said that I would not be happy if I did not play. And I will say it again now.

"When I see that I am no longer being given playing time, then I have to think about a change.

"I've always said that I will not be happy if I'm sitting on the bench during the winter of my career. If I cannot play here, then I will try to elsewhere."

Liverpool currently have four strikers on their books, but with Dirk Kuyt often used as a midfielder and Andy Carroll misfiring, Olic would find more first team opportunities at Anfield than the Allianz Arena.

Man City Poised To Open Cheque Book Again To Land Belgian Ace

Manchester City is set to renew their interest in Belgian winger Yassine El Ghanassy when the transfer window re-opens in January.

El Ghanassy, 21, has been one of the star performers for Gent and has also attracted interest from Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Lille.

Roberto Mancini was strongly linked with a move for the talented midfielder throughout the summer but the move never materialized.

Mancini is determined to maintain Manchester City's position at the top of the Premier League and wants to ensure his squad has enough depth to cope with all the games they will face in the second half of the season.

El Ghanassy mainly operates on the left wing, but his versatility will appeal to the City boss as he can also play in the centre or down the right hand side.

City are likely to face a battle for his signature as several big clubs across Europe are also keen and reports in France suggest that Lille see him as the ideal replacement for Eden Hazard who looks set to leave the club next summer.

Wenger Sends Scouts To Watch Welsh Teenage Sensation

Arsenal is reportedly casting their eye over Macclesfield teenager Elliot Hewitt and is contemplating a move in the new year.

The 17-year-old defender has broken into the League Two club's first-team this season and has already made nine appearances in all competitions.

He is capped for Wales' Under-17 side and made his first appearance for the Under-21s in August.

And according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners have been made aware of his sharp progress and have sent scouts to watch him in action.

If Arsenal's scouts return to Wenger with positive reports, it is thought he will make an approach when the transfer window reopens in January.

Wenger has long focused his transfer policy on recruiting the world's finest young talents and will add Hewitt to Arsenal's ranks if the player continues to impress for Macclesfield.

The League Two club reportedly value Hewitt at around £1.5m but it is unclear whether they would demand add-ons should Arsenal pursue the young centre-back in the new year.

Newcastle Face Fierce Rivals In Pursuit Of Senegal Striker

Newcastle reportedly faces competition from fierce rivals Sunderland in their pursuit of Freiburg striker Papiss Demba Cisse.

The St James' Park club had a bid rejected in the summer for Cisse, thought to be worth around £10m, as Alan Pardew desperately searched for a long-term replacement for the departed Andy Carroll.

And while Demba Ba, brought in from West Ham, has proved to be a success, Pardew is still reportedly keen to strengthen his forward options and has not lost interest in Cisse.

However, it is now thought he must see off the interest of rivals Sunderland, who are also reportedly interested in the 26-year-old Senegal international.

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has been left short of strikers following the return of loanee Danny Welbeck to Manchester United and the loan exit of Asamoah Gyan to UAE club Al-Ain.

Peter Crouch and Connor Wickham have both been brought to the Stadium of Light but it is thought Bruce is plotting a January move for Cisse to help kickstart their season.

If Newcastle and Sunderland are to firm up their interest with officials bids, they must be willing to pay as Cisse is valued by Freiburg at around £12m.

QPR's Playmaker Being Watched By Serie A Contenders

Italian side Napoli is reportedly interested in signing QPR's volatile midfielder Adel Taarabt who is being linked with a move away from Loftus Road.

Taarabt fell out with manager Neil Warnock over the summer when he suggested that he should be playing for a top European club and suggested that Paris Saint-Germain were interested in signing him.

The talented midfielder has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League and in recent weeks has appeared to become more and more frustrated at QPR.

Against Chelsea at the weekend the midfielder argued with captain Joey Barton over the taking of a penalty and a few weeks ago stormed away from the ground after being substituted against Fulham.

Reports have suggested that Taarabt may try and leave the west London club in January and according to tribalfootball.com, Napoli are keen to bring the playmaker to Serie A.

Napoli finished second last season and are currently in the same Champions League group as Manchester City and are hoping to qualify for the knock-out stages.

The Italian outfit is also worried about losing Ezequiel Lavezzi or Marek Hamsik in January as the midfielders have been attracting interest from around Europe.

Manchester United Eyeing Up Potential Move For Nicolas Gaitan

Manchester United has made Benfica midfielder Nicolás Gaitán a target for the January transfer window, but will have to meet a £40 million release clause to sign him.

Gaitán, who impressed during United’s 1-1 draw against the Portuguese club in a Champions League group fixture last month, has been watched repeatedly by Sir Alex Ferguson’s European scouting team in recent months.

As a result of interest from United, Inter Milan and Paris St Germain, Benfica have secured the 23 year-old to a five-year contract this week, which will see the Argentine more than double his annual salary to £2 million.

But despite increasing Gaitán’s wages, Benfica have been unable to increase the release clause within the player’s contract beyond the existing £40 million trigger fee.

United, who are also monitoring Anderlecht’s Argentine midfielder Lucas Biglia, remain in the market for an attacking midfielder after failing in summer attempts to sign Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder and Samir Nasri, who rejected United in favour of a move from Arsenal to Manchester City.

Although Gaitán has largely been deployed as a left-sided winger by Benfica in recent months, the former Boca Juniors player has regularly played in an advanced role behind midfield and attack, a position United have yet to fill following Paul Scholes’s retirement at the end of last season.

Benfica are determined to resist attempts to sign Gaitán, however, and are understood to be keen to retain the player’s services for at least another 18 months.

Arsenal Set For £25m Inter Milan Swap Offer

Inter Milan are preparing a swap offer for Arsenal midfield dynamo Aaron Ramsey. Corriere dello Sport says Inter Milan is ready to test Arsenal’s resolve with a £17.5 million bid for Ramsey. Inter could also offer Ricardo Alvarez as a makeweight in a bid to tempt Arsenal to sell Ramsey, aged 20.

The Argentinian playmaker was a target for Arsene Wenger before he opted to join Inter in a £10.25m deal during the summer. But Alvarez has struggled to settle in Italy and he has only appeared three times for the Nerazzurri this season.

Arsenal boss tracked Ricardo Alvarez extensively before he opted to move to the San Siro from Velez Sarsfield in July and thus far the playmaker hasn’t had much of a chance to shine under new boss Claudio Ranieri and a move to North London may appeal to the 23 year old Argentine international.

However Wenger’s interest in the talented attacking midfielder is not likely to lead to him considering a swap deal that would see Welsh international Aaron Ramsey leaving for Italy. The Welsh international has taken a while to bed in at the Emirates Stadium, and clearly his long injury lay-off (following a shocking challenge from Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross) has clearly hampered his development.

Ramsey is still just 20 though and has the potential to be a big star at Arsenal and is a player Arsene Wenger will look to build his midfield around and this is all the more important now that Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have left.

Inter Milan had reportedly previously been linked with a move for Russian international Andrei Arshavin and a swap deal involving the out of sorts 30 year old would appear to have more chance of success.

Aaron Ramsey has now racked up over 70 first team appearances for the Gunners and over the past couple of months has begun to show the kind of player many had thought he could be and as such a move away from Arsenal any time soon is hugely unlikely.

Tottenham Set To Swoop For Moroccan Defender

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp is set to step up his pursuit of a new defender and has set his sights on Udinese's Mehdi Benatia.

The Morocco international played a key role in helping Udinese finish fourth last season and qualifying for the Champions League play-offs, but they got knocked-out by Premier League side Arsenal over two legs.

Benatia's performances this season have been impressive and he is playing an important part in the team who are currently second in Serie A.

His performances haven't gone unnoticed and it is believed there is interest from other clubs in Italy, Spain and England.

However it felt Tottenham are one of the favourites to acquire the services of Benatia as Redknapp looks to strengthen his back line with Ledley King, Michael Dawson, and William Gallas all out injured.

Speaking to Radio CRC, the 24-year-olds agent Claudio Vagheggi said: "Benatia is an important player so it is normal that several clubs have looked at him.

"Udinese, however, are currently reluctant to discuss transfers, there is interest from some English and Spanish clubs."

It is believed a bid of in the region of £12million could see Udinese part company with one of their prized assets.

Carling Cup Wrap-Up

Manchester City continued their impressive goalscoring form into the Carling Cup as they brushed aside Wolves 5-2 to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Roberto Mancini made 11 changes from the side that humbled Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday, but they had no problem picking up where their teammates left off.

After falling behind to Nenad Milijas’ 18th minute strike City hit back through Adam Johnson, Samir Nasri and Edin Dzeko to take a healthy lead into the break.

And a second-half own goal from Wolves goalkeeper Dorus De Vries and a second strike from Dzeko put the Premier League leaders en route to repeating their derby success before Jamie O’Hara struck back to make it 5-2.

Ten-man Chelsea joined City in the quarter-finals as they edged past Everton 2-1 thanks to Daniel Sturridge’s 116th minute strike in an eventful game.

Nicolas Anelka missed a penalty before Salomon Kalou put the Bues into a first-half lead, before goalkeeper Ross Turnbull was given his marching orders after clattering Louis Saha.

But substitute Petr Cech stepped up to save Leighton Baines’ resulting penalty and the rebound, however, Saha struck late on to earn extra-time before Sturridge sealed the victory with just minutes remaining.

A Luis Suarez brace ensured Liverpool’s safe route too, as they eased past Stoke 2-1 at the Britannia Stadium.

Kenwyne Jones headed the Potters ahead minutes before half-time but Suarez struck in the 54th and 85th minutes to earn a memorable win.

In the other game Blackburn beat Newcastle 4-3 after extra-time at Ewood Park, but only just.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead thanks to Ruben Rochina and Yakubu goals, Rovers contrived to let Newcastle back into the game as Danny Guthrie and Yohan Cabaye scored in added time to pull themselves back from the brink of defeat.

Morten Gamst Pedersen put the home side back in front in the 99th minute before a Peter Lovenkrands penalty saw Newcastle equalise for a third time.

Then with seconds remaining on the clock Gael Givet headed home from Chris Samba’s knock down to nick a dramatic win and finally give Steve Kean something to smile about.

Meanwhile, Manchester United began their recovery from a 6-1 thumping against Manchester City by booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup with a convincing 3-0 win against Aldershot.

The League Two side began well and gave a spirited display as they took the game to the Premier League champions but first-half goals from Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen all but killed off their hopes of progression.

And by the time Antonio Valencia thumped in a stunning long-range effort in the 48th minute to make it 3-0 it was game over.

Arsenal progressed to their ninth consecutive Carling Cup quarter-final as they came from behind to beat Bolton 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.

Fabrice Muamba, a former Gunner, opened the scoring for Bolton early in the second-half but less than ten minutes later Andrey Arshavin and Chu-Young Park goals had continued Arsenal’s winning run and heaped more misery on Bolton boss Owen Coyle's shoulders.

Elsewhere Championship sides Cardiff and Crystal Palace also got into the last eight, Cardiff winning 1-0 against Burnley thanks to Joe Mason’s goal and Palace beating Southampton 2-0 with late strikes from Darren Ambrose and Jermaine Easter.

Chelsea Ready Offer For Unwanted AC Milan And Brazil Superstar

Chelsea are waiting in the wings after learning that AC Milan have told Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato that he is no longer 'indispensable' to the club after a dip in form.

The 22-year-old was viewed as one of the stars of the club and has already scored 50 league goals in just 105 appearances in Serie A and last season helped fire Milan to the league title.

Pato scored a memorable goal in the Champions League earlier this season against Barcelona but has since struggle with injuries and a loss of form.

In his absence Milan have teamed Antonio Cassano with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Kevin Prince Boateng has emerged as goal-scoring midfielder as he fired a hat-trick at the weekend to inspire an amazing comeback from 3-0 down to eventually win 4-3.

According to reports in Milan, manager Max Allegri has warned the young striker that he may struggle to get back into the first team and is essentially on trial until the end of the season.

Pato, who has scored six times for Brazil in 18 appearances, is still highly regarded by a host of European clubs with both Barcelona and Chelsea known to be interested in the striker.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and manager Andre Villas-Boas are both known admirers of Pato and should he become available at the end of the season then the west London club would almost certainly make an offer.

The Brazilian has previously been linked with a move and Milan had always suggested that it would take a mega offer of more than £40million for them to consider selling.

While it may still take this sort of offer, Chelsea would certainly not be put off as they attempt to find long term replacements for Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.

Arsenal Prepare To Make Sensational Move To Tottenham Striker

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is preparing a shock move for Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko.

According to reports in The Metro, Wenger is keeping tabs on the Russian international after the latest quotes from the player with regards to his future at White Hart Lane.

Pavlyuchenko has so far this season made just two appearances in the Premier League and feels he needs more regular first team football in order to start for Russia during Euro 2012.

The 29-year-old has also stated he like likes life in London, which as also alerted Premiership rivals Queens Park Rangers and Fulham.

However it is felt Arsenal could be Pavlyuchenko's preferred destination and could see him team up with Russian team-mate Anrdey Arshavin.

Speaking to Russian publication Sport Express, Pav said: "I don't believe I can fight my way into the Tottenham starting line-up. Players can feel what the manager thinks about them, and I know that the manager doesn't count on me these days.

"Something must change. I must play in order not to miss Euro 2012.

"You don't get into the national squad on past achievements. I will be 30 in December, and it could be my last big tournament.

"I don't know whether the club will execute that option [to sell me], but a good offer would definitely be considered.

"It would be silly of me to hide that I find life in London much better."

Manchester United Star Subject Of Shock Interest From Roma

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has reportedly become a shock target for big-spending Italian side Roma.

According to Insidefutbol.com, manager of the Serie A side, Luis Enrique, is a big admirer of the England centre-back and believes he could persuade him to leave United.

Ferdinand's position at Old Trafford is under more threat than ever before with the arrivals of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones and the emergence of Jonny Evans.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move to the MLS, but Roma are reportedly ready to offer him the chance to continue his career at the top level of European football.

It is thought that if they are given a clear indication that United are willing to sell Ferdinand, Roma will be ready with an official bid.

The chance to move abroad and test himself in another league could appeal to the former West Ham and Leeds player, particularly given that any move in England would surely be a step down.

Spurs Tracking Argentinian Wonderkid Ahead Of Summer Move

Tottenham are reportedly monitoring the progress of Argentinian wonderkid Paulo Dybala and are considering a move for the forward at the end of the season.

According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs are among a host of European clubs tracking the 17-year-old, who is being touted as one of the next big talents coming out of South America.

Dybala has drawn interest following his goal-scoring exploits this season. He has netted seven times in 11 appearances for second-division side Instituto.

It is thought Portuguese club Benfica are interested in Dybala, which has pleased the teenager.

"I have heard the interest of Benfica. They are a great club of course. But my agent who is processing my future, has kept me on the sidelines as much as possible,” he said.

"Argentine players always succeed at Benfica, I have seen them playing in European and Portuguese games on TV.

"Sometimes there are some league games but I’ve seen most of Benfica in the UEFA Champions League. I really like Aimar and Saviola."

However, Spurs will not be deterred in their pursuit of Dybala and it is thought Kia Joorabchian is trying to broker a deal for the north London club.

United Send Paul Scholes To Watch Jordan Rhodes

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Huddersfield striker Jordan Rhodes, after sending newly appointed scout Paul Scholes to run the rule over the free-scoring 21-year-old.

Scholes was in the stands at the Galpharm Stadium last night, where Rhodes found the net once again, as Huddersfield drew 2-2 with Scunthorpe United.

The strike was Rhodes' ninth in his last four matches for the Terriers, while a hat-trick for Scotland's Under-21's in-between means he has 12 goals in five matches for club and country, in a remarkable purple patch.

That superb form has led to increased speculation about Rhodes' future, with a host of Premier League clubs now increasing their interest in the powerful hitman, who bagged 22 strikes in all competitions last term.

Sir Alex Ferguson has since been put on to the player by Scotland Under-21 boss Billy Stark, and with United loanee Oliver Norwood also in action last night, he instructed newly appointed scout Scholes to take a closer look and report back.

However, should Ferguson decide to push ahead with a bid, it's likely to take up to £5 million to secure his services, after Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle warned off interested parties last week.

Everton Keeping Tabs On Bosnian International Striker

Everton manager David Moyes is set to step up his pursuit of a new striker and it is believed he is keeping tabs on free agent Zlatan Muslimovic.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina international has had spells with Serie A clubs Udinese, Parma and Atalanta.

Muslimovic was last with Greek side PAOK but his contract ran out in the summer and was not renewed. He currently plays alongside Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko in the Bosnian national side.

Scottish giants Rangers and a number of Championship sides were linked with moves for the 30-year-old in the summer but nothing materialized.

However, it is now thought Everton boss Moyes is keen to strengthen his attacking options and sees Muslimovic as an ideal signing.

Everton aren't the only side interested with Premier League rivals Fulham and Blackburn as well as German side Werder Bremen all believed to be tracking the player.

Speaking exclusively to Sportsvibe.co.uk, Muslimovic's agent Jan Dreyer said: "Scottish champions Rangers and a few Championship teams were interested in Zlatan during the summer, but he wants to play in the Premiership or the Bundesliga.

"Zlatan is a powerful forward and is very strong in the air, he's style of football would suit one of those leagues.

"A number of options are available to Zlatan and we will see what happens in January."

Tottenham Defender Becomes Surprise Target For Italian Giants

Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Italian side AS Roma who are keen to rebuild their squad in the New Year.

Roma have recently appointed Franco Baldini as the clubs director of football and the Italian has reportedly suggested to manager Luis Enrique that they attempt to land the defender.

Baldini previously worked with Fabio Capello as part of the England back room staff and has witnessed the talent of the young defender.

Italian newspaper Leggo reports that Baldini is convinced that Walker has a bright future ahead of him and is keen to bring the former Sheffield United defender to the Stadio Olimpico.

The 21-year-old has been with Tottenham since 2009 but has only become a first team regular this season after impressing on loan at Aston Villa last season.

Tottenham would certainly not want to let the athletic right-back leave the club but Baldini is convinced that Walker would jump at the chance to play abroad.

Spurs do have the likes of Kyle Naughton and Vedran Corluka, while Younes Kaboul has played on the right hand side of defence but boss Harry Redknapp would certainly want to keep the England Under-21 defender.

Valencia To Rival Arsenal For Sochaux Star's Signature

Valencia have joined the race for Arsenal target Marvin Martin.

The 23-year-old midfielder is among the players on Arsene Wenger's long wish-list and a New Year bid has been suggested.

But, earlier this month, Martin insisted that he has no intention of walking out on Sochaux halfway through the season.

And now reports in France have revealed that Spanish side Valencia are ready to wait until the summer to sign Martin, who they think could help fill the void left by Juan Mata - who left for Chelsea in August.

Martin is under contract with Sochaux until 2015 and is reportedly available for around £10m.

Manchester United To Resurrect Interest In Greek Sensation

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

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

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

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

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

Villas-Boas Targets January Deal For Italy Midfielder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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