Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 07 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Arsenal face Arshavin frustration
Arsenal tried to sign Andrei Arshavin from Zenit St Petersburg is organized by the Russian club in demand, according to his agent.

The Gunners and Italian side Juventus have been linked with a £ 20m deal, but said Dennis Lachter Zenit want the price to be paid in a lump sum.

He said: "They want money at once. They have done this way when they were £ 24m for Danny and they want the same thing.

"Many clubs are afraid of how Zenit Russia and other clubs to do business."

Despite the position of Zenit, Lachter said he is still confident Arshavin will leave the club in the January transfer window.

"This is going to happen," he added.

"There are 10, 15, 20 teams who are interested in him. The question is can we offer? "

Zenit coach Dick Advocaat has confirmed Arsenal's interest in the 27 years Shone during Euro 2008.

"I am aware that Arsenal are interested but I do not know any more than that," said Dutchman Advocaat.

"I am waiting for from Arshavin. He is a top player and could play for one of the best teams in England. "

"Arshavin has played for us last season but has not played as much as possible. There is still more to come from him and people will see this."

Russia, the season ended in November with Rubin Kazan fashioned claiming their first domestic title with the 2007 champions Zenit languishing in fifth.

In December, told BBC Sport that Lachter Zenit and the player, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham in the summer, decided that it should find a new club in January.

"It will move in January or the player and the club to lose money," he said.

"Andrei Zenit and that it is time for them to some of the other."

Lachter but denied reports that the player has visited the training grounds of Arsenal and Spurs on a recent trip to London.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 07 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Harewood agent denies Stoke talk
Marlon Harewood's agent has said Stoke City have not contacted Aston Villa about a possible move for the striker.

Press reports have linked the 29-year-old with a £2m move from Villa Park to the Britannia Stadium.

But Phil Sproson told BBC Radio Stoke: "To my knowledge nothing has been said to Aston Villa about Stoke getting hold of Marlon.

"That's all just paper talk at the moment but there has been conversations with other clubs."

Harewood has endured limited first-team chances at Villa this season and Sproson said the former West Ham man would be interested in a move from Birmingham if it meant regular football.

"I wouldn't say Marlon had a point to prove but he's certainly anxious to play football again," he said.

"If Stoke were serious about signing Marlon then he would be serious about talking to them."
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Ameobi pens new deal at Newcastle
Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi has approved a contract extension that will keep at St James' Park until 2012.

The 27-year-old, who began his career at Newcastle in 2000, has scored three goals in 14 matches this term.

Last season, he had a loan period at Stoke, but has not scored a short passage in a project and move to Ipswich collapsed when he failed a medical.

"I had not played for some time and had to prove to myself - I think I've done," he told the club website.

Ameobi added: "Now I am delighted to play many more games for Newcastle, which was probably not a few months ago.

"I think I can do and now my future is in the order I can focus on the right on the ground.

"I am confident I can do and the club are also, by which they expressed their faith with the contract. It is now up to me to prove it. "

Injuries have marked the progress of Ameobi and he spent five months on the sidelines after hip surgery in November 2006.

Nearly half of his 244 appearances were as a substitute.

But Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear has several other injuries on his team and wants to keep his players and make new additions.

Ironically, Stalemate Ameobi missed the FA Cup against Hull at the weekend with a paralyzing injury, but he hopes to return for the league match at home against West Ham on Saturday.

Speaking of his contract extended, Ameobi, who need more than one goal to reach 50 for the club, said: "I am delighted to sign a new agreement of my future and commit to Newcastle United.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 07 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

No bids for Santa Cruz - Rovers
Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams said he was not yet received any offers for the striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The Paraguay international, 27, has been linked with a move to Manchester City, Mark Hughes, whose director has taken him to Ewood Park in July 2007.

But Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph there had been no offer.

"The situation continues to St. Croix to hang over our heads, but we have no offers at the moment there is nothing to discuss," he said.

Santa Cruz to sign a new contract with Rovers in August, but told BBC 5 Live BBC last month he would leave Ewood Park if a better or an ambitious club, came to him.

But Williams said his main concern was to strengthen the team manager Sam Allardyce as Blackburn, currently 19th in the Fa Barclaycard Premiership to try to avoid relegation.

And he revealed Rovers were close to landing their first target of the January transfer window.

"There is a player we have made progress," added Williams. "I would say we are very close to making an offer for a player, but I would like to stress once again there was no emergency.

"Sam has looked very carefully at what we have, however, and we believe it would be a good player to improve what we have at the club.

"It does not take a scattergun approach to the transfer window, and I want to stress at the moment there have been no offers made or received."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 06 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Benitez relaxed on Reds transfers
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has hinted he is unlikely to make a significant transfer deals in January.

The Spaniard is happy with his current team, which took Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and the final phase of the Champions League.

He said: "We do not need to go into the transfer market, we are certainly not desperate to do so.

"If we need to find something we will try, but it is always difficult in this window and very expensive."

Benitez hand has been strengthened by the return to fitness of striker Fernando Torres and defenders Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Alvaro Arbeloa.

He added: "We finished 2008 very well, we played with style and have scored many goals. I am very happy and satisfied with the situation and we hope this will continue in the new year.

"We have other players outside Torres returning from injury. It is Skrtel, Aurelio and Arbeloa all fit now. It will be like the signing of three new players."

"We are in a good position and I am happy to use the players we have now returned from injury."

Liverpool has been closely linked to the initiatives of former striker Emile Heskey, currently at Wigan, Portsmouth and defend Glen Johnson.

But the Reds have not beaten and Benitez is now increasingly likely to make an attack on three trophies with the players currently at his disposal.

Out-of-favor Jermaine Pennant, who has been linked with Real Madrid, AC Milan and Wigan, May leave.

But Benitez will reject any attempt by AC Milan to sign Daniel Agger wants to defend and maintain Andrea Dossena, who has struggled since his arrival from Udinese in the summer.

Benitez wants to keep all his defensive resources after it was confirmed Liverpool lost impressive young Argentinian Emiliano Insua until February 8, as it will be to South America U-20 Championships.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 06 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Spurs set to finalise Defoe deal
Tottenham are ready to sign England striker Jermain Defoe for a fee thought about £ 15m, after the adoption of an agreement with Fa Barclaycard Premiership rivals Portsmouth.

Defoe returns to the club he left in less than a year over a five-year contract.

Harry Redknapp initially attracted Defoe, 26 years old, from White Hart Lane to Pompey for an agreement to the tune of £ 12m in 2008 when he was in charge at Fratton Park.

Defoe Spurs a parade before their home fans ahead 4-1 Carling Cup first semi-final win over Burnley.

Tottenham are still a few loose ends to tie on top of the Fa Barclaycard Premiership with the transfer of the requisite approval L19 article prohibits players from clubs back in a year.

This rule was introduced to prevent clubs abusing the loan system.

The authorization should not be a problem, my understanding of the sale while the clause worth around £ 4m was lifted by Portsmouth, "said BBC Radio Five Live football senior journalist Ian Dennis.

"While the package is £ 15 million initial investment is not even double digits in terms of millions of people. Any transfer of more than £ 10m, Spurs must announce to the Stock Exchange and there was no List of this transfer. "

Defoe has scored 17 goals in 36 games for Portsmouth, including eight in its first seven games and nine more this season.

Any arrangement for the future, which has scored six goals in 32 appearances for England, will also include amounts due from Portsmouth to Tottenham for deals in Younes Kaboul and Pedro Mendes.

The leader has also been linked with Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Former Spurs defend Gary Stevens is the deposit before being a great success on his return to the club.

"Defoe is a striker with an excellent track record and if you hit play on a regular basis and to provide ammunition, it enables you to get the goals is what I was born to do," he said BBC Sport.

"I am sure that when he moved to Portsmouth last January for a moment, he has no plans to return to Spurs within a year.
"But I think he never wanted to leave the club in first place and it seems that I always had great affection for Tottenham. It's a win-win for the club and the player."

This will be the third time, Defoe has played under Redknapp that the duo were also together at West Ham on the end of the century.

And this will also be key, Stevens said: "The relations are developing in football and Harry knows exactly what it is to Defoe - and how to get the better of him.

"First things first, Jermain needs to get the goals to help the Spurs away from the drop zone. But Spurs are still in three Cup competitions and they say everything about football is the time - maybe Jermain's arrival is just in time for him to make a cup final. "

Redknapp is also keen to sign a midfielder left for the transfer window, Middlesbrough in January but have already rejected two offers of Londoners from Stewart Downing.
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Denilson given trial with Bolton
Bolton have won the World Cup Brazilian Denilson a trial.

Manager Gary Megson is willing to take a look at the 31-year-old, who is a free agent after being released from Brazilian club Palmeiras.

The flamboyant forward has become the world's most expensive player when he moved to Betis from Sao Paulo in 1998 for £ 21.5.

Wanderers have also Hungarian keeper Adam Bogdan, 21, a new contract, which runs until 2011.

Denilson has spent seven seasons in Spain before spells at Bordeaux, and Al-Nasr FC Dallas.

He has won 68 caps for his country and was part of the Brazil team that won the 2002 World Cup

He also played in the 1998 final when Brazil lost 3-0 to France.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 06 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Hull happy to let Windass leave
Dean Windass has been told he can leave the hull after finding his first team chances limited to the KC Stadium.

Windass has not done since being substituted at half time during the hull of the Boxing Day defeat at Manchester City.

The 39-year striker has cast doubt on his future by saying Hull manager Phil Brown has not spoken with him since before Christmas.

Leeds United, Oldham Athletic and Hartlepool United are said to be interested in the former Bradford man.

Windass said he has not heard of the interest of clubs in the transfer window.

"I have heard nothing of my club officials or any person making an offer for me," he said.

Windass, scored the winning goal in Hull 1-0 Championship play-off final victory over Bristol City last May, but was left disheartened by developments this season.

"I am very frustrated and have no idea what is happening with my situation," he said.

"Our boss has made a number of changes to the side and gave fringe players a chance to impress, but unfortunately I was not one of them.

"The chief did not talk to me for three weeks. I am not saying that trying to capture a title - he has other priorities, like trying to run a football club - but just to show how Things are uncertain for me. "
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Baggies hit by new injury worries
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray is waiting on the fitness of Gianni Zuiverloon and James Morrison before finalizing plans for the derby Saturday at Aston Villa.

Dutch defend Zuiverloon has a sore knee, while Scottish international Morrison had a slight groin strain.

Thursday will be the test for Gianni and James, "Baggies manager Tony Mowbray told the club website." If they do not doubt they will. "

West Brom is already less Abdoulaye Meite and Filipe Teixeira.

"Filipe know where Abu really is," said Mowbray. "They are one week, maybe two weeks.

"Let them fall back to the cup game or Middlesbrough at home, perhaps the one after that - I do not know."

Mowbray has also indicated that it will not be sending striker Craig Beattie on loan again during the transfer window, preferring to keep the Scottish international in its first team.

Beattie drew attention to the return of a short stay at Crystal Palace in the Championship.

"He came back with a real spring in his step and we have had no contact with Palace or anyone else," said Mowbray. "We'll have to see how the selection of the team going.

"He proved he can score in the Fa Barclaycard Premiership and we hope that the goals, there is more there for him."
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Boro determined to keep Downing
Middlesbrough say they have rejected a written transfer request non winger Stewart Downing.

Downing, who has 21 England caps, has signed a five-year deal in February 2008, but has become increasingly frustrated by the club struggle.

Tottenham Hotspur had a buyer for £ 6m for 24 years rejected by Middlesbrough last week.

Manager Gareth Southgate has repeatedly insisted that local boy Downing would not be sold.

And CEO Keith Lamb said: "We have received a written transfer request by Stewart this morning. It was examined before being dismissed.

"Before receiving the transfer request, we received a better offer from Tottenham for Stewart.

"We immediately rejected the offer and told Tottenham that Stewart Downing is not for sale and any interest they have in the drive will not show."

Chairman Steve Gibson added that senior players would be leaving in the January transfer window.

The Teesside club are not under financial pressure to unload one of the most active price, but Southgate is not thought to have been aware of Downing's desire to leave.

But Downing's father, Stewart, told the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette: "Frustrated Stewart has been since the summer, really.

"When he signed his new contract, he assured that there would be significant investment in the team.

"He believes that the club did not match those expectations. There is also frustrated that the team is once again the difficulties in the Premier League.

"Of course, Middlesbrough as a kid, he thought long and hard about the decision to hand in a transfer request and it hopes that fans will understand his reasons for doing so."

Southgate's opinion in May became similar to the scenario involving Yakubu when he made clear his future lay away from the Riverside Stadium and was allowed to leave quickly.

The Nigeria international was sold to Everton for € 11.25m in August 2007, with Southgate saying he felt the striker was "emotionally ill" below and play his best thereafter.

Southgate said at the time: "When a player is unstable at this point, it is time to get the best possible for the club."

Boro Downing assessment is nearly £ 15m, which smash their transfer record fate, but it remains to be seen whether the Spurs will have the same opinion.
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Arsenal's Wilshere signs pro deal
Arsenal midfielder promising Jack Wilshere signed a professional contract with the club after turning 17 on New Year's Day.

Wilshere is the youngest player to represent the club in the league and European competition.

The club since the age of nine, he had already been on a scholarship.

"Jack is a player with great potential, with a capacity to find the final ball and scoring goals," manager Arsene Wenger told the Arsenal website.

"Jack is a passionate and committed young player, he is not afraid of trafficking and I am convinced it has the enormous power of penetration in a few years.

"We have already seen the qualities of Jack in both his first team performances and training on a regular basis, and we look forward to Jack to be an important part of our first team for years to come . "

Wilshere made his Fa Barclaycard Premiership debut as a substitute against Blackburn on 13 September 2008.

He made his first start in the 6-0 Carling Cup victory over Sheffield United 10 days later, scoring his first goal for the senior club.

The Hitchin-born player then made his Champions League debut as a substitute against Dynamo Kiev on November 25.
by bbcnews.

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 05 January 2009 )

English Premiership football News

Liverpool wait on Alonso injury
Liverpool are awaiting news on the injury to Xabi Alonso, who needed seven Stitcher in his foot during Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win against Preston.

The midfielder was removed at the end of the first half and was later seen on the bench wearing a protective boot.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee said: "We do not know the extent of the injury, except for the fact I will be very painful.

"I hope there will be no pity, but we do not know 24 to 48 hours."

Alonso, 27, suffered the injury during his attempted shot was blocked by the defense well-placed Preston after Robbie Keane put the ball to him on The Edge of the box.

The Spaniard was then treated as the players walked off for half-time, but it does not appear for the second half of the third round tie and was replaced by Lucas Leiva.

Alonso had a nice first half of the season for Liverpool after being on the verge of joining Juventus in the summer when Liverpool tried to sign Aston Villa Gareth Barry.

He also said as recently as October that he was still interested in a move to the Turin club.

Liverpool next match is against Stoke in the Fa Barclaycard Premiership on Saturday, followed by Everton in the Merseyside derby on 19 January. They also face Chelsea on 1 February.
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Defender Diatta on trial at Stoke
Former Newcastle defend Lamine Diatta has joined Stoke City on trial, reports BBC Radio Stoke.

The Senegal international, who arrived at Trent Vale Stoke field training Monday, has been without club since leaving Newcastle in May.

Diatta has spent two months with the Magpie last season, in just two substitute appearances.

The 33 years old, who began his career at French side Toulouse, played for Senegal in the 2002 World Cup.
by bbcnews.

English Premiership football News

Mowbray happy with Simpson debut
West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Mowbray is optimistic that striker Jay Simpson can make a real impact during his loan spell from Arsenal.

"I think he'll be fine," Mowbray told BBC WM. "He's a young boy, he's ambitious, he's hungry to do well.

"He's a quick player and once he gets to know his team-mates then I think he'll be fine for us."

Simpson made his Baggies debut in the second half of the 1-1 FA Cup draw against Peterborough at The Hawthorns.

And his performance was one of few Albion highlights as former Wolves midfielder Darren Ferguson's Peterborough forced a replay at London Road on Tuesday 13 January (1945 GMT).

The Baggies were stretched by visiting Posh strikers Craig Mackail-Smith and Aaron McLean. And Mowbray admits that their performance came as no surprise.

"They're good footballers and they score goals on a regular basis, so we thought they'd be a handful and they were," said the Albion boss. "We left a little bit frustrated, but we live to fight another day."
by bbcnews.