Antonio Valencia’s agent has confirmed that Juventus are interested in signing the South American in January, but he has no thoughts of leaving Manchester United.
The Ecuador international has found first-team opportunities more of a commodity this term due to the summer signing of Ashley Young, and reports in Italy have detailed that the Turin giants will make a move for the winger come the new year.
Despite this, the former Wigan wideman’s representative has confirmed that the player has no intentions of leaving Old Trafford, and is eager to fight his way back into Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting XI.
“I am aware of rumours of Juventus’ interest, but he is very happy in Manchester and I see it as very difficult that he leaves United,” Diego Herrera Larrea told Mirror Football.
“Antonio recently signed a new four-year deal, and both he and his family are settled and well living in the city, and playing for a big club.
“For my part, there is nothing concrete. There has been interest from Italy, but I don’t think that Juve has spoken with United because I was not informed – though I cannot exclude it as a possibility,” he concluded.
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Former Scunthorpe United striker Martin Paterson has penned a three-year contract with Burnley.
The 23-year-old still had two years left on his previous Clarets deal left but will now stay at Turf Moor until 2013.
The Northern Ireland international moved to Burnley from Scunthorpe two years ago for £1million since when he has found the net 23 times in 83 appearances for the club.
Clarets boss Brian Laws moved quickly to tie Paterson down to a long-term deal after selling Steven Fletcher to Wolves on Thursday and is also resigned to losing veteran forward Robbie Blake this summer.
The Burnley manager said:"It's absolutely marvellous to see the likes of Martin signing a new, improved contract.
"We feel he is a major player and the fact he is extending his contract now shows he has ambition to help this club back into the Premier League.
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"It is a reward for the season he had. Even though he was injured for a good part, Martin certainly made an impact and we want him to be here and nowhere else."
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Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is being linked with a return to the Premiership this summer. It is hardly surprising as he has shown that he clearly still has what it takes to play at the highest level, especially as he is still first choice for the Brazilian national team who have many talented midfielders. As Gilberto is still performing at a high standard despite being 33-years-old, one has to as did he make a mistake in moving to Greece two years ago?
Gilberto started every single one of Brazil’s games in the World Cup and still looked the part. The fact that a move to Panathinaikos, where he plays in much more inferior league to the rest of Europe hasn’t prevented him from representing Brazil must be a real testament to his ability. Yet had he decided to move to a more illustrious club instead of Panathinaikos then he could have potentially won more prestigious major honours in stronger leagues. Juventus were heavily linked with a move for the Brazilian midfielder in his last season at the club and given that they probably wouldn’t have said no to his services, then perhaps he should have given some real thought to a move there, instead of seeing out the last two years in Greece. It appears that his form at the World Cup has alerted clubs back in England to make a move for the towering Brazilian and provide him with one last hurrah in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Let’s be honest Gilberto probably made the move to Athens for the extra zeros on the end of his pay check however that is his own choice if he wants to do that, but shouldn’t he of at least waited until he couldn’t handle the demands of a top league anymore? Here is a player, who for years was regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership when he played for Arsenal, he was unsung hero and Arsenal fans knew just how much he mattered to the team. In fact even after he left there were wide spread suggestions that the Gunners were missing his influence. He is a very elegant defensive midfielder and twice went 45 games or more without receiving a booking whilst playing for Arsenal.
Now the likes of Liverpool, Everton, Blackburn and Fulham have all believed to have been showing an interest in Gilberto Silva. It is believed that he wouldn’t cost too much either due to the financial problems in Greece having a bearing on Panathinaikos. If any of those clubs could obtain him for a small fee then he would be a fantastic signing, as he would bring a lot of experience to the teams and would give them a reliable and uncompromising presence in the midfield.
Do you think Gilberto Silva has wasted two years of his career?
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Click on image below to see the Argentinean babes at the World Cup
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On Thursday the 18th of March thousands of Juventus fans gathered outside Craven Cottage. The reason, they’d just been thrashed 4-1 by Fulham and dumped out of the Europa League. One of many lifeless, lethargical performances of their season resulting in a 7th place finish.
This display came four years after Juventus’s relegation and five years on from their last Serie A title. Juve contained few stand out individuals at Fulham, and a large amount of veterans. Compare this with the 2005/2006 crop, and it’s not nice reading. Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Lilian Thuram, Gianluca Zambrotta, Emerson, Pavel Nedved, Zlatan Ibrahinovic, David Trezeguet, Alessandro Del Piero, and managed by Fabio Capello. All were at their peak, and would have got in any team in the world.
Only seven months on from the SW6 scenes, The Old Lady appears reignited. A change in club president, manager, and several players have sparked a positive transition. Their 2-1 victory over AC Milan on Sunday has suggested Juve are to be taken seriously again. The soul is back within the camp. Alberto Aquilani claims he has “found a home” at Juventus, and it shows. But his midfield partner Felipe Melo gave the most insightful account of the club’s resurgence. “Del Neri’s Juventus is like a family, we are all united, on and off the pitch”. Personally, music to my ears.
As a football fan, seeing a clubs off field problems dominate the back pages feels like an injustice and defeat of the sport. Especially considering the history and tradition of Juventus. Portsmouth have been in that bracket, Liverpool more recently, and Manchester United’s ongoing case. The farcical events of May 2006 saw Juventus relegated in a match fixing scandal, and was European giants darkest hour. Melo’s words portray the camp is settled and happy, characteristics that they could only dream of whilst playing in Serie B in front of miniscule crowds.
The main instigator in this seasons revival, Luigi Del Neri. The former Sampdoria boss has ditched experience for traditional Italian blood. Pavel Nedved joined the boardroom, Alberto Aquilani was loaned as a creative cog in the midfield. David Trezeguet’s aging legs were replaced by proven Serie A goalscorer Fabio Quagliarella. Add to this club legend Alessandro Del Piero’s new lease of life, and you’ve got a fine balance of experience and youth. Oh, and a number of them are Italian.
It seems that playing for Juventus is no longer a luxury. You’re not just there to see out your career. Or have the name of a big club on your chest. Del Neri has installed a grafting atmosphere, where team spirits carries you through the hard times. If you’re not up to it you’ll be out without the sympathy. Just ask David Trezeguet.
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As with any club, a transitional period takes time. Faces come and go, and there are undoubtedly successes and failures. Considering the standard of the Italian League, victory doesn’t arrive easily. Evidently Juve don’t have the talent they once did, and they probably can’t attract the talent they once could. But they’re taking positive steps to becoming a force again. It’s been a long time in coming, but I for one am delighted that this Old Lady is beginning to roll back the years.
A lot of negativity has been raised about how far Scotland’s footballers have plummeted to new lows, especially after the debacle of Liechtenstein.
The senior team may not be everyone’s drink of Irn Bru in Scotland, but the Under 21’s could get the ball rolling in the Tartan Army’s favour, to end the series of hopelessly, repetitive post- enquiries of the state of the country’s game.
Billy Starks’ team have reached the play offs, where they stand on the verge of qualifying for the Under 21 Championships for the first time since 1996, if they overcome Iceland over two legs.
Though the real test is still come, this suggests to me that this particular group of young footballers are a new hope for the country, particularly as it has been so long since the Under 21’s were in a championship.
The 2-1 victory over Austria last week at Pittodrie which sealed their passage to the play offs was a fine display. Both Barry Bannan and Chris Maguire’s goals could be labelled as screamers and were struck superbly. The passing play from Scotland too, certainly in contrast to their senior counterparts, was another bonus point. David Goodwillie playing up front alongside Maguire, displayed a fine accuracy of passing and touch ability, and Paul Coutts, a tenacious midfielder from Preston North End produced hard graft, and good awareness.
When you consider the clear lack of basic passing ability at Hampden just a few hours later, you can see why even one of the simplest attributes in football is something worth celebrating for Scotland.
In terms of footballers, Scotland as a country, have produced players who have had fantastic potential early on but were never able to fulfil it later on in their careers. This has happened predominately over the last twenty years with players such as Eoin Jess, Stephen Glass and Derek Riordan to name a few of a very long list of those who never made the step up. From the last Under 21 squad to reach a European Championship back in 1996, only four players, Simon Donnelly, Steven Pressley, Christian Dailly and Jackie McNamara were all capped at senior team level. What is going to make this current group of youngsters any different?
One current argument can be drawn. What message does it serve to the Under 21 squad, if the senior manager, Craig Levein is picking his teams compromising of defensive formations, with strength and stamina played out over flair and technique?
I can relate with several of the footballers in the squad particularly by age and generation, but like any job or career, it will be their decisions and mental ability that will impact upon the rest of their careers. Will they be any different from the ones in the past?
Dundee United striker, David Goodwillie at the age of 21 already has a Scottish Cup medal to his name and looks like a good prediction to advance to senior level. Despite having a poor start to the season, and not being a prolific goal scorer, his technique and passing vision won him the SPL Young Player of the Year last season, and he certainly puts Kris Boyd to shame.
Midfielder, Paul Coutts has already learnt the hard way and worked his way up. Released by Aberdeen at an early age, he went into the flux of non league football joining Cove Rangers in the Highland League. He was then invited to a trial by Peterborough United in English League 1 where he won a contract after impressing with his ball control. After two years at the club, he joined Preston North End earlier this year where he has arguably been one of the club’s better players in a dismal start to the season in the English Championship.
Danny Wilson and Barry Bannan, are both players at English Premiership clubs, and while they can learn from some of the best in the business, there is no substitute for regular first team football. Wilson moved to Liverpool this summer after just one season at Rangers where he was elevated into the first team, winning the domestic league and cup double. Bannan has already shown glimpses of potential at Aston Villa where he scored in a 1-1 draw in the Europa League away against Rapid Vienna, and with his clubs shaky start to the season, will be hoping to impress new manager Gerard Houllier.
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These examples of players mentioned may not seem outstanding compared to the stars that Germany and Spain constantly produce but it has been these combination of particular footballers that has elevated Scotland to this crucial stage.
The opposition however are no mean feat. Iceland, despite what many considered the best draw for Scotland, had an outstanding qualifying campaign. Their personal highlights en route to the play off included thrashing Germany 4-1 at home and drawing 2-2 away. They also trashed Northern Ireland 6-2 away and top this off, notched 8-0 and 11-0 wins over the group’s minnows, San Marino. Scared yet? They were the highest goalscorers in qualifying.
Elimination against Iceland however will not be tolerated by Scotland, and though it has been refreshing to see the next generation of footballers achieve some success, in the wave of doom and gloom, this two legged series next month in October, will go some way to deciding their careers.
Martin O’Neill will be hoping he can maintain Sunderland’s renaissance by leading his side to victory at Chelsea in a similar manner to that of his predecessor Steve Bruce last season.
The Black Cats ran out 3-0 winners at Stamford Bridge last season hammering the first nail into the coffin of former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti. His replacement Andre Villas-Boas has endured a testing start to his tenure in West London seeing his side exit the title race before the New Year and perform way below the expectations of owner Roman Abramovich. Their form over Christmas was indifferent once again with three wins followed by a similar number of draws before the home defeat at the hands of Aston Villa put more pressure on the shoulders of Villas-Boas. However his side started 2012 off in the best possible manner as winning at Wolves to stay in touch with Tottenham in third. Despite securing victory the game highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities once again with David Luiz failing to inspire confidence yet again although Gary Cahill’s imminent arrival should push the Brazilian to the sidelines. Still, they’ll need to improve at the back if they are to avoid another embarrassing defeat at the hands of rejuvenated Sunderland.
Relegation is a forgotten term on Wearside after the arrival of O’Neill after he led them to four wins from six over Christmas to catapult the Black Cats into the top half. The Irishman has worked wonders since agreeing to replace in Bruce bagging the manager of the month award for December and providing a huge lift to both football club and city. Whatever the former Aston Villa man has done at the Stadium of Light the effect has bred instant results giving supporters cause to look up rather than down in 2012. Their rapid change in fortunes has stunned a lot of doubters who predicted O’Neill’s task would be harder than he had anticipated. Despite losing against Tottenham in his second game in charge wins over Blackburn, Wigan, QPR and sandwich the stunning victory over league leaders Manchester City on New Years Day. The sheer grit and determination displayed by Sunderland in that game was indicative of the effect their new manager has had on the players. His decision to promote youngster James McLean into the starting lineup has been inspired whilst his well-documented man management skills are now getting the best out of Lee Cattermole. The Black Cats skipper has been instrumental in the clubs rise up the table in December and will be expected to rough Chelsea up on Saturday.
Chelsea 4th : 37 points
Last six: W L D D D W
Team news: Chelsea will be without leading scorer Daniel Sturridge who has a thigh injury. Jon Obi Mikel and Branislav Ivanovic also remain out.
Key Player: Juan Mata
A terrific start to life in England has seen Mata become one of the most feared wide men in the Premier League and he’ll be hoping 2012 will be just as good. His intelligent movement from his left midfield berth causes mayhem and Sunderland will need to be wary of his penchant to drift inside.
Sunderland 10th : 24 points
Team news: Martin O’Neill will be without key defenders Wes Brown and Titus Bramble meaning Matt Kilgallon is likely to keep his place.
Key Player: Lee Cattermole
We’re seeing a new side to usually ill disciplined Cattermole with a change of management bringing the best out of Sunderland’s skipper. His bulldozing displays in a withdrawn midfield role gives the back four some much-needed protection that will be vital against a rampaging Chelsea side.
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PREDICTION
Although their title hopes are all but shot Chelsea still harbour ambitions of a top four finish and should have enough to see off a Sunderland side born again under Martin O’Neill.
Forming opinions of players based solely on watching the highlights of games is a dangerous business. In a sport where statistics are used as the basis for empirical arguments in an ever increasing trend, it is difficult to form an opinion of a player without having watched them play full games on a regular basis. Statistics don’t lie, but they often deceive.
Take Nani, for example. The Portuguese winger may have the best goal and assist statistics out of United’s wingers but I know plenty of Man Utd fans that find him incredibly frustrating to watch. As, it would seem, does Alex Ferguson on occasion who often chose Valencia and Young ahead of Nani despite him being fit and well rested.
Every club has players like this. The only thing that comes close to be as annoying as other fans under-rating your players is other fans over-rating them. With that in mind, I asked a selection of fans who their most over-rated players were, based on highlights alone, and came up with this list.
Click on Ben Arfa to unveil the 15
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Kolo Toure’s agent has clarified that the player will not be moving away from Manchester City, despite interest from Galatasaray.
The Ivory Coast international has fallen behind Joleon Lescott and Vincent Kompany in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, whilst Roberto Mancini has splashed the cash to bring young centre-half Matija Nastasic to the club on transfer deadline day.
As such Toure has been linked with a move away from the Premier League champions, but rejected the chance to join Buraspor earlier this summer.
However, despite links to Galatasaray, Toure will be staying in England.
“Kolo is flattered by the interest from Galatasaray but he is happy at Man City,” agent Saif Rubie told Sky Sports.
“Kolo has spoken to the manager and owners (of City) and he remains as committed to the club as the day he signed.
“All Kolo’s focus is on helping Manchester City be successful this season in every competition they are going for.
“Kolo is happy to stay and play his part and is looking forward to the next game after the international break,” the representative concluded.
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A transfer window just wouldn’t be the same without some laborious saga that seemingly runs for months and months, causing nothing but endless frustration for supporters and the managers who desperately want to use the money to strengthen other areas of their playing staff.
The Luka Modric saga has finally taken over the Wesley Sneijder to Manchester United as the biggest one of recent times and I’m certain that Andre Villas-Boas is ruing how long it took his chairman to finally cash in on the Croatian, especially as the North Londoners were apparently only minutes away from securing a deal for Moutinho on deadline day.
Let’s be honest this failed deadline day move certainly isn’t the first and won’t be the last to fall through at the last knockings as clubs continue to fail to get their business done early, or a side’s brinkmanship ensures that their months of negotiation have simply been wasted.
This list is a celebration of such dramas and those transfer deals that never passed the post.
Click on Downing to unveil the top 10
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Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer believes that last season’s Tyne/Wear derby was the pivotal moment in two managers’ careers, as he told the Sun.
Shearer felt that despite already being up against it, Steve Bruce’s fate was on the wall after their home defeat to arch rivals Newcastle last season, and todays clash could well end with the same fate.
“Last season Newcastle went to the Stadium of Light in the second match of the season,”
“Newcastle won 1-0 and the Sunderland fans never forgave Brucey.
“I genuinely believe he was already up against it at Sunderland purely because he was a Geordie.
“But after losing that derby he won only another two games up until his sacking in December.
“Conversely, the result provided a massive boost for Alan Pardew as Newcastle went on a 10-game unbeaten run laying the foundations for a fifth-placed finish in the league.
“That is what a result in this game can do for either club.
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“Let’s not forget this fixture also proved the final act for Ruud Gullit at Newcastle in 1999 when he decided to leave me on the bench until late on and we got beat 2-1 at home.”