Premier League summer deals (Updated 10.6.2008)

ARSENAL

IN: None

OUT: Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan, free), Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart, free)

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ASTON VILLA

IN: None

OUT: Luke Moore (West Brom, £3m), Patrick Berger (Sparta Prague, free), Olof Mellberg (Juventus, free)

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BLACKBURN

IN: None

OUT: Peter Enckelman (released)

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BOLTON

IN: None

OUT: Ivan Campo (released), Stelios (released), Andranik Teymourian (released)

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CHELSEA

IN: Jose Bosingwa (Porto, £16.5m)

OUT: None

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EVERTON

IN: None

OUT: Lee Carsley (Birmingham, free), Stefan Wessels (released)

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FULHAM

IN: David Stockdale (Darlington, £600,000), Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, free)

OUT: Brian McBride (released), Jari Litmanen (released), Carlos Bocanegra (released), Philippe Christanval (released), Simon Elliott (released), Ian Pearce (released), Bjorn Runstrom (released), Tony Warner (released)

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HULL

IN: None

OUT: Jay-Jay Okocha (released), David Livermore (released)

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LIVERPOOL

IN: Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund, free)

OUT: Harry Kewell (released)

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MANCHESTER CITY

IN: None

OUT: None

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MANCHESTER UNITED

IN: None

OUT: Gerard Pique (Barcelona, £5m), Tom Heaton (Cardiff, loan)

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MIDDLESBROUGH

IN: None

OUT: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, free), Fabio Rochemback (Sporting Lisbon, free), Gaizka Mendieta (released), Dong Gook Lee (released)

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NEWCASTLE

IN: None

OUT: Peter Ramage (QPR, free), Stephen Carr (released)

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PORTSMOUTH

IN: None

OUT: None

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STOKE

IN: None

OUT: Marlon Broomes (Blackpool, free), Dominic Matteo (released), Russell Hoult (released)

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SUNDERLAND

IN: None

OUT: Andy Cole (released), Ian Harte (released), Stephen Wright (released), Stan Varga (released)

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TOTTENHAM

IN: Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb, £15.8m)

OUT: None

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WEST BROM

IN: Luke Moore (Aston Villa, £3m), Roman Bednar (Hearts, £2.5m), Do-heon Kim (Seongnam Ilhwa Shunma, £550,000), Michal Danek (Viktoria Plzen, loan)

OUT: Luke Steele (Barnsley, free)

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WEST HAM

IN: None

OUT: None

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WIGAN

IN: None

OUT: Andy Webster (Rangers, free),Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor, free), Salomon Olembe (Kayserispor, free), Josip Skoko (released),

Utd ready to fine Ronaldo

MANCHESTER UNITED will tell Cristiano Ronaldo to be back for pre-season training — or be fined.

United want the Real Madrid target to report at their Carrington base three weeks after Portugal play their last match at Euro 2008.

If he is not, they will start disciplinary action against the 110,000-a-week ace.

Yesterday, United announced they have complained to FIFA over Real’s constant courting of their star winger.

United refuse to pander to Ronaldo’s claims he wants a move to Madrid.

Boss Alex Ferguson will not fly to Portugal’s training base to speak to Ronaldo nor has he tried to contact him by phone.

As far as Fergie is concerned the player is under contract to United — and that is the way it stays.

Last week, Ronaldo revealed he hopes the clubs can do a deal but his stance softened after criticism at the way he is treating United.

On Sunday, he said: "I still don’t know where I will play, I have not decided yet. I will talk after the European Championships".

But United say it is not his decision.

And they finally lost patience with Real when the Spaniards stated last week they were honoured Ronaldo wanted to play for them.

A United statement yesterday said: "On 27 May, Manchester United made clear its intention to report Real Madrid to FIFA if it continued to involve itself in the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Unfortunately, Real Madrid has not kept its own counsel and the club feels it has no alternative but to make a formal complaint, which it has done today".

Crouch in rage

PETER CROUCH has reacted angrily after learning he will be forced to rot in Liverpool’s reserves until he is sold.

The 6ft 7in striker wants a return to regular first-team football at Anfield.

But Kop manager Rafa Benitez has shrugged off Crouch’s demands and insisted he will never bow to player pressure.

Portsmouth wanted to sign the beanpole hitman, 27, but their interest has cooled after Benitez slapped a 15million price-tag on his head.

Crouch is furious as he feels he has busted a gut for Liverpool and deserves better treatment from the boss, who is convinced his rotation policy is the way forward.

Liverpool have already rejected one offer from Manchester City for England man Crouch, who has scored 40 goals in 92 starts for the Reds.

Moyes in £16m Joao hijack bid

DAVID MOYES is planning a daring raid to snatch Portugal whizkid Joao Moutinho from under the noses of Manchester United and Arsenal.

The Everton chief has been alerted to the fact that Sporting Lisbon have yet to receive a firm offer for the 16million-rated star.

Now Moyes hopes to seal a quickfire deal for the 21-year-old midfielder, who has told his representatives he is keen to play in the Premier League.

Moyes is heading to the Euros to see Moutinho in the remaining group games after he shone in his nation’s opening 2-0 win over Turkey.

Liverpool are also watching the situation but if no offer comes in from United or the Gunners, Everton have every chance of landing him.

It would see him arrive on Merseyside in a similar deal to the one which brought Manuel Fernandes to Goodison.

Fernandes was loaned to the club for a year with the option of a permanent move should both parties agree.

Moyes has money to spend, without being given a definite figure, and is keen to bring in a sexy name to help take his fifth-placed side to the next level.

The prospect of forking out big bucks for Moutinho is no barrier as Everton’s money men know they would be sitting on a massive profit should he then attract Europe’s big guns.

Moyes is already interested in Spurs midfielder Tom Huddlestone and considering Manchester City’s Michael Johnson and USA star Michael Bradley if he misses out.

Meanwhile, Toffees striker Andy Van Der Meyde, 28, is wanted by Austrian outfit Red Bull Salzburg.

Van Der Meyde has made just 14 starts since arriving in 2005 because of injuries and personal problems.

Where is my next Gazza?

FABIO CAPELLO is on a mission to find England’s new Gazza.

The Three Lions boss is desperate to inject some fantasy football into his international team.

And having watched World Cup qualifying opponents Croatia at Euro 2008, the Italian coach is forming his vision of how England will play.

The very fact that there is a major tournament taking place without England is warning enough that the team is just not good enough at the moment.

And Capello reckons the missing ingredient could be down to just one player of very special ability.

Known in coaching circles as a ‘gamebreaker’, he was referring to the kind of player who can turn a draw into victory with just one moment of brilliance.

At the very highest level, it is that kind of star who makes the difference and the Italian revealed England need to find their special one.

Capello said: "There are players who play with fantasy and that is very important at this moment. Now, modern football is a nine defenders and one striker formation and without fantasy — or one player dribbling with good passes — it is impossible to score goals.

"I won’t name names in my squad. It is a group. We have some players with good fantasy, very interesting players.

"But either you have or don’t have the fantasy. It’s impossible to train the fantasy."

He should know. When Capello was in charge at Real Madrid two seasons ago he had Samba Star Robinho. And — before that — when he was with Juventus it was Czech ace Pavel Nedved.

At Roma there was Francesco Totti and Milan had Dejan Savicevic — ‘the genie’ to bewitch opponents.

England used to have one of the best in Paul Gascoigne.

In his pomp, the former Newcastle, Spurs and Lazio midfield maestro was unplayable.

His goal against Scotland at Euro 96 was the kind of moment which is all too rare for England fans.

But with the current squad there is no one who quite measures up — though Capello is convinced there is potential.

Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard were Sven Goran Eriksson’s choices — and that pair have certainly produced moments of brilliance in their time.

Manchester United strike star Wayne Rooney is another who is more than capable, while Blackburn’s former Arsenal ace David Bentley could also claim to be one of the other obvious candidates.

Maybe even Gunners whizkid Theo Walcott could turn it on at some point in the future.

With 18 gruelling months of World Cup qualifying matches ahead, Capello is aware of the need to have someone who can conjure up something special when it is least expected.

With the exception of Jermain Defoe — who bagged a couple in the recent friendly in Trinidad — Capello’s biggest problem at the moment is finding a goalscorer.

So he could sympathise with Slaven Bilic on Sunday night.

Bilic’s Croatia dominated their opening Euro 2008 Group B contest against joint-hosts Austria without being able to kill the clash off. Arsenal striker Eduardo’s absence could yet cost Bilic the chance to make history this summer by threatening to go all the way at Euro 2008.

Capello admitted that before taking the England job he had always identified the team with a big-name centre-forward.

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Michael Owen have all performed well in the role in the past two decades.

But with Rooney struggling to take up the mantle and Owen apparently on the fringe of his plans, the Italian has decided there is no point hoping the situation will get better. He insisted Dean Ashton will get another chance to prove himself after his woeful debut in the Caribbean.

But Capello’s England should be prepared to fight for a narrow victory rather than enjoy winning by a goal glut.

He said: "I think to have one striker is very important but it is also very important to have the spirit.

"I saw Croatia and their spirit. That is very important, to have a strong group. They have a strong group.

"They are together as one group. They work hard together, they suffer, they help everyone — and that is very important. Without the group, it’s impossible to win. You have to be together.

"Always at a World Cup, or a Euro Championship, the team that wins it has a strong group.

"I spoke with Scolari and with Lippi and both told me that the group was a very, very strong group, a very strong unit, the first 11 and the whole squad of 23 stayed together and were very focused.

"I am happy now with what I have. I know Crouch very well, Ashton played and he is the future, because he is young.

"It’s not a big problem. I repeat: It’s very, very important to have a good group.

"You have to fight a different way, not waiting for the striker alone."

You've shown no class, Ron

AS a player, there’s no doubt what you’re capable of. As a man, you’re not showing any class whatsoever.

You’re also failing to show any respect to either Alex Ferguson or the Manchester United fans.

To be honest, I’m embarrassed for you.

You’re now 23 and you should not be acting quite so immature.

You’ve been at Old Trafford for five years but it’s only the last two seasons you’ve set the place on fire.

Previous to that, Fergie stuck with you. Despite your diving and despite the fact you would always try to take on a defender rather than pass to a team-mate. When you acted a right winker at the World Cup two years ago, your club manager once again showed extreme loyalty to you, along with United’s fans.

They could have turned on you after your behaviour during the England match in Germany but they didn’t.

You’ve now become one hell of a player — the best on this planet. I’d pay just to see you warm-up, let alone play a game.

But with the drop of a hat, it seems you’re ready to join Real Madrid.

What’s the rush? You’re still so young, for heaven’s sake. Surely you should give United another two years’ service before thinking about heading off to the Bernabeu.

I understand if it’s your dream to play for Real but you owe it to United to be patient — and that’s why you should stay. Doesn’t the affection of United’s fans and your team-mates mean anything to you?

I’m sure you’ve got advisors whispering in your ear but surely you have realised they could only be in it for the money, rather than your personal welfare.

While Real may be tempting you with 300,000 a week after tax, how much money do you actually want? If you stay in Manchester, you could be banking 7.5million a year. It shouldn’t be about money at all, in any case.

At the end of the season, I’d have loved it if you had said ‘I’m not interested in joining Real — I’m happy at United.’

But you didn’t. You gave a smile and said you’d let us know ‘in two or three weeks.’ You may have thought you were being funny but no one was laughing.

Even if you do surprise us and decide to stay at United, I’m not convinced your heart will be in the job. Not after your recent behaviour.

In 12 months’ time, we’ll end up with another similar will-he-leave-or-will-he-stay pantomime. Arsenal had this with Patrick Vieira and it didn’t do anyone any good.

Having a player in this situation is a bit like having a girlfriend who is unhappy. There comes a time when you just have to split.

The whole episode reminds me of when I had the chance to leave the Gunners for Chelsea. At the time I didn’t get on with then-boss Bruce Rioch. But if I’d gone it would have been for a football reason and not money. I never wanted to leave Arsenal and, fortunately for me, Rioch left and I stayed with the club I loved.

Of course, I know you’re not the only one to blame in this.

It seems Real have again shown they have a disregard for other clubs and the rules of football. But they’ll continue to act like this, as long as they’re allowed to get away with it.

It’s a sorry reminder that football can be a real cesspit. I’d love it if you could show some guts and prove us wrong by staying with United.

Sadly, I don’t think you will.

Ian Wright was talking to Charlie Wyett.

Courtesy of SEM

Lyon forward Benzema admits Real Madrid ambitions

Olympique Lyon ace Karim Benzema wants a move to Real Madrid.

Marca says Benzema has an agreement with Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas where will remain with the French club for another 12 months before making a move to Madrid next summer.

"I've been a follower of Real Madrid since I was little," said Benzema. "I love Real Madrid, but I think I am still too young to move to a club like this.

"I think I need to get experience and I would like to help Lyon to be the champion of the Champions League. In the future certainly this will be an option."

Man Utd legend Cantona: Ronaldo should stay

Manchester United legend Eric Cantona says Cristiano Ronaldo should stay at Old Trafford

He said of the latest man to wear the famous number seven jersey: "We all want - all the fans of United want - the best players to play for United.

"He's the best player in the world so we all want him to stay at United but if he wants to leave I think United will still win things."

Cantona believes that will apply far into the future, adding: "United is the biggest club in the world, they will win things generation after generation.

"They won things, are winning things and will continue to win things whoever is playing for them."

Chelsea chief Kenyon in Kaka talks with AC Milan

Chelsea chief Peter Kenyon has asked AC Milan about a price for Kaka.

The Daily Mail says Kenyon is in negotiations with Milan about former world player of the year Kaka.

Although Kaka signed a contract at the San Siro earlier this year and claimed that he wanted to be immortalised' in the same way as Paolo Maldini, Milan's failure to qualify for the Champions League has altered his position.

Milan are ready to sign Didier Drogba, and the Kaka deal could be linked to that. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said: "Chelsea have authorised us to begin negotiations with Drogba. Unfortunately, Chelsea will not sell Shevchenko."

Barry tells Villa he wants Liverpool move

Gareth Barry is demanding Aston Villa allow him to join Liverpool.

The Sun says the Villa captain phoned his boss Martin O'Neill to plead for a move after nearly 10 years in the Midlands.

It marks a huge step up in the fight for the midfielder's signature.

Barry's agent Alex Black said: "Gareth has spoken to Martin since he returned from England's game in Trinidad and told him how he feels.

"At this stage of his career Gareth wants to be playing Champions League football and believes this is his chance to do it."

Villa want top dollar for Barry's services and are refusing any player-plus-cash offers.

But Barry hopes a compromise deal can be thrashed out at around £15m.

Premier League News

Man Utd, Arsenal target Ramsey to make choice in 48hrs

Cardiff City midfielder Aaron Ramsey is expected to make a decision over his future in the next 48 hours.

The Guardian says Ramsey spent yesterday mulling over the chance to join Manchester United, Arsenal or Everton following a final round of talks with Arsene Wenger in Switzerland on Saturday.

Chelsea encouraged after approach for Liverpool's Torres

Chelsea are preparing a shock bid for Liverpool ace Fernando Torres.

The Daily Mail says Chelsea have been encouraged by Liverpool not rejecting out of hand their initial approach for Torres.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich is determined to shake-up his squad this summer - which will include a 'galacticos' signing.

Chelsea owner Abramovich to speak with Rijkaard, Mancini this week

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will interview two of his managerial candidates this week.

The Sun says both Frank Rijkaard and Roberto Mancini will be interviewed by Abramovich on his yacht off the south of France later this week.

Man City boss Hughes targets Blackburn defender Samba

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is moving for Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba.

The Daily Mail says Hughes wants to strengthen his back four and is targeting his former Rovers centre-half.

French-born Congo centre half Samba was one of Hughes's most successful buys after he arrived in a knockdown £400,000 deal from Hertha Berlin in the January window last year

Wigan sound out Marseille for Cisse

Wigan Athletic have made an approach for Olympique Marseille striker Djibril Cisse. Manager Steve Bruce has been struggling to land Egyptian Amr Zaki and Marseille's former Liverpool striker Cisse is anxious to return to England but would prefer a club who are challenging for Europe.

Cantona fancies Man Utd manager's job

Eric Cantona admits he fancies succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

Speaking at an event to promote a £2.5million television advert for Partouche-Betting.com, Cantona said: "In the near future, maybe when I will be the manager of England they will have a chance to win something.

"Manager of Manchester first, if I can, and then manager of England. With United, I'll win many things!"

Atletico Madrid president warns Chelsea, Man Utd off Aguero

Atletico Madrid have moved quickly to shoot down rumours of Chelsea and Manchester United moving for star striker Sergio Aguero.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said: "Kun (Aguero) isn't for sale. He's a key player for Atletico in the coming years.

"Neither Kun nor the club wants him to go. Aguero wants to play here and we want him to stay and that's my final word on it.

Italy coach Donadoni: We started badly then got worse!

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was left stunned after their 3-0 reverse at the hands of Holland last night.

It was the worst defeat Donadoni has experienced as Azzurri coach and he remarked afterwards: "We had an off-day.

"The game started badly and finished terribly for us. Our intention was not to start this tournament by conceding a 3-0 defeat.

"I was not surprised by Holland's display, they played as we expected them to play. The first goal made it difficult for us and I thought we were very naive for the second goal. We reacted well in the second half and despite having chances it was not to be."

Italy are now in danger of crashing out of the European Championship at the first hurdle, just as they did four years ago in Portugal.

"We have to be optimistic and forget about this game," said Donadoni. "We need to bounce back in our next game against Romania, an encounter which has now become crucial for us.

"We will learn from our mistakes and make sure we don't repeat them."

Holland send warning with Italy thumping

Holland thumped Italy 3-0 in their Euro2008 opener.

Ruud van Nistelrooy put the Dutch ahead in controversial circumstances after 26 minutes when he scored from close range - but also from an offside position.

Wesley Sneijder swept in a second from Dirk Kuyt's header five minutes later.

Edwin van der Sar then denied Italy with stunning saves from Fabio Grosso and Andrea Pirlo before Giovanni van Bronckhorst headed in after 78 minutes.

Quim ruled out of Euros for Portugal

Portugal goalkeeper Quim is out of Euro 2008 with a broken wrist, it was announced by UEFA spokesman Jorge Baptista.

"Quim will stay with the team until around the 15th of June but he cannot play. He will be replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo of Porto," Baptista said.

Quim complained of pain in his right hand after training on Friday and underwent a scan in a hospital in Geneva.

"In Friday's practice Quim damaged his hand punching the ball and suffered a fracture," said Portuguese team doctor Henrique Jones.

Vieira staying with France squad despite injury setback

Patrick Vieira will remain in France's Euro 2008 squad despite being ruled out of their opening match against Romania on Monday night.

The Internazionale star has an injury to his left thigh and wanted to wait to see how the problem progressed before making a decision on whether he was fit for the tournament.

And while he has so far failed to overcome the setback and could yet miss the group game against Holland on 13th June, he has opted to remain with the squad after resuming training on Thursday.

His decision to stay with the squad means Mathieu Flamini, who was on standby, will not take part in Euro 2008.

Juventus signing Amauri pledges international future to Italy

New Juventus signing Amauri has pledged his international future to Italy.

The ex-Palermo forward is applying for an Italian passport, which is he eligible for as his wife has been living in the peninsula for many years, but admits it was a choice borne of frustration.

"I don't know if now that I play for Juventus it will change something for Carlos Dunga," he said of the Selecao boss.

"It is a shame, as I think I did well and deserved his consideration. I cannot wait for bureaucracy to run its course."

Amauri continued: "It is true, I gave my priority to the Selecao before, but I am also proud to represent Italy. Donadoni said wonderful things about me, whereas I never heard from Dunga.

"Brazil remain a dream, while Italy are a fantastic reality and I would have loved to play in Euro 2008. I think if my passport had come through a month ago, the Coach would've called me."

Juventus president Cobolli Gigli: We want Roma's Aquilani

Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli admits they're keen on Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

Cobolli Gigli said: "There has been contact, but we have not spoken officially. But if the Sensis want to talk, we would be ready. To say that a player like Aquilani would not be attractive for the Juventus midfield would be a blasphemy.

"The market closes at the end of August and I think that until the end of the Europeans will see a few movements."

Inter Milan encouraged after Roma talks over Mancini

Inter Milan held talks with Roma at the Hilton in Fiumicino yesterday.

Inter offered striker David Suazo in a straight swap for Roma winger Amantino Mancini. Roma chief Daniele Prade is keen, but would prefer Julio Cruz plus cash for his Brazilian.

Inter also sounded out Roma about a price for Alberto Aquilani, but received no encouragement during the talks.

Sevilla's Palop: Barcelona have landed Alves on cheap

Sevilla goalkeeper Andre Palop says Barcelona have landed Daniel Alves on the cheap - even though they're paying in excess of £20 million for the fullback.

"If £22 million was paid by Real Madrid for Pepe, then what price for Alves? The fans will enjoy him and eventually they'll think he was signed on the cheap," said Palop.

"It's true that we conceded goals last season on his flank, but we knew that risk. What Dani brings to the attack far outweighs any negatives."

Deco: Barcelona will struggle to replace Eto'o, Ronaldinho

Deco believes Barcelona will find it difficult to replace Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho.

Deco, like his two teammates, has declared he is leaving Barca this summer and he said: "Everyone must make their own decision, as I have done.

"They deserve to leave by the front door of the Camp Nou for all they have given the club and they will not be easily replaced.

"To replace Samuel with another attacker will not be easy, there are few like him in both his goals and helping the team. For Ronnie I do not need to say anything more. He is irreplaceable."