Antonio Valencia is determined to be his own man and not try to become Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo mark II.
While Ronaldo is still attracting all the headlines as he starts the job of proving he was worth the world record £80million fee Real Madrid paid United for him, Valencia has made a somewhat lower key arrival at Old Trafford.
The Ecuador star might have cost Sir Alex Ferguson £17million but that fee is dwarfed by the vast amounts that have been shelled out this summer by both Real and, rather closer to home, Manchester City.
Yet, with Ferguson declaring his close-season transfer business over, it is to Valencia the Red Devils' faithful will look to fill the enormous gap Ronaldo has left.
It is not a position the South American is entirely comfortable with and one he is pretty eager to distance himself from.
"I don't make any comparisons between myself and Cristiano," he said.
"Obviously Cristiano did very well here but, when I had my first conversations with Manchester United, it was never said I was coming here as a replacement for him.
"What I want is to make sure I do my own job and concentrate on the things I do well.
"That is the main thing for me because I have a real desire to be a success here."
History suggests Valencia will be compared to Ronaldo until such point as he begins to carve out his own niche in United history.
Earning a Premier League title in his first season would be a start, particularly as it would be a fourth on the trot for United, a feat never previously achieved in English football history.
Certainly the form Valencia showed at the back end of last season suggests he can make a major impact, with none of the Portugal superstar's histrionics either.
Mind you, that form came about partly as a consequence of Ferguson's interest in him.
"When a club that big shows an interest in you, it motivates you to really work hard," he said.
"That is what I did and I will continue to do so."
At a time when United are being snubbed in favour of life in Madrid, it is telling Valencia opted to stay in England rather than try his hand at the Bernabeu as initial speculation suggested.
However, despite his Latin background, Valencia insists he has no aching desire to make it in Spain like Ronaldo. And life in the damp north-west suits him just fine.
"I love it here," he said.
"I love life in England and I love the football.
"When I was a kid I always dreamed of playing in a league that was this good. I am delighted to have the chance and so far the Premier League has been great for me."
Meanwhile, Nemanja Vidic was missing from the United squad that headed out to Malaysia for the first leg of a four-match Far East tour.
Although United have not given a reason for Vidic's absence, the defender was forced to pull out of a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands last month after suffering an ankle injury in Serbia's victory over Austria.
With Wes Brown and Gary Neville included in a 22-man party, there was no point risking Vidic, although Ferguson will hope to have the former Spartak Moscow man ready for the start of United's Premier League title defence against Birmingham on August 16.
The only other familiar face to miss out was Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva, although he too was suffering with an ankle problem at the back end of last season.
Ferguson's three new signings, headed by Michael Owen, all boarded the plane bound for Kuala Lumpur, where United will tackle a Malaysia XI on Saturday.
7/16/2009
Madrid's spending leaves Barcelona in the shade
MADRID (AP) - An array of blockbuster signings by Real Madrid is already taking the shine off Barcelona's historic season.
Madrid has spent €214 million ($302 million) on five players, bringing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema to the Spanish capital after a trophyless season.
Meanwhile, classic rival Barcelona signed its first player of the offseason on Wednesday after agreeing to pay Inter Milan €4.5 million for left back Maxwell, a 27-year-old Brazilian expected to fill in at defense after the departure of Sylvinho.
It's hardly the start expected for a team that became the first Spanish club to win the league, Copa del Rey and Champions League trophies in one campaign.
"The quality of the players is not because of how expensive he is," Ronaldo said Thursday from Madrid's preseason training camp in Ireland. "Maxwell is a fantastic player and I played against him a couple of times. I'm happy for him, that he signed for Barcelona."
Maxwell's arrival for the next five seasons was met by some question marks, with Barcelona newspaper Sport asking "Who is Maxwell?"
It's a tame statement after a campaign that will be remembered for the exciting, attacking football in coach Pep Guardiola's first season in charge. But Maxwell was a second choice after the Catalan club couldn't reach an agreement with Deportivo La Coruna over left back Filipe Luis.
Now that that position has been filled, the club is also likely to struggle in its bid to sign a striker - amid a contract saga involving Samuel Eto'o - as Madrid's record spending spree has inflated player prices.
Barcelona has extended the Cameroon striker's holidays by one week to July 27 to give it more time to try and find a solution, with Eto'o so far declining Barcelona's two-year extension offer. As it stands, he can leave for free at the end of next season.
Eto'o rebuffed Manchester City, a move which has made Barcelona's pursuit of Valencia striker David Villa or Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan more difficult.
Villa reportedly said he would be ready to pay the difference to leave Valencia, with Barcelona falling short of the club's ?50 million ($71 million) asking price for the Spain striker.
A €36 million ($51 million) buyout clause appears to be Forlan's price with Atletico unwilling to let go of the Spanish league's top scorer.
"We're not selling any player in the squad," Atletico president Enrique Cerenzo said. "(Sergio) Aguero, Forlan, Maxi (Rodriguez) and all the rest fit into our plans."
Regardless of the outcome, Real Madrid was eager for the season to start.
"It's not important for me who Barcelona signs. I'm training here with the best players in the world, and I don't care who the other teams sign," Ronaldo said. "The new players have to show they have been brought in for a reason. We have to think about winning everything."
Madrid has spent €214 million ($302 million) on five players, bringing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema to the Spanish capital after a trophyless season.
Meanwhile, classic rival Barcelona signed its first player of the offseason on Wednesday after agreeing to pay Inter Milan €4.5 million for left back Maxwell, a 27-year-old Brazilian expected to fill in at defense after the departure of Sylvinho.
It's hardly the start expected for a team that became the first Spanish club to win the league, Copa del Rey and Champions League trophies in one campaign.
"The quality of the players is not because of how expensive he is," Ronaldo said Thursday from Madrid's preseason training camp in Ireland. "Maxwell is a fantastic player and I played against him a couple of times. I'm happy for him, that he signed for Barcelona."
Maxwell's arrival for the next five seasons was met by some question marks, with Barcelona newspaper Sport asking "Who is Maxwell?"
It's a tame statement after a campaign that will be remembered for the exciting, attacking football in coach Pep Guardiola's first season in charge. But Maxwell was a second choice after the Catalan club couldn't reach an agreement with Deportivo La Coruna over left back Filipe Luis.
Now that that position has been filled, the club is also likely to struggle in its bid to sign a striker - amid a contract saga involving Samuel Eto'o - as Madrid's record spending spree has inflated player prices.
Barcelona has extended the Cameroon striker's holidays by one week to July 27 to give it more time to try and find a solution, with Eto'o so far declining Barcelona's two-year extension offer. As it stands, he can leave for free at the end of next season.
Eto'o rebuffed Manchester City, a move which has made Barcelona's pursuit of Valencia striker David Villa or Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan more difficult.
Villa reportedly said he would be ready to pay the difference to leave Valencia, with Barcelona falling short of the club's ?50 million ($71 million) asking price for the Spain striker.
A €36 million ($51 million) buyout clause appears to be Forlan's price with Atletico unwilling to let go of the Spanish league's top scorer.
"We're not selling any player in the squad," Atletico president Enrique Cerenzo said. "(Sergio) Aguero, Forlan, Maxi (Rodriguez) and all the rest fit into our plans."
Regardless of the outcome, Real Madrid was eager for the season to start.
"It's not important for me who Barcelona signs. I'm training here with the best players in the world, and I don't care who the other teams sign," Ronaldo said. "The new players have to show they have been brought in for a reason. We have to think about winning everything."
Trotters talking terms with Taylor
Bolton are reportedly in talks with Matt Taylor over a new deal, despite the midfielder having two years still to run on his current contract.
Taylor has proved to be a massive success at Bolton since his arrival at the club from Portsmouth in January 2008.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of Gary Megson's key players and enjoyed a superb season last term.
The talented midfielder netted 10 goals in the past campaign as well as providing a number of assists for his team-mates.
Taylor still has two years to run on his current deal, but Sky Sports believes Bolton are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
Taylor has proved to be a massive success at Bolton since his arrival at the club from Portsmouth in January 2008.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of Gary Megson's key players and enjoyed a superb season last term.
The talented midfielder netted 10 goals in the past campaign as well as providing a number of assists for his team-mates.
Taylor still has two years to run on his current deal, but Sky Sports believes Bolton are keen to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
Voronin keen to stake Reds claim
Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin wants another chance to prove he has a future at Anfield, despite being sent out on loan last season.
The 29-year-old is back in boss Rafael Benitez's squad after a year-long spell at Hertha Berlin and figured in Wednesday night's opening pre-season friendly against St Gallen.
Voronin played in the first half of a 0-0 draw and is clearly intent on reviving his career at Liverpool.
Benitez said: "He did really well in Germany last season, scoring plenty of goals, and he has told me that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his position.
"I have told him that will be difficult with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our first-choice strikers. But he realises this and the players we have in the squad.
"But he also knows that this club always plays more than 60 games a season and that means there are opportunities. He will fight for his place."
Voronin signed for Liverpool on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2007 but, after recovering from an ankle injury, was shipped out to Berlin a year ago.
He scored 11 goals in 21 league games for Berlin, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga, just missing out on Champions League qualification.
If Hertha had made it to the Champions League, they would have had the finances to pay a �6million fee for the Ukrainian.
Benitez would certainly be prepared to sell Voronin now to boost his transfer budget and another loan could be possible.
But Voronin is at least being given the chance to show he can be a viable back-up striker.
Benitez said: "Voronin is doing well. Last pre-season he also did really well for us and then when he went on loan he had a very good season in Germany with Hertha Berlin.
"He has game intelligence, which is something we are always looking for.
"At this moment he is a Liverpool player. But it depends on him, he is continuing to work hard and is playing well so he will have a chance.
"It is good to have him back. When we signed him we were looking for a player who could play 'between the lines' as a second striker with quality."
Benitez was also impressed with the quality of new signing Glen Johnson against St Gallen, the England defender making his debut as a second-half substitute in an unfamiliar left-back role at the AFG Arena.
The Liverpool chief said: "Glen played at left-back because we do not have too many options there at the moment due to injuries.
"I asked him to play on the left and he did really well. The team as a whole did well but everyone was watching Glen and he was good."
Johnson almost scored within minutes of coming on and was pleased with his debut.
He said: "It felt fantastic out there, it was nice to get my first 45 minutes.
"Now I can get on with it. The boys have made me feel really welcome from the start and I enjoyed getting out there and putting in a performance with them.
"It's been brilliant at the training camp, I have loved every minute of it and I am looking forward to the season ahead."
The absence of Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena meant Johnson filled in at left-back, and the new boy is only too happy to adapt.
He said: "I have played there before, though not recently. But I have been training there for the last few days and I quite enjoy it.
"I was very disappointed not to have scored with the chance I had. I want to score every opportunity I get and I should have done better."
The 29-year-old is back in boss Rafael Benitez's squad after a year-long spell at Hertha Berlin and figured in Wednesday night's opening pre-season friendly against St Gallen.
Voronin played in the first half of a 0-0 draw and is clearly intent on reviving his career at Liverpool.
Benitez said: "He did really well in Germany last season, scoring plenty of goals, and he has told me that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his position.
"I have told him that will be difficult with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our first-choice strikers. But he realises this and the players we have in the squad.
"But he also knows that this club always plays more than 60 games a season and that means there are opportunities. He will fight for his place."
Voronin signed for Liverpool on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in 2007 but, after recovering from an ankle injury, was shipped out to Berlin a year ago.
He scored 11 goals in 21 league games for Berlin, who finished fourth in the Bundesliga, just missing out on Champions League qualification.
If Hertha had made it to the Champions League, they would have had the finances to pay a �6million fee for the Ukrainian.
Benitez would certainly be prepared to sell Voronin now to boost his transfer budget and another loan could be possible.
But Voronin is at least being given the chance to show he can be a viable back-up striker.
Benitez said: "Voronin is doing well. Last pre-season he also did really well for us and then when he went on loan he had a very good season in Germany with Hertha Berlin.
"He has game intelligence, which is something we are always looking for.
"At this moment he is a Liverpool player. But it depends on him, he is continuing to work hard and is playing well so he will have a chance.
"It is good to have him back. When we signed him we were looking for a player who could play 'between the lines' as a second striker with quality."
Benitez was also impressed with the quality of new signing Glen Johnson against St Gallen, the England defender making his debut as a second-half substitute in an unfamiliar left-back role at the AFG Arena.
The Liverpool chief said: "Glen played at left-back because we do not have too many options there at the moment due to injuries.
"I asked him to play on the left and he did really well. The team as a whole did well but everyone was watching Glen and he was good."
Johnson almost scored within minutes of coming on and was pleased with his debut.
He said: "It felt fantastic out there, it was nice to get my first 45 minutes.
"Now I can get on with it. The boys have made me feel really welcome from the start and I enjoyed getting out there and putting in a performance with them.
"It's been brilliant at the training camp, I have loved every minute of it and I am looking forward to the season ahead."
The absence of Fabio Aurelio and Andrea Dossena meant Johnson filled in at left-back, and the new boy is only too happy to adapt.
He said: "I have played there before, though not recently. But I have been training there for the last few days and I quite enjoy it.
"I was very disappointed not to have scored with the chance I had. I want to score every opportunity I get and I should have done better."
Madrid's spending leaves Barcelona in the shade
MADRID (AP) - An array of blockbuster signings by Real Madrid is already taking the shine off Barcelona's historic season.
Madrid has spent €214 million ($302 million) on five players, bringing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema to the Spanish capital after a trophyless season.
Meanwhile, classic rival Barcelona signed its first player of the offseason on Wednesday after agreeing to pay Inter Milan €4.5 million for left back Maxwell, a 27-year-old Brazilian expected to fill in at defense after the departure of Sylvinho.
It's hardly the start expected for a team that became the first Spanish club to win the league, Copa del Rey and Champions League trophies in one campaign.
"The quality of the players is not because of how expensive he is," Ronaldo said Thursday from Madrid's preseason training camp in Ireland. "Maxwell is a fantastic player and I played against him a couple of times. I'm happy for him, that he signed for Barcelona."
Maxwell's arrival for the next five seasons was met by some question marks, with Barcelona newspaper Sport asking "Who is Maxwell?"
It's a tame statement after a campaign that will be remembered for the exciting, attacking football in coach Pep Guardiola's first season in charge. But Maxwell was a second choice after the Catalan club couldn't reach an agreement with Deportivo La Coruna over left back Filipe Luis.
Now that that position has been filled, the club is also likely to struggle in its bid to sign a striker - amid a contract saga involving Samuel Eto'o - as Madrid's record spending spree has inflated player prices.
Barcelona has extended the Cameroon striker's holidays by one week to July 27 to give it more time to try and find a solution, with Eto'o so far declining Barcelona's two-year extension offer. As it stands, he can leave for free at the end of next season.
Eto'o rebuffed Manchester City, a move which has made Barcelona's pursuit of Valencia striker David Villa or Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan more difficult.
Villa reportedly said he would be ready to pay the difference to leave Valencia, with Barcelona falling short of the club's ?50 million ($71 million) asking price for the Spain striker.
A €36 million ($51 million) buyout clause appears to be Forlan's price with Atletico unwilling to let go of the Spanish league's top scorer.
"We're not selling any player in the squad," Atletico president Enrique Cerenzo said. "(Sergio) Aguero, Forlan, Maxi (Rodriguez) and all the rest fit into our plans."
Regardless of the outcome, Real Madrid was eager for the season to start.
"It's not important for me who Barcelona signs. I'm training here with the best players in the world, and I don't care who the other teams sign," Ronaldo said. "The new players have to show they have been brought in for a reason. We have to think about winning everything."
Madrid has spent €214 million ($302 million) on five players, bringing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema to the Spanish capital after a trophyless season.
Meanwhile, classic rival Barcelona signed its first player of the offseason on Wednesday after agreeing to pay Inter Milan €4.5 million for left back Maxwell, a 27-year-old Brazilian expected to fill in at defense after the departure of Sylvinho.
It's hardly the start expected for a team that became the first Spanish club to win the league, Copa del Rey and Champions League trophies in one campaign.
"The quality of the players is not because of how expensive he is," Ronaldo said Thursday from Madrid's preseason training camp in Ireland. "Maxwell is a fantastic player and I played against him a couple of times. I'm happy for him, that he signed for Barcelona."
Maxwell's arrival for the next five seasons was met by some question marks, with Barcelona newspaper Sport asking "Who is Maxwell?"
It's a tame statement after a campaign that will be remembered for the exciting, attacking football in coach Pep Guardiola's first season in charge. But Maxwell was a second choice after the Catalan club couldn't reach an agreement with Deportivo La Coruna over left back Filipe Luis.
Now that that position has been filled, the club is also likely to struggle in its bid to sign a striker - amid a contract saga involving Samuel Eto'o - as Madrid's record spending spree has inflated player prices.
Barcelona has extended the Cameroon striker's holidays by one week to July 27 to give it more time to try and find a solution, with Eto'o so far declining Barcelona's two-year extension offer. As it stands, he can leave for free at the end of next season.
Eto'o rebuffed Manchester City, a move which has made Barcelona's pursuit of Valencia striker David Villa or Atletico Madrid's Diego Forlan more difficult.
Villa reportedly said he would be ready to pay the difference to leave Valencia, with Barcelona falling short of the club's ?50 million ($71 million) asking price for the Spain striker.
A €36 million ($51 million) buyout clause appears to be Forlan's price with Atletico unwilling to let go of the Spanish league's top scorer.
"We're not selling any player in the squad," Atletico president Enrique Cerenzo said. "(Sergio) Aguero, Forlan, Maxi (Rodriguez) and all the rest fit into our plans."
Regardless of the outcome, Real Madrid was eager for the season to start.
"It's not important for me who Barcelona signs. I'm training here with the best players in the world, and I don't care who the other teams sign," Ronaldo said. "The new players have to show they have been brought in for a reason. We have to think about winning everything."
Gudjohnsen's Barca exit on the cards
Eidur Gudjohnsen's father and agent has admitted the player is likely to leave La Liga giants Barcelona this summer.
Reports in Spain have suggested Barcelona are willing to part with former Chelsea star Gudjohnsen for a fee of £5million.
A move back to England has been mooted with West Ham believed to be leading the chase for Gudjohnsen after Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola refused to rule out a move for his former Chelsea team-mate.
Gudjohsen Snr, Arnor admits there is a lot of interest in Eidur and that he expects talks with interested club next week about a possible move.
"It is a real possibility that Eidur could leave Barcelona this summer," Gudjohnsen told Skysports.
"Barcelona have not told Eidur yet, but I have seen the reports that he could go.
"There is interest from a number of clubs in Eidur and I expect serious discussions with clubs next week.
"Eidur would be open to a move back to England as he knows everything in England and it would seriously appeal to him."
Reports in Spain have suggested Barcelona are willing to part with former Chelsea star Gudjohnsen for a fee of £5million.
A move back to England has been mooted with West Ham believed to be leading the chase for Gudjohnsen after Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola refused to rule out a move for his former Chelsea team-mate.
Gudjohsen Snr, Arnor admits there is a lot of interest in Eidur and that he expects talks with interested club next week about a possible move.
"It is a real possibility that Eidur could leave Barcelona this summer," Gudjohnsen told Skysports.
"Barcelona have not told Eidur yet, but I have seen the reports that he could go.
"There is interest from a number of clubs in Eidur and I expect serious discussions with clubs next week.
"Eidur would be open to a move back to England as he knows everything in England and it would seriously appeal to him."
Cristiano Ronaldo ready for challenge at Madrid
MAYNOOTH, Ireland (AP) - Cristiano Ronaldo is the player expected to lead Real Madrid back to the top of the football world, and he is relishing the chance to prove he can do just that.
"Life is a challenge, and I'm a challenge man," Ronaldo said Thursday at Madrid's preseason training camp near Dublin.
The Portugal winger moved to Madrid from Manchester United for a record 80 million pound ($131 million) transfer fee. Along with Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol, Ronaldo said he and his teammates have a job to do when the Spanish season starts next month.
"The new players have to show they have been brought in for a reason," Ronaldo said. "We have to win the league."
Last year, Barcelona not only won the league title but also added the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, becoming the first Spanish team to win all three in one season. Ronaldo, who won the Champions League with Manchester United but lost to Barcelona in last season's European Cup final, is hoping his new team can do the same thing.
"You need sometimes a little bit of luck, but I believe we have a good team, a good coach. Why not?" Ronaldo said of the nine-time European Cup champions. "We have to be thinking like that to win."
Ronaldo dismissed reports that the new wave of "galacticos" at Madrid was causing friction with the star players already there.
"All of us have to concentrate together to win championships," Ronaldo said. "I'm the same as all the others, and together I think we can achieve that."
Ronaldo's first match with Madrid is likely to be on Monday when the team plays a friendly against Shamrock Rovers. He said coach Manuel Pellegrini hadn't told him yet whether he will play at Rovers in a stadium where special stands have been erected to accommodate the more than 10,000 fans expected to attend.
Whether or not he plays, Ronaldo was not prepared to offer any insight into Madrid's opponent.
"To be honest with you, I don't know. I don't know any player," Ronaldo said. "Sorry about that."
"Life is a challenge, and I'm a challenge man," Ronaldo said Thursday at Madrid's preseason training camp near Dublin.
The Portugal winger moved to Madrid from Manchester United for a record 80 million pound ($131 million) transfer fee. Along with Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol, Ronaldo said he and his teammates have a job to do when the Spanish season starts next month.
"The new players have to show they have been brought in for a reason," Ronaldo said. "We have to win the league."
Last year, Barcelona not only won the league title but also added the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, becoming the first Spanish team to win all three in one season. Ronaldo, who won the Champions League with Manchester United but lost to Barcelona in last season's European Cup final, is hoping his new team can do the same thing.
"You need sometimes a little bit of luck, but I believe we have a good team, a good coach. Why not?" Ronaldo said of the nine-time European Cup champions. "We have to be thinking like that to win."
Ronaldo dismissed reports that the new wave of "galacticos" at Madrid was causing friction with the star players already there.
"All of us have to concentrate together to win championships," Ronaldo said. "I'm the same as all the others, and together I think we can achieve that."
Ronaldo's first match with Madrid is likely to be on Monday when the team plays a friendly against Shamrock Rovers. He said coach Manuel Pellegrini hadn't told him yet whether he will play at Rovers in a stadium where special stands have been erected to accommodate the more than 10,000 fans expected to attend.
Whether or not he plays, Ronaldo was not prepared to offer any insight into Madrid's opponent.
"To be honest with you, I don't know. I don't know any player," Ronaldo said. "Sorry about that."
Veron key for Estudiantes in Copa final
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) - The experience of Juan Sebastian Veron proved crucial to Estudiantes as the veteran midfielder led the Argentine club to the Copa Libertadores title in a dramatic final against Cruzeiro.
Veron set up both goals in Estudiantes' come-from-behind 2-1 win over Cruzeiro on Wednesday, helping the Argentine team win its fourth trophy in Latin America's most important club competition.
With the title, Veron matched his father, Juan Ramon, who played in all three previous Copa Libertadores titles won by Estudiantes in 1968, '69 and '70.
"It took a lot of heart," Veron said as nearly 3,000 Estudiantes fans chanted his name from the stands. "It was incredible."
The Verons are only the second father-son duo to have won the Copa Libertadores, joining Jorge Goncalves and father Nestor who both won a title with Uruguayan club Penarol.
Veron showed his leadership on Wednesday, taking control of the midfield and helping Estudiantes keep Cruzeiro from pressuring despite the support of more than 65,000 fans at Mineirao stadium.
"The fans can't celebrate now," Veron said. "They celebrated ahead of time but we are the ones with the trophy now."
Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella praised the veteran striker and said he was the main reason for the team's victory.
"It was a great match by Veron," Sabella said. "He was coming off an injury and we knew he was going to keep improving and play even better today."
Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista also was quick to show his appreciation for the midfielder's performance.
"It was a pleasure to see a player like Veron perform like he did," Batista said. "He is very intelligent tactically."
Veron nearly missed the first leg of the finals because of a calf injury sustained in the semifinal against Uruguay's Nacional, but recovered in time to help the Argentines in the 0-0 draw at home.
On Wednesday, Veron made a great pass to defender Christian Cellay to set up Estudiantes first goal in the 58th minute, just six minutes after Cruzeiro had gone ahead with a long-range shot by defender Henrique.
Cellay's cross found striker Gaston Fernandez inside the area and he easily found the open net.
Then Veron took the corner kick which led to striker Mauro Boselli's winner in the 73rd, securing Estudiantes victory and the title.
The midfielder nearly scored from a free kick in the 79th, but his shot went just over the crossbar.
Veron began his career at Estudiantes in 1994 before moving to European football, where he played for Sampdoria, Parma, Lazio and Inter Milan in Italy. He also played for Manchester United and Chelsea in England. He returned to Argentina in 2006 to rejoin his former club.
He played for Argentina in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, but was left off the roster for the 2006 tournament in Germany by coach Jose Pekerman.
Veron set up both goals in Estudiantes' come-from-behind 2-1 win over Cruzeiro on Wednesday, helping the Argentine team win its fourth trophy in Latin America's most important club competition.
With the title, Veron matched his father, Juan Ramon, who played in all three previous Copa Libertadores titles won by Estudiantes in 1968, '69 and '70.
"It took a lot of heart," Veron said as nearly 3,000 Estudiantes fans chanted his name from the stands. "It was incredible."
The Verons are only the second father-son duo to have won the Copa Libertadores, joining Jorge Goncalves and father Nestor who both won a title with Uruguayan club Penarol.
Veron showed his leadership on Wednesday, taking control of the midfield and helping Estudiantes keep Cruzeiro from pressuring despite the support of more than 65,000 fans at Mineirao stadium.
"The fans can't celebrate now," Veron said. "They celebrated ahead of time but we are the ones with the trophy now."
Estudiantes coach Alejandro Sabella praised the veteran striker and said he was the main reason for the team's victory.
"It was a great match by Veron," Sabella said. "He was coming off an injury and we knew he was going to keep improving and play even better today."
Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista also was quick to show his appreciation for the midfielder's performance.
"It was a pleasure to see a player like Veron perform like he did," Batista said. "He is very intelligent tactically."
Veron nearly missed the first leg of the finals because of a calf injury sustained in the semifinal against Uruguay's Nacional, but recovered in time to help the Argentines in the 0-0 draw at home.
On Wednesday, Veron made a great pass to defender Christian Cellay to set up Estudiantes first goal in the 58th minute, just six minutes after Cruzeiro had gone ahead with a long-range shot by defender Henrique.
Cellay's cross found striker Gaston Fernandez inside the area and he easily found the open net.
Then Veron took the corner kick which led to striker Mauro Boselli's winner in the 73rd, securing Estudiantes victory and the title.
The midfielder nearly scored from a free kick in the 79th, but his shot went just over the crossbar.
Veron began his career at Estudiantes in 1994 before moving to European football, where he played for Sampdoria, Parma, Lazio and Inter Milan in Italy. He also played for Manchester United and Chelsea in England. He returned to Argentina in 2006 to rejoin his former club.
He played for Argentina in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, but was left off the roster for the 2006 tournament in Germany by coach Jose Pekerman.
Medical for Blues-bound Ferguson
Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson is undergoing a medical at Birmingham ahead of his proposed £1million move from Ibrox to St Andrew's.
The Blues saw a £1million offer for the midfielder accepted on Wednesday and are now looking to complete the formalities of the deal.
Ferguson endured a turbulent 2009/10 campaign, with his actions while on World Cup qualifying duty with Scotland in April seeing him fall under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
He was subsequently dropped from the Scottish squad indefinitely and stripped of the Gers captaincy.
He did force his way back into contention at Ibrox before the season came to a close, but it was widely accepted that he would be on the move this summer.
Ferguson has previous experience of life in England, having spent two years with Blackburn between 2003 and 2005.
The Blues saw a £1million offer for the midfielder accepted on Wednesday and are now looking to complete the formalities of the deal.
Ferguson endured a turbulent 2009/10 campaign, with his actions while on World Cup qualifying duty with Scotland in April seeing him fall under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
He was subsequently dropped from the Scottish squad indefinitely and stripped of the Gers captaincy.
He did force his way back into contention at Ibrox before the season came to a close, but it was widely accepted that he would be on the move this summer.
Ferguson has previous experience of life in England, having spent two years with Blackburn between 2003 and 2005.
Vidic stays at home as United fly out
Nemanja Vidic was missing from the Manchester United squad that headed out to Malaysia for the first leg of a four-match Far East tour.
Although United have not given a reason for Vidic's absence, the defender was forced to pull out of a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands last month after suffering an ankle injury in Serbia's victory over Austria.
With Wes Brown and Gary Neville included in a 22-man party, there was no point risking Vidic, although Sir Alex Ferguson will hope to have the former Spartak Moscow man ready for the start of United's Premier League title defence against Birmingham on August 16.
The only other familiar face to miss out was Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva, although he too was suffering with an ankle problem at the back end of last season.
Ferguson's three new signings, headed by Michael Owen, all boarded the plane bound for Kuala Lumpur, where United will tackle a Malaysia XI on Saturday.
Although United have not given a reason for Vidic's absence, the defender was forced to pull out of a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands last month after suffering an ankle injury in Serbia's victory over Austria.
With Wes Brown and Gary Neville included in a 22-man party, there was no point risking Vidic, although Sir Alex Ferguson will hope to have the former Spartak Moscow man ready for the start of United's Premier League title defence against Birmingham on August 16.
The only other familiar face to miss out was Brazilian full-back Rafael Da Silva, although he too was suffering with an ankle problem at the back end of last season.
Ferguson's three new signings, headed by Michael Owen, all boarded the plane bound for Kuala Lumpur, where United will tackle a Malaysia XI on Saturday.
Cruzeiro tries to regroup after Copa final loss
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) - Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista is hoping his side can turn its attention back to the Brazilian league after the disappointment of losing at home to Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores final.
Batista's team went down 2-1 in a second leg match watched by nearly 65,000 fans at a packed Mineirao stadium on Wednesday.
"We have to rebound from this disappointment," he said. "It's hard, but we are going to do it."
Cruzeiro appeared on its way to winning the title after scoring early in the second half, but Estudiantes struck twice to clinch its fourth trophy in Latin America's most important club competition.
The two sides had drawn 0-0 in the first leg last week in Argentina, while Cruzeiro had won all its previous six matches at home in this year's Copa Libertadores.
"I have to apologize to Cruzeiro fans for failing to give them this title which was so important," Batista said. "The players were saddened, they were crying because of this loss."
Many players rushed off the field weeping as stunned fans watched from the stands. It was only the third loss for Cruzeiro against Argentine teams in 36 matches at Mineiro - Velez Sarsfield had done it in 1996 in the Supercopa Sudamericana and Boca Juniors in last year's round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
In the Brazilian league, Cruzeiro is only 16th in the 20-team standings, just off the relegation zone. The bottom four clubs will go down, while the top four will secure a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores.
"Hopefully now we can play well against Corinthians on Sunday and then beat Santo Andre (on Wednesday)," the coach said, referring to the team's upcoming matches. "We have to try to recover to go back to the Copa Libertadores."
Cruzeiro is coming off a 3-0 loss to Atletico Mineiro, a result that ended its 12-match unbeaten streak against the Belo Horizonte rival. The loss came after Batista rested most of its regular starters ahead of the Copa Libertadores final.
The team had been playing mostly with second stringers in the Brazilian league so the starters could focus on the Copa.
Batista's team went down 2-1 in a second leg match watched by nearly 65,000 fans at a packed Mineirao stadium on Wednesday.
"We have to rebound from this disappointment," he said. "It's hard, but we are going to do it."
Cruzeiro appeared on its way to winning the title after scoring early in the second half, but Estudiantes struck twice to clinch its fourth trophy in Latin America's most important club competition.
The two sides had drawn 0-0 in the first leg last week in Argentina, while Cruzeiro had won all its previous six matches at home in this year's Copa Libertadores.
"I have to apologize to Cruzeiro fans for failing to give them this title which was so important," Batista said. "The players were saddened, they were crying because of this loss."
Many players rushed off the field weeping as stunned fans watched from the stands. It was only the third loss for Cruzeiro against Argentine teams in 36 matches at Mineiro - Velez Sarsfield had done it in 1996 in the Supercopa Sudamericana and Boca Juniors in last year's round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
In the Brazilian league, Cruzeiro is only 16th in the 20-team standings, just off the relegation zone. The bottom four clubs will go down, while the top four will secure a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores.
"Hopefully now we can play well against Corinthians on Sunday and then beat Santo Andre (on Wednesday)," the coach said, referring to the team's upcoming matches. "We have to try to recover to go back to the Copa Libertadores."
Cruzeiro is coming off a 3-0 loss to Atletico Mineiro, a result that ended its 12-match unbeaten streak against the Belo Horizonte rival. The loss came after Batista rested most of its regular starters ahead of the Copa Libertadores final.
The team had been playing mostly with second stringers in the Brazilian league so the starters could focus on the Copa.
Gunners trial for Serbian starlet
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is understood to have invited Serbian wonderkid Veljko Batrovic for a short trial at London Colney next week.
Batrovic, who is currently with FK Bubamara, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in European football.
The 15-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in the world with the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan all courting his services.
However, Wenger is ready to steal a march on his rivals by offering the skilful attacker the chance to join the Gunners for training.
Batrovic, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, is expected to travel to London next week to undergo a short trial at Arsenal and Wenger could try and set up a deal to sign the teenager if he impresses.
Batrovic, who is currently with FK Bubamara, is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in European football.
The 15-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in the world with the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan all courting his services.
However, Wenger is ready to steal a march on his rivals by offering the skilful attacker the chance to join the Gunners for training.
Batrovic, who has been likened to Lionel Messi, is expected to travel to London next week to undergo a short trial at Arsenal and Wenger could try and set up a deal to sign the teenager if he impresses.
Hughes showcases new signings in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Manchester City's talks with Arsenal about buying striker Emmanuel Adebayor are at an "advanced stage," according to manager Mark Hughes.
Hughes, who is in Abu Dhabi to showcase his latest signings to City's owner Sheikh Mansour, said he expects more top players to join the team before the end of the transfer window.
"Talks are going on (about Adebayor) and are at an advanced stage," Hughes said.
However, he would not comment on the club's chances of signing Chelsea captain John Terry, who is seen as City's main target.
"It would be unfair for me to comment on each name since we are talking to many clubs for many players," Hughes said.
Hughes traveled to Abu Dhabi with the club's marquee signings - former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez, Paraguay forward Roque Santa Cruz and England midfielder Gareth Barry - along with midfielder Stephen Ireland.
If City does buy Adebayor, the club's squad would include 10 quality strikers. Hughes, however, doesn't seem worried about having a surplus of talent fighting for playing time.
"The top players have become what they are because they have been professional in their approach," Hughes said. "They realize what it takes to play along with others and yet ensure the game we play is of quality."
Santa Cruz said the multitude of attacking options will just help make the forwards better.
"At any club there will be a lot of competition for a place in the team, but that is what makes things exciting," Santa Cruz said. "I know there are a lot of great strikers here now, but I know that if I do as well as I can, I have a great chance and the team will benefit as well."
Hughes emphasized that the club is following a clear-cut plan when it comes to purchases, rather than just buying up what's available.
"Choosing players is not exact science. The transfer window is an ongoing process and we have still some time," Hughes said. "It is wrong to believe that we are after every big player from the clubs everywhere. We are clear about the direction in which we are going and the kind of players we need to achieve that."
Hughes also announced that the club will play a friendly against the United Arab Emirates national team on Nov. 12.
Hughes, who is in Abu Dhabi to showcase his latest signings to City's owner Sheikh Mansour, said he expects more top players to join the team before the end of the transfer window.
"Talks are going on (about Adebayor) and are at an advanced stage," Hughes said.
However, he would not comment on the club's chances of signing Chelsea captain John Terry, who is seen as City's main target.
"It would be unfair for me to comment on each name since we are talking to many clubs for many players," Hughes said.
Hughes traveled to Abu Dhabi with the club's marquee signings - former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez, Paraguay forward Roque Santa Cruz and England midfielder Gareth Barry - along with midfielder Stephen Ireland.
If City does buy Adebayor, the club's squad would include 10 quality strikers. Hughes, however, doesn't seem worried about having a surplus of talent fighting for playing time.
"The top players have become what they are because they have been professional in their approach," Hughes said. "They realize what it takes to play along with others and yet ensure the game we play is of quality."
Santa Cruz said the multitude of attacking options will just help make the forwards better.
"At any club there will be a lot of competition for a place in the team, but that is what makes things exciting," Santa Cruz said. "I know there are a lot of great strikers here now, but I know that if I do as well as I can, I have a great chance and the team will benefit as well."
Hughes emphasized that the club is following a clear-cut plan when it comes to purchases, rather than just buying up what's available.
"Choosing players is not exact science. The transfer window is an ongoing process and we have still some time," Hughes said. "It is wrong to believe that we are after every big player from the clubs everywhere. We are clear about the direction in which we are going and the kind of players we need to achieve that."
Hughes also announced that the club will play a friendly against the United Arab Emirates national team on Nov. 12.
Agent cools Aquilani transfer talk
The agent of Alberto Aquilani has brushed aside reports suggesting the Italy playmaker will leave Roma for Liverpool this summer.
Speculation in Italy claimed a delegation from the Premier League outfit had arrived in Rome to offer 16million euros for the player.
The highly-rated 25-year-old is considered a candidate to replace Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
But Aquilani's agent Franco Zabaglia told asromanews.it: "Alberto to Liverpool? Let's not say silly things.
"There's no point in even talking about this subject because there is no truth in this.
"The player recently extended his contract with Roma and is working towards recovering and giving his best to Roma."
Aquilani is under contract with the Eternal City outfit until June 2013.
A right ankle injury limited the player to just 14 league appearances for the Giallorossi last season.
Speculation in Italy claimed a delegation from the Premier League outfit had arrived in Rome to offer 16million euros for the player.
The highly-rated 25-year-old is considered a candidate to replace Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
But Aquilani's agent Franco Zabaglia told asromanews.it: "Alberto to Liverpool? Let's not say silly things.
"There's no point in even talking about this subject because there is no truth in this.
"The player recently extended his contract with Roma and is working towards recovering and giving his best to Roma."
Aquilani is under contract with the Eternal City outfit until June 2013.
A right ankle injury limited the player to just 14 league appearances for the Giallorossi last season.
N'Daw dreaming of Premier switch
Nantes midfielder Guirane N'Daw has revealed he would relish a move to England after being linked with a number of Premier League clubs.
N'Daw has been linked with a move across the channel ever since last summer when Stoke reportedly tried to sign him, and the Potters have remained keen ever since.
Everton and Blackburn have also been linked with the 25-year-old recently but it is understood that Hull and Wolves are the two clubs now showing the most interest.
And, while he is unsure what will happen at this stage, N'Daw admits he is dreaming of a move to England.
"To play in the Premier League would be fantastic," the Senegal international told Sky Sports' website.
"It is the best league with the best fans.
"I don't know what will happen yet, but everyone at the club understands my ambition, so we'll wait and see."
Nantes were relegated to Ligue 2 last season.
N'Daw has been linked with a move across the channel ever since last summer when Stoke reportedly tried to sign him, and the Potters have remained keen ever since.
Everton and Blackburn have also been linked with the 25-year-old recently but it is understood that Hull and Wolves are the two clubs now showing the most interest.
And, while he is unsure what will happen at this stage, N'Daw admits he is dreaming of a move to England.
"To play in the Premier League would be fantastic," the Senegal international told Sky Sports' website.
"It is the best league with the best fans.
"I don't know what will happen yet, but everyone at the club understands my ambition, so we'll wait and see."
Nantes were relegated to Ligue 2 last season.
Terry on tour, but Cole misses out
Chelsea captain John Terry has joined the club for their pre-season tour of the USA - but Joe Cole has been left out following knee surgery.
There has been intense speculation about Terry's future in recent days after Mark Hughes confirmed he had made an offer to take the defender to Manchester City, but Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has stressed the player is not for sale.
And, despite reports suggesting City will continue to work on a deal for the player, Chelsea have now confirmed Terry will join up with the rest of the squad for the four-match pre-season tour.
New signings Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge also link up with the squad, while Yuri Zhirkov will join the tour at a later stage.
However, Cole will not travel with the squad after having an operation that is set to keep him out of pre-season training.
The England midfielder missed the second half of last season with a knee injury and, while the current problem is not expected to keep him out long-term, he is due to spend the next four weeks on the sidelines.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Joe Cole underwent minor surgery yesterday (Wednesday) to correct a small tear in his meniscus in his knee.
"In light of his previous surgery, excellent rehab and recent return to full training, this is only a minor setback and we expect Cole to return to full training in approximately one month.
"As a result, Cole has not joined the party for the tour of America."
There has been intense speculation about Terry's future in recent days after Mark Hughes confirmed he had made an offer to take the defender to Manchester City, but Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has stressed the player is not for sale.
And, despite reports suggesting City will continue to work on a deal for the player, Chelsea have now confirmed Terry will join up with the rest of the squad for the four-match pre-season tour.
New signings Ross Turnbull and Daniel Sturridge also link up with the squad, while Yuri Zhirkov will join the tour at a later stage.
However, Cole will not travel with the squad after having an operation that is set to keep him out of pre-season training.
The England midfielder missed the second half of last season with a knee injury and, while the current problem is not expected to keep him out long-term, he is due to spend the next four weeks on the sidelines.
A statement on the club's official website read: "Joe Cole underwent minor surgery yesterday (Wednesday) to correct a small tear in his meniscus in his knee.
"In light of his previous surgery, excellent rehab and recent return to full training, this is only a minor setback and we expect Cole to return to full training in approximately one month.
"As a result, Cole has not joined the party for the tour of America."
Boston holds on for win over Chicago
Cambridge, Mass. - Angela Hucles scored in the first half and the Breakers defense held on in the second in a 1-0 win over the Chicago Red Stars in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) action Wednesday night at Harvard Stadium in Cambridge, Mass.
The result ends the season series for the two teams with the Breakers winning 2-1-0. It also puts Boston (6-6-3, 21 points) in sole possession of third place in the standings, just two points behind second place Saint Louis Athletica. The Red Stars (4-7-5, 17 points) are now in a tie for fifth.
"I thought we were very good in the first half, and we knew that they would push out a lot more," said head coach Tony DiCicco. "We chose to stay with the 4-5-1 and looked for counter attack opportunities. I don't think we got enough of those. I think we were a little bit too eager, and gave up the ball too much. They had chances to score. We bent, but we didn't break. I'm really proud of the players."
The game winner occurred in the 35th minute when Kristine Lilly sent a long ball into the box that Hucles got on the end of with a one touch into the back of the net. It was both Hucles' second goal of the season and Lilly's second assist.
The Breakers' offense was quiet as the defense fought hard in the second half to prevent the tie. The Red Stars put on intense pressure from the very first minute when Marian Dalmy sent a cross to Lindsay Tarpley, but the shot was deflected just wide of the goal. They continued to control the game throughout the half as Chicago outshot Boston, 13-2.
The closest call came during a scramble in the box in the 64th minute, when Mary-Frances Monroe, in her first start of the season, saved the shutout when she deflected a shot from Jill Oakes on the goal line at the far right post.
Boston enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, and had numerous close chances leading up to their goal. Hucles almost scored earlier in the 22nd minute as she made her way to the net on a breakaway, but her shot was saved by Red Star goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson.
Jennie Nobis also looked especially hungry for a goal with several chances. In the 26th minute she got onto the end of a corner from Lilly, but it sailed right over the crossbar. She had another shot off a pass from Heather Mitts in the 29th minute, but Jonsson got on the ground and just got her hands on it in time for the save.
The Breakers are next in action on Sunday, to face FC Gold Pride in Santa Clara, Calif. It will be the third and final game of the series, in which the Pride lead 1-0-1.
The result ends the season series for the two teams with the Breakers winning 2-1-0. It also puts Boston (6-6-3, 21 points) in sole possession of third place in the standings, just two points behind second place Saint Louis Athletica. The Red Stars (4-7-5, 17 points) are now in a tie for fifth.
"I thought we were very good in the first half, and we knew that they would push out a lot more," said head coach Tony DiCicco. "We chose to stay with the 4-5-1 and looked for counter attack opportunities. I don't think we got enough of those. I think we were a little bit too eager, and gave up the ball too much. They had chances to score. We bent, but we didn't break. I'm really proud of the players."
The game winner occurred in the 35th minute when Kristine Lilly sent a long ball into the box that Hucles got on the end of with a one touch into the back of the net. It was both Hucles' second goal of the season and Lilly's second assist.
The Breakers' offense was quiet as the defense fought hard in the second half to prevent the tie. The Red Stars put on intense pressure from the very first minute when Marian Dalmy sent a cross to Lindsay Tarpley, but the shot was deflected just wide of the goal. They continued to control the game throughout the half as Chicago outshot Boston, 13-2.
The closest call came during a scramble in the box in the 64th minute, when Mary-Frances Monroe, in her first start of the season, saved the shutout when she deflected a shot from Jill Oakes on the goal line at the far right post.
Boston enjoyed the majority of the possession in the first half, and had numerous close chances leading up to their goal. Hucles almost scored earlier in the 22nd minute as she made her way to the net on a breakaway, but her shot was saved by Red Star goalkeeper Caroline Jonsson.
Jennie Nobis also looked especially hungry for a goal with several chances. In the 26th minute she got onto the end of a corner from Lilly, but it sailed right over the crossbar. She had another shot off a pass from Heather Mitts in the 29th minute, but Jonsson got on the ground and just got her hands on it in time for the save.
The Breakers are next in action on Sunday, to face FC Gold Pride in Santa Clara, Calif. It will be the third and final game of the series, in which the Pride lead 1-0-1.
Crouch flies north for Cats chat
Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch flew into the North-East on Thursday for talks over a potential £12million switch to Sunderland.
The 28-year-old arrived at Newcastle International Airport at around 11.10am after the Black Cats finally agreed a fee with Portsmouth at around midnight.
He will hold talks with Steve Bruce, but has also been heavily linked with Fulham amid suggestions he will head for the London club on Friday.
The 6ft 7in frontman has reportedly become unsettled by the ongoing uncertainty off the pitch at Fratton Park and is ready to consider a move away just a year after joining the club from Liverpool in a transfer valued at up to £11million.
Tottenham are also understood to have an interest in him, with Harry Redknapp having worked with the player at both Southampton and Pompey.
Macclesfield-born Crouch scored 16 goals in 49 appearances for his club last season, and also played six times for England, finding the back of the net in World Cup qualifier victories over Ukraine and Andorra.
Bruce admitted his interest in the player on Wednesday, and said his capture would signal Sunderland's intent this season.
He said: "He is a player I have admired for a very long time, and I suppose a lot of other managers do exactly the same thing.
"We hope we can try to put something together because he would be the type of player, of course, that would signal our intention of the way we want to take the football club forward."
Bruce has already signed one striker this summer, England Under-21 international Fraizer Campbell, while Paraguay skipper Paulo da Silva has also completed a move to the Stadium of Light.
The 28-year-old arrived at Newcastle International Airport at around 11.10am after the Black Cats finally agreed a fee with Portsmouth at around midnight.
He will hold talks with Steve Bruce, but has also been heavily linked with Fulham amid suggestions he will head for the London club on Friday.
The 6ft 7in frontman has reportedly become unsettled by the ongoing uncertainty off the pitch at Fratton Park and is ready to consider a move away just a year after joining the club from Liverpool in a transfer valued at up to £11million.
Tottenham are also understood to have an interest in him, with Harry Redknapp having worked with the player at both Southampton and Pompey.
Macclesfield-born Crouch scored 16 goals in 49 appearances for his club last season, and also played six times for England, finding the back of the net in World Cup qualifier victories over Ukraine and Andorra.
Bruce admitted his interest in the player on Wednesday, and said his capture would signal Sunderland's intent this season.
He said: "He is a player I have admired for a very long time, and I suppose a lot of other managers do exactly the same thing.
"We hope we can try to put something together because he would be the type of player, of course, that would signal our intention of the way we want to take the football club forward."
Bruce has already signed one striker this summer, England Under-21 international Fraizer Campbell, while Paraguay skipper Paulo da Silva has also completed a move to the Stadium of Light.
Bouazza fancies a French connection
Out-of-favour Fulham midfielder Hameur Bouazza has revealed that he would be willing to discuss a move to France's Ligue 1 this summer.
A number of clubs in France are reported to be tracking the Fulham forward, with Paris Saint-Germain and Lille believed to be leading the chase.
The Algeria international has struggled to hold down first-team football at Craven Cottage following his 2007 arrival from Watford, and he has spent spells out on loan at Charlton and Birmingham in recent years.
He admits his lack of opportunities could force him to look elsewhere during the transfer window and he has left the door open to any French clubs wishing to make a move.
"I want to play first-team football and to play in France would be fantastic. France is a country I could feel welcome in." Bouazza told skysports.com.
"My ambition, though, is to play first-team football wherever I am - either in England or in France.
"But I do want to play at the highest level, because I believe I have the quality to play at the top level."
Bouazza was offered to West Brom as a makeweight in a £2million deal to try and sign Jonathan Greening - but the Baggies turned down the bid.
A number of clubs in France are reported to be tracking the Fulham forward, with Paris Saint-Germain and Lille believed to be leading the chase.
The Algeria international has struggled to hold down first-team football at Craven Cottage following his 2007 arrival from Watford, and he has spent spells out on loan at Charlton and Birmingham in recent years.
He admits his lack of opportunities could force him to look elsewhere during the transfer window and he has left the door open to any French clubs wishing to make a move.
"I want to play first-team football and to play in France would be fantastic. France is a country I could feel welcome in." Bouazza told skysports.com.
"My ambition, though, is to play first-team football wherever I am - either in England or in France.
"But I do want to play at the highest level, because I believe I have the quality to play at the top level."
Bouazza was offered to West Brom as a makeweight in a £2million deal to try and sign Jonathan Greening - but the Baggies turned down the bid.
Brazil defender Lucio moves to Inter Milan
MUNICH (AP) - Brazil defender Lucio is leaving Bayern Munich for Italian champion Inter Milan, where he is expected to sign a three-year contract.
Bayern agreed Thursday to release Lucio from his contract, which had another year to run, ending weeks of speculation over the 31-year-old's future.
Bayern manager Uli Hoeness said Bayern agreed "through gritted teeth" to accept Lucio's wish to leave. Lucio will sign a three-year deal with Inter, subject to a medical, he said.
The German club said both sides agreed not to disclose the transfer fee for Lucio, who captained the Brazil team that won the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Lucio said during that tournament that he wanted to play a few more years in Europe but was unsure whether he would remain with Bayern Munich following reported criticism from new coach Louis Van Gaal.
Club president Franz Beckenbauer said that was based on "misunderstandings" and argued that Bayern should keep Lucio, but speculation persisted.
Lucio joined Bayern in 2004 from German rival Bayer Leverkusen. He has played 144 Bundesliga games for the club, winning three league and German Cup doubles.
Bayern has made several major signings for the new season, including Croatia forward Ivica Olic and Germany striker Mario Gomez.
Alongside the Lucio saga, Bayern also has spent recent weeks fending off interest in France winger Franck Ribery from Real Madrid.
Hoeness said an internal club deadline for any Ribery transfer expired on Wednesday.
"It has been clearly determined that Franck is staying with us," Hoeness said.
Bayern agreed Thursday to release Lucio from his contract, which had another year to run, ending weeks of speculation over the 31-year-old's future.
Bayern manager Uli Hoeness said Bayern agreed "through gritted teeth" to accept Lucio's wish to leave. Lucio will sign a three-year deal with Inter, subject to a medical, he said.
The German club said both sides agreed not to disclose the transfer fee for Lucio, who captained the Brazil team that won the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Lucio said during that tournament that he wanted to play a few more years in Europe but was unsure whether he would remain with Bayern Munich following reported criticism from new coach Louis Van Gaal.
Club president Franz Beckenbauer said that was based on "misunderstandings" and argued that Bayern should keep Lucio, but speculation persisted.
Lucio joined Bayern in 2004 from German rival Bayer Leverkusen. He has played 144 Bundesliga games for the club, winning three league and German Cup doubles.
Bayern has made several major signings for the new season, including Croatia forward Ivica Olic and Germany striker Mario Gomez.
Alongside the Lucio saga, Bayern also has spent recent weeks fending off interest in France winger Franck Ribery from Real Madrid.
Hoeness said an internal club deadline for any Ribery transfer expired on Wednesday.
"It has been clearly determined that Franck is staying with us," Hoeness said.
Olofinjana coy on Monaco move talk
Stoke midfielder Seyi Olofinjana has refused to confirm reports linking him to Monaco but hinted he may soon be on his way to the French club.
Olofinjana has been strongly linked with a move to France, despite just 12 months at the Britannia Stadium, and reports have suggested Monaco are prepared to pay £2.1m for the Nigeria international.
That would represent a small loss for Stoke, who shelled out £3million to take the 29-year-old away from Wolves last summer, but Tony Pulis is keen to shake up his squad.
Olofinjana, who was also said to be on Marseille's wish list prior to their capture of Stephane Mbia, insists no deal has been agreed as yet, but he has refused to rule out the possibility of leaving Stoke during the transfer window.
"I can't talk about any transfer, but things will move quickly soon," he told Sky Sports' website.
"I am fine here, but in football you never know. Let's wait and see what happens.
"There is nothing to say at the moment, but the French league is a very good league and Monaco are a very good club."
Olofinjana has been strongly linked with a move to France, despite just 12 months at the Britannia Stadium, and reports have suggested Monaco are prepared to pay £2.1m for the Nigeria international.
That would represent a small loss for Stoke, who shelled out £3million to take the 29-year-old away from Wolves last summer, but Tony Pulis is keen to shake up his squad.
Olofinjana, who was also said to be on Marseille's wish list prior to their capture of Stephane Mbia, insists no deal has been agreed as yet, but he has refused to rule out the possibility of leaving Stoke during the transfer window.
"I can't talk about any transfer, but things will move quickly soon," he told Sky Sports' website.
"I am fine here, but in football you never know. Let's wait and see what happens.
"There is nothing to say at the moment, but the French league is a very good league and Monaco are a very good club."
Mendy comments harmless - Brown
Hull City boss Phil Brown says he is not worried about losing Bernard Mendy after the Frenchman's comments about his future.
Mendy admitted earlier this week that he would be willing to listen to any 'good offers' which arrived from 'good clubs'.
He had been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain after impressing during his debut season with the Tigers following his arrival on a free transfer.
The full-back, who can also play in midfield, made 33 appearances for the Tigers last term and has two years remaining on his contract.
Brown is aware of Mendy's comments, but does not believe the 28-year-old is actively looking to secure a move away from the KC Stadium.
"I don't see any ulterior motive other than a player saying that he might have attracted interest from other clubs," Brown, who worked with Mendy at Bolton, told the Hull Daily Mail. "Bernard's comments were that he's still got two years to run on his deal and is firmly of the belief that if a bigger club comes in, then he'd want to talk to me about it.
"I'm not disappointed by what he's said at all, I've known Bernard for five or six years and his comments were harmless."
Mendy admitted earlier this week that he would be willing to listen to any 'good offers' which arrived from 'good clubs'.
He had been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain after impressing during his debut season with the Tigers following his arrival on a free transfer.
The full-back, who can also play in midfield, made 33 appearances for the Tigers last term and has two years remaining on his contract.
Brown is aware of Mendy's comments, but does not believe the 28-year-old is actively looking to secure a move away from the KC Stadium.
"I don't see any ulterior motive other than a player saying that he might have attracted interest from other clubs," Brown, who worked with Mendy at Bolton, told the Hull Daily Mail. "Bernard's comments were that he's still got two years to run on his deal and is firmly of the belief that if a bigger club comes in, then he'd want to talk to me about it.
"I'm not disappointed by what he's said at all, I've known Bernard for five or six years and his comments were harmless."
No Gordon tonic for Cats gaffer
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is worried goalkeeper Craig Gordon will not be fit for the start of the new Premier League season.
Gordon endured a frustrating past campaign after being sidelined with an ankle injury and then underwent a knee operation in May.
The former Hearts keeper was confident of being fit to return in time for the Black Cats' opening game of the campaign against Bolton on August 15.
However, he has yet to fully recover from the operation and Bruce doubts Gordon will be available for the trip to the Reebok Stadium.
"Craig's not recovered and that's a worry after his operation," said Bruce.
"It's not a huge worry - the boy will be okay - but my worry is will he be fit to start the season, given it's the same knee as the one he had the operation on."
The injury worry means Gordon is also unlikely to be ready to be involved in Scotland's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Norway on 12th August.
Gordon endured a frustrating past campaign after being sidelined with an ankle injury and then underwent a knee operation in May.
The former Hearts keeper was confident of being fit to return in time for the Black Cats' opening game of the campaign against Bolton on August 15.
However, he has yet to fully recover from the operation and Bruce doubts Gordon will be available for the trip to the Reebok Stadium.
"Craig's not recovered and that's a worry after his operation," said Bruce.
"It's not a huge worry - the boy will be okay - but my worry is will he be fit to start the season, given it's the same knee as the one he had the operation on."
The injury worry means Gordon is also unlikely to be ready to be involved in Scotland's 2010 World Cup qualifier against Norway on 12th August.
City will be bigger than Blues - Rob
Robinho says Carlos Tevez was right to reject a move to Chelsea as Manchester City will soon become "even more powerful" than the Londoners.
Robinho became City's first major signing after their takeover when he joined from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day last year.
The Brazil forward had originally been expected to move to Stamford Bridge, but is glad he joined City and believes Tevez will feel the same.
"What I can say to Carlos is that I had to make the same choice last season and I don't regret choosing City," Robinho said in The Sun.
"I have not done so since the moment I signed.
"We all feel like a big family at City and that's another point that I would mention to him.
"Of course Chelsea is a big club, but Manchester City is also huge and we could be even more powerful than them."
Tevez, meanwhile, says Diego Maradona is pleased that he left Manchester United.
The Argentina boss made the trip to Old Trafford in January to watch the player as United beat Chelsea 3-0, but both were left disappointed as Tevez was an unused substitute.
"He is happy because I can play more regularly at City," Tevez told Argentinian newspaper Ole.
"He came to see me when we played against Chelsea last season but I didn't get a minute on the pitch.
"It was an ugly situation for both of us."
Tevez revealed that he wants City to win something or qualify for Europe this season, and he says he did not move to Eastlands for the cash.
"Money was not the most important part of my decision," he said.
"I have a coach who wants me, enthusiastic fans and there is a good atmosphere there."
Kia Joorabchian, the player's agent, also spoke to the newspaper and said that he feels the City fans rate Tevez above his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
"The Manchester City fans are crazy about Carlitos," he said.
"They said that it was the best signing in the world - that he is the best player in the world.
"For the City fans, he is a better signing than Cristiano Ronaldo."
Robinho became City's first major signing after their takeover when he joined from Real Madrid on transfer deadline day last year.
The Brazil forward had originally been expected to move to Stamford Bridge, but is glad he joined City and believes Tevez will feel the same.
"What I can say to Carlos is that I had to make the same choice last season and I don't regret choosing City," Robinho said in The Sun.
"I have not done so since the moment I signed.
"We all feel like a big family at City and that's another point that I would mention to him.
"Of course Chelsea is a big club, but Manchester City is also huge and we could be even more powerful than them."
Tevez, meanwhile, says Diego Maradona is pleased that he left Manchester United.
The Argentina boss made the trip to Old Trafford in January to watch the player as United beat Chelsea 3-0, but both were left disappointed as Tevez was an unused substitute.
"He is happy because I can play more regularly at City," Tevez told Argentinian newspaper Ole.
"He came to see me when we played against Chelsea last season but I didn't get a minute on the pitch.
"It was an ugly situation for both of us."
Tevez revealed that he wants City to win something or qualify for Europe this season, and he says he did not move to Eastlands for the cash.
"Money was not the most important part of my decision," he said.
"I have a coach who wants me, enthusiastic fans and there is a good atmosphere there."
Kia Joorabchian, the player's agent, also spoke to the newspaper and said that he feels the City fans rate Tevez above his former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.
"The Manchester City fans are crazy about Carlitos," he said.
"They said that it was the best signing in the world - that he is the best player in the world.
"For the City fans, he is a better signing than Cristiano Ronaldo."
Kenwright: Lescott is going nowhere
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright has warned moneybags Manchester City that England defender Joleon Lescott is not for sale.
Lescott has been strongly linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with cash-rich City thought to be lining up a bid for the England international as Mark Hughes looks to bolster his defensive options.
Kenwright insists no one at Everton is for sale and that Toffees boss David Moyes will make the final decision on any transfers.
"You heard what he (Moyes) said and he said it right at the start of the summer - 'none of my players are going' and I think all of this speculation doesn't do anyone any favours," Kenwright told Sky Sports News.
"David Moyes, and only David Moyes I promise you, will make the decisions on the playing staff at this football club.
"He said, and he means it, nobody is for sale."
Lescott has been strongly linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with cash-rich City thought to be lining up a bid for the England international as Mark Hughes looks to bolster his defensive options.
Kenwright insists no one at Everton is for sale and that Toffees boss David Moyes will make the final decision on any transfers.
"You heard what he (Moyes) said and he said it right at the start of the summer - 'none of my players are going' and I think all of this speculation doesn't do anyone any favours," Kenwright told Sky Sports News.
"David Moyes, and only David Moyes I promise you, will make the decisions on the playing staff at this football club.
"He said, and he means it, nobody is for sale."
Hofs warned to make his mind up
Vitesse Arnhem have warned Feyenoord midfielder Nicky Hofs they will withdraw their contract offer if he does not put pen to paper on Thursday.
The 26-year-old, who spent part of last season on loan at Vitesse, has been offered a two-year contract with the club.
However, he has so far stalled on putting pen to paper, indicating he would prefer a move abroad.
And, ahead of the final meeting, he has been given an ultimatum.
"The ball is in Nicky's court," Vitesse technical director Marc van Hintum told AD Sportwereld.
"There is no more room for negotiations in our offer. He has to say yes today, otherwise there will be no deal."
The 26-year-old, who spent part of last season on loan at Vitesse, has been offered a two-year contract with the club.
However, he has so far stalled on putting pen to paper, indicating he would prefer a move abroad.
And, ahead of the final meeting, he has been given an ultimatum.
"The ball is in Nicky's court," Vitesse technical director Marc van Hintum told AD Sportwereld.
"There is no more room for negotiations in our offer. He has to say yes today, otherwise there will be no deal."
European clubs seeking talented Asians
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Manchester United has a not-so-secret weapon to win over fans in its preseason tour of Asia, the continent's star Park Ji-sung.
The South Korean star's exploits have not only made him a household name to football fans, they have helped strengthen the Premier League champion's status as the most popular club in Asia.
Not all stars from the east are as successful as Park, or play for such a prestigious club, but that doesn't stop many European clubs searching for the holy grail - an Asian player who can make a valuable contribution on the field, and make a commercial impact off it.
It is the big clubs that benefit most from signing Asian players. On the back of Park, Manchester United has seen Koreans snap up 1.2 million club credit cards and there are an estimated six million United fans on the Peninsula, south of the 38th Parallel.
When news emerged of the three-time European champion's plans to play a friendly at Seoul, some 20,000 tickets were sold within the first hour and 44,000 more quickly followed.
Scottish powerhouse Celtic recouped much of the 2.5 million pounds ($4.1 million) spent on Shunsuke Nakamura through owning the Japanese star's image rights and watching its profile soar in Japan.
Perhaps the hottest Asian property is a player tipped to follow in Park's footsteps to PSV Eindhoven. South Korea's Ki Sung-yong, 20, is already an established international and is being tracked by clubs all over Europe.
Dubbed "Korea's Gerrard," Ki's progress has been monitored by European sides FC Porto and Hamburg, and last week Dutch giant PSV Eindhoven was linked to the tall midfield man.
Seoul media reported that Ki's agent was about to start talks with the 1988 European champion, although Ki claimed that there was no basis to the story.
"I don't know anything about any transfer," he said. "There are lots of stories around, but at the moment I am just focused on FC Seoul and doing my best for them."
Ki has made it clear that he wants to play in England and it is only a matter of time before he does so. Young, good-looking and extremely talented, he has the potential to be a huge star.
So too does FC Seoul and South Korea teammate Lee Chung-yong. The right-sided midfielder has attracted interest from Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic among a host of English clubs.
Farther east, Japan also has a wealth of young talent, but Shinji Kagawa has been getting more attention than most. And like his famous compatriot Shunsuke Nakamura, who has just signed for Espanyol, Kagawa could be heading to Spain.
Still only 20, he has made eight appearances for Japan, prompting Barcelona and Real Madrid to extend invitations for him to travel to Spain and practice.
"The Spanish league is my favorite. The attacking mentality suits my style," Kagawa said recently. "My dream is to play in the Champions League one day, so this is a great opportunity."
Just like FC Seoul, Kagawa's club has pledged to support him if the right deal comes along.
"We will definitely consider any offers that we believe will benefit him," Cerezo Osaka president Nobuyoshi Fujita said. "It is a dream of his to play overseas. He has our full support."
Whatever happens with the Spanish giants, other La Liga clubs are also reportedly interested in making serious offers for Kagawa.
Middle Eastern players are much less likely to move to Europe. With lucrative, and often tax-free, contracts on offer in the oil-rich Gulf States, most players are happy to stay at home.
The notable move from the area so far this year so far is that of Iraqi midfielder Nashat Akram, who has left Qatar to join Dutch club FC Twente. United Arab Emirates forward Ismail Matar is also keen to move west.
The 2003 World Youth Championship Golden Ball winner is highly rated all over Asia and is starting to get itchy feet playing for Dubai club Al Wahda.
A short loan to Qatar's Al-Sadd recently had the 25 year-old Matar, who was given a number of camels after scoring the winning goal for UAE in the 2007 Gulf Cup final, dreaming of a big move.
"Playing for Al Sadd is a new experience for me because I have never played for any other clubs outside the UAE," he said. "I must be thankful for my club for releasing me and I hope this will be a big step forward to fulfill my childhood ambitions of playing in Europe."
Saudi Arabian forays into Europe have usually ended in tears, literally if reports regarding Yasser Al Qahtani are to be believed.
The nation's star player had a trial at Manchester City late in 2007, but English newspaper The Daily Mirror claimed the 2007 Asian player of the year burst into tears after receiving some treatment from the club's defenders.
Whatever the truth, Al Qahtani's successor in the national team is young striking sensation Naif Hazazi. The 20 year-old scored two vital goals in the final round of qualification for the 2010 World Cup away in Iran and at home to UAE. He also scored the goal that clinched the Saudi domestic title for Jeddah giant Al-Ittihad
He has told local media that he wants a European move and has had offers.
The South Korean star's exploits have not only made him a household name to football fans, they have helped strengthen the Premier League champion's status as the most popular club in Asia.
Not all stars from the east are as successful as Park, or play for such a prestigious club, but that doesn't stop many European clubs searching for the holy grail - an Asian player who can make a valuable contribution on the field, and make a commercial impact off it.
It is the big clubs that benefit most from signing Asian players. On the back of Park, Manchester United has seen Koreans snap up 1.2 million club credit cards and there are an estimated six million United fans on the Peninsula, south of the 38th Parallel.
When news emerged of the three-time European champion's plans to play a friendly at Seoul, some 20,000 tickets were sold within the first hour and 44,000 more quickly followed.
Scottish powerhouse Celtic recouped much of the 2.5 million pounds ($4.1 million) spent on Shunsuke Nakamura through owning the Japanese star's image rights and watching its profile soar in Japan.
Perhaps the hottest Asian property is a player tipped to follow in Park's footsteps to PSV Eindhoven. South Korea's Ki Sung-yong, 20, is already an established international and is being tracked by clubs all over Europe.
Dubbed "Korea's Gerrard," Ki's progress has been monitored by European sides FC Porto and Hamburg, and last week Dutch giant PSV Eindhoven was linked to the tall midfield man.
Seoul media reported that Ki's agent was about to start talks with the 1988 European champion, although Ki claimed that there was no basis to the story.
"I don't know anything about any transfer," he said. "There are lots of stories around, but at the moment I am just focused on FC Seoul and doing my best for them."
Ki has made it clear that he wants to play in England and it is only a matter of time before he does so. Young, good-looking and extremely talented, he has the potential to be a huge star.
So too does FC Seoul and South Korea teammate Lee Chung-yong. The right-sided midfielder has attracted interest from Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic among a host of English clubs.
Farther east, Japan also has a wealth of young talent, but Shinji Kagawa has been getting more attention than most. And like his famous compatriot Shunsuke Nakamura, who has just signed for Espanyol, Kagawa could be heading to Spain.
Still only 20, he has made eight appearances for Japan, prompting Barcelona and Real Madrid to extend invitations for him to travel to Spain and practice.
"The Spanish league is my favorite. The attacking mentality suits my style," Kagawa said recently. "My dream is to play in the Champions League one day, so this is a great opportunity."
Just like FC Seoul, Kagawa's club has pledged to support him if the right deal comes along.
"We will definitely consider any offers that we believe will benefit him," Cerezo Osaka president Nobuyoshi Fujita said. "It is a dream of his to play overseas. He has our full support."
Whatever happens with the Spanish giants, other La Liga clubs are also reportedly interested in making serious offers for Kagawa.
Middle Eastern players are much less likely to move to Europe. With lucrative, and often tax-free, contracts on offer in the oil-rich Gulf States, most players are happy to stay at home.
The notable move from the area so far this year so far is that of Iraqi midfielder Nashat Akram, who has left Qatar to join Dutch club FC Twente. United Arab Emirates forward Ismail Matar is also keen to move west.
The 2003 World Youth Championship Golden Ball winner is highly rated all over Asia and is starting to get itchy feet playing for Dubai club Al Wahda.
A short loan to Qatar's Al-Sadd recently had the 25 year-old Matar, who was given a number of camels after scoring the winning goal for UAE in the 2007 Gulf Cup final, dreaming of a big move.
"Playing for Al Sadd is a new experience for me because I have never played for any other clubs outside the UAE," he said. "I must be thankful for my club for releasing me and I hope this will be a big step forward to fulfill my childhood ambitions of playing in Europe."
Saudi Arabian forays into Europe have usually ended in tears, literally if reports regarding Yasser Al Qahtani are to be believed.
The nation's star player had a trial at Manchester City late in 2007, but English newspaper The Daily Mirror claimed the 2007 Asian player of the year burst into tears after receiving some treatment from the club's defenders.
Whatever the truth, Al Qahtani's successor in the national team is young striking sensation Naif Hazazi. The 20 year-old scored two vital goals in the final round of qualification for the 2010 World Cup away in Iran and at home to UAE. He also scored the goal that clinched the Saudi domestic title for Jeddah giant Al-Ittihad
He has told local media that he wants a European move and has had offers.
N'Guemo stalls on Parkhead switch
Nancy midfielder Landry N'Guemo says he has yet to sign for Celtic, with reports suggesting Hull City, Stoke City and West Ham are interested.
Celtic have agreed a deal to sign N'Guemo on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent arrangement next summer.
The Cameroon international held talks with Bhoys chief executive Peter Lawwell on Wednesday and also had a tour around the club's stadium.
N'Guemo was impressed by his trip to Celtic, but confirmed he has still to agree a deal to link up with the Old Firm giants.
"I have been to Scotland and seen the stadium," N'Guemo told the Daily Record. "It's impressive and Celtic are a big club, but nothing is signed.
"No deal is done. There could be further discussions, but all I know is that for the moment I haven't signed with Celtic."
Reports have claimed that the Tigers, Potters and Hammers have shown a late interest in a deal, prompting N'Guemo to delay a decision on his future.
Meanwhile Bhoys full-back Milan Misun, who has yet to make his first-team debut, is facing several months on the sidelines after suffering a ligament injury in the pre-season friendly against Brisbane Roar.
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray said: "It's a bad one for the lad. He is now looking at being out for months rather than weeks."
Celtic have agreed a deal to sign N'Guemo on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent arrangement next summer.
The Cameroon international held talks with Bhoys chief executive Peter Lawwell on Wednesday and also had a tour around the club's stadium.
N'Guemo was impressed by his trip to Celtic, but confirmed he has still to agree a deal to link up with the Old Firm giants.
"I have been to Scotland and seen the stadium," N'Guemo told the Daily Record. "It's impressive and Celtic are a big club, but nothing is signed.
"No deal is done. There could be further discussions, but all I know is that for the moment I haven't signed with Celtic."
Reports have claimed that the Tigers, Potters and Hammers have shown a late interest in a deal, prompting N'Guemo to delay a decision on his future.
Meanwhile Bhoys full-back Milan Misun, who has yet to make his first-team debut, is facing several months on the sidelines after suffering a ligament injury in the pre-season friendly against Brisbane Roar.
Celtic boss Tony Mowbray said: "It's a bad one for the lad. He is now looking at being out for months rather than weeks."
Higgy hopes to build on first season
Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham rates last season as his best ever in the Premier League and reckons the upcoming one will be even better.
Higginbotham had enjoyed a decent season back in the top flight with Sunderland when Stoke took him back to the club last summer, but a year on and the 30-year-old certainly does not regret leaving the Stadium of Light.
The Potters are the fifth club Higginbotham has represented in the Premier League - he started at Manchester United and also played for Derby and Southampton - but he is in no doubt as to where his best experience has been.
"I've been in the Premier League with a few clubs but last season was the best because I've never been at a club where people have written us off so much," he told Potters, the club's official bi-monthly magazine.
"I went to Southampton when they were established in the Premier League and at Derby it was tough but because of what the media said about Stoke it made it all the more sweeter that we achieved so much.
"There were difficult times in the season but I don't think there was ever a time when we didn't believe we could achieve what we set out to do.
"We had a few bad results but we always kept our belief and I don't think we ever thought we weren't going to get through it."
Stoke are likely to be written off again in some quarters, with the term 'second season syndrome' already being bandied around, but Higginbotham is confident his manager Tony Pulis will ensure the Potters build on their success.
He added: "The manager knows exactly what to do next season, that's why he is here. He'll do the right thing. He'd done so well by organising the squad and bringing quality players in.
"We've had a great season but it's important that nobody rests on their laurels. It's back to square one. We start afresh next season and look to beat what we did last year."
You can read the full interview with Higginbotham in Issue 4 of Potters, on sale now.
Higginbotham had enjoyed a decent season back in the top flight with Sunderland when Stoke took him back to the club last summer, but a year on and the 30-year-old certainly does not regret leaving the Stadium of Light.
The Potters are the fifth club Higginbotham has represented in the Premier League - he started at Manchester United and also played for Derby and Southampton - but he is in no doubt as to where his best experience has been.
"I've been in the Premier League with a few clubs but last season was the best because I've never been at a club where people have written us off so much," he told Potters, the club's official bi-monthly magazine.
"I went to Southampton when they were established in the Premier League and at Derby it was tough but because of what the media said about Stoke it made it all the more sweeter that we achieved so much.
"There were difficult times in the season but I don't think there was ever a time when we didn't believe we could achieve what we set out to do.
"We had a few bad results but we always kept our belief and I don't think we ever thought we weren't going to get through it."
Stoke are likely to be written off again in some quarters, with the term 'second season syndrome' already being bandied around, but Higginbotham is confident his manager Tony Pulis will ensure the Potters build on their success.
He added: "The manager knows exactly what to do next season, that's why he is here. He'll do the right thing. He'd done so well by organising the squad and bringing quality players in.
"We've had a great season but it's important that nobody rests on their laurels. It's back to square one. We start afresh next season and look to beat what we did last year."
You can read the full interview with Higginbotham in Issue 4 of Potters, on sale now.
Gill expects more 'player activity'
Manchester United chief executive David Gill has not ruled out the possibility of further new signings before the close of the transfer window.
Following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez over the summer, United had been tipped to spend big in the transfer market.
To date, the Premier League champions have brought in Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan for an outlay of less than £20million.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stated earlier this week that he was not planning to make any more major signings after being linked with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sergio Aguero.
However, ahead of the club's pre-season trip to Asia, Gill admits there could still be some transfer activity in the coming weeks.
Gill said: "I will start each day with the usual emails and correspondence, and I'm sure there will be some player activity going on while we are over there."
Following the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez over the summer, United had been tipped to spend big in the transfer market.
To date, the Premier League champions have brought in Antonio Valencia, Michael Owen and Gabriel Obertan for an outlay of less than £20million.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stated earlier this week that he was not planning to make any more major signings after being linked with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sergio Aguero.
However, ahead of the club's pre-season trip to Asia, Gill admits there could still be some transfer activity in the coming weeks.
Gill said: "I will start each day with the usual emails and correspondence, and I'm sure there will be some player activity going on while we are over there."
'Excited' Hughes confirms Dunne interest
Mark Hughes admits he cannot wait for the new season to get started - and has confirmed there is "interest" in defender Richard Dunne.
The Manchester City boss is still to get all the players he wants, with John Terry and Joleon Lescott still top of his hit-list as his array of striking options grow.
Hughes also knows there is plenty of work to do in order to mould the new faces into a formidable team.
However, that August 15 trip to his old club Blackburn cannot come quickly enough as the football world, and City's long-suffering fans in particular, wait to discover whether England's big-spenders can match the hype surrounding them.
"I know I am a little bit deadpan at times but I do get excited," smiled Hughes.
"This is probably the first season when, after a break, I have been really looking forward to getting back.
"You feel a little bit drained after a long hard season and usually wish you could have a couple more weeks but myself and all my staff couldn't wait to get back and get stuck in again."
Little wonder either given the players Hughes will have at his disposal.
Even if no-one else arrived before the September deadline, the Welshman could still look forward to working with Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.
But, in all probability, there will be more new faces.
Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to complete a £25million switch from Arsenal any day soon, a formal bid for Lescott is expected to be lodged with Everton, while Hughes will not give up on the prospect of Terry moving north, even though the England skipper is due to leave for the United States at the start of Chelsea's preparations later on Thursday.
Of course, in addition to new arrivals, some must make way.
Benjani has already been linked with a return to old club Portsmouth, while Craig Bellamy - who only joined City from West Ham last January - is attracting admiring glances from Sunderland, whose manager Steve Bruce might be able to exploit the growing number of Blues strikers with a cheeky bid.
Even before defensive reinforcements have been brought in, skipper Dunne is also being linked with the Black Cats.
However, as he landed in South Africa at the start of a three-match tour, Hughes dismissed suggestions he was about to offload his captain.
"There has been interest in Richard which is to be expected because he is a good player," Hughes told the club's website. "But I have spoken to him already and it is not something on which we are going to dwell.
"We are looking to strengthen all areas and people make assumptions that maybe players we are after will have an effect on those who are already here.
"But we want to make sure the squad is stronger than it was last season."
The Manchester City boss is still to get all the players he wants, with John Terry and Joleon Lescott still top of his hit-list as his array of striking options grow.
Hughes also knows there is plenty of work to do in order to mould the new faces into a formidable team.
However, that August 15 trip to his old club Blackburn cannot come quickly enough as the football world, and City's long-suffering fans in particular, wait to discover whether England's big-spenders can match the hype surrounding them.
"I know I am a little bit deadpan at times but I do get excited," smiled Hughes.
"This is probably the first season when, after a break, I have been really looking forward to getting back.
"You feel a little bit drained after a long hard season and usually wish you could have a couple more weeks but myself and all my staff couldn't wait to get back and get stuck in again."
Little wonder either given the players Hughes will have at his disposal.
Even if no-one else arrived before the September deadline, the Welshman could still look forward to working with Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Gareth Barry.
But, in all probability, there will be more new faces.
Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to complete a £25million switch from Arsenal any day soon, a formal bid for Lescott is expected to be lodged with Everton, while Hughes will not give up on the prospect of Terry moving north, even though the England skipper is due to leave for the United States at the start of Chelsea's preparations later on Thursday.
Of course, in addition to new arrivals, some must make way.
Benjani has already been linked with a return to old club Portsmouth, while Craig Bellamy - who only joined City from West Ham last January - is attracting admiring glances from Sunderland, whose manager Steve Bruce might be able to exploit the growing number of Blues strikers with a cheeky bid.
Even before defensive reinforcements have been brought in, skipper Dunne is also being linked with the Black Cats.
However, as he landed in South Africa at the start of a three-match tour, Hughes dismissed suggestions he was about to offload his captain.
"There has been interest in Richard which is to be expected because he is a good player," Hughes told the club's website. "But I have spoken to him already and it is not something on which we are going to dwell.
"We are looking to strengthen all areas and people make assumptions that maybe players we are after will have an effect on those who are already here.
"But we want to make sure the squad is stronger than it was last season."
Pompey owner set to stick with Hart
Prospective new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim has hinted Paul Hart will remain as manager as he "understands Portsmouth better than anyone".
Hart took over as caretaker manager last February following the sacking of Tony Adams and he guided Pompey to safety in the Premier League.
Hart was expected to make way for a high-profile replacement this summer, with the likes of Slaven Bilic, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Roberto Mancini all linked with the manager's job.
However, no one has been appointed and Al Fahim, who is expected to complete his takeover later this month, is set to keep faith with Hart.
Writing in a 48-page document entitled Portsmouth: The New Era, Al Fahim said: "Mr Hart understands this club better than anyone coming in from the outside and deserves the opportunity to take it forward."
Hart took over as caretaker manager last February following the sacking of Tony Adams and he guided Pompey to safety in the Premier League.
Hart was expected to make way for a high-profile replacement this summer, with the likes of Slaven Bilic, Sven-Goran Eriksson and Roberto Mancini all linked with the manager's job.
However, no one has been appointed and Al Fahim, who is expected to complete his takeover later this month, is set to keep faith with Hart.
Writing in a 48-page document entitled Portsmouth: The New Era, Al Fahim said: "Mr Hart understands this club better than anyone coming in from the outside and deserves the opportunity to take it forward."
Bruce still wants Catt in the hat
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has not 'given up' in his summer pursuit of Wigan's Lee Cattermole - and is ready to offer £6million for him.
The Latics have rejected an offer for Cattermole from their Premier League rivals and insist the 21-year-old is not for sale.
However, it is understood the Black Cats have now increased their bid to £6million in an attempt to convince Wigan to sell.
Bruce signed Cattermole for Wigan from Middlesbrough last summer and the England Under-21 international impressed during his debut campaign.
He remains a target for Sunderland, with Bruce hoping a deal can be agreed when chairman Niall Quinn is back on the case.
"The bid was knocked back, but when Niall Quinn comes back in two days we'll see if we can make it happen," said Bruce in the Daily Mirror. "I've not given up.
"We all know money talks and I've made it obvious with the bid for Lee that he's a player I like."
Bruce has already signed Fraizer Campbell and Paulo Da Silva in the past week, and is also keen to agree a deal for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.
And he is unlikely to stop there in his recruitment drive, adding: "I have six targets which I gave the chairman a few weeks back and I've not wavered from those at all."
The Latics have rejected an offer for Cattermole from their Premier League rivals and insist the 21-year-old is not for sale.
However, it is understood the Black Cats have now increased their bid to £6million in an attempt to convince Wigan to sell.
Bruce signed Cattermole for Wigan from Middlesbrough last summer and the England Under-21 international impressed during his debut campaign.
He remains a target for Sunderland, with Bruce hoping a deal can be agreed when chairman Niall Quinn is back on the case.
"The bid was knocked back, but when Niall Quinn comes back in two days we'll see if we can make it happen," said Bruce in the Daily Mirror. "I've not given up.
"We all know money talks and I've made it obvious with the bid for Lee that he's a player I like."
Bruce has already signed Fraizer Campbell and Paulo Da Silva in the past week, and is also keen to agree a deal for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch.
And he is unlikely to stop there in his recruitment drive, adding: "I have six targets which I gave the chairman a few weeks back and I've not wavered from those at all."
Scotland sure of success in Prem
Jason Scotland is confident he can continue to score goals in the Premier League as he prepares to complete his move to Wigan.
The Trinidad & Tobago international has completed a £2million switch to the Latics from Swansea, subject to international clearance.
Having shone for the Swans over the course of the last two seasons, in which he worked under current Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, the 30-year-old believes he has earned his shot at the top flight.
He is now determined to prove his worth among England's elite, although he accepts he is taking a big step up in class.
"Everything went smoothly and it's great to be a Wigan player. It's great to be in the Premier League," Scotland told Sky Sports News.
"Obviously it's a difficult job to come into the Premier League, with the high quality of players, and it will be hard. But I will try my best to make the step up and do well.
"I have been scoring a lot of goals in League One and in the Championship, so I think making the step up now is the right time.
"It's a very difficult division to play in, with some top quality defenders, and it will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to that challenge."
The Trinidad & Tobago international has completed a £2million switch to the Latics from Swansea, subject to international clearance.
Having shone for the Swans over the course of the last two seasons, in which he worked under current Wigan boss Roberto Martinez, the 30-year-old believes he has earned his shot at the top flight.
He is now determined to prove his worth among England's elite, although he accepts he is taking a big step up in class.
"Everything went smoothly and it's great to be a Wigan player. It's great to be in the Premier League," Scotland told Sky Sports News.
"Obviously it's a difficult job to come into the Premier League, with the high quality of players, and it will be hard. But I will try my best to make the step up and do well.
"I have been scoring a lot of goals in League One and in the Championship, so I think making the step up now is the right time.
"It's a very difficult division to play in, with some top quality defenders, and it will be a challenge, but I am looking forward to that challenge."
Toffees announce record turnover
Everton have announced a record turnover for the season that saw them reach the FA Cup final and finish fifth in the Premier League.
The figures were revealed by chief executive Robert Elstone at a shareholders' forum at Goodison Park on Wednesday night
The cash flow was close to £80million for the 2008-09 season, up by 5.3% from 2007-08, and a massive 55% increase on the previous final year, 2006-07.
The Toffees' chief executive explained the figures to shareholders, while chairman Bill Kenwright and manager David Moyes also attended.
Elstone explained that a number of key factors contributed to the record figure.
Revenue from live TV appearances ensured broadcast income increased, with Everton matches shown live on 17 occasions last term.
The club's record sponsorship deal with Chang, which began last season, also contributed to the success, along with last season's run to the FA Cup final which boosted the coffers, with income from cup competitions up to £7.5m from £6.8m in 2007/08.
Overall, commercial income was up to £7.4m from £6.7m. Match day income remained stable at slightly over £17m.
The figures combined totalled £79.7m compared to £75.7m 12 months earlier.
The figures were revealed by chief executive Robert Elstone at a shareholders' forum at Goodison Park on Wednesday night
The cash flow was close to £80million for the 2008-09 season, up by 5.3% from 2007-08, and a massive 55% increase on the previous final year, 2006-07.
The Toffees' chief executive explained the figures to shareholders, while chairman Bill Kenwright and manager David Moyes also attended.
Elstone explained that a number of key factors contributed to the record figure.
Revenue from live TV appearances ensured broadcast income increased, with Everton matches shown live on 17 occasions last term.
The club's record sponsorship deal with Chang, which began last season, also contributed to the success, along with last season's run to the FA Cup final which boosted the coffers, with income from cup competitions up to £7.5m from £6.8m in 2007/08.
Overall, commercial income was up to £7.4m from £6.7m. Match day income remained stable at slightly over £17m.
The figures combined totalled £79.7m compared to £75.7m 12 months earlier.
Brown braced for £5m Zamora talks
Hull City boss Phil Brown will talk to Bobby Zamora at the weekend - and he is confident of sealing a £5million deal for the Fulham striker.
Zamora, who scored just two goals in the Premier League last season, is due to hold talks over a move to the KC Stadium once he returns from Fulham's pre-season trip to Australia.
Brown has missed out on several of his targets in recent weeks but the Tigers boss is hopeful of finally getting a new forward in.
Fraizer Campbell, Michael Owen and Marc-Antoine Fortune have all opted for deals elsewhere and Brown will now try to convince Zamora his future lies in East Yorkshire.
"Bobby is still away with Fulham in Australia," said Brown.
"They get back on Friday and it is my intention to meet him over the weekend to discuss personal terms and let him undergo a medical.
"Am I optimistic? Put it this way, after the summer I've had you just never know until it's all signed, sealed and delivered.
"But let's just say I'm holding my breath."
Zamora, who scored just two goals in the Premier League last season, is due to hold talks over a move to the KC Stadium once he returns from Fulham's pre-season trip to Australia.
Brown has missed out on several of his targets in recent weeks but the Tigers boss is hopeful of finally getting a new forward in.
Fraizer Campbell, Michael Owen and Marc-Antoine Fortune have all opted for deals elsewhere and Brown will now try to convince Zamora his future lies in East Yorkshire.
"Bobby is still away with Fulham in Australia," said Brown.
"They get back on Friday and it is my intention to meet him over the weekend to discuss personal terms and let him undergo a medical.
"Am I optimistic? Put it this way, after the summer I've had you just never know until it's all signed, sealed and delivered.
"But let's just say I'm holding my breath."
Rafa ready for tough title challenge
Rafa Benitez says Liverpool need a near-perfect season to win the Premier League - but his first priority is to ensure they are a contender.
Liverpool finished second last term after amassing a club record 86 points in the Premier League, but the Anfield faithful will want to go one better this time around.
The Reds are desperate to end their 20-year wait for the championship crown and Benitez believes his squad is strong enough to beat any of their rivals, but concedes there is still room for improvement.
"You have to do everything almost perfectly because in the Premier League you cannot lose many games," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.
"You need a good atmosphere, and we have a good squad now.
"The understanding is really good now between the players. The main thing for me is to be contenders.
"We have to be there in the top four and close, then see what happens.
"Chelsea, United and Arsenal are very strong, and this year you'll have Tottenham, Aston Villa and City. It's clearly the most difficult league.
"We are strong enough to beat anyone and we need to be consistent.
"We got 86 points - a record for the club in the Premier League - but we still need to improve. But we have a lot of confidence."
Liverpool finished second last term after amassing a club record 86 points in the Premier League, but the Anfield faithful will want to go one better this time around.
The Reds are desperate to end their 20-year wait for the championship crown and Benitez believes his squad is strong enough to beat any of their rivals, but concedes there is still room for improvement.
"You have to do everything almost perfectly because in the Premier League you cannot lose many games," Benitez told the Liverpool Echo.
"You need a good atmosphere, and we have a good squad now.
"The understanding is really good now between the players. The main thing for me is to be contenders.
"We have to be there in the top four and close, then see what happens.
"Chelsea, United and Arsenal are very strong, and this year you'll have Tottenham, Aston Villa and City. It's clearly the most difficult league.
"We are strong enough to beat anyone and we need to be consistent.
"We got 86 points - a record for the club in the Premier League - but we still need to improve. But we have a lot of confidence."
Schwarzer ready to get going again
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer says his preparation for the season ahead will not be harmed by a shortened break over the summer.
In between Schwarzer's national commitments with Australia's successful World Cup qualifying campaign and the Cottagers' pre-season tour of his homeland, Schwarzer has had little scope for time off.
The 36-year-old was in action again on Wednesday, playing the first half of Fulham's convincing 5-0 win over the Perth Glory, the club's third match on their Australian tour.
But despite facing more matches this campaign as the Cottagers play in both the Premier League and Europa League, Schwarzer, Fulham's player of the season in 2008/09, is not concerned about his lack of rest.
"I've had little bits and pieces, here and there," he said.
"I feel really good and it's been nice to have a bit of time off and I'm going to have a little bit more time off now before I go back to the UK.
"I'll be back early next week and be ready to go and I'm excited about it.
"I was excited about this tour first and foremost. It's the first time in my professional career in Europe that I've been with a team that's come to Australia and toured and for me that was very exciting.
"For the game in this country, it's a massive boost and to be part of a team that played here and played my part, it was great, I was excited about it."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said participating in the tour was entirely Schwarzer's call.
"Really and truly, had Mark said to me, 'look I need my three weeks' absolute rest, with no matches and no commitments whatsoever', then I would have given it to him," Hodgson said.
"But he knew we were coming here, he knew how important the tour was for Fulham Football Club. He knew how well we wanted to do and what a good impression we wanted to make, so he's actually given up time on his holiday to play for us, which is very, very pleasing."
In between Schwarzer's national commitments with Australia's successful World Cup qualifying campaign and the Cottagers' pre-season tour of his homeland, Schwarzer has had little scope for time off.
The 36-year-old was in action again on Wednesday, playing the first half of Fulham's convincing 5-0 win over the Perth Glory, the club's third match on their Australian tour.
But despite facing more matches this campaign as the Cottagers play in both the Premier League and Europa League, Schwarzer, Fulham's player of the season in 2008/09, is not concerned about his lack of rest.
"I've had little bits and pieces, here and there," he said.
"I feel really good and it's been nice to have a bit of time off and I'm going to have a little bit more time off now before I go back to the UK.
"I'll be back early next week and be ready to go and I'm excited about it.
"I was excited about this tour first and foremost. It's the first time in my professional career in Europe that I've been with a team that's come to Australia and toured and for me that was very exciting.
"For the game in this country, it's a massive boost and to be part of a team that played here and played my part, it was great, I was excited about it."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson said participating in the tour was entirely Schwarzer's call.
"Really and truly, had Mark said to me, 'look I need my three weeks' absolute rest, with no matches and no commitments whatsoever', then I would have given it to him," Hodgson said.
"But he knew we were coming here, he knew how important the tour was for Fulham Football Club. He knew how well we wanted to do and what a good impression we wanted to make, so he's actually given up time on his holiday to play for us, which is very, very pleasing."
Coyle happy to put faith in youth
Owen Coyle hopes youth can keep Burnley in the Premier League this season after admitting he simply cannot afford to buy experienced players.
Coyle has promised to keep a tight hold of the Clarets' purse strings during the transfer window and that is why he has steered clear of experienced Premier League players ahead of the club's first top-flight campaign in 33 years.
Coyle revealed his grand plan after parading new signings Richard Eckersley and Brian Easton, 20 and 21 respectively.
They are joining other 20-somethings in Steven Fletcher, David Edgar and Tyrone Mears, who have also arrived this summer.
Coyle said: "We need young players. They bring energy and desire to the club. Not only that they have scope to improve.
"Also we cannot afford players who have played in the Premier League for three or four years.
"We will not go down that route as it would put the club in a terrible position and one in which they could face financial ruin. I am not prepared to do that.
"This is not a quick fix. We are investing in players who will get better year on year. We believe the ones that are coming in will show they have the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League."
Both Eckersley and Easton will be on the plane bound for America on Thursday ahead of the club's 10-day tour after arriving from Manchester United and Hamilton respectively.
Coyle is convinced they have bright futures in the game.
He said: "Richard has a real appetite for learning. He turned down the offer of a new contract at United to come here. That tells you everything you need to know about him.
"He wants to play week in, week out and we are delighted to have him on board.
"As for Brian, he's had a tremendous upbringing at Hamilton. It is up to him to evolve and show he is capable of playing at this level. If he does that we have a real asset on our hands.
"What both boys have in common is they are versatile defenders and that helps us."
Burnley have lined up two matches in America against Ventura County Fusion and Portland Timbers.
They could also be involved in a closed doors match with David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy.
Coyle has promised to keep a tight hold of the Clarets' purse strings during the transfer window and that is why he has steered clear of experienced Premier League players ahead of the club's first top-flight campaign in 33 years.
Coyle revealed his grand plan after parading new signings Richard Eckersley and Brian Easton, 20 and 21 respectively.
They are joining other 20-somethings in Steven Fletcher, David Edgar and Tyrone Mears, who have also arrived this summer.
Coyle said: "We need young players. They bring energy and desire to the club. Not only that they have scope to improve.
"Also we cannot afford players who have played in the Premier League for three or four years.
"We will not go down that route as it would put the club in a terrible position and one in which they could face financial ruin. I am not prepared to do that.
"This is not a quick fix. We are investing in players who will get better year on year. We believe the ones that are coming in will show they have the qualities needed to succeed in the Premier League."
Both Eckersley and Easton will be on the plane bound for America on Thursday ahead of the club's 10-day tour after arriving from Manchester United and Hamilton respectively.
Coyle is convinced they have bright futures in the game.
He said: "Richard has a real appetite for learning. He turned down the offer of a new contract at United to come here. That tells you everything you need to know about him.
"He wants to play week in, week out and we are delighted to have him on board.
"As for Brian, he's had a tremendous upbringing at Hamilton. It is up to him to evolve and show he is capable of playing at this level. If he does that we have a real asset on our hands.
"What both boys have in common is they are versatile defenders and that helps us."
Burnley have lined up two matches in America against Ventura County Fusion and Portland Timbers.
They could also be involved in a closed doors match with David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy.
Bruce happy with Da Silva capture
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is confident he has unearthed another diamond after sealing a swoop for Paraguayan defender Paulo da Silva.
Bruce is currently focusing his attention on Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, and has also been heavily linked with the likes of Darren Bent, Richard Dunne and Lee Cattermole.
However, the 48-year-old, who added his capture of 29-year-old Da Silva to that of Fraizer Campbell earlier this week, hopes he has maintained his knack of discovering previously unheralded talents such as Wilson Palacios.
He said: "I have had to. I have had big success in targeting the smaller South American countries, if you like.
"At the clubs I have been before, I couldn't get anywhere near the Brazilians or the Argentinians.
"However, we went into Honduras and we have gone into Ecuador and we have gone into Paraguay, and they have all done remarkably well.
"I hope Paulo will do exactly the same - he has certainly got the credentials.
"He has captained his country for the last five years, he was captain of his team, Toluca in Mexico, and has a wealth of experience.
"I don't think he missed a game in four years, and he is desperate to play in the Premier League, like most of them are.
"He will be trying to do exactly that."
Bruce's two signings to date are at very different stages in their respective careers with 21-year-old Campbell, secured for an initial £3.5million from Manchester United, ready to make his name at senior level.
Bruce said: "Fraizer is going to be young and hungry to kick-start his career and be an established Premier League player.
"He has got all the credentials to do that. We have seen glimpses of it as an England Under-21s player, so we are delighted we have got him."
Bruce confirmed the club's interest in Crouch - it is understood a fee is yet to be agreed - although even if he did manage to recruit a second striker of the summer, that would not necessarily be a sign that Kenwyne Jones, who has been linked with several clubs, is available.
Instead, the new manager believes it would send out a statement of intent.
He said: "The one thing we are trying to achieve here is trying to get an established Premier League football club.
"That's what we are trying to get, but it's not easy. If you have been in the Championship two years ago, the difference between the Championship and the Premier League is vast.
"Something like 48 clubs have been in the Premier League in the last 15 years, and 10 or 11 of them have been there from the year dot.
"That just shows you how difficult it is to establish yourselves. But that's our aim, of course."
Bruce is currently focusing his attention on Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, and has also been heavily linked with the likes of Darren Bent, Richard Dunne and Lee Cattermole.
However, the 48-year-old, who added his capture of 29-year-old Da Silva to that of Fraizer Campbell earlier this week, hopes he has maintained his knack of discovering previously unheralded talents such as Wilson Palacios.
He said: "I have had to. I have had big success in targeting the smaller South American countries, if you like.
"At the clubs I have been before, I couldn't get anywhere near the Brazilians or the Argentinians.
"However, we went into Honduras and we have gone into Ecuador and we have gone into Paraguay, and they have all done remarkably well.
"I hope Paulo will do exactly the same - he has certainly got the credentials.
"He has captained his country for the last five years, he was captain of his team, Toluca in Mexico, and has a wealth of experience.
"I don't think he missed a game in four years, and he is desperate to play in the Premier League, like most of them are.
"He will be trying to do exactly that."
Bruce's two signings to date are at very different stages in their respective careers with 21-year-old Campbell, secured for an initial £3.5million from Manchester United, ready to make his name at senior level.
Bruce said: "Fraizer is going to be young and hungry to kick-start his career and be an established Premier League player.
"He has got all the credentials to do that. We have seen glimpses of it as an England Under-21s player, so we are delighted we have got him."
Bruce confirmed the club's interest in Crouch - it is understood a fee is yet to be agreed - although even if he did manage to recruit a second striker of the summer, that would not necessarily be a sign that Kenwyne Jones, who has been linked with several clubs, is available.
Instead, the new manager believes it would send out a statement of intent.
He said: "The one thing we are trying to achieve here is trying to get an established Premier League football club.
"That's what we are trying to get, but it's not easy. If you have been in the Championship two years ago, the difference between the Championship and the Premier League is vast.
"Something like 48 clubs have been in the Premier League in the last 15 years, and 10 or 11 of them have been there from the year dot.
"That just shows you how difficult it is to establish yourselves. But that's our aim, of course."
Hughes: We must spend for success
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has rebuffed Sir Alex Ferguson's criticism of the club's spending and tipped Carlos Tevez to prove his value.
City have been splashing the cash this summer as they prepare for an assault on the top four and their latest signing was £26.5million man Tevez, who spent the last two seasons under Ferguson at Manchester United.
Ferguson described City's spending this year as "stupid" and "unrealistic".
But Hughes said: "We haven't had the benefit of Champions League money over a long period and we haven't had the success to generate the large amounts of money.
"All the squads and managers have spent large amounts to be successful. That has never changed. We are trying to be successful and, to do that, we have to spend money.
"We understand how people may view us at this time, when times are hard financially for a lot of people.
"But football sometimes bucks that trend, almost always, certainly at the top level."
Hughes also rejected suggestions City had paid over the odds for Tevez.
"I think in this current age, and given some of the other transfers this summer, notably Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Carlos will prove a bargain," he said.
City have been splashing the cash this summer as they prepare for an assault on the top four and their latest signing was £26.5million man Tevez, who spent the last two seasons under Ferguson at Manchester United.
Ferguson described City's spending this year as "stupid" and "unrealistic".
But Hughes said: "We haven't had the benefit of Champions League money over a long period and we haven't had the success to generate the large amounts of money.
"All the squads and managers have spent large amounts to be successful. That has never changed. We are trying to be successful and, to do that, we have to spend money.
"We understand how people may view us at this time, when times are hard financially for a lot of people.
"But football sometimes bucks that trend, almost always, certainly at the top level."
Hughes also rejected suggestions City had paid over the odds for Tevez.
"I think in this current age, and given some of the other transfers this summer, notably Ronaldo to Real Madrid, Carlos will prove a bargain," he said.
Tigres beats Santos 3-2 to reach final
FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts (AP) - Brazilian striker Itamar Batista scored in the 82nd minute to give Tigres UANL a 3-2 win over Santos Laguna in the Superliga semifinals Wednesday.
Tigres will meet Chicago in the Aug. 5 final of the North American club tournament after the U.S. team beat New England 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Tigres dominated its Mexican Primera Division rival from the opening stages of what was an entertaining, wide-open game.
Jesus Molina rose above the defense and headed a corner past Santos goalie Oswaldo Sanchez in the second minute.
Lucas Lobos' cross caught Jose Francisco Fonseca in full stride and he easily beat Sanchez to make it to 2-0 in the 18th minute.
Santos' Carlos Quintero headed home a cross from Jorge Estrada in the 26th minute.
Batista made a solo run before launching a shot between Sanchez's legs and into the goal.
Francisco Torres' header for Santos Laguna during stoppage time closed it to 3-2.
Tigres star Argentinian midfielder Lobos earned his second yellow card in the 69th minute and will miss the Superliga final.
Tigres will meet Chicago in the Aug. 5 final of the North American club tournament after the U.S. team beat New England 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Tigres dominated its Mexican Primera Division rival from the opening stages of what was an entertaining, wide-open game.
Jesus Molina rose above the defense and headed a corner past Santos goalie Oswaldo Sanchez in the second minute.
Lucas Lobos' cross caught Jose Francisco Fonseca in full stride and he easily beat Sanchez to make it to 2-0 in the 18th minute.
Santos' Carlos Quintero headed home a cross from Jorge Estrada in the 26th minute.
Batista made a solo run before launching a shot between Sanchez's legs and into the goal.
Francisco Torres' header for Santos Laguna during stoppage time closed it to 3-2.
Tigres star Argentinian midfielder Lobos earned his second yellow card in the 69th minute and will miss the Superliga final.
Estudiantes stuns Cruzeiro to win Copa Lib title
BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (AP) - Argentina's Estudiantes won its first Copa Libertadores title in 39 years when it came from behind to hand Cruzeiro its first home defeat by 2-1 in the final on Wednesday.
Estudiantes clinched its fourth Latin American club championship 2-1 on aggregate after the teams played to 0-0 in the first leg of the final last week in La Plata.
More than 65,000 fans at Mineirao Stadium, where Cruzeiro had won all six of its matches in this year's tournament, including 3-0 over Estudiantes in group play, were stunned into silence when striker Mauro Boselli scored the winner in the 73rd minute.
"We were able to silence more than 60,000 people," Estudiantes defender Christian Cellay said. "That was really incredible. It's hard to believe we did it."
The estimated 3,000 Estudiantes fans were the ones celebrating when Boselli headed in a corner taken by veteran midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.
Veron matched his father, Juan Ramon, who played in all three previous Copa Libertadores titles won by Estudiantes in 1968, '69 and '70.
"It took a lot of heart," Veron said as the Argentine fans chanted his name. "It was incredible."
After an even first half, midfielder Henrique put Cruzeiro ahead with a long-range shot in the 52nd, but Estudiantes answered quickly through striker Gaston Fernandez in the 58th.
"It was a complicated game," Enzo Perez said. "They scored the first goal but we equalized right away and this helped us a lot."
On the list of champions, Estudiantes' four titles ranked behind only Argentina's Independiente (7), Argentina's Boca Juniors (6) and Uruguay's Penarol (5).
Estudiantes also earned a spot in FIFA's Club World Cup in Dubai later this year.
"You can't measure how happy we are right now," coach Alejandro Sabella said. "We played with a lot of intelligence and we took advantage of the chances we had in the second half."
In seeking its third Copa, Cruzeiro almost equalized and sent the final into extra time when substitute striker Thiago Ribeiro struck the corner of the crossbar and the post with a shot from outside the area in the 86th.
"We had our chances," Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista said. "Just couldn't get the goals."
Cruzeiro tried to push forward from the beginning but was not able to pressure Estudiantes. With Veron controlling the match at midfield, the Argentine club was successful in slowing the pace, and Cruzeiro couldn't create many significant scoring chances.
Estudiantes had the first dangerous opportunity in the 22nd when Boselli's shot from inside the area came out weak.
The missed chance seemed to awaken Cruzeiro, which answered a minute later with a header by defender Leonardo Silva that missed just wide, and then with a great run by forward Wellington Paulista, who was beaten to the ball by Estudiantes goalkeeper Mariano Andujar inside the area.
In the 33rd, it was Boselli who threatened in a breakaway, but Cruzeiro defender Gerson Magrao made a nice defensive play to block his shot.
Things became heated in the 37th and a brawl nearly began after a ball dispute at midfield, and Chilean referee Carlos Chandia gave a yellow card to Cruzeiro striker Kleber and Veron. Both teams began committing hard fouls, and Estudiantes midfielder Rodrigo struck Kleber hard just before halftime to receive another yellow card.
Estudiantes took an extra five minutes to return from the halftime, trying to take the crowd out of the game, but Cruzeiro was quick to ignite its fans when midfielder Henrique scored with a right-footer from long range in the 52nd. The ball deflected off Estudiantes defender Leandro Desabato to find the right corner of Andujar.
Fans were still celebrating when striker Gaston Fernandez equalized for Estudiantes from close range in the 58th, completing a right-flank pass from defender Christian Cellay. Veron set up the play from midfield with a pass to Cellay.
Cruzeiro, which had outscored opponents 13-2 at home before Wednesday, would concede a decisive fourth soon after.
From a corner taken by Veron in the 78th, Boselli headed the ball past Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio to seal the victory. With the goal, Boselli finished the competition as the top scorer with eight goals.
"They knew how to take advantage of the opportunities and played very well," Fabio said.
Veron nearly scored with from a free kick in the 79th.
Only two Argentine teams had beaten Cruzeiro in 35 matches at Mineirao - Velez Sarsfield in 1996 in the Supercopa Sudamericana and Boca Juniors in last year's round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
Argentina features the most Copa Libertadores champions with 22, while Brazil was second with 13. It was the 12th final between Brazilian and Argentine clubs, with Argentina winning nine of them.
It was the 50th edition of the Copa Libertadores.
Estudiantes clinched its fourth Latin American club championship 2-1 on aggregate after the teams played to 0-0 in the first leg of the final last week in La Plata.
More than 65,000 fans at Mineirao Stadium, where Cruzeiro had won all six of its matches in this year's tournament, including 3-0 over Estudiantes in group play, were stunned into silence when striker Mauro Boselli scored the winner in the 73rd minute.
"We were able to silence more than 60,000 people," Estudiantes defender Christian Cellay said. "That was really incredible. It's hard to believe we did it."
The estimated 3,000 Estudiantes fans were the ones celebrating when Boselli headed in a corner taken by veteran midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron.
Veron matched his father, Juan Ramon, who played in all three previous Copa Libertadores titles won by Estudiantes in 1968, '69 and '70.
"It took a lot of heart," Veron said as the Argentine fans chanted his name. "It was incredible."
After an even first half, midfielder Henrique put Cruzeiro ahead with a long-range shot in the 52nd, but Estudiantes answered quickly through striker Gaston Fernandez in the 58th.
"It was a complicated game," Enzo Perez said. "They scored the first goal but we equalized right away and this helped us a lot."
On the list of champions, Estudiantes' four titles ranked behind only Argentina's Independiente (7), Argentina's Boca Juniors (6) and Uruguay's Penarol (5).
Estudiantes also earned a spot in FIFA's Club World Cup in Dubai later this year.
"You can't measure how happy we are right now," coach Alejandro Sabella said. "We played with a lot of intelligence and we took advantage of the chances we had in the second half."
In seeking its third Copa, Cruzeiro almost equalized and sent the final into extra time when substitute striker Thiago Ribeiro struck the corner of the crossbar and the post with a shot from outside the area in the 86th.
"We had our chances," Cruzeiro coach Adilson Batista said. "Just couldn't get the goals."
Cruzeiro tried to push forward from the beginning but was not able to pressure Estudiantes. With Veron controlling the match at midfield, the Argentine club was successful in slowing the pace, and Cruzeiro couldn't create many significant scoring chances.
Estudiantes had the first dangerous opportunity in the 22nd when Boselli's shot from inside the area came out weak.
The missed chance seemed to awaken Cruzeiro, which answered a minute later with a header by defender Leonardo Silva that missed just wide, and then with a great run by forward Wellington Paulista, who was beaten to the ball by Estudiantes goalkeeper Mariano Andujar inside the area.
In the 33rd, it was Boselli who threatened in a breakaway, but Cruzeiro defender Gerson Magrao made a nice defensive play to block his shot.
Things became heated in the 37th and a brawl nearly began after a ball dispute at midfield, and Chilean referee Carlos Chandia gave a yellow card to Cruzeiro striker Kleber and Veron. Both teams began committing hard fouls, and Estudiantes midfielder Rodrigo struck Kleber hard just before halftime to receive another yellow card.
Estudiantes took an extra five minutes to return from the halftime, trying to take the crowd out of the game, but Cruzeiro was quick to ignite its fans when midfielder Henrique scored with a right-footer from long range in the 52nd. The ball deflected off Estudiantes defender Leandro Desabato to find the right corner of Andujar.
Fans were still celebrating when striker Gaston Fernandez equalized for Estudiantes from close range in the 58th, completing a right-flank pass from defender Christian Cellay. Veron set up the play from midfield with a pass to Cellay.
Cruzeiro, which had outscored opponents 13-2 at home before Wednesday, would concede a decisive fourth soon after.
From a corner taken by Veron in the 78th, Boselli headed the ball past Cruzeiro goalkeeper Fabio to seal the victory. With the goal, Boselli finished the competition as the top scorer with eight goals.
"They knew how to take advantage of the opportunities and played very well," Fabio said.
Veron nearly scored with from a free kick in the 79th.
Only two Argentine teams had beaten Cruzeiro in 35 matches at Mineirao - Velez Sarsfield in 1996 in the Supercopa Sudamericana and Boca Juniors in last year's round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores.
Argentina features the most Copa Libertadores champions with 22, while Brazil was second with 13. It was the 12th final between Brazilian and Argentine clubs, with Argentina winning nine of them.
It was the 50th edition of the Copa Libertadores.
Blanco scores, assists to put Fire through
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Mexico midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco had a goal and an assist Wednesday to lead the Chicago Fire into the final of the SuperLiga with a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution.
Chicago will host the title game of the tournament for North American pro clubs Aug. 5 against Mexican team Tigres UANL, which beat Santos Laguna 3-2 in the second semifinal of the night.
New England was the defending SuperLiga champion.
Blanco's goal on a free kick in the 63rd minute put the Fire ahead for good.
"You need big plays to win and our big players stepped up and made great plays," Chicago Coach Dennis Hamlett said.
He also helped Chicago take the lead in the 33rd when he lofted a pass to striker Brian McBride, who booted it past Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis.
New England's Edgeras Jankauskas tied it in the 44th when his bicycle kick deflected off Chicago midfielder John Thorrington and past goalkeeper Jon Busch.
The Revolution nearly tied it minutes later when Kenny Mansally's header hit the crossbar and again in the 80th minute when Kheli Dube's shot also hit the crossbar.
New England, with seven players out due to injury, suspension or national team duties, dominated the final third of the game and stoppage time.
"We didn't get what we deserved," said New England Coach Steve Nicol. "We made chances, but we were just a wee bit off when it came time to put the ball in the back of the net."
In the second semifinal, Brazilian striker Itamar Batista scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute with Tigres UANL playing short-handed.
Tigres jumped on its rival from Mexico's Primera Division quickly in what was an entertaining, wide-open game. Jesus Molina picked a corner kick out of the air and put the ball past Santos goalie Oswaldo Sanchez in the second minute to make it 1-0.
Lucas Lobos' crossfield pass caught Jose Francisco Fonseca in full stride and he easily beat Sanchez to make it to 2-0 in the 18th minute.
Carlos Quintero headed home a cross from Jorge Estrada to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute.
Tigres star Argentinean midfielder Lobos earned his second yellow card in the 69th minute and will miss the Superliga final.
Batista came in all alone and launched a shot between Sanchez's legs and into the goal.
Francisco Torres' header for Santos Laguna during stoppage time closed it to 3-2.
Chicago will host the title game of the tournament for North American pro clubs Aug. 5 against Mexican team Tigres UANL, which beat Santos Laguna 3-2 in the second semifinal of the night.
New England was the defending SuperLiga champion.
Blanco's goal on a free kick in the 63rd minute put the Fire ahead for good.
"You need big plays to win and our big players stepped up and made great plays," Chicago Coach Dennis Hamlett said.
He also helped Chicago take the lead in the 33rd when he lofted a pass to striker Brian McBride, who booted it past Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis.
New England's Edgeras Jankauskas tied it in the 44th when his bicycle kick deflected off Chicago midfielder John Thorrington and past goalkeeper Jon Busch.
The Revolution nearly tied it minutes later when Kenny Mansally's header hit the crossbar and again in the 80th minute when Kheli Dube's shot also hit the crossbar.
New England, with seven players out due to injury, suspension or national team duties, dominated the final third of the game and stoppage time.
"We didn't get what we deserved," said New England Coach Steve Nicol. "We made chances, but we were just a wee bit off when it came time to put the ball in the back of the net."
In the second semifinal, Brazilian striker Itamar Batista scored the game-winning goal in the 82nd minute with Tigres UANL playing short-handed.
Tigres jumped on its rival from Mexico's Primera Division quickly in what was an entertaining, wide-open game. Jesus Molina picked a corner kick out of the air and put the ball past Santos goalie Oswaldo Sanchez in the second minute to make it 1-0.
Lucas Lobos' crossfield pass caught Jose Francisco Fonseca in full stride and he easily beat Sanchez to make it to 2-0 in the 18th minute.
Carlos Quintero headed home a cross from Jorge Estrada to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute.
Tigres star Argentinean midfielder Lobos earned his second yellow card in the 69th minute and will miss the Superliga final.
Batista came in all alone and launched a shot between Sanchez's legs and into the goal.
Francisco Torres' header for Santos Laguna during stoppage time closed it to 3-2.
Beckerman, Morales added to All-Star roster
SANDY, Utah (AP) - Midfielders Kyle Beckerman and Javier Morales of Real Salt Lake have been added to the Major League Soccer roster for the MLS All-Star game later this month.
They were added Wednesday as commissioner's picks to the MLS squad that will take on Premier League club Everton on July 29.
The first 11 players were selected to the MLS squad Monday. The remaining spots for the 18-man roster will be announced next Monday.
They were added Wednesday as commissioner's picks to the MLS squad that will take on Premier League club Everton on July 29.
The first 11 players were selected to the MLS squad Monday. The remaining spots for the 18-man roster will be announced next Monday.
Sure, Ronaldo's gone, but there's plenty of excitement
With football's summer transfer window remaining open to a strong draft until the first of September, there's still plenty of time for some major moves in the English Premier League.
But with the league kicking off again in about a month, it's a good time to examine the most significant English transfers that have already seen pen put to paper — well ahead of all the drastic negotiations that are bound to take place for the last-minute movers and shakers as midnight approaches on deadline day.
Unlike the last few years however, where it seemed like every big name was being linked with one of the 'Big Four' in England, this summer's transfer thunder was immediately and demonstratively stolen by Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Two world record transfer fees later, Los Merengues brought back the Galactico era in the blink of an eye. Real shocked the world with its capture of Kaka from AC Milan for $92 million, then required it to use a defibrillator when just a week later they snagged World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a cool $131 million.
Manchester United planned to use some of the Ronaldo money to purchase rising star Karim Benzema from Lyon in France, but once again, Real pried the youngster from Sir Alex Ferguson's clutches to the tune of $67 million.
With three of the biggest stars now off the market, the Red Devils have been forced to consolidate their ambitions. Sure, players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Ribery are still available (although Ribery admittedly only wants to join Real as well — go figure) and could still manage to find their way to Old Trafford between now and the end of the transfer window, but United has clearly stated that there will be no more buying this summer.
Before that statement though, United went out and got three players to replace the departed Ronaldo and the desperately loved but understandably frustrated Carlos Tevez (who joined crosstown rivals Manchester City earlier this week — more on this later).
Their first signing was promising Ecuadorean midfielder Antonio Valencia, fresh off a strong season with Wigan. Valencia is a pure winger, unlike the man he's replacing in Ronaldo, and is loaded with pace and hustle. His crossing, however, lacks consistency, but he'll be pushed at Old Trafford and expected to improve in that department quickly.
It's unfair to expect Valencia to deliver the kinds of performances week in and week out that made Ronaldo the best in the world, but he will be under the microscope from the first whistle. Who would envy that position? That would be like trying to follow up the Michael Jackson memorial with a puppet playing a kazoo.
Should Valencia indeed improve his crosses during the season, it will be up to England star Michael Owen to latch onto them and score a few goals. Not unlike Johnny Damon's blasphemous move from the Red Sox to the Yankees, Owen, a former Liverpool star (one might even say legend), will no doubt face a cauldron of hatred when United takes on the Reds at Anfield.
Owen joins United after a dismal campaign with Newcastle which saw the Magpies relegated to England's second tier of football. Well, that might not be fair. Newcastle was dismal as a team, but Owen fought through much of his injury troubles and managed to play in 31 games and score ten goals.
While not the player he once was who could perhaps carry a team atop his small frame, Owen could very well experience a renaissance of sorts with a better team surrounding him. The big question, as always, will be his fitness. If he can stay healthy, he'll be a major asset for United (and at minimal cost), but should the injury bug strike, at least he'll have plenty of solid cover and won't be forced to rush back.
The latest arrival in Manchester is French youngster Gabriel Obertan. Much like the Ronaldo experiment six years earlier, Obertan comes to Old Trafford with little on his resumé, but an indiscernible spark that has managed to catch Sir Alex's eye.
The former Bordeaux star is hit or miss, though. He could very well develop into a world class player under the watchful eye of Ferguson, or might just as easily wilt under the demands of immediate success with the two-time defending champions.
Now, if Liverpool fans are going to give Owen the business in Liverpool, United fans will most certainly return the favor to Carlos Tevez after his crossing to the 'dark side' of Manchester (at least according to United fans).
The Argentine star's $41 million move to City was hardly a surprise after a turbulent season that saw the former Boca Juniors hitman spend more time on the bench than on the field. Tevez was a huge part of United's 2008 double, but was brushed aside with the arrival of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Fans and pundits alike questioned his lack of playing time, but no one can say that Sir Alex isn't always well-prepared with a plan. United won the title and reached the Champions League final with little contribution ultimately from Tevez, but his value was always unquestioned. Displeased with the circumstances, Tevez opted not to stay at Old Trafford after the club desperately tried to re-sign him following Ronaldo's departure.
You reap what you sow, right?
But Tevez isn't the only big name City fans will be wearing on the backs of their jerseys this season. The attacking lineup was further enhanced with the additions of Paraguayan star Roque Santa Cruz and versatile midfielder Gareth Barry, from Blackburn and Aston Villa, respectively.
Man City manager Mark Huges faces a dilemma though — how will he integrate the new players with the existing core that features such talented stars as Robinho, Elano, Martin Petrov, Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy? Hughes will have to find a delicate balance with many of the big names being forced to sit, and do an ever better job of managing those egos that do step on the pitch.
Should Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor also join City (which is reportedly very close to happening), that job will be even tougher. Hughes will also have to address his back line, which is why the Sky Blues are vigorously in the hunt for Chelsea defender John Terry's signature.
Down in London, Arsenal and Chelsea have been relatively quiet so far this summer.
The Blues splashed out $29 million for Russian star Yuri Zhirkov, but it will take some time before the Stamford Bridge faithful find out if he's more Andrei Arshavin than Sergei Rebrov (yes, Rebrov was Ukrainian, but he's always the Eastern Bloc's measuring stick for ineptitude).
New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti will also have a dynamic young forward in Daniel Sturridge, but at only 19 years old, his chances in attack will be limited due to his place in the pecking order behind established stars like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, and good soldiers Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi.
Across town in North London, the Gunners have been eerily silent, almost as if lulling the entire footballing world to sleep ahead of a major deal. Could the penny-pinching brass at the Emirates actually be planning a major coup? Given their history, it's doubtful, but if there's any 'Big Four' club that needs an injection of composure, it's Arsenal.
So far, the Gunners have only brought in defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax — hardly the big name like Felipe Melo that Arsenal was rumored to be chasing. The Belgian international, who cost $17 million, has a lot of potential to be a strong stopper, but at only 23 years old, doesn't deliver much in terms of that "veteran leadership" Arsenal so desperately needs.
Look for Arsenal to make a few more moves before the deadline.
Liverpool's big splash has come on the defensive end after purchasing England international Glen Johnson from his Portsmouth exile for $28.6 million. After leaving Chelsea for regular playing time on the south coast in 2007, Johnson's star faded quickly. But after a solid season on a less-than-decent Pompey side, Reds manager Rafa Benitez took the calculated risk by bringing him to Anfield.
While the central pairing of Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher is one of Liverpool's strengths, there were problems last season holding on to leads due mainly in part to the constant rotations of the wing backs. The Reds' 11 draws on the season truly cost them any chance of winning their first Premier League title since 1990.
In Johnson, Benitez has an internationally experienced right back on the right side of 30 who will certainly benefit from the quality of players around him and the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upper echelon of Europe as well.
Across the Mersey River, Everton successfully held on to Manchester City's Brazilian striker Jo after coming to Goodison Park on loan during the January transfer window. It's a one-year loan this time around, but the stability should help the former Corinthians and CSKA Moscow man find his place in the team.
Jo will have any number of capable strike partners, with names like Yakubu and Louis Saha returning from their injuries, but the rumor mill is buzzing that American international Clint Dempsey is being lured to Merseyside and away from Fulham. That's a definite "wait and see."
Sunderland, who just barely avoided relegation last season, gets a boost with former United starlet Fraizer Campbell, who spent last season with Spurs. At just shy of a $6 million transfer fee, it's a lot of money at the Stadium of Light, but Campbell showed signs of catching up to the Prem's best defenders last year — at least in the few opportunities he was afforded.
But the Black Cats aren't exactly loaded up top with guys like Kenwyne Jones and David Healy in the rotation, so Campbell will get his chances under Steve Bruce — ones he never did with Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.
Speaking of Spurs, well, there's nothing to speak of, which is odd. Usually Tottenham does its best around this time of year to pretend it's one of the big boys, but so far all Spurs have done is sell. But don't think for a second that Harry's not scheming up something fairly big (Amr Zaki, perhaps?). If he can pull it off, that's a different story.
Promoted Birmingham City did some pond skipping to acquire the services of Ecuador's international striker Christian Benitez from Santos Laguna. Only 23-years old, the young forward struck for 31 goals in only 58 appearances in Mexico, so he's got killer instinct, but it's hard to name any players who honed their skills in the MFL that have made an immediate impact in England. Might Benitez be the one?
Of course, this list could go on a lot longer, but most of the other players that have joined Premier League teams so far will have to show a little on the grass before being readily noticeable. Diamonds in the rough will appear, there's no question about that.
And there will be busts ... a lot of them.
Without a doubt, there's more to come this transfer season, so stay tuned.
But with the league kicking off again in about a month, it's a good time to examine the most significant English transfers that have already seen pen put to paper — well ahead of all the drastic negotiations that are bound to take place for the last-minute movers and shakers as midnight approaches on deadline day.
Unlike the last few years however, where it seemed like every big name was being linked with one of the 'Big Four' in England, this summer's transfer thunder was immediately and demonstratively stolen by Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Two world record transfer fees later, Los Merengues brought back the Galactico era in the blink of an eye. Real shocked the world with its capture of Kaka from AC Milan for $92 million, then required it to use a defibrillator when just a week later they snagged World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for a cool $131 million.
Manchester United planned to use some of the Ronaldo money to purchase rising star Karim Benzema from Lyon in France, but once again, Real pried the youngster from Sir Alex Ferguson's clutches to the tune of $67 million.
With three of the biggest stars now off the market, the Red Devils have been forced to consolidate their ambitions. Sure, players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Franck Ribery are still available (although Ribery admittedly only wants to join Real as well — go figure) and could still manage to find their way to Old Trafford between now and the end of the transfer window, but United has clearly stated that there will be no more buying this summer.
Before that statement though, United went out and got three players to replace the departed Ronaldo and the desperately loved but understandably frustrated Carlos Tevez (who joined crosstown rivals Manchester City earlier this week — more on this later).
Their first signing was promising Ecuadorean midfielder Antonio Valencia, fresh off a strong season with Wigan. Valencia is a pure winger, unlike the man he's replacing in Ronaldo, and is loaded with pace and hustle. His crossing, however, lacks consistency, but he'll be pushed at Old Trafford and expected to improve in that department quickly.
It's unfair to expect Valencia to deliver the kinds of performances week in and week out that made Ronaldo the best in the world, but he will be under the microscope from the first whistle. Who would envy that position? That would be like trying to follow up the Michael Jackson memorial with a puppet playing a kazoo.
Should Valencia indeed improve his crosses during the season, it will be up to England star Michael Owen to latch onto them and score a few goals. Not unlike Johnny Damon's blasphemous move from the Red Sox to the Yankees, Owen, a former Liverpool star (one might even say legend), will no doubt face a cauldron of hatred when United takes on the Reds at Anfield.
Owen joins United after a dismal campaign with Newcastle which saw the Magpies relegated to England's second tier of football. Well, that might not be fair. Newcastle was dismal as a team, but Owen fought through much of his injury troubles and managed to play in 31 games and score ten goals.
While not the player he once was who could perhaps carry a team atop his small frame, Owen could very well experience a renaissance of sorts with a better team surrounding him. The big question, as always, will be his fitness. If he can stay healthy, he'll be a major asset for United (and at minimal cost), but should the injury bug strike, at least he'll have plenty of solid cover and won't be forced to rush back.
The latest arrival in Manchester is French youngster Gabriel Obertan. Much like the Ronaldo experiment six years earlier, Obertan comes to Old Trafford with little on his resumé, but an indiscernible spark that has managed to catch Sir Alex's eye.
The former Bordeaux star is hit or miss, though. He could very well develop into a world class player under the watchful eye of Ferguson, or might just as easily wilt under the demands of immediate success with the two-time defending champions.
Now, if Liverpool fans are going to give Owen the business in Liverpool, United fans will most certainly return the favor to Carlos Tevez after his crossing to the 'dark side' of Manchester (at least according to United fans).
The Argentine star's $41 million move to City was hardly a surprise after a turbulent season that saw the former Boca Juniors hitman spend more time on the bench than on the field. Tevez was a huge part of United's 2008 double, but was brushed aside with the arrival of Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.
Fans and pundits alike questioned his lack of playing time, but no one can say that Sir Alex isn't always well-prepared with a plan. United won the title and reached the Champions League final with little contribution ultimately from Tevez, but his value was always unquestioned. Displeased with the circumstances, Tevez opted not to stay at Old Trafford after the club desperately tried to re-sign him following Ronaldo's departure.
You reap what you sow, right?
But Tevez isn't the only big name City fans will be wearing on the backs of their jerseys this season. The attacking lineup was further enhanced with the additions of Paraguayan star Roque Santa Cruz and versatile midfielder Gareth Barry, from Blackburn and Aston Villa, respectively.
Man City manager Mark Huges faces a dilemma though — how will he integrate the new players with the existing core that features such talented stars as Robinho, Elano, Martin Petrov, Stephen Ireland and Craig Bellamy? Hughes will have to find a delicate balance with many of the big names being forced to sit, and do an ever better job of managing those egos that do step on the pitch.
Should Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor also join City (which is reportedly very close to happening), that job will be even tougher. Hughes will also have to address his back line, which is why the Sky Blues are vigorously in the hunt for Chelsea defender John Terry's signature.
Down in London, Arsenal and Chelsea have been relatively quiet so far this summer.
The Blues splashed out $29 million for Russian star Yuri Zhirkov, but it will take some time before the Stamford Bridge faithful find out if he's more Andrei Arshavin than Sergei Rebrov (yes, Rebrov was Ukrainian, but he's always the Eastern Bloc's measuring stick for ineptitude).
New Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti will also have a dynamic young forward in Daniel Sturridge, but at only 19 years old, his chances in attack will be limited due to his place in the pecking order behind established stars like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, and good soldiers Salomon Kalou and John Mikel Obi.
Across town in North London, the Gunners have been eerily silent, almost as if lulling the entire footballing world to sleep ahead of a major deal. Could the penny-pinching brass at the Emirates actually be planning a major coup? Given their history, it's doubtful, but if there's any 'Big Four' club that needs an injection of composure, it's Arsenal.
So far, the Gunners have only brought in defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax — hardly the big name like Felipe Melo that Arsenal was rumored to be chasing. The Belgian international, who cost $17 million, has a lot of potential to be a strong stopper, but at only 23 years old, doesn't deliver much in terms of that "veteran leadership" Arsenal so desperately needs.
Look for Arsenal to make a few more moves before the deadline.
Liverpool's big splash has come on the defensive end after purchasing England international Glen Johnson from his Portsmouth exile for $28.6 million. After leaving Chelsea for regular playing time on the south coast in 2007, Johnson's star faded quickly. But after a solid season on a less-than-decent Pompey side, Reds manager Rafa Benitez took the calculated risk by bringing him to Anfield.
While the central pairing of Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher is one of Liverpool's strengths, there were problems last season holding on to leads due mainly in part to the constant rotations of the wing backs. The Reds' 11 draws on the season truly cost them any chance of winning their first Premier League title since 1990.
In Johnson, Benitez has an internationally experienced right back on the right side of 30 who will certainly benefit from the quality of players around him and the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upper echelon of Europe as well.
Across the Mersey River, Everton successfully held on to Manchester City's Brazilian striker Jo after coming to Goodison Park on loan during the January transfer window. It's a one-year loan this time around, but the stability should help the former Corinthians and CSKA Moscow man find his place in the team.
Jo will have any number of capable strike partners, with names like Yakubu and Louis Saha returning from their injuries, but the rumor mill is buzzing that American international Clint Dempsey is being lured to Merseyside and away from Fulham. That's a definite "wait and see."
Sunderland, who just barely avoided relegation last season, gets a boost with former United starlet Fraizer Campbell, who spent last season with Spurs. At just shy of a $6 million transfer fee, it's a lot of money at the Stadium of Light, but Campbell showed signs of catching up to the Prem's best defenders last year — at least in the few opportunities he was afforded.
But the Black Cats aren't exactly loaded up top with guys like Kenwyne Jones and David Healy in the rotation, so Campbell will get his chances under Steve Bruce — ones he never did with Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane.
Speaking of Spurs, well, there's nothing to speak of, which is odd. Usually Tottenham does its best around this time of year to pretend it's one of the big boys, but so far all Spurs have done is sell. But don't think for a second that Harry's not scheming up something fairly big (Amr Zaki, perhaps?). If he can pull it off, that's a different story.
Promoted Birmingham City did some pond skipping to acquire the services of Ecuador's international striker Christian Benitez from Santos Laguna. Only 23-years old, the young forward struck for 31 goals in only 58 appearances in Mexico, so he's got killer instinct, but it's hard to name any players who honed their skills in the MFL that have made an immediate impact in England. Might Benitez be the one?
Of course, this list could go on a lot longer, but most of the other players that have joined Premier League teams so far will have to show a little on the grass before being readily noticeable. Diamonds in the rough will appear, there's no question about that.
And there will be busts ... a lot of them.
Without a doubt, there's more to come this transfer season, so stay tuned.
Mexico's Aguirre to watch Gold Cup from stands
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) - Mexico's biggest supporter this weekend in its Gold Cup quarterfinal against Haiti will be coach Javier Aguirre - and he won't be on the sideline.
Aguirre is serving the second of a three-game suspension for an altercation with Panama player Ricardo Phillips during group play last week.
Now Aguirre needs Mexico to beat Haiti on Sunday, otherwise he still will be out during a World Cup qualifier against the archrival United States next month.
The earliest he can return would be for the Gold Cup final on July 26.
Aguirre apparently said all he wanted to in a statement of apology last week posted on the Mexican Football Federation's Web site. He declined to elaborate about his suspension on Wednesday during a news conference at the new Cowboys Stadium, saying only that he gained no special insight by watching Mexico's final group game against Guadeloupe from a suite.
"I saw it more comfortably, but it's not ideal," Aguirre said through a translator. "And that's all I'm going to say."
Aguirre will again be in the stands when Mexico plays Haiti because of a lapse in judgment, conduct he described as "not good." With about 10 minutes left in a 1-1 draw, Aguirre raised his leg and seemed to kick Phillips as he dribbled near the sideline.
After a linesman stopped play, Phillips shoved Aguirre. Players converged in the area and several got into shoving matches. So did rival fans in the stands.
CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer called the incident an "aberration," but suspended Aguirre for three games and fined the FMF $25,000.
The suspension increased scrutiny of Aguirre, who is already facing mounting pressure back home because of Mexico's lackluster showing in World Cup qualifying. Mexico is in fourth place.
Maybe that's why Aguirre has been holding two- and three-a-day trainings for the last three weeks before finally giving his team a day off on Tuesday.
"Not just in the Gold Cup, but in World Cup qualifying as well, it's very important that the whole country is united when it comes to the national team," Aguirre said.
Haiti coach Jairo Rios, fresh off a 2-2 draw against the United States, acknowledged his team was playing a spoiler role.
"We're very emotional. We feel like we're dreaming," Rios said. "With all the respect we have for Mexico and Mr. Aguirre, we will be facing them with no fear."
The Gold Cup games will be the first sporting events at the $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium, which so far has played host to concerts by George Strait and the Jonas Brothers. The coaches pronounced themselves amazed with the facility, calling it marvelous and wonderful.
"We don't have this type of facility back in Mexico. We're not used to it," Aguirre said. "I have to confess, I have been a Cowboys fan since birth. I have everything when it comes to Roger Staubach. Everything."
In the other quarterfinals, the U.S. plays Panama and Canada faces Honduras on Saturday in Philadelphia, and Costa Rica meets Guadeloupe on Sunday.
Aguirre is serving the second of a three-game suspension for an altercation with Panama player Ricardo Phillips during group play last week.
Now Aguirre needs Mexico to beat Haiti on Sunday, otherwise he still will be out during a World Cup qualifier against the archrival United States next month.
The earliest he can return would be for the Gold Cup final on July 26.
Aguirre apparently said all he wanted to in a statement of apology last week posted on the Mexican Football Federation's Web site. He declined to elaborate about his suspension on Wednesday during a news conference at the new Cowboys Stadium, saying only that he gained no special insight by watching Mexico's final group game against Guadeloupe from a suite.
"I saw it more comfortably, but it's not ideal," Aguirre said through a translator. "And that's all I'm going to say."
Aguirre will again be in the stands when Mexico plays Haiti because of a lapse in judgment, conduct he described as "not good." With about 10 minutes left in a 1-1 draw, Aguirre raised his leg and seemed to kick Phillips as he dribbled near the sideline.
After a linesman stopped play, Phillips shoved Aguirre. Players converged in the area and several got into shoving matches. So did rival fans in the stands.
CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer called the incident an "aberration," but suspended Aguirre for three games and fined the FMF $25,000.
The suspension increased scrutiny of Aguirre, who is already facing mounting pressure back home because of Mexico's lackluster showing in World Cup qualifying. Mexico is in fourth place.
Maybe that's why Aguirre has been holding two- and three-a-day trainings for the last three weeks before finally giving his team a day off on Tuesday.
"Not just in the Gold Cup, but in World Cup qualifying as well, it's very important that the whole country is united when it comes to the national team," Aguirre said.
Haiti coach Jairo Rios, fresh off a 2-2 draw against the United States, acknowledged his team was playing a spoiler role.
"We're very emotional. We feel like we're dreaming," Rios said. "With all the respect we have for Mexico and Mr. Aguirre, we will be facing them with no fear."
The Gold Cup games will be the first sporting events at the $1.15 billion Cowboys Stadium, which so far has played host to concerts by George Strait and the Jonas Brothers. The coaches pronounced themselves amazed with the facility, calling it marvelous and wonderful.
"We don't have this type of facility back in Mexico. We're not used to it," Aguirre said. "I have to confess, I have been a Cowboys fan since birth. I have everything when it comes to Roger Staubach. Everything."
In the other quarterfinals, the U.S. plays Panama and Canada faces Honduras on Saturday in Philadelphia, and Costa Rica meets Guadeloupe on Sunday.
Romario released from jail to appear before judge
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazil great Romario was released from jail on Wednesday, a day after being arrested in a child support case involving his first wife.
Romario was taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly failing to make child support payments to Monica Santoro, who has custody of the couple's children, Romarinho, 15, and Moniquinha, 19.
Court spokesman Antonio Barros said that after Judge Antonio Aurelio Abi-Ramia questioned Romario, his former wife and their respective attorneys, the former football star "paid what he owed and was allowed to go home."
Barros said that after the 40-minute session, Romario left without speaking to the press.
He said he did not know how much money was involved. He did not provide further information.
Local media say Romario owed between 24,000 to 89,640 reals ($12,250 to $46,000).
Earlier in the day, TV footage showed a smiling yet tired-looking and silent Romario, dressed in a gray sweater and faded blue jeans, pushing his way through a horde of reporters and photographers as he made his way out of the police station.
Five years ago, Romario was detained for the same reason, but was released within hours after proving he paid his wife.
In 1994, Romario led Brazil to the World Cup title and was named world footballer of the year.
Romario was taken into custody on Tuesday for allegedly failing to make child support payments to Monica Santoro, who has custody of the couple's children, Romarinho, 15, and Moniquinha, 19.
Court spokesman Antonio Barros said that after Judge Antonio Aurelio Abi-Ramia questioned Romario, his former wife and their respective attorneys, the former football star "paid what he owed and was allowed to go home."
Barros said that after the 40-minute session, Romario left without speaking to the press.
He said he did not know how much money was involved. He did not provide further information.
Local media say Romario owed between 24,000 to 89,640 reals ($12,250 to $46,000).
Earlier in the day, TV footage showed a smiling yet tired-looking and silent Romario, dressed in a gray sweater and faded blue jeans, pushing his way through a horde of reporters and photographers as he made his way out of the police station.
Five years ago, Romario was detained for the same reason, but was released within hours after proving he paid his wife.
In 1994, Romario led Brazil to the World Cup title and was named world footballer of the year.
Nevland scores three in Fulham win
PERTH, Australia (AP) - Striker Erik Nevland scored three times in eight minutes as English Premier League side Fulham routed the Perth Glory 5-0 in a friendly at Members Equity Stadium on Wednesday.
Also, in the first match of a doubleheader, former Liverpool and England star Robbie Fowler scored in his preseason debut for North Queensland Fury in a 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Former England striker Andrew Johnson opened the Fulham scoring in the 16th minute before Nevland, who came on after the break, scored in the 60th, 64th and 68th minutes.
Former Melbourne midfielder Adrian Leijer completed the rout in the 83rd.
It was Fulham's second win of its preseason tour of Australia, with the only loss a 2-1 decision to the Gold Coast, another A-League team.
"They looked like they put their foot down in the second half and really came at us," Glory coach Dave Mitchell said.
After a preseason campaign in which he was affected by hip and groin injuries, Fowler went in as a 55th-minute substitute.
North Queensland was trailing 1-0 following a goal by Wolves striker Andy Keogh in the second minute, but Fowler leveled the match in the 67th on a penalty after Jeremy Brockie was brought down by Wolves defender Jody Craddock.
Craddock made amends with the winner in the 73rd.
"It's always nice scoring goals but as everyone knows preseason games are about getting fit," Fowler said. "In terms of fitness I'm probably behind the rest of the lads but the injury's fine.
"Obviously there's been various reports that were saying I wouldn't play again this season, so that will shut a few people up."
Also, in the first match of a doubleheader, former Liverpool and England star Robbie Fowler scored in his preseason debut for North Queensland Fury in a 2-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Former England striker Andrew Johnson opened the Fulham scoring in the 16th minute before Nevland, who came on after the break, scored in the 60th, 64th and 68th minutes.
Former Melbourne midfielder Adrian Leijer completed the rout in the 83rd.
It was Fulham's second win of its preseason tour of Australia, with the only loss a 2-1 decision to the Gold Coast, another A-League team.
"They looked like they put their foot down in the second half and really came at us," Glory coach Dave Mitchell said.
After a preseason campaign in which he was affected by hip and groin injuries, Fowler went in as a 55th-minute substitute.
North Queensland was trailing 1-0 following a goal by Wolves striker Andy Keogh in the second minute, but Fowler leveled the match in the 67th on a penalty after Jeremy Brockie was brought down by Wolves defender Jody Craddock.
Craddock made amends with the winner in the 73rd.
"It's always nice scoring goals but as everyone knows preseason games are about getting fit," Fowler said. "In terms of fitness I'm probably behind the rest of the lads but the injury's fine.
"Obviously there's been various reports that were saying I wouldn't play again this season, so that will shut a few people up."
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