Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy insists prized asset Luka Modric is not for sale after holding talks with the Croatia midfielder.Levy met with Modric at White Hart Lane on Wednesday, addressing the 25-year-old playmaker’s apparent interest in moving across London to join Chelsea.
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has repeatedly stated his desire to retain star players such as Modric and winger Gareth Bale, with Levy backing his manager’s stance.
“We had a very good conversation and, as I’ve said previously, Luka Modric will not be sold,” Levy said.
“That’s the end of it. As I said a few weeks ago, there’s no further discussion on it.”
“He’s been on holiday but we’ve now had the conversation and he understands our position.”
Levy refused to discuss Modric’s position in the talks, simply reiterating Tottenham’s determination to keep hold of the player.
“I’m just telling you what the position is – he won’t be sold,” Levy said.
“I’m sure once he’s back with his team-mates everything will be fine.”
Levy also claimed no figure will entice the club to cash in on Modric, who cost 16.5 million pounds when he joined from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008.
“It would make no difference,” Levy said.
“This is not about money. We’re not selling our best players.”
Milan Pjanic is stuck in a three-way transfer tug of war with Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Lazio, according to The Sun.
The highly-rated Lyon midfielder is hot property in Europe after his displays for the Ligue 1 side last season with all three clubs desperate to capture his signature.
A big money move for the Bosnian is expected and it seems that he has his pick of destinations with Tottenham, Villa and Lazio providing him with attractive options.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen on the 21-year-old midfielder as a ready-made replacement for want away midfielder Luka Modric should he Croatian leave White Hart Lane this summer.
Pjanic’s signing would certainly soften the blow caused by Modric’s proposed exit although it seems Lazio are preparing to rival Spurs with a bid.
The Italians are determined to sign some big name players before the transfer window shuts in August.
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Villa are also interested in the player after losing Stewart Downing and Ashley Young but are unable to offer European football unlike the Lazio and Spurs.
Both teams finished fifth in their respective leagues and gained entry to the Europa League. Whether Pjanic is prepared to sacrifice Champions League football with Lyon is another matter.
FC Dallas moved to within three points of Western Conference leaders LA Galaxy following a 1-0 win over Chivas USA on Sunday.Honduran winger Marvin Chavez struck the winner in the 26th minute of the match at Pizza Hut Park, benefitting from a deflection off Chivas centre-back Heath Pearce.
The visitors had enjoyed the first sight of goal during intense heat in north Texas, as Justin Braun narrowly failed to connect with Jorge Flores’ cross.
Dallas slowly worked their way into the match, with Ruben Luna and Brek Shea both going close.
Both men were involved in the only goal of the match.
Shea found Luna with an accurate forward pass, the Mexican in turn feeding Chavez.
And the man on loan from Marathon unleashed a shot with enough force that it cannoned off Pearce, ending up in the back of the net after leaving Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy helpless.
Centre-back George John went close to doubling the lead with a header six minutes before half-time.
Dallas proved relatively comfortable defending their advantage in the second half.
They restricted Chivas to one clear sight of goal, and Pearce was denied his effort for a foul on Jair Benitez.
It was Dallas’ eighth victory in their last nine matches and an impressive 12th clean sheet of the campaign for goalkeeper Kevin Hartman.
Dallas are second, three points behind Galaxy and three ahead of third-placed Seattle.
The defeat leaves Chivas sixth, with eight wins from 22 matches.
Roberto Mancini has insisted that he still needs to add ‘two or three more players’ to his Manchester City side before they can mount any serious challenge for the Premier League title. Prior to their Community Shield defeat at the hands of their Manchester rivals, Mancini had claimed his side were still ‘five yards’ behind United despite the heavy investment that has been made in to the club since the Abu Dhabi takeover back in 2008. Last season saw the Citizens crowned FA Cup winners, and they also qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time.
Since taking over in December 2009, Mancini has been building a team that he feels can compete on both the domestic and European fronts and his club have often been at the centre of the tabloids’ back pages during the transfer window periods. This summer, the club record £38m signing of Sergio Aguero has been brought in to take some of the goal scoring pressure off wantaway forward Carlos Tevez, but Mancini remains adamant there is still business to be done in this window if his side are to come close to winning the league.
City were outplayed by United for most of the game on Sunday and despite taking a 2-0 lead just before half-time, Mancini’s men allowed United back in to the game before Nani scored the winner in injury time after some sloppy defending gifted him the opportunity to race through on goal. The Italian conceded that while United had probably been the better side on the day, it was important for his players to ‘understand’ and learn from the mistakes that were made going in to the new campaign.
Mancini claimed that while United ‘have 29 senior players’, Manchester City have only 20. The likes of Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor, Wayne Bridge and Roque Santa Cruz have all been told they will not be a part of City’s plans this season, despite concerns that his side may struggle to adapt to the demands of European football while also mounting a challenge for the league title. These are players that a number of clubs would love to have in their side; players who have proven their ability in the top flight of English football, and some even in Europe. It seems rather strange for Mancini to suggest his squad is ‘too small’ while such names are still on the books at Manchester City, but the Italian would clearly rather spend big than work with what he already has.
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Even if we exclude those names mentioned above, City still actually have a senior squad of 24 players. With the future of Carlos Tevez still very much in the balance, the signing of Sergio Aguero was to be expected at some point, however to suggest that City still require ‘two or three more players’ seems somewhat strange for a side that should surely be looking to find consistency rather than looking to chop and change once more.
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While United have brought in Ashley Young, Phil Jones, and David De Gea, they have also seen the likes of Owen Hargreaves, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville leave Old Trafford. City seem to be intent on bringing in players despite the futures of many of their current crop being unresolved. On the other side of Manchester, Mancini is looking to bring in Samir Nasri, Fiorentina winger Alessio Cerci, and another central midfielder to help bolster his squad, with only two or three senior players leaving the club so far in this window.
As they are, I see no reason why City cannot compete for the Premier League title. While there are certainly areas on the field that require improvement, this does not necessarily have to mean bringing in new faces. City could surely benefit from using those that Mancini has refused to involve in his plans, especially if nobody is willing to match the club’s valuation of these players. Competing on both European and domestic fronts will certainly start to take its toll on the City players, but the current squad size is more than adequate to cope with such demands. To say the squad is ‘too small’ to compete for the title seems odd of Mancini. The quantity is there, and arguably so too is the quality, the Italian is just refusing to use it.
Manchester City have told Aston Villa that James Milner and Adam Johnson aren’t available on loan The Sun reports.
Boss Alex McLeish is interested in bringing the midfielder duo to the Midlands as he continues his rebuilding project at Villa Park.
The clubs have already done business this summer with Shay Given leaving the Etihad to join the Villans and McLeish enquired about the availability of former star Milner and Johnson during negotiations but was told they would be staying in Manchester.
Both are key to manager Roberto Mancini’s long-term plans and the Italian has insisted that neither will be leaving any time soon.
That hasn’t put Big Eck off making an approach especially as he still has money to spend from the sale of Ashley Young and Stewart Downing.
Competition is fierce in Manchester and the England midfielders will find it hard to secure a regular starting spot this season which could prompt them to look for a move elsewhere.
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McLeish is determined to bolster his midfield and hasn’t given up on tempting City to part with the duo permanently.
25-year-old Milner only left Villa Park last summer in a £24 million deal while 24-year-old Johnson moved to Manchester from Middlesbrough for £6 million in February 2010.
Two teams suffering from a chronic lack of confidence meet at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with Arsenal taking on Bolton Wanderers in a surprise bottom of the table clash.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has overseen the worst ever start to a season during his 14 years in the dugout and will see an opportunity to get things back on track against the lowly Trotters. Optimism coursed through North London after the Frenchman’s deadline day spree saw the likes of Mikel Arteta, Santos and Per Mertesacker join the club. A respectable 1-0 win over Swansea City proceeded that as well as a hard fought Champions League draw away at Borussia Dortmund. Things were looking rosy until last week’s capitulation at Blackburn. Those defensive frailties that were supposedly remedied by the signing of Mertesacker resurfaced with the German struggling to cope with the pace and power of the Premier League. Two own goals also signified the lack of cohesion in the Arsenal rearguard with their organisation and set up decidedly amateurish which Rovers duly took advantage of to inflict a third defeat in five games on the beleaguered Wenger. Calls for a defensive coach have been dismissed despite the back four shipping 14 goals already and struggling to cope with the aerial power and speed of last weeks opposition. Bolton will provide a similar proposition and home will count for nothing despite the Gunners winning their last five against Saturday’s opponents at the Emirates.
The Trotters have completely gone off the rails losing their last four games since smashing four past QPR on the opening day of the season. Owen Coyle’s side have had a testing beginning to the campaign with games against Liverpool and both Manchester clubs ending in expected defeats. However last week’s fixture 2-1 loss at home to newly promoted Norwich left Coyle unhappy with his sides performance and will be looking for them to apply themselves better on their trip to North London. With the Gunners defensively weak the Wanderers boss may opt to start David N’Gog up front with skipper Kevin Davies to provide a prominent presence in the air. The Trotters may have to revert to their old long ball game if they want to take anything away from the Emirates and Coyle having a huge task on his hands to boost his sides confidence. The midweek Carling Cup win against Aston Villa went some way to repairing the damage with the return of Stuart Holden to the first team fold one of the many positives to come out of that game.
The American is unlikely to play any part on Saturday as he continues his recovery from a broken leg whilst Ivan Klasnic will miss out for the Trotters after he received straight red card against Norwich last week.
As for the hosts they could have Bacary Sagna available after he hobbled off at Ewood Park last week although Johan Djourou and Yossi Benayoun are definitely out.
Key Players
Mikel Arteta – He’s only a few weeks into his Arsenal career but he already looks at home with his elegant style fitting perfectly into the Gunners setup. Took his goal superb at Blackburn last week and will be eager to find the back of the net again against Bolton.
Kevin Davies – If the Trotters do opt to revert back to their old long ball game Davies will be the man they all look for. His strength in the air and bully boy approach will definitely unsettle Arsenal’s powderpuff defence that fell to pieces so easily last week at Ewood.
Verdict: 1-1
Fancy winning a million pounds??
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Montenegro assistant manager Savo Milosevic has stated that his side will attack England on Friday night, and are confident of finishing top of Euro 2012 Group G.
Fabio Capello’s men only need a point to ensure automatic qualification, but a home win could mean the Eastern European nation can finish top of the pile if they win their remaining fixture against Switzerland on Tuesday.
Despite the visitors’ quality and tags as favourites, the former Aston Villa striker has promised an attacking outlook in Podgorica.
“Everybody in our camp is very confident,” Milosevic told Vijesti.
“We know what we are capable of and we have the mentality of winners, of champions. We know we can play against every opponent.
“We will attack England, that is for sure, but we won’t be careless – that is just what Fabio Capello wants from us.
“But I know we can beat England. It won’t be easy, we will have to show a lot of courage, but we have everything in our hands. We can finish first in our group,” he concluded.
Montenegro have over achieved in the group, and The Three Lions must be aware of Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic in particular, who has the ability to cause Capello’s men problems.
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Yesterday’s game was not a classic or even the best match of the weekend but it did tell us a lot about the teams. It showed that Chelsea have given up on their strong defensive ability in favour of trying and failing to play Barcelona-style football. It also showed that Liverpool no longer needs Steven Gerrard, with their energetic style and harassment of opponents paying off with a great result. But perhaps most importantly for both teams, it showed that the most expensive transfer of 2011 was a horrific decision by the Blues.
Fernando Torres was again left on the bench again yesterday as his new team was beaten 2-1 by the Merseysiders. Didier Drogba was chosen to spearhead the attack from the start and then Daniel Sturridge was sent on before the Spaniard as they chased the game in the second half.
Although the 27-year-old came on for the final 10 minutes of the game his most significant contribution was to win the ball on the left and cut inside with power and tenacity only to clip the ball harmlessly out of play when attempting a cross come shot that was awful and misplaced whatever it was meant to be.
Football’s fourth most expensive player has had a nightmare start to his time in London. He made his debut against his former employers and looked completely impotent as they were beaten 1-0 and it took him more than 15 hours to score his first goal for his new side having played terribly below-par as the club fell away from the title race.
The lethargic performances that were seen during his final weeks on Merseyside and were put down to playing in a poor side were replaced by over-enthusiastic displays, running round like a headless chicken in an attempt to make an impact.
This season has been a vast improvement as he made a man-of-the-match performance against Stoke, only failing to score because of a world-class display from Asmir Begovic, and scoring four goals in 13 games. However, the form that has seen his last two transfers total more than £76 million still seems to desert him. During the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford in September he bagged his first goal of the season but after rounding David de Gea to leave the net gaping at the Stretford End he could only put the ball in the side netting, a miss that put the game out of sight for his team and plunged his confidence back to rock bottom.
Since then he has been sent off for a two-footed tackle against Swansea having scored again and looks like a man so anxious to impress that he is struggling to cope with the self-induced pressure.
The latest error in his short Stamford Bridge career smacked of desperation. This is the man who was meant to spark a change in style and bring goals to a club that is falling back from the top. It appeared to be an unwritten plan to move Drogba out over the summer and use Torres as the main man but all of this was thrown out of the water by his failure to shine and even the introduction of Juan Mata to drag his compatriot into form has fallen flat.
Rather than being the first-choice striker, Chelsea’s number nine is falling down the pecking order, with the Ivorian still first choice despite constantly being linked with a move and now Daniel Sturridge being considered a better choice than him. Nicolas Anelka is another who is more fancied by Villas-Boas for the big games and while Romelu Lukaku is still getting used to the Premier League, if Torres doesn’t start scoring soon it won’t be long before he’s even further down the line.
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In recent games, he can be seen looking at the bench every time he makes a mistake and that is not a sign of a man likely to improve any time soon. Although the club are trying to incorporate a new, Spanish style of play under their latest coach, it appears that the boss is not a fan of the expensive front-man signed by Carlo Ancelotti and is tentative about trusting him but that is what is needed to bring the best out of the player.
At Liverpool he was main man, a guaranteed name on the team sheet and loved by everyone, a formula that produced goals whereas at Stamford Bridge there is a wider choice of quality forward and that has left him needing to turn on the style when required rather than building up his confidence.
The move was the biggest transfer deadline day deal for many years. It was inconceivable that he could be taken away from Anfield, especially to join a rival club. Although £50 million made the blow softer, the image of a fan burning the Spaniard’s no. 9 shirt will remain a sign of how the Kopites felt.
During his three and a half years there he bagged 81 goals in 142 games, including 33 goals in his first season to make him the most prolific debut season goalscorer in the league’s history. His strike from the left-hand side of the box against Sunderland, his continuous beating of Nemanja Vidic and the goals he scored against Chelsea had elevated him to hero status alongside past forwards such as Fowler, Owen and Rush so his decision to jump ship enraged fans. But it seems they will have the last laugh.
From the sale of the Spaniard (plus £8 million), the club were able to bring in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. While the £35 million man has failed to hit the form he showed at Newcastle, he has managed five goals in 20 games since the move, compared to Torres’ five in 31. But it is the Uruguayan who has really stolen the show. He has been in mercurial form, almost single-handedly dragging Liverpool up the table last season with some superb displays including his jinking run to set up Dirk Kuyt in the 3-1 win over United and his sublime narrow angle finish against the Black Cats in the final weeks of the campaign.
Add to that Craig Bellamy, who looks like he never left Anfield, forming a formidable partnership with Suarez and showing a sharp mind yesterday to play in Maxi Rodriguez when many would have taken the shot themselves.
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Those fans that stood outside Melwood burning Torres’ shirt and bemoaning the decision to sell him must now look back with a smile on their face while Chelsea fans will be wondering when the real Fernando will arrive.
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The best place to start this weekend’s evaluation,
At Stamford Bridge, where Arsenal shocked the nation,
Robin Van Persie continues to score,
John Terry meanwhile wages war,
Up in Manchester, people were vexed,
What on earth could Balotelli do next?
After last week’s shenanigans, sadly not a lot,
Despite taking their time, City won at a trot,
Referees make their mark at Norwich and West Brom,
The Linesmen looked so lost, could have done with a Tom Tom,
Bale rounded off Sunday by scoring two,
But now it’s time to get on with this review.
Game of the Weekend
The Chelsea v Arsenal game was undoubtedly entertaining. This doesn’t necessarily mean the match was full of high quality throughout. Much of the defending on show will be giving Alan Hansen nightmares for weeks. Stamford Bridge though was lit up by some moments of individual brilliance through Juan Mata and Theo Walcott in particular. Robin van Persie’s hat trick was also something to behold.
Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet at home in the league since last April. Villas Boas now faces a big test in trying to revive Chelsea after two consecutive defeats. After stringing three wins together Arsenal are approaching the area of the table they’ll be expecting to finish in come the end of the season.
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Goal of the Weekend
Gareth Bale’s well worked second goal narrowly beats off competition from Walcott and Hoilett. It wasn’t just the finish that so impressive. The complex build up play prior to Bale’s finish completed a goal that would have received much greater coverage had it been scored by Barcelona.
Honourable Mentions: Theo Walcott, Junior Hoilett
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Player of the Weekend
Robin van Persie continued his dazzling form with a hat trick at Chelsea on Saturday. The Dutch striker now has nine goals in his last five games and is unsurprisingly the leading goal scorer in the Premier League. The composure he displayed for his second goal when he rounded Petr Cech further emphasises the confidence flowing through him at the moment.
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Honourable mention: Gareth Bale
Controversy of the Weekend
Take your pick. Lee Mason’s decision to award a spot kick for Luis Suarez’ tumble in the area along with Anthony Taylor’s judgement that Steven N’Zonzi had handled in the box left many perplexed. In all honesty though, West Brom offered little against their Merseyside counterparts and their defeat was vindicated. As for Blackburn, it will have been tough to stomach having lead 3-1 midway through the second half. However, they didn’t help themselves by dropping deeper and inviting pressure from the Canaries. Nevertheless, Steve Kean was understandably frustrated having seen a chance to briefly silence his detractors slip away.
Miss of the Weekend
If you’d switched off Match of the Day by 11.40pm in the incomprehensible excitement of getting an extra hour sleep, then you will have missed Gary Caldwell’s shambolic miss. The Wigan Captain managed to head the ball over the bar from about two yards when it appeared easier to score. What’s more, it would have given the Latics the lead at the time compounding the Scottish player’s misery.
If you’d like to hear some more cringey rap/poetry elsewhere or just want to debate the issues of the day in the Premier League or the Ryman Premier, then why not follow me on Twitter! @arhindtutt
Early festive gift for Wigan, from Franco Di Santa
(Apologies for that shocking pun,
More likely to find that in The Sun!)
Chelsea goals from Terry, Sturridge and Mata,
A great performance by the latter,
Finally at Anfield to our old friend Mario,
Sent off as the fans said “Cheerio,”
Nevertheless for Balotelli this wasn’t the end,
For he would cuse the dressing room door to bend!
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Game of the Weekend
Manchester United’s encounter against Newcastle it was a tight but still interesting clash. United took the initiative when it came to attacking but Alan Pardew’s side always looked dangerous on the break. The Red Devils have played worse this season and come away with all three points. Perhaps Saturday’s result was a bit of karma then as Ferguson’s troops turned in a good performance lacking a clinical edge. For Newcastle though, a great result with some brilliant last ditch defending to boot.
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Save of the Weekend
Tim Krul may have been the busier of the two keepers at Old Trafford. However, David De Gea’s save from Fabricio Coloccini’s half volley early in the second half was terrific. The young Spaniard displayed brilliant reflexes in tipping the Argentinian’s effort over the bar. After a midweek mistake against Benfica, saves like that can only help to rebuild his confidence.
Player of the Weekend
Whilst those with attacking flair nearly always take the plaudits, this weekend saw some magnificent performances between the sticks. The Newcastle ‘keeper Tim Krul had to be at his very best to keep United at bay. He was unlucky to concede in any case as Steven Taylor’s clearance rebounded kindly off Javier Hernandez. However, Krul pulled off a string of saves late on to earn a valuable point for Newcastle in their quest for European football.
Surprise of the Weekend
Aside from Robin van Persie not scoring, the fact the Gunners didn’t overcome Fulham was a sizeable shock. The Cottagers are notorious for their poor away form. However, they turned in a disciplined performance at the Emirates on Saturday evening to ensure they got a share of the spoils. The result ended Arsenal’s run of five consecutive league victories. Arsene Wenger will be hoping that his side can get back on track at the DW Stadium.
Defensive Mishap of the Weekend
Once upon a time in the North East, there was the Newcastle centre back partnership between Titus Bramble and Jean Alain Boumsong, somewhat cruelly known as the Chuckle Brothers Live Show. In what appeared to be a tribute act in nearby Sunderland, Wes Brown and ‘keeper Keiren Westwood decided to play about with the ball in their own half in the final minutes of their clash against Wigan. However, Brown was tackled by McArthur and he rolled in Di Santo for a simple tap in leaving the Sunderland pair red faced. The Latics with an important victory thanks to a lapse in concentration.
As an impassioned football fan, it was terribly sad to see the news on Sunday morning that Gary Speed had passed away. Condolences go out to his family and friends at what must be a very difficult time.
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