KEVIN KEEGAN'S second reign at Newcastle ended today after less than eight months

The Toon boss has parted company with the club only three league games into the new season.

It is unclear whether if Keegan was sacked or if he walked out on the Magpies.

Dennis Wise, the club's executive director of football, is the hot favourite to take over with the bookies.

Keegan, 57, took charge of Newcastle for a second time in January after Sam Allardyce was axed.

He has endured a difficult transfer window, with the sale of James Milner to Aston Villa for £12million a low point.

Argentina pair Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez did arrive but the signings have been far from inspiring.

Keegan's first spell at St James' Park began in 1992 before resigning five years later.

The new owner of Manchester City, Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, has intimated that Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (ADUG) could back a £135million bid for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo in January. The agreement of an ADUG takeover deal at Eastlands was announced on Monday and was followed by the shock capture of Real Madrid forward Robinho for a British record fee of £32.5million. Chief executive of Hydra Properties, Al-Fahim is reportedly 10 times richer than his counterpart at Chelsea, Roman Abramovich, and he has revealed there are plans to bring in a 'minimum 18' players to the club. "Ronaldo has said he wants to play for the biggest club in the world, so we will see in January if he is serious," Al-Fahim said in The Guardian. "Real Madrid were estimating his value at $160million (£90m) but for a player like that, to actually get him, will cost a lot more; I would think $240million (£135m). But why not? We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United." It is also reported City will look to target the likes of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas as the club aim to build a side capable of achieving success in Europe's most prestigious competition. Al-Fahim added: "We want a team who can win the UEFA Champions League. We're not just going to spend money on anyone, but if we can get the biggest players in the world, and of course if the manager wants them, then we will get them."

MANCHESTER City were taken over by a multi-billionaire Arab consortium yesterday and at once launched a series of audacious transfer bids.

They snatched Real Madrids Brazil ace Robinho from under Chelseas noses for a British record £33million and put in an offer for Spurs Dimitar Berbatov.

City also revealed they had lodged bids for Valencia striker David Villa and Stuttgarts Mario Gomez.

New boss ... Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim

The Eastlands outfit were poised to become the worlds richest football club after the £220million takeover.

The group of Gulf businessmen promised they had a very deep pocket.

The buyers, Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, are reportedly worth between £650billion and £800billion compared to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovichs £11.7billion.

The takeover deal was struck late on Sunday with Citys previous owner, the controversy-dogged ex-Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra.

The group is fronted by Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, the Arab worlds answer to Sir Alan Sugar. He said: Our goal is simple to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League. We are trying to be in the top four this season and will buy whatever is needed.

The property developer said of his group: We have a deep pocket, we really have. It is very deep.

In his Arab headdress Al Fahim, 31, will be a colourful addition to the Premier League. He made his cash in the United Arab Emiratess property boom on the back of soaring oil prices.

He is a former child chess champ who fronts his own Apprentice-style reality TV show and is known for getting what he wants.

Al Fahim began working as a boy in his dads pharmacy, was investing on the stock market at 14 and buying property at 15.

Ten years ago he was devastated when his parents and brother died in a car crash. He moved to the US, married and had three kids.

He likes the limelight and has been seen out with celebs including Leonardo DiCaprio and Demi Moore.

Thaksin bought City for £81.6 million in 2007 but his assets in Thailand were frozen and he came to Britain to escape corruption charges. He will remain on Citys board.

Robinho sold by Real Madrid to Manchester City

Madrid (dpa) - Robinho has been sold by Real Madrid to Manchester City, according to the digital versions of Marca and AS on Monday night.

The sports dailies claim that Real have agreed to sell the Brazilian winger to City for 40 million euros (58.71 million dollars), just before the close of the summer transfer window at midnight on Monday.

The deal has still not been officially confirmed by either club.

Robinho appeared poised to join Chelsea - who have been pursuing him all summer - but it seems that Real have preferred to sell to a club which will not be a rival in the Champions League.

Robinho, who joined Real in 2005 from Santos, made it clear on Sunday morning that he was desperate to leave Madrid.

Coach Bernd Schuster did not take him up to La Coruna for Real's opening league game, a 2-1 defeat.

Real have apparently made a last-minute bid for Euro 2008 top scorer David Villa, only to again be turned down by Valencia.

LOUIS SAHA has ended his injury nightmare at Manchester United by completing his move to Everton.

The French striker has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third season at Goodison Park on transfer deadline day.

Saha passed a strict medical over the weekend and becomes the Toffees' third signing of the summer.

But there was bad news for boss David Moyes after his loan move for Victor Obinna fell through.

Inter Milan winger was turned down in his bid for a work permit.

MANCHESTER CITY'S day of transfer madness looks set to continue with the club making bids for Valencia striker David Villa and Stuttgart frontman Mario Gomez.

Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, who is heading up new owners new owners Abu Dhabi United Group, claims the pair are being targeted along with Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

He said: I am hopeful about Berbatov, but I need to speak to our colleagues in England to see what the latest is.

We have bids in for three players. There is Berbatov, but there is also David Villa and Mario Gomez. We have bids in for Villa and Gomez and I am waiting to hear whether we have been successful with those (offers)."

Villa was top scorer at Euro 2008, netting four goals in Spains triumphant campaign, while Gomez scored 22 goals in all competitions last season.

Al-Fahim has also backed boss Mark Hughes to continue his role as manager, despite the club's change in ownership.

And the group have promised to back him both today and in the next transfer window.

He added: I dont want to put a figure on what will be available, like £100million, because more than that might be needed.

HARRY REDKNAPP last night called on England to ditch David Beckham and put Wayne Rooney in his place.

Just like the rest of the nation, the Pompey boss was dismayed by Wednesdays pitiful 2-2 draw against the Czech Republic.

Three Lions boss Fabio Capello tried playing Rooney as a frontman behind Jermain Defoe but the United star flopped, constantly running out of position.

Redknapp now believes Capello needs to push Roo into a wide right role replacing Becks in a bid to get the best out of him.

Redknapp said: Wayne would do damage on the right. Becks is a good character to have around and is still a good player.

"But this is a position where Rooney could really do us proud in the World Cup qualifers.

DIMITAR BERBATOV is on the verge of becoming Alex Ferguson's latest big name signing.

The Manchester United boss is desperate to bring the hitman to Old Trafford to solve his scoring problem.

Of course, there is no guarantee that Berbatov will prove a success after joining from Tottenham.

But the Bulgarian has the chance to make his name as one of Fergies great signings.

There have been plenty during his 22 years with the Red Devils so many, in fact, that there was no room on this list for stars such as Mark Hughes, Gary Pallister, Paul Ince, Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic.

 

 

 

No10: Wayne Rooney (£27m, 2004)   Time will tell how brightly Rooneys star burns at United but he has been superb in his first four years. The striker needs to increase his goal ratio but there can be no complaints about his overall contribution. His fearlessness is his prize asset, underpinned by his fantastic workrate.

 

 

 

 

No9: Steve Bruce (£800,000, 1987)   Both Bruce and his partner-in-crime Gary Pallister were brilliant acquisitions. But the rugged defender gets the nod on this list because of his added value as a regular scorer, including 19 in one special season. At the back, Bruce was a lionheart but was amazingly never capped by England.

 

 

 

 

No8: Rio Ferdinand (£30m, 2002)   The England centre-back took time to settle in at United but he is now one of their finest performers. Ferdinand has blossomed into a rock-solid defender, as well as becoming a leader in Gary Nevilles absence. Fergies best defender since Jaap Stam.

 

 

 

 

No7: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£1.5m, 1996)   Uniteds baby-faced assassin may not have been a regular in the starting XI but that takes nothing away from his contribution. His thrilling winner in the 1999 Champions League final was incredible but there was so much more to remember from this ultimate super-sub.

 

 

 

 

No6: Denis Irwin (£625,000, 1990)   The Irish full-back proved to be an absolute snip in his dozen seasons at Old Trafford. Irwin was a dependable, no-nonsense defender, who rarely slipped up. And with his superb free-kicks in the era before David Beckhams emergence he was pretty handy at the other end of the pitch, too.

 

 

 

 

No5: Ruud van Nistelrooy (£19m, 2001)   The Dutch ace ultimately fell out with Fergie but not before becoming one of the clubs legendary hitmen. Van Nistelrooy fired over 150 goals wearing the famous red shirt after recovering from a serious knee injury. Fergie is desperate for a free-scoring striker and may now regret letting this man go.

 

 

 

 

No4: Cristiano Ronaldo (£12m, 2003)   The wing wizard could surge up this list with a repeat of his sensational form last season. The Portugal ace was unstoppable as United stormed to the Champions League and Premier League crowns and Fergie has so far resisted his pleas to join Real Madrid.

 

 

 

 

No3: Eric Cantona (£1.2m, 1992)   This enigmatic Frenchman produced five unforgettable years at Old Trafford. Cantona was one of the most gifted forwards this country has ever seen. His kung-fu attack on a Crystal Palace fan may have damaged his reputation but United supporters were happy to forgive him.

 

 

 

 

No2: Peter Schmeichel (£550,000, 1991)   United's best ever keeper and arguably the greatest the game has ever seen. The giant Dane arrived as a relative unknown but became a legend during his eight-year stint. Schmeichels huge frame filled the goal as strikers homed in and very few got the better of him.

 

 

 

 

No1: Roy Keane (£3.75m, 1993)   Keanes eventual exit was angry and abrupt but fans will never forget his spell at Old Trafford. The Irish midfielder was not the most technically gifted player but there was no questioning his incredible influence during his dozen years at the club. Brave, intimidating and unrelenting a phenomenal leader.

 

Lightning Bolt electrified us again but there was to be no storming finish in Zürich. While not quite as extravagantly coasting to victory as he did in the Beijing 100m final, Jamaicas Usain Bolt was smoothness personified as he made up for an appalling start. His 0.193 reaction time to the gun was the slowest of the entire nine man field, but he effortlessly cut through the field from about 30 metres out to take a comfortable victory in 9.83 sec (-0.5m/s wind).

Has anyone run such a time in cruise control, without hitting top gear? Bolt brilliance again and we were served up the now customary Lightning Bolt posing after the race which sent the crowd wild.

In second, USAs Walter Dix, the double Olympic bronze medallist, produced 9.99, with Olympic silver medallist Richard Thompson third in 10.09.

It was a good, nice track, great crowd, said Bolt who spoke with a noticeable cold. My start was not too good. I concentrated on winning, and as Im starting to get a cold I was not able to think about any faster time. My coach told me that I should make sure to end the season healthy.

APAssociated Press

Associated Press was reliably informed that the Jamaican athletes in the Olympic villages encountered a number of visitors disguised as fans that have been snooping around their quarters.

Several of these so-called fans were found snooping around in the luggage of some of the athletes, peering in lockers, under bedclothes and beds.

Further investigation revealed that these snoops were none other than agents of the United States Homeland Security conducting a covert operat ion in search of a voodoo doll with pins and needles stuck in it. 

Attempts to get an official statement from the office of Homeland Security was unsuccessful but an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confessed that the secret operation was in response to complaints by several American track stars who have been complaining of sharp stabbing pains in various parts of their bodies and other strange and inexplicable occurrences.

Jamaica already had reduced America to ashes in the sprints of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. A country of 2.8 million people swept gold medals in both the men's and women's 100 and 200 and won seven of the 12 medals available in those four races: four gold, two silver, one bronze.

Among the complains was that Sanya Richards was leading comfortably in the 400M hurdles finals when she felt several sharp pains in her legs and sides when she was about 70 meters from the finish line. She was forced to slow down as Melanie Walker shot pass her and won the gold medal in Olympics record time.

On Thursday, the American mens teams failed to advance when Darvis Patton misconnected on the final pass in preliminaries of the 400-meter relay. Gay said he felt the baton. "Then I went to grab it and there was nothing," he said.

Then, Torri Edwards and Lauryn Williams did the same thing for the women's team. The women were in good shape heading into the final exchange, but Williams didn't receive the baton from Edwards. It fell to the ground as Edwards yelled and covered her face with her hands. Williams went back to retrieve it and finished the race -- but the Americans were dead last.

When asked what happened in the race, a dismayed Williams replied, "My hand was there. The stick was there. What I'm telling people is that the stick had a mind of its own. It's not my fault, it's not her fault, it's not either of our fault. It was that thing (the baton) fault." She was almost in tears as she continued, Someone must have put voodoo on the American team.

There simply is no other explanation for whats happening Beneath the stricken faces of the American men's and women's relay runners Thursday night was an odd wardrobe malfunction: The bibs pinned to their chests were hand written. The letters " USA " appeared to have been scrawled with black marker, unlike the professionally printed bibs worn by the rest of the world's teams.

On a rainy night at the Bird's Nest, what used to be the three most-feared letters in sprinting were splotched and runny. "We didn't get the right ones," women's 4x100-meter relay anchor Lauryn Williams said of the bibs. "I don't know why. It's just another weird thing that happened." This was a rapidly recurring nightmare for the Amer ican runners. Both times, the baton snafu happened in Lane 2. Both times, it happened on the third and final handoff.

Admittedly, it was a wet night, and there was a slew of relay problems -- 11 of the 32 men's and women's teams were disqualified for baton drops or leaving their lanes. When contacted by the Associated Press, a representative of the Jamaican team has disregarded any allegations of voodoo practices.  We dont use voodoo in Jamdown. We practice obeah. Obeah is much stronger than voodoo!

Much-travelled King is spending the 2008/09 season with Hull City after completing a season-long loan from Wigan Athletic just prior to the big kick-off.

King, a talented goalscorer with Watford, only signed for Wigan in January 2008.

King had helped the Hornets gain promotion in the 2005/06 Championship season and did well in his first Premiership season, showing good pace and finishing ability.

Originally with Barnet before joining Gillingham in 2000, King wasted little time in establishing himself as the club's main striker.

His career was nearly ended after he was sent to prison in 2002 for being caught by police in a stolen BMW, but Gillingham stuck by him and he was back in the starting line-up almost as soon as he was released.

Leaving the Gills in 2003 to join Nottingham Forest, King went on loan to Leeds and then Watford, before he made the move to Vicarage Road.

In 2005/06 he finished top scorer in the League and beat former club Leeds Utd in the playoffs 3-0 to gain entry to the top flight.

However, his season in the top flight was disrupted by injury as a knee problem kept him out of action for six months. Without him, the Hornets were relegated, although his regular return to the side coincided with the club's return to form the following season.

Yet in January 2008, Watford sold their prized asset to Wigan for an undisclosed fee on a three and a half year contract.

King reportedly doubled his wages, but found first-team chances limited at the JJB such that he was happy to take up the opportunity at the KC Stadium.

2008 schoolboy football launched

ANDREW HANCEL, Observer staff reporter hancela@jamaicaobserver.com Friday, August 29, 2008

Paula Pinnock-McLeod (right), sponsorship manager Digicel, addresses the gathering during the official launch of the 2008 ISSA/Pepsi/ Digicel Schoolboy Football competition at the Terra Nova Hotel yesterday. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)

Despite the threat of Tropical Storm Gustav, the 2008 ISSA/Pepsi/ Digicel Schoolboy Football competition was officially launched at the Terra Nova Hotel yesterday.

A small entourage consisting of organisers and sponsors took the gamble and turned up on a very overcast day, a sign of their stern commitment to the island's premier high school football competition.

Approximately 121 schools are down to compete in this year's 58th edition of the all-island event, starting with a triple-header at Jarrett Park, Montego Bay on September 13.

Matches to be played on the opening day of competition are Cornwall College versus St James High in Zone A, defending daCosta Cup champions, Garvey Maceo High against Kemps Hill High in Zone I and Jamaica College, the reigning Manning Cup champions, playing Jonathan Grant High.

The Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) received the second instalment of a $35.8-million three-year deal from its title sponsors and associate sponsors, Restaurants of the Jamaica Ltd (KFC), Scotiabank Jamaica Ltd and CVM Television.

For the first time in its history the launch was broadcast live across the country by CVM, the exclusive TV provider.
Due to the impending storm the launch was brief with sponsors echoing their traditional full support for the most exciting football contest among high schools, while chief organisers, ISSA made the customary appeal for "fair play" to team supporters and players.

"It is my duty as president of ISSA to appeal to the general public to abide by the decisions of the officials and do not bring the games into disrepute," said Dr Walton Small, president of ISSA. "If there are concerns, please use the grievance procedures that are in place and trust the system to balance justice and fair play."

CVM's Ronnie Sutherland, vice-president of sales and marketing, announced that two live matches, a Manning Cup and a daCosta Cup, will be televised weekly.

In addition, Sutherland said "a number of related features in prime time" will be aired once per week. Last year's popular feature, "The All-rounder" which focuses on players who are academically sound, will continue to show this season alongside a programme looking at past players.

The format of both rural and corporate area competitions remain the same with Zone L of the daCosta Cup consisting of 11 teams.

This group has been split into two based on geographical locations with the top four entering a semi-final to determine the two automatic qualifiers.

Five new schools will be making their debut in the daCosta Cup. Green Pond High, Spot Valley High, Hopewell High, Holland High and Buff Bay High are all first-time entrants, while making a return are Cross Keys High, Edwin Allen High and Robert Lightbourne High.

There are no new entrants for Manning Cup. However, Haile Selassie High, Trench Town High, Meadowbrook High and Donald Quarrie High are noticeably absent from this year's urban area competition.

ISSA seeking to build new stadium

ANDREW HANCEL, Observer staff reporter hancela@jamaicaobserver.com Friday, August 29, 2008

If everything should go according to plan the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) could have its own stadium within the next five to six years.

That's the long-term objective of ISSA made public by its president Dr Walton Small yesterday.

Caymanas Estate in St Catherine is the location being looked at to site this new multi-purpose stadium, consisting of a football field, an eight-lane athletic Mundo track, along with a number of courts for basketball, tennis, netball and volleyball.

The Sports Ministry is in receipt of a written request for an estimated 20 acres of land situated off the Mandela Highway, said Small. The stadium will be built for a capacity of not more than 13,000 patrons.

The ISSA president told the Observer that he's "very positive" that the proposed plan will receive the backing of the Minister of Sport, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, and the government.
"I can tell you that I had spoken to her (Minister Grange) at the stadium informally and she was very excited and asked us to put in a proposal," said Small.

Small, speaking after the official launch of the 2008 ISSA/Pepsi/ Digicel Schoolboy Football competition at Terra Nova Hotel yesterday, said the initiative will significantly reduce the overhead expense of the association.

He said during the hosting of ISSA-run events like the Boys' and Girls' Champs "it cost over $1 million per day to use the facilities at the National Stadium. For a game of football at the stadium, it is running us over $250,000. So it is extremely expensive. And if we can get this facility in place we can cut down on some of our expenses and put more into what the schools would get.

"We are not going to burden the government for money to build the stadium. All we are asking for is the land and we will go from there," he added.

Within the last year, ISSA, primarily through athletics and football, has attracted several corporate entities to its annual events.

And with this view in mind, Dr Small is confident that Corporate Jamaica will support them in realising this goal.
"Without a doubt," he beamed, adding: "Look at most of the stadia around the world. I have no doubt that our sponsors...will jump at the chance to do it.

"My aim right now is that at the end of my tenure, we acquire the land and have an artistic impression of what the stadium will be like. If I'm re-elected... I hope to have it completed... within five, six years...or if not ready, under construction," he added.

The vision has found favour with a few corporate entities.
"I think it is a very positive initiative taken by ISSA to create such a complex, I think we need it. Such a venture I would strongly support... I can't tell that we'll be on board right now, but it's definitely something KFC will consider," said Tina Matalon, marketing manager, Restaurant of Jamaica.

Added David Hobson, brand manager of Pepsi: "It is something that we will definitely look into because we do support schoolboy football and Champs and something like this... we'll be very interested. To what level and extent, I'm not sure, but it is something worth looking into."

Full England squad

Goalkeepers:
Robinson (Blackburn),
James (Portsmouth),
Green (West Ham).

Defenders:
Lescott (Everton),
Bridge (Chelsea),
A Cole (Chelsea),
Terry (Chelsea),
Brown (Manchester United),
Ferdinand (Manchester United),
Johnson (Portsmouth),
Upson (West Ham).

MICHAEL OWENS England career looked to be finished last night.

Fabio Capello sensationally left the countrys current leading scorer out of his squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra on Saturday and Croatia on September 10.

And the message was clear boss Capello believes he can get to the 2010 finals without the Newcastle striker, who has hit 40 goals in 89 games for his country.

It is a huge gamble by Capello and he knows he risks the wrath of the nation if it backfires.

But the Italian has shown he can be ruthless and that past reputations mean nothing.

It emerged yesterday that Owen, 28, has been offered a new three-year contract at Newcastle worth a staggering £140,000 a week.

But he failed to impress Capello who made a special point of checking him out during the Toons 3-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.

Capello has not started Owen in any of his five friendlies, partly because the striker has been injured.

The only appearance Owen has made under Capello is as a sub in France where England lost 1-0 in March.

Boasting almost a goal every two games for the Three Lions, Owen is by far the top marksman of all the current players.

David Beckham (17 goals in 103 matches) and Wayne Rooney (14 in 44) are the next most prolific.

Yet Owens omission was not the only shock.

With midfield resources thin on the ground, there was a call-up for Fulhams Jimmy Bullard.

Midfielder Bullard, 30 next month, also qualifies for Germany but has never played international football.

Yet that does not come close to overshadowing the news about Owen.

However, the former Real Madrid star will be cheered by his bumper contract offer.

It was revealed last month that Toon bosses would move to keep their captain.

And they have now confirmed they want to rip up his current £100,000-a-week package, which has less than 12 months to run, and replace it with a new mega deal.

Owen has yet to agree to it and sources close to the player suggest he has not been impressed by the way the Toon board have handled the talks.

But the latest offer puts the ball firmly back in his court.

A Newcastle spokesman said: The club hopes this enhanced offer will keep him at St James Park.

Manchester City defender MICAH RICHARDS, 20, is out of England contention after suffering a shoulder injury against Sunderland yesterday.

Dimitar Berbatov has joined Manchester United in a £30.75million deal, with Fraizer Campbell joining Tottenham Hotspur on a season-long loan.

Bulgarian striker Berbatov had been a leading target for United throughout the summer as Sir Alex Ferguson sought to increase his attacking options.

United's pursuit of Berbatov had prompted Spurs to make a complaint to the Premier League regarding their rivals' conduct.

As part of the transfer, Spurs have now confirmed the club will no longer be pursuing their grievance with the Premier League.

Berbatov has signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford, having passed a medical earlier on Monday evening.

The champions' local rivals City made a late bid to capture Berbatov before sealing their own big-money swoop for Real Madrid forward Robinho.

With Berbatov added to United's squad, Ferguson has allowed England Under 21 international Campbell to move to White Hart Lane for the season.

Campbell had been the subject of a £7million bid from Hull City over the weekend after impressing at the KC Stadium last term.

Wigan Athletic had also been linked with the youngster, but he will gain Premier League experience at White Hart Lane.

Spurs boss Juande Ramos had also been in the market for striking reinforcements after losing Jermain Defoe and Robbie Keane this year.

Ramos would have been left with just Darren Bent as a senior front man before following up the capture of Russia international Roman Pavlyuchenko with the loan deal for Campbell.

GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED

-- Edited by DysFunktional at 19:47, 2008-09-01

-- Edited by DysFunktional at 19:58, 2008-09-01

In: Blackburn (Bunn), Everton (Saha, Nash), Hull (Cousin), Liverpool (Flora, Gulacsi, Riera), Man City (Robinho), Man Utd (Berbatov), Newcastle (Gonzalez, Xisco), Portsmouth (Belhadj), Sunderland (McCartney), Stoke (Higginbotham), Tottenham (Pavlyuchenko, Corluka, Campbell), West Brom (Donk)

Out: Bolton (Dzemaili), Fulham (Zakuani, John, Smertin), Liverpool (Finnan, Voronin), Man City (Corluka, Vidal), Man Utd (Saha, Campbell), Portsmouth (Cranie, Christophe), Sunderland (Higginbotham), Stoke (Parkin), Tottenham (Berbatov), West Ham (McCartney), Wigan (Bouaouzan, Nash, Sibierski)

LIVERPOOL have made it two in and two out on transfer deadline day.

Albert Riera has completed his move from Espanyol for an undisclosed, signing a four-year deal at Anfield.

And Kop boss Rafa Benitez has also signed teenage striker Vito Flora on a free transfer from Botafogo.

Speaking about new boy Riera, Benitez said: Riera has the qualities we were looking for.

Hes a left footer who normally plays on the left wing, hes good in the air, strong, powerful and a good crosser of the ball."

Steven Finnan has moved in the opposite direction to Riera, while Andriy Voronin has also been given a chance to play more regular first team football.

Irish veteran Finnan has agreed a two-year deal in Spain, after five seasons on Merseyside.

And out-of-favour striker Voronin has joined German side Hertha Berlin on a one-year loan.

The Ukraine international only arrived at Liverpool last season but has failed to make an impression.

Meanwhile Benitez has confirmed striker Fernando Torres will be out for up to three weeks with a torn hamstring.

Torres limped off in the goalless draw at Aston Villa yesterday and has been withdrawn from the Spain squad ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia and Armenia.

ITS that time of year again the final few hours of the summer transfer window.

Expect a lot of panic buying today but the majority of business has already been finalised.

And to mark deadline day, we have put together our choice for the best Premier League bargains this summer.

SPURS SNIP? ... Giovani Dos Santos arrived at White Hart Lane from Barcelona in a £4.7million deal

Stars such as Robbie Keane may have cost over £20million but there have also been a number of eye-catching permanent moves.

These are the guys who could prove to be real value for money come the end of the season.

 

 

 

No10: Vince Grella (£4m)   Blackburn were rocked by the loss of David Bentley and Brad Friedel this summer but boss Paul Ince has done some smart business. The arrival of Grella went almost unnoticed last week but the Australia international is expected to bolster the centre midfield, particularly with Tugay on his last legs.

 

 

 

 

No9: Nicky Shorey (£4m)   As soon as Reading were relegated in May, the England international was always going to be one of the first through the exit. Villa beat off competition from Portsmouth for Shorey and with Wilfred Bouma crocked, the left-back could turn out to be another great signing by Martin ONeill.

 

 

 

 

No8: Louis Saha (free)   Following the sale of Andy Johnson to Fulham, Everton's David Moyes desperately needed some power up front. The French striker has proved himself as a player who can lead the line in the Premier League with both Fulham and Manchester United. If fit, could prove the perfect foil for Yakubu.

 

 

 

 

No7: Giovani Dos Santos (£4.7m)   It was not long ago that Chelsea were weighing up an eight-figure move for the Mexican, so Spurs now look like an early riser at the Christmas sales. Dos Santos is still a raw talent but if boss Juande Ramos can bring the best out of him, Barcelona may rue letting him go.

 

 

 

 

No6: Brad Friedel (£2.5m)   Friedel is in the autumn of his career but Aston Villa would not have paid that sum if they did not expect three more seasons from the keeper. At Blackburn, the American carved out a superb reputation but with a fresh challenge ahead at Villa Park, he could rise even higher.

 

 

 

 

No5: George Boateng (£1m)   Middlesbrough felt they had seen the best days of Boateng but Premier League new boys Hull did not think twice about snapping him up. The Holland midfielder will offer some invaluable experience at the KC Stadium if they become involved in their expected relegation dogfight.

 

 

 

 

No4: Jonas Gutierrez (£2.5m)   The Argentina winger has already shown glimpses of his talent at Newcastle even drawing comparisons with Toon legend David Ginola. Boss Kevin Keegan took advantage after Gutierrez bought out his contract at Real Mallorca and he could bring some overdue joy at St James Park.

 

 

 

 

No3: Deco (£8.3m)   Deco was hardly cheap but when you compare his fee to the number of expensive flops at Chelsea and beyond, he may emerge as a sharp piece of business. The Portugal midfielder has already proved himself as a matchwinner at Wigan last month and he has a track record of success.

 

 

 

 

No2: Mark Schwarzer (free)   When Schwarzers contract at Middlesbrough was coming to an end, European giants such as Bayern Munich and Roma were sniffing around. Yet, the Australia star opted to head to Fulham, who have been crying out for a top-class keeper. They could have bagged themselves a golden oldie.

 

 

 

 

No1: Mikael Silvestre (£700,000)   If Silvestre is to succeed at Arsenal, much depends on his fitness. Should the defender stay injury-free, the Gunners will have snapped up a real bargain for their suspect backline. And that would hurt Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson, who saw him as disposable.

THE transfer window has slammed shut on a dramatic day of twists and turns.

Robinho's move to Manchester City has gazumped Chelsea, with Manchester United set to seal a deal for Dimitar Berbatov.

Scroll down to see how the day unfolded.

 

12.00pm

The window is shut and the deals are all done. We are still awaiting news of Dimitar Berbatov's move to Manchester United from Spurs. But no doubt about it, Robinho signing for Manchester City is the story of the night.

11.34pm

MANCHESTER CITY are understood to have completed the signing of Robinho from Real Madrid. Click here for details.

10.25pm

SunSport understand CHELSEA have tested Real Madrid with a fresh offer for Robinho themselves, after Manchester City's late bid. But do Real want to sell to the London club?

10.23pm

FULHAM have snapped up winger Julian Gray on a year-long loan deal from Championship side Coventry. Meanwhile Alexei Smertin has had his contract at Craven Cottage cancelled by mutual consent.

10.10pm

MANCHESTER CITY'S deadline day madness continues with reports of a record £32.5million bid for Real Madrid ace Robinho.

9.21pm

EVERTON have bolstered their goalkeeping reserves with the signing of Carlo Nash from Wigan on a two-year deal.

Nash, 34, said: "I have known of Evertons interest for the last couple of weeks and there have been a few sleepless nights hoping it would go through.

Finally it has and I am over the moon.

9.12pm

Danny Higginbotham has completed his move to STOKE CITY on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

8.15pm

TOTTENHAM target Diego Milito is understood to have wrapped up a move to Italian side Genoa from Real Zaragoza.

8.12pm

Daniel Cousin has sealed his move to HULL CITY from Rangers on a three-year deal.

7.21pm

EVERTON have had a £3.5million bid for Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt rejected.

6.55pm

ARSENAL target Gokhan Inler has signed a contract extension with Udinese, ending hopes of a deadline day move to The Emirates.

6.50pm

George McCartney is understood to have completed his move to SUNDERLAND from West Ham on a five-year deal.

5.50pm

Albert Riera has sealed his move to LIVERPOOL from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee.

5.37pm

WEST BROM have snapped up AZ Alkmaar defender Ryan Donk on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent deal.

5.15pm

Northampton have confirmed keeper Mark Bunn has joined BLACKBURN on a four-year deal.

5.10pm

It's all kicking off at MANCHESTER CITY. Prospective owner Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim claims they have made bids for Valencia striker David Villa and Stuttgart forward Mario Gomez.

4.55pm

Fulham striker Collins John has ended his Craven Cottage misery by signing for NEC NIJMEGEN on a free transfer.

4.40pm

LIVERPOOL can't stop themselves Andriy Voronin has now joined German side Hertha Berlin on a one-year loan.

4.20pm

Plenty of movement at LIVERPOOL, who sign Hungarian keeper Peter Gulacsi on a permanent deal from MTK Hungaria.

4.15pm

Steve Finnan has left Liverpool to sign for Spanish side ESPANYOL on a two-year deal.

4pm

MANCHESTER UNITED are understood to have matched City's £30m-plus offer for Dimitar Berbatov.

3.40pm

Sunderland defender Danny Higginbotham is set for a move back to STOKE.

3.25pm

Wigan winger Rachid Bouaouzan has joined Dutch side NEC NIJMEGEN on a one-year loan.

3.15pm

Tyrone Mears has finalised his surprise loan move from Derby to MARSEILLE.

3pm

Cardiff have rejected a £5m bid for midfielder Joe Ledley, believed to be from STOKE.

2.40pm

Veteran hitman Henrik Larsson has rejected a return to the Premier League.

2.35pm

MANCHESTER CITY boss Mark Hughes confirms the club have made a shock bid for Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

2.30pm

Manchester United striker Louis Saha finalises his move to EVERTON by signing two-year deal. But the Toffees' loan move for Victor Obinna has collapsed after the Nigerian was denied a work permit.

1.25pm

Torino have signed midfielder Blerim Dzemaili from BOLTON on a one-year loan deal.

12.10pm

LIVERPOOL snap up Brazilian teenage striker Vito Flora on a free transfer from Botafogo.

12pm

NEWCASTLE have bagged Uruguay midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez on loan from Valencia after they signed him from Danubio.

11.35am

PORTSMOUTH have signed Algerian left-back Nadir Balhad from Lens on a season-long loan.

10.30am

HULL are eyeing moves for Fulham forward Seol Ki-Hyeon and Rangers striker Daniel Cousin.

9.50am

TOTTENHAM have signed Manchester City defender Vedran Corluka for £7m.

9.40am

AZ Alkmaar have confirmed they have agreed to loan centre-back Ryan Donk to WEST BROM.

9.30am

One-time Chelsea and Liverpool target Ricardo Quaresma is having a medical ahead of his £15m move to INTER MILAN.

7.45am

Deportivo La Coruna claim NEWCASTLE are close to a £5.7m deal for striker Xisco. Coach Miguel Angel Lotina said: "I have no confirmation that the deal is done but the offer exits."

 

Tottenham's Berbatov finalizes Man United moveUpdated: September 1, 2008, 4:56 PM EST 7 comments add this RSS blog email print LONDON (AP) - Dimitar Berbatov was pushing through a move to Manchester United late Monday after his acrimonious fallout with Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs had not wanted to sell Berbatov and made an official complaint about its English Premier League rival's conduct, but the Bulgaria striker was at Old Trafford trying to close the transfer with United manager Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill before the transfer window closed at midnight local time (2300GMT).

In a dramatic twist earlier Monday, Manchester City made a 25-million-pound (US$45 million; 31 million) bid to hijack its crosstown rival's long-running pursuit of Berbatov.

The audacious bid came hours after City agreed to a takeover by a United Arab Emirates business group, Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment.

Berbatov, who joined Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 in a four-year deal, scored 23 goals in 52 appearances last season, including a penalty kick in Spurs' 2-1 win over Chelsea in the League Cup final.

Berbatov has been omitted from the Spurs team this season by manager Juande Ramos as he's held out for a transfer.

Spurs have been driving a hard bargain with the Red Devils on a deal and complained to the Premier League in July about their "disgraceful" attempts to lure Berbatov to Old Trafford.

United has been trying to buy Berbatov for more than a year in breach of Premier League rules, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said in July.

NEW BOY ... Russian ace Roman Pavlyuchenko is Juande Ramos' latest summer signing for Tottenham Hotspur

 

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ARSENAL

IN: Samir Nasri (Marseille, £12m), Aaron Ramsey (Cardiff, £5m), Mikael Silvestre (Manchester United, £700,000), Amaury Bischoff (Werder Bremen, undisclosed)

OUT: Alex Hleb (Barcelona, £15m), Justin Hoyte (Middlesbrough, £3m), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos, £1m), Mathieu Flamini (AC Milan, free), Jens Lehmann (Stuttgart, free), Kerrea Gilbert (Leicester, loan), Armand Traore (Portsmouth, loan), Philippe Senderos (AC Milan, loan)

ASTON VILLA

IN: James Milner (Aston Villa, £12m), Curtis Davies (West Brom, £8m), Carlos Cuellar (Rangers, £7.8m), Luke Young (Middlesbrough, £5m), Steve Sidwell (Chelsea, £5m), Nicky Shorey (Reading, £4m), Brad Friedel (Blackburn, £2.5m), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA, £2m)

OUT: Luke Moore (West Brom, £3m), Shaun Maloney (Celtic, £2.5m), Patrick Berger (Sparta Prague, free), Olof Mellberg (Juventus, free), Thomas Sorensen (Stoke, free)

BLACKBURN

IN: Vince Grella (Torino, £4m), Paul Robinson (Tottenham, £3.5m), Keith Andrews (MK Dons, £1.3m), Carlos Villanueva (Audax Italiano, loan), Danny Simpson (Manchester United, loan)

OUT: David Bentley (Tottenham, £15m), Brad Friedel (Aston Villa, £2.5m), Peter Enckelman (Cardiff, free), Maceo Rigters (Barnsley, loan), Stephane Henchoz (released), Bruno Berner (released)

BOLTON

IN: Johan Elmander (Toulouse, £10m), Fabrice Muamba (Birmingham, £5m), Danny Shittu (Watford, £2m), Mustapha Riga (Levante, undisclosed), Ebi Smolarek (Racing Santander, loan)

OUT: El-Hadji Diouf (Sunderland, £3m), Abdoulaye Meite (West Brom, £2m), Daniel Braaten (Toulouse, exchange), Andranik Teymourian (Fulham, free), Ivan Campo (Ipswich, free), Blerim Dzemaili (Torino, loan), Stelios (released)

CHELSEA

IN: Jose Bosingwa (Porto, £16.5m), Deco (Barcelona, £8.3m), Fabio Paim (Sporting Lisbon, loan)

OUT: Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City, £9m), Tal Ben Haim (Manchester City, £5m), Steve Sidwell (Aston Villa, £5m), Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart, £4m), Andriy Shevchenko (AC Milan, undisclosed), Claude Makelele (Paris St Germain, free), Hernan Crespo (Inter Milan, free), Ben Sahar (Portsmouth, loan), Claudio Pizarro (Werder Bremen, loan)

EVERTON

IN: Louis Saha (Everton, free), Lars Christian Jacobsen (Nuremberg, free), Segundo Castillo (Red Star Belgrade, loan)

OUT: Andy Johnson (Fulham, £10m), Lee Carsley (Birmingham, free), Stefan Wessels (VfL Osnabruck, free)

FULHAM

IN: Andy Johnson (Everton, £10m), Bobby Zamora (West Ham, £6m), Fredrik Stoor (Rosenborg, £2m), David Stockdale (Darlington, £600,000), John Pantsil (West Ham, £500,000), Dickson Etuhu (Sunderland, undisclosed),Mark Schwarzer (Middlesbrough, free), Zoltan Gera (West Brom, free), Andranik Teymourian (Bolton, free), Toni Kallio (BSC Young Boys, free), Pascal Zuberbuhler (Neuchatel Xamax, free)

OUT: David Healy (Sunderland, undisclosed),Steven Davis (Rangers, undisclosed), Dejan Stefanovic (Norwich, undisclosed), Jari Litmanen (FC Lahti, free), Brian McBride (Chicago Fire, free), Tony Warner (Hull, free), Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, free), Bjorn Runstrom (OB, free), Philippe Christanval (released), Simon Elliott (released), Ian Pearce (released), Elliot Omozusi (Norwich, loan), Lee Cook (QPR, loan), Hameur Bouazza (Charlton, loan), Eddie Johnson (Cardiff, loan), Moritz Volz (Ipswich, loan), Kasey Keller (retired)

HULL

IN: Anthony Gardner (Tottenham, £2.5m), Peter Halmosi (Plymouth, £2m), George Boateng (Middlesbrough, £1m), Craig Fagan (Derby, £750,000), Geovanni (Manchester City, free), Bernard Mendy (Paris St Germain, free), Tony Warner (Fulham, free), Marlon King (Wigan, loan), Paul McShane (Sunderland, loan), Kamil Zayatte (Young Boys, loan)

OUT: David Livermore (Brighton, free), Henrik Pedersen (Silkeborg IF, free), Michael Bridges (Carlisle, loan), Jay-Jay Okocha (retired)

LIVERPOOL

IN: Robbie Keane (Tottenham, £20.3m), Andrea Dossena (Udinese, £8m), Diego Cavalieri (Palmeiras, £3m), David Ngog (PSG, £1.5m), Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund, free)

OUT: Peter Crouch (Portsmouth, £11m), John Arne Riise (Roma, £4m), Scott Carson (West Brom, £3.25m), Danny Guthrie (Newcastle, £2.5m), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray, free), Antony Le Tallec (Le Mans, free), Jack Hobbs (Leicester, loan), Sebastian Leto (Olympiakos, loan)

MANCHESTER CITY

IN: Jo (CSKA Moscow, £18m), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Chelsea, £9m), Vincent Kompany (Hamburg £6.7m), Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol, £6.5m), Tal Ben Haim (Chelsea, £5m), Glauber Berti (FC Nuremburg, undisclosed)

OUT: Vedran Corluka (Tottenham, £8.5m), Rolando Bianchi (Torino, undisclosed), Georgios Samaras (Celtic, £1m), Matthew Mills (Doncaster, £300,000), Andreas Isaksson (PSV Eindhoven, undisclosed), Geovanni (Hull, free), Sun Jihai (Sheffield United, free), Bernardo Corradi (Reggina, free), Paul Dickov (Leicester, free), Emile Mpenza (released)

MANCHESTER UNITED

IN: None

OUT: Gerard Pique (Barcelona, £5m), Chris Eagles (Burnley, £1.2m), Mikael Silvestre (Arsenal, £700,000), Danny Simpson (Blackburn, loan), Tom Heaton (Cardiff, loan), Febian Brandy (Swansea, loan), Craig Cathcart (Plymouth, loan), Lee Martin (Nottingham Forest, loan), Dong Fangzhuo (released)

MIDDLESBROUGH

IN: Didier Digard (Paris St Germain, £4m), Marvin Emnes (Sparta Rotterdam, £3.2m), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal, £3m)

OUT: Luke Young (Aston Villa, £5m), Lee Cattermole (Wigan, £3.5m), George Boateng (Hull, £1m), Mark Schwarzer (Fulham, free), Fabio Rochemback (Sporting Lisbon, free), Dong Gook Lee (Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma, free), Tony McMahon (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Gaizka Mendieta (released)

NEWCASTLE

IN: Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna, £10m), Danny Guthrie (Liverpool, £2.5m), Jonas Gutierrez (Real Mallorca, £2.5m), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia, loan)

OUT: James Milner (Aston Villa, £12m), Emre (Fenerbahce, £4m), David Rozehnal (Lazio, £2.9m), Abdoulaye Faye (Stoke, £2.25m), Peter Ramage (QPR, free), Stephen Carr (released)

PORTSMOUTH

IN: Peter Crouch (Liverpool, £11m), Younes Kaboul (Tottenham, £5m), Jerome Thomas (Charlton, undisclosed), Glen Little (Reading, free), Ben Sahar (Chelsea, loan), Armand Traore (Arsenal, loan), Nadir Belhadj (Lens, loan)

OUT: Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, £12.8m), Pedro Mendes (Rangers, £3m), Linvoy Primus (Charlton, loan)

STOKE

IN: Dave Kitson (Reading, £5.5m), Seyi Olofinjana (Wolves, £3m), Abdoulaye Faye (Newcastle, £2.25m), Ibrahima Sonko (Reading, £2m), Andrew Davies (Stoke, £1.3m), Amdy Faye (Charlton, undisclosed), Thomas Sorensen (Aston Villa, free)

OUT: Adam Rooney (Inverness, £50,000), Marlon Broomes (Blackpool, free), Russell Hoult (Notts County, free), Jon Parkin (Preston, loan)

SUNDERLAND

IN: Anton Ferdinand (West Ham, £8m), Steed Malbranque (Tottenham, £7m), El-Hadji Diouf (Bolton, £3m), Pascal Chimbonda (Sunderland, undisclosed), David Healy (Fulham, £2m), Teemu Tainio (Tottenham, undisclosed), David Meyler (Cork City, £150,000), Nick Colgan (Ipswich, free), Djibril Cisse (Marseille, loan)

OUT: Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, undisclosed), Andy Cole (Nottingham Forest, free), Stephen Wright (Coventry, free), Russell Anderson (Burnley, loan), Greg Halford (Sheffield United, loan), Roy ODonovan (Dundee United, loan), Arnau Riera (Falkirk, loan), Ross Wallace (Preston, loan), Paul McShane (Fulham, loan), Ian Harte (released), Stan Varga (released)

TOTTENHAM

IN: Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb, £15.8m), David Bentley (Blackburn, £15m), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Spartak Moscow, £14m), Heurelho Gomes (PSV Eindhoven, £10m), Vedran Corluka (Tottenham, £8.5m), Giovani Dos Santos (Barcelona, £4.7m), John Bostock (Crystal Palace, £700,000), Cesar Sanchez (Real Zaragoza, undisclosed)

OUT: Robbie Keane (Liverpool, £20.3m), Steed Malbranque (Sunderland, £7m), Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth, £5m), Paul Robinson (Blackburn, £3.5m), Anthony Gardner (Hull, £2.5m), Tommy Forecast (Southampton, £200,000), Pascal Chimbonda (Sunderland, undisclosed), Teemu Tainio (Sunderland, undisclosed), Young-Pyo Lee (Borussia Dortmund, undisclosed)

WEST BROM

IN: Borja Valero (Real Mallorca, £4.7m), Scott Carson (Liverpool, £3.25m), Gianni Zuiverloon (Heerenveen, £3.2m), Luke Moore (Aston Villa, £3m), Roman Bednar (Hearts, £2.5m), Abdoulaye Meite (Bolton, £2m), Marek Cech (Porto, £1.4m), Jonas Olsson (NEC Nijmegen, £800,000), Do-heon Kim (Seongnam Ilhwa Shunma, £550,000), Graham Dorrans (Livingston, £100,000)

OUT: Curtis Davies (Aston Villa, £8m), Martin Albrechtsen (Derby, free), Luke Steele (Barnsley, free), Zoltan Gera (Fulham, free), Kevin Phillips (Birmingham, free), Jared Hodgkiss (Aberdeen, loan), Tininho (released)

WEST HAM

IN: Valon Behrami (Lazio, £5m), Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson (HK Kopavogur, undisclosed), Jan Lastuvka (Shakhtar Donetsk, loan)

OUT: Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland, £8m), Bobby Zamora (Fulham, £6m), John Pantsil (Fulham, £500,000), Richard Wright (Ipswich, free), Nolberto Solano (Larissa, free), Freddie Ljungberg (released)

WIGAN

IN: Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough, £3.5m), Olivier Kapo (Birmingham, £3.5m), Daniel de Ridder (Birmingham, free), Amr Zaki (Zamalek, loan), Maynor Figueroa (Olimpia, loan)

OUT: Andreas Granqvist (Gronigen, £800,000), David Cotterill (Sheffield United, undisclosed), Julius Aghahowa (Kayserispor, free), Salomon Olembe (Kayserispor, free), Andy Webster (Rangers, free), Josip Skoko (Hadjuk Split, free), Marlon King (Hull, loan), Rachid Bouaouzan (NEC Nijmegen, loan)

MANCHESTER CITY have hit the jackpot today after being taken over by an Arabian investment group.

The Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (ABUG) have moved in at Eastlands.

A £200million deal was agreed last night between the former owner Thaksin Shinawatra and ADUG.

The new owners will be represented on the board by Hydra Properties chief executive Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim.

And he has already told boss Mark Hughes that big things are now expected in the blue half of Manchester.

Al Fahim said: We will release details later but this is a great event for both the club and Abu Dhabi.

"Our goal is very simple to make Manchester City the biggest club in the Premier League, and to begin with, to finish in the top four this season.

We will adopt marketing plans that reflect positively on the club and the company from investments in all sectors of television marketing and purchasing of the star players, as well as development of infrastructure facilities at the club.

A City statement added: Manchester City can confirm that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) and Manchester City Football Club.

A period of due diligence for all parties, including the FA Premier League has now been entered. A further statement will be released by the club in due course.

City's future under former Thailand prime minister Shinawatra, who will stay on as honorary president, appeared uncertain as he struggling to stump to cash.

But Al Fahim claims the new owners will clear any of the club's debts as well as bringing in top talent.

Shinawatra had big plans for the Blues when he took over 14 months ago but his hopes have been dashed amid legal wrangling in his own country with millions of his investments frozen.

The situation worsened further still recently when his wife Pojaman was sentenced to three years in prison on a variety of corruption charges, although she has since been released on bail.

Shinawatra himself is facing similar charges but flew to England last month on the day he was due to make a court appearance in Thailand.

He and his wife were due to return to their homeland in time to answer court in a separate property case.

Shinawatra, who has always insisted the charges are politically motivated, said that they planned to stay in England where democracy is more important.

MANCHESTER UNITED remain favourites to sign Dimitar Berbatov despite a sensational late bid from rivals Manchester City.

City bid over £30million for the Tottenham ace today but the champions have now matched that shock offer.

And the champions are confident of wrapping up the deal before the transfer window slams shut at midnight.

Berbatov is now understood to have headed to United's Carrington training ground for talks over his switch to Old Trafford.

But City are still hopeful that they can hijack the transfer.

Boss Mark Hughes said: I am as stunned and excited by this as the fans are.

I think its agreed between ourselves and Tottenham. And now really its down to the boy to make a decision.

The fee is reported to be in excess of the British record £31million that Chelsea paid AC Milan for Andriy Shevchenko.

City are ready to splash the cash after being taken over by a super-rich Arabian investment group.

Gateshead, UK - Two world season leading best times in the mens and womens 3000m from Kenenisa Bekele and Vivian Cheruiyot and a superlative 100m of 9.87 from Asafa Powell were the highlights of the Aviva British Grand Prix in Gateshead - a Grand Prix status meeting as part of the IAAF World Athletics Tour 2008.

 

The highlight of a rain-soaked afternoon was the 100m as Powell got away to an immaculate start, powering away from a quality field to record an impressive 9.87sec.

Only fifth in the Olympic final, Powell extended his lead to as much as three metres at the finish. Second was Powells colleague on the world-record breaking relay quartet in Beijing, Nesta Carter in 10.13.

It would have been different in the Olympics if I had run like this, said the former World record holder. But the past is the past and this is the present.

Rooney opener for hosts; Williams sprint double

The afternoon kicked off with a British win as Beijing finalist, Martín Rooney took the 400m in 45.35. 

After Beijing and the Birds Nest I was finding it hard to get up for it before today, said Rooney. But as son as I stepped on the track I realised it was good to be home as the crowd were massive and really got behind me. I didnt feel I did that well considering the conditions were perfect for 400m running, but obviously it was great to win.

Olympic champion, Shelly-Ann Fraser, was beaten into second by the former World champion Lauryn Williams of the USA. 

Williams was never headed as Fraser attempted to make up the early deficit to no avail, the American crossing the line in 11.24 into a headwind, 0.05 ahead of Fraser with the Bahamas Debbie Ferguson-McKensie third.

Its a bit difficult to come down off the high of the Olympics and Im still feeling a little tired, said Fraser. Id have loved to have won, but it just wasnt to be today.

Williams completed an excellent double later in the afternoon as she took the 200m in 22.65 from Ferguson, who was 0.8 down. Two in a row and in the rain, said Williams. I know that on another day the result in Beijing would be different.

Its a bitter-sweet type of win, declared Williams, as we all wanted to win the Olympics, but to beat the medallists here was nice.

In the womens 800m, Britains Marilyn Okoro followed the pacemaker through 400m in a swift 56.88 before moving into the lead from 300m out. Okoro was never headed, coming home in 1:59.48, over a second ahead of Slovenias Brigitta Langerholc. I wanted a solid performance after the disappointment in Beijing, admitted Okoro. 

Silver medallist in the 100m Hurdles in Beijing, Sally McLellan (AUS), was beaten into second by Spains Josephine Onyia in a new stadium record of 12.65. McLellan was also inside the old record with 12.70.

Willis short of mark, as Lagat rallies

Olympic 1500m bronze medallist, Nick Willis, was looking to beat the legendary Peter Snells 1000m New Zealand record, but it was not to be as Willis was overhauled by double World champion, Bernard Lagat of the USA, in the finishing straight. 

Lagat set a personal best of 2:16.18 and said it made up for his disappointing showing in Beijing: I was injured three weeks before the Games. I had problems with my Achilles tendon so this makes up for that. Now Im looking forward to the rest of the season, said Lagat. I intend to go out there and show everyone I can still run fast over 1500m.

American Aries Merritt delivered a strong second half of the 110m Hurdles to win convincingly in 13.39, two tenths ahead of second-placed Petr Svoboda of the Czech Republic. 

Brad Walker went some way to make up for his disappointment of not making the final of the pole vault in Beijing by defeating the Olympic bronze medallist Denys Yurchenko (UKR) in 5.72m.

The conditions werent brilliant, said Walker, but we managed to get the competition done before the rain came. I had a tough Olympics, so I came here to get the win as I really need to get some confidence back.

Bekele ends his season with another world lead

Fresh from his world leading 5000m in Zurich on Friday night (29), Ethiopias Bekele set world leading figures in the 3000m of 7:31.94.

Bekele had asked for 61sec laps and the pacemaker duly took the field through 1000m in 2:32.57. The 2km mark was ticked off in 5:05.38 with Bekele already in the lead followed closely by Kenyan junior cross-country champion, Levi Matebo.

With 300m to go, the Ethiopian double Beijing Olympic champion sped away from Matebo who was overtaken in the straight by Isaac Songok (KEN). Matebo, however, was rewarded by a personal best of 7:39.43, a World leading junior time by more than six seconds.

Im very happy with the way I ran today, said Bekele. I still feel very good and the speed is still there. Going forward, I am still young and I want to continue as long as possible.

Gay victory but remains frustrated 

Tyson Gay had to play second fiddle to Usain Bolt in Bejing after his hamstring problems at the American trials, but he put his problems behind him with a solid 20.25sec in the 200m easing visibly with five metres to go.

I am very frustrated and disappointed with what happened in Bejing, admitted Gay who went out in the semi-finals in the Birds Nest stadium. It was so frustrating having to watch rather than perform. I know I would have been the man to put pressure on him (Bolt) but thats what Ive got to work towards now. But I look forward to meeting Usain and finishing my season strongly.

In second place in 20.41 was Wallace Spearmon, who was disqualified in Beijing after believing he had won bronze.

Beijing fourth placers Dobriskey and Sayers win

Lisa Dobriskey made her kick tell in the 1500m as she sped past the leader from the gun, American Erin Donahue, to win in 4:09.68 with a sub-60sec last lap. In second, Susan Scott made it a British one-two with Donahue fading to fourth.

I dont know how to deal with finishing fourth in the Olympics, said Dobriskey. I had mixed emotions. I wanted to come here to get the Olympic final out of my head. I wanted to run well in front of the home fans so I am glad I won.

Britains Goldie Sayers, fourth in Beijing, took the womens Javelin with a throw of 61.62. I came here to enjoy the competition but the conditions arent brilliant, admitted Sayers. The wind is horrible. I dont quite know what to make of the Olympics. It was a good experience, but the best I can say is that I was satisfied, but I really wanted more.  

Impressive Walker

Polands Marek Plawgo outfought Olympic bronze Bershawn Jackson in the 400m hurdles, winning in 49.07, Jackson finishing 0.04 adrift.

There was impressive running from Olympic champion Melaine Walker (JAM) in the 400m Hurdles, coming home clear in 54.51 from Polands Ana Jesien with Olympic bronze medallist, Tasha Danvers fading on the run-in to the line.

Heat in Beijing, rain in Gateshead, it doesnt bother me at all, said Walker. It was just good to win.

Britains Olympic silver medallist Germaine Mason won the High Jump with a leap of 2.27 in pouring rain: It was great to win, said Mason, but Ive so enjoyed being healthy this season that once I got the winning height I didnt want to risk injuring myself. Now Im looking forward to Lausanne and the rest of the season.

Cheruiyot in good shape

Kenyas Vivian Cheruiyot raced away from a strong 3000m field to set world leading figures of 8:33.66. I am in good shape and hope to run we

The Ukrainian athletics federation have given Blonska the stiffest sentence Ukrainian heptathlete Lyudmila Blonska has been handed a lifetime ban after testing positive for an anabolic steroid at the Beijing Olympics. The 30-year-old, who had already been stripped of her silver medal, was given the stiffest punishment because it was her second doping offence. She was handed a two-year ban in 2003 after traces of the banned substance stanozolol were found in her system. Blonska's coach and husband Serhiy Blonsky also received a life ban. The heptathlete was thrown out of the Olympics after both her A and B samples had tested positive. At the time she described herself as "shocked" by the positive result, and that she did not understand how the substance had ended up in her body.

Jamaican Asafa Powell powered through the puddles to win the 100m in 9.87.

As the rain lashed down, the last thing the 7,000-strong crowd expected was a sub-10 second time, but the former world record holder stormed to victory in stunning style.

Powell, who only managed 9.95 in Beijing as he came fifth in the Olympic final, needed an impressive run to help him move on.

He said: "The conditions weren't perfect, but I'm very happy. It would have been different in the Olympics if I had run like this. But the past is the past and this is the present."

http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r8713.swf?channel=iraqgoals2

PREMEIR LEAGUE SCORES....SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2008

    BOLTON     0     -  WEST BROM 0        REEBOK STADIUM




    EVERTON    0     -  PORTSMOUTH 3    @ GOODISON PARK

11'                      G  JERMAIN DEFOE    
40'                      G  GLEN JOHNSON
68'                      G  JERMAIN DEFOE


    HULL       0    - WIGAN 5  @ THE KINGS COMMUNICATION STADIUM

04'                  G  SAMUEL RICKETTS (OG)    
13'                  G  ANTONIO VALENCIA
63'                  G  AMR ZAKI
68'                  G  EMILE HESKEY
81'                  G  AMR ZAKI


    MIDDLESBROUGH 2 - STOKE 1 @ RIVERSIDE STADIUM

35'                            R  AMDY FAYE    
37'   AFONSO ALVES   G  
71'                            G  JUSTIN HOYTE (OG)
85'   TUNCAY SALNI    G  



    BLACKBURN     1      -  WEST HAM  4 @ UPTON PARK

12'                            G  CALUM DAVENPORT
20'                            G  CHRISTOPHER SAMBA (OG)
22'  JASON ROBERTS G
90'                            G  CRAIG BELLAMY
90'                            G  CARLTON COLE

    
    ARSENAL 3     -  NEW CASTLE 0 @ EMIRATES STADIUM

18'                   G  ROBIN VAN PERSIE (PEN)   
41'                   G  ROBIN VAN PERSIE
59'                   G  DENILSON





-- Edited by postinor at 14:28, 2008-08-30

THE Arsenal boss has spent a pittance compared to other leading Premier League managers and has proved to be one of the most conservative managers in the English Premeir League.

But here are his top five big money buys.

 

SAMIR NASRI - £15.8m from Marseille, July 2008   SYLVAIN WILTORD - £13m from Bordeaux, Aug 2000   JOSE REYES - £10.5m from Seville, Jan 2004   THIERRY HENRY - £10.5m from Juventus, Aug 1999   ALEX HLEB - £10.3m from Stuttgart, July 2005

<p>Call them brutal but this sport is even more popular than boxing now...<p>

Wilson turns pro
published: Saturday | August 30, 2008

http://www.justin.tv/lekynson



http://www.justin.tv/fabi0

Fraser punches the air with delight as she crosses the finish line Shelly-Ann Fraser took Olympic gold in the women's 100m, leading home an unprecedented clean sweep for Jamaica. Fraser finished in a time of 10.78 seconds, with her compatriots Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart sharing the silver medal after a dead heat. "I'm so excited. I never dreamed this could happen to me," said Fraser. Britain's Jeanette Kwakye was the only European athlete to make the final, and she performed above expectations with a personal best time of 11.14 for sixth. Kwakye, who took silver in the world indoors earlier this season, said she was pleased to have the opportunity to show what she could do on the biggest stage of all. "I was living a childhood dream out here," said Kwakye, who was the first British woman to make the 100m final since Heather Oakes in 1984. "I'm absolutely shocked and really happy with that time and that performance." Fraser's gold medal for Jamaica completed a famous double for the country, coming hot on the heels of Usain Bolt's astonishing performance to win the men's 100m in a new world record. The 21-year-old led from start to finish, and enjoyed a lead of a couple of metres by the time she crossed the finish line. World silver medallist Lauryn Williams finished fourth in 11.03. "It was incredibly close," said Williams. "I tried my best, gave my all and am not frustrated at all. "To clock 10.78 into a pretty strong headwind is pretty impressive. "I wasn't thinking about Jamaican speed - I've seem them all year long and they're very consistent."

ALEX FERGUSON suffered another setback as Manchester United lost the European Super Cup.

MONACO, August 29 -- Zenit St Petersburg romped to a surprise UEFA Super Cup victory over European champions Manchester United at Monaco's Stade Louis II on Friday.

Pavel Pogrebynak opened the scoring and Danny, who cost an astonishing £24million, extended the UEFA Cup winners' lead before Nemanja Vidic pulled a goal back.

United's misery was completed late on when Paul Scholes was sent off for a second bookable offence after committing a deliberate handball in the area with United looking to draw level.

While there will be bigger prizes to win than the Super Cup and more competitive games, it is clear the Champions League holders are thin on numbers in attack.

Cristiano Ronaldo helped lighten their load in spectacular fashion last season with 42 goals. But he is currently sidelined through injury and United, not surprisingly, miss his cunning and eye for goal.

Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez worked hard but could not break down the Russian side, who sealed a memorable victory.

Sir Alex Ferguson had spoken on the eve of the match of his admiration for managerial counterpart Dick Advocaat -- and United found themselves chasing the game.

Former Rangers boss Advocaat has won widespread acclaim for the way he has transformed Zenit and turned them into winners.

The Russians chalked up a notable double last season securing the UEFA Cup and their domestic title.

It was obvious from the start their confidence was high and they took the game to United.

United were anxious to make up for the disappointment of losing to Lazio the last time they appeared in the Super Cup nine years ago.

However Pogrebnyak was quickly into the action and peeled away from his marker before spooning his effort over the top.

United responded and Tevez sent a shot into the body of Vyacheslav Maleev after 19 minutes. Zenit carried a threat for set-pieces, though, and a superb free kick from Alejandro Dominguez went narrowly wide of the post five minutes later .

Rooney almost put United ahead in the 35th minute after a surging run by Tevez only for the goalkeeper to make a marvellous block.

Zenit hit back immediately and Ivica Krizanac came close after another good free kick from Dominguez.

Danny then headed wide in the 42nd minute before Pogrebnyak made the breakthrough. He headed in at the back post after Igor Denisov had flicked on a corner from Dominguez to leave United rattled.

The unsettled Andrei Arshavin, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, came on for Zenit at the start of the second half but Rooney gave them a scare in the 56th minute, getting clear on the edge of area only to see his effort go narrowly wide of the post.

Tempers flared a minute later when Vidic and Pogrebynak were left on the floor in a nasty clash of heads.

Anderson, in particular took exception to the challenge and was booked for his troubles.

Zenit stunned United again in the 60th minute by extending their lead with a magnificent effort from Danny.

He ran from deep, shrugged off Rio Ferdinand and cut inside before rifling a shot beyond Edwin Van der Sar.

United were stung but pulled a goal back in the 73rd minute when Vidic scored from close range after Tevez had cut the ball back from the by line.

Substitute John O'Shea almost pulled United level in the 86th minute, only to see his header tipped away by the goalkeeper.

Zenit then launched a swift counter attack and Danny chipped Van der Sar but his effort went over the bar.

United's irritation at playing second fiddle to Zenit was emphasised at the death with Scholes dismissed for palming the ball into the net and he will now be suspended for the home Champions League game against Villarreal.

 

-- Edited by postinor at 19:07, 2008-08-29

Holders Manchester United were drawn with Scottish champions Celtic, Spain's Villarreal and Denmark's Aalborg in Thursday's draw in Monaco for this season's Champions League group phase.

United, who also won the English Premiership title, were drawn in Group E while Chelsea will meet AS Roma, Bordeaux of France and Romanian debutants Cluj in Group A.

Liverpool, who edged into the pool phase with a 1-0 win over Belgium's Standard Liege on Wednesday, will take on Spain's Atletico Madrid, Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven and Marseille of France, whom they also meet last year, in Group D.

England's other participants, Arsenal, will face a trip to Fenerbahce in Turkey, to Portugal to meet Porto and Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine in Group G.

In Group B, Italian champions Inter Milan will take on seasoned German campaigners Werder Bremen, Greek side Panathinaikos and Cypriots Anorthosis.

Barcelona, champions in 1992 and 2006, will meet Portugal's Sporting Lisbon, FC Basel of Switzerland and in Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine in Group C.

In Group F, serial French champions Lyon, who have yet to make a major impression in Europe despite their domestic dominance, will meet German counterparts Bayern Munich, Italy's Fiorentina and Romania's Steaua Bucharest and in Group H Real Madrid, record nine-times winners, must face Juventus, winners in 1985 and 1996, UEFA Cup holders Zenit St Petersburg and Bate Borisov of Belarus.

Ahead of the draw, Chelsea's Petr Cech was earlier voted top goalkeeper of last season's competition while skipper John Terry won the defenders accolade and Frank Lampard was named UEFA midfielder of the year to complete a club treble.

Cristiano Ronaldo got the vote as top striker after his 42-goal season haul.

By Balazs Koranyi

BEIJING (Reuters) - Churandy Martina of Netherlands Antilles and Wallace Spearmon of the United States were disqualified after finishing second and third in the Olympic 200 meters final on Wednesday.

Spearmon was the first to be ruled out and Martina followed him, both for stepping out of their lanes on the turn as they chased eventual winner Usain Bolt.

The decisions moved defending champion Shawn Crawford of the U.S. from fourth to second and compatriot Walter Dix took third to match his bronze in the 100m final.

"It feels kind of weird, it feels like a charity case," Crawford told reporters. "It's horrible, it is heart-breaking and I feel his (Spearmon's) pain right now. I hope Usain (Bolt) stepped out too because... that's a gold medal for me."

Spearmon was clearly unhappy.

"It's got to be three steps," he said.

Jamaica's Bolt won the event in world record time of 19.30 seconds, bettering Michael Johnson's 12-year-old mark.

After the disqualifications, Bolt's margin of victory increased to over half of a second, an almost unheard of figure in sprinting events.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)

 

HERE IS THE LINK FOR THIS ARTICLE:

http://mobile.reuters.com/mobile/m/FullArticle/COLY/nGCA-Olympics_uUSSP10516520080820

 

 

Usain Bolt captured a third gold medal and a third world record after Jamaica claimed the men's 4x100m relay gold. The quartet smashed the previous world mark of 37.40 seconds set by the United States at the 1992 Olympics by a huge margin to set a new benchmark of 37.10. Nesta Carter ran a strong first leg before passing the baton to Michael Frater, who handed on to Bolt before Asafa Powell brought it home. Trinidad and Tobago took silver with Japan coming home for bronze

I seen lots of people with his picture in their signature so here is a gif!

MAN United star Nemanja Vidic has branded British people joyless and said he cannot stand the weather.

Team boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be furious after the 26-year-old defender, signed from Spartak Moscow in 2006, ranted: I will never stay in England.

In England they dont have time to feel the joy of life.

Throughout the week they work so hard and only talk to people at lunch. In the evening they get home and watch telly so they can get up early for work.

And the climate is something special! It seldom gets hotter than 20°C and it rains, rains, rains.

The Serbian even had a go at Manchester, saying: Its main attraction is the station where trains leave for other less rainy cities.

Id like to test myself in another top league. Im thinking of Spain. At least therell be no reason to complain about the weather.

ARSENE WENGER insists he will NEVER buy his way out of trouble.

And he has hit back at worried Arsenal fans begging him for a big signing.

The Gunners boss has ruled out the possibility of challenging big-spending rivals Chelsea and Manchester United in the transfer market.

He declared boldly: I hate the idea that, whenever we have a bad game, the solution is to go out and buy.

"I dont know why were always under pressure to buy £30million or £40m players.

I am not impressed by big names. I am only impressed by attitude and quality. All the rest is just hype.

So if Chelsea buy Robinho, frankly, what can we do about it? The answer is not to look at what Chelsea, Manchester United or Liverpool are doing.

Im not interested in comparing names. I focus on my own players, not the other teams. The squad we have has enough quality and strength to win the Champions League.

Wenger has spent just £17m this summer on Samir Nasri, Aaron Ramsey, Mikael Silvestre and Amaury Bischoff.

But he has recouped all that money from the sales of Alex Hleb, Gilberto Silva and Justin Hoyte and further reduced the wage bill by allowing Jens Lehmann, Mathieu Flamini, Philippe Senderos and Armand Traore to leave.

He added: If I can find one more player before the transfer deadline, I will take him. But one more player will not make that much difference.

A good player is not necessarily linked with the price. It is getting harder to buy the right players but the market is still there.

At the moment, we are struggling to find the right player.

"If we dont get him, were still strong enough to deal with all the competitions.

Yet with Chelsea completing the signing of Brazil international Robinho and Manchester United still in the hunt for Tottenhams Dimitar Berbatov, Arsenal fans fear their team are falling even further behind last seasons top two.

Condemn

Those concerns were intensified by Saturdays dismal 1-0 defeat at Fulham, with the leadership of captain William Gallas once again called into question.

Wenger, predictably, refused to condemn his controversial skipper.

He insisted: Gallas is no more guilty than anyone else. We lost as a team and well respond as a team.

We were not good last Saturday and lost. Its as simple as that.

We completely understand the criticism. It hurts terribly to lose like we did.

I cant remember the last time I was so angry. I was furious because we didnt create a lot. The question we have to answer now is whether that display is the real level of Arsenal or not.

The players already know the answer and have to prove it on the pitch. Are Chelsea or Manchester United better? Well see but Im not convinced.

At least Arsenal will be boosted by the return of Cesc Fabregas for tonights Champions League qualifier, second leg against FC Twente.

The Spanish playmaker has missed the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury but is available again.

Arsenal hold a 2-0 lead from the first game in Holland and Wenger admits it is crucial they finish the job against Steve McClarens team at the Emirates.

The Frenchman declared: This is a massive game for us. And I am not even looking at the financial consequences.

"We want to play at the very top and that means being in the Champions League.

Wenger, though, warns against putting too much pressure on Fabregas to turn things around.

He insisted: Cesc has no more responsibility than anyone else. I believe we have more than enough leaders in our team, even if we are not yet at our best.

People still speak of the Invincibles but dont forget that last year we lost only three games.

"We still have those players, so why should we not be capable of repeating that?

I have seen what we can do on the training ground and that is why I am so confident.

"We just need to transfer that on to the pitch. I promise there will be a big improvement against FC Twente.

JUANDE RAMOS will launch a £57million spending spree after being promised all the cash from the sale of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane.

The Spurs boss is planning a quadruple swoop for strikers Diego Milito and Roman Pavlyuchenko, plus wingers David Bentley and Diego Capel.

Ramos is relying on the £25m price tag on Berbatov and the £18m for Keane despite Tottenhams claims the duo are not for sale.

White Hart Lane chairman Daniel Levy is threatening to report Manchester United and Liverpool over alleged illegal approaches for his star strikers.

But both players have said they want to leave and the club are already planning for their departures.

First on Ramos wanted list is Real Zaragoza striker Milito, a 29-year-old Argentine international recommended by assistant boss Gustavo Poyet.

Milito scored 15 goals last season and is seen as the perfect replacement for Berbatov despite Anfield boss Rafa Benitez claiming he is not quick enough for the Premier League.

Real Zaragoza are ready to sell Milito for £10m after their relegation from La Liga.

Ramos plans to team him up with Pavlyuchenko, the man who scored both of Russias goals when they beat England in a Euro 2008 qualifier last October.

Spartak Moscow have already rejected Tottenhams £10m bid for the 26-year-old striker, and claim they will not sell to a club who have not qualified for the Champions League.

But the Londoners are confident an improved offer of about £15m will clinch a deal.

It is the same story with wide men Bentley and Capel, who have also been the subject of unsuccessful bids.

Blackburn snubbed Spurs £12m offer for Bentley last week and will not sell for less than £17m. Seville left winger Capel, 20, could cost at least £15m.

Former Seville boss Ramos gave Capel his chance at the club, but relations between the teams have been strained since the managers move to London last October.

Spurs initial £12.5m bid for Capel included the proviso the Spaniards dropped their £3m compensation claim for Ramos.

But Seville will not let their Spanish Under-21 star go on the cheap and aim to squeeze every penny they can out of Spurs.

CESC FABREGAS insists Arsenal are scared of no-one in Europe as he prepares to make his Champions League return.

The Gunners star has missed the start of the season with a hamstring injury but could be back for Wednesday's qualifier against FC Twente with his side leading 2-0 from the first leg.

And Fabregas, 21, reckons Arsenal can again light up the competition after last year's heroics against the likes of AC Milan.

The Spanish midfielder said: We dont have to be afraid of anyone.

Weve seen in the last few seasons we can beat anybody, so you have to be positive.

"You have to believe that you can do it again, at least make it to the final.

"Ive played a few finals now and you can see that anything can happen you can play well, you can play not well, you can win and lose.

"Certainly you have to make it there, I think we have the quality and experience to do it and we are looking forward to it.

Ronaldo scores to help Portugal to 3-1 win over Czechs

Wright-Phillips found opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge

Manchester City have completed the signing of their former winger Shaun Wright-Phillips from Chelsea.

England's Wright-Phillips, 26, has signed a four-year contract at the City of Manchester Stadium having rejoined for an undisclosed fee.

He told the club's website: "Obviously I'm delighted to come back to City and I can't wait to get started again."

Manager Mark Hughes added: "I've always admired Shaun and he's been a target of mine since I came to the club."

Wright-Phillips left City to join Chelsea for £21m in July 2005, but struggled to hold down a regular place in his three years in London.

He made only 43 Premier League starts, scoring four times, as he fell out of England reckoning too.

606: DEBATE Not really a top four player but definitely suitable for a club like Man City Riise 'n' Shine

"To actually secure the deal and bring Shaun back home is a fantastic coup for us," said Hughes.

"I'm sure the supporters will be just as excited as we are to have him back at Manchester City."

In his previous spell at City, Wright-Phillips made 181 appearances and scored 31 times.

He is expected to be presented to the media at a press conference at the City of Manchester Stadium tomorrow.

PHEW! Although Rafa Benitezs language will probably be stronger than that in English and Spanish.

Liverpool can finally look forward to another Champions League adventure after the closest of close calls.

Dirk Kuyt broke 118 minutes of deadlock against gritty Liege with a goal which can be valued at £30million.

For a board which counts every penny, that is a mighty important strike.

Benitez does not need telling how near his players came to leaving the season in ruins in August.

But now he is back at the top table of European football and competing with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea for a date in Rome next May.

Much more preferable to a UEFA Cup tour of the Continents second citizens. Neutrals might be scratching their heads after watching the Belgians push the Merseysiders all the way.

Once again Pepe Reina kept his side in it with a series of first-half saves but the tie was still heading towards penalties when Kuyt struck.

Substitute Ryan Babel crossed from the left and his fellow Dutchman drifted in to guide the ball home.

Benitez will point to a clear penalty decision which went against Liverpool. Nabil El Zhar seemed to be upended by Oguchi Onyewu during extra-time. But that would be to ignore the fact that a bunch of off-key players were hitting all the bum notes.

At least they can never be accused of lacking heart. On Saturday they scored an injury-time goal to beat Middlesbrough 2-1 after a shocking show.

And they kept pressing for a breakthrough last night when spot-kicks seemed inevitable.

Two weeks ago in Belgium, Liverpool made heavy weather of it. Benitez does not expect his team to be operating at full steam at this time of year.

But even he was taken by surprise at what he saw.

His response was to recall how Liverpool struggled against Maccabi Haifa two years ago then went all the way to the final in Athens.

The theory was that the Belgians had shot their bolt over 90 minutes and would not be nearly such awkward customers at Anfield.

Within a few minutes that theory was disproved as Dieumerci Mbokani threatened a miracle opener.

The striker from the Democratic Republic of Congo, sporting one streak of dyed brown hair, forced Reina to push out a bouncing shot.

So much for the hope that the Kop keeper would be in for a quiet night as he then had to react smartly to deny Marouane Fellaini.

Yossi Benayoun and Xabi Alonso mounted attacks to lift the atmosphere.

Yet as the game drifted into the second half, a goal was becoming an urgent necessity for the hosts. But the partnership of Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane looks very much a work in progress at the moment.

By this stage the Belgians were virtually a wall of white in front of increasingly agitated red shirts.

Having got to the last 15 minutes on level par with the mighty Liverpool, Liege had obviously decided that penalties was a decent option.

The home fans chanted Attack, attack, attack.

Alonso responded with a clever pass to Gerrard, who skied his shot into the balmy night sky. The script was not going to plan.

There were worried faces everywhere as normal time came to an end, heralding a nailbiting extra 30 minutes.

Then Kuyt came to the rescue.

Phew!

-- Edited by postinor at 09:53, 2008-08-28

ONCE a loser, always a loser. But at least he is consistent.

Steve McClaren might be a YouTube sensation, yet as a soccer coach he is still a dud.

And no amount of phony Double Dutch can disguise that fact.

The former national boss returned to London for another dose of capital punishment, as his team were once again humiliated in this Champions League qualifier, second leg.

And no one benefited from his tactical shortcomings more than Theo Walcott, the kid he axed from his England squad.

McClarens first act on taking over from Sven Goran Eriksson was to dump Walcott, following the kids shock World Cup call-up by the Swede.

It was arguably the only decision he got right during his disastrous 15 months in charge of the national team.

For Walcotts progress since his high-profile move to Arsenal has been painfully, disappointingly slow.

But they say revenge is a dish best served cold and the teenager showed at least there is nothing wrong with his timing, as he ripped McClarens Dutch cloggers to pieces.

McClaren must have feared that Arsenals only Englishman would come back to haunt him here and those fears were realised in full.

The Walcott-inspired Gunners won with such ease it was hard to believe this was a team supposed to be in crisis.

The return of Cesc Fabregas to pull the strings in the middle of the pitch steadied the ship after Saturdays capitulation at Fulham.

Fabregas presence allowed Walcott and fellow wide man Samir Nasri the opportunity to cut loose against poor Twentes shocking full-backs.McClaren fooled no one but himself when he declared he had outwitted Arsene Wenger during Arsenals 2-0 victory in Arnhem a fortnight ago.

Yet there was nothing clever about his tactics this time as his team just got bodies behind the ball and looked to kick the Gunners out of their stride.

It was a game-plan doomed to failure and the only surprise was it took the home side 27 minutes to breach the Dutch defence.

Walcotts cross was rescued by Robin Van Persie, Nasris sublime first touch sent the entire Twente defence the wrong way and his second despatched the ball into the bottom corner.

Arsenals flicks, tricks and back-heels were carving Twente apart. But the finishing touch was missing, as Denilson, Van Persie and Walcott all missed out.

The outclassed visitors from Enschede had no answers, apart from trying to put the boot in. And they were not even very good at that.

Wenger, though, was taking no chances. He withdrew Nasri, already battling a stomach virus, at half-time to spare him any further punishment.

Arsenal remained streets ahead and increased their lead in the 53rd minute. Keeper Nikolay Mihaylov could only push Nicklas Bendtners shot straight into the path of William Gallas.

Fittingly, it was Walcott who all but finished off Dutch Steve, racing on to Bendtners mis-control to score from an angle. It was just the sort of poise which has earned him an England recall to Fabio Capellos squad.

If only he could produce this sort of performance on a regular basis, Walcott might yet turn out to be the player the whole country was dreaming of a couple of years ago.

There was still time for Bendtner to add a fourth from Denilsons clever back-heel on 89 minutes. This was by far Arsenals most convincing performance of the season, though the poverty of the opposition makes it impossible to draw any serious conclusions.

It has taken McClaren a mere handful of games to get FC Twente playing like England. Yet that fact was not appreciated by disgruntled Arsenal fans, who greeted him with chants of You f***** our summer up.

Luckily, there was no chance of him f****** up Arsenals European ambitions.

The Gunners will go into todays Champions League draw as one of the eight seeds.

And Wenger knows there will be much tougher challenges ahead than Steve McClaren.