THIS JUST IN : Was Camilo Sold to Queretaro?

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Jan 3, 2014

Gaston Fernandez, will reportedly sign a one-year contract. Quispe suggests there is a club option for a second year but others commenting on the developing situation lean more toward the deal just encompassing a single season.

Juan Arango had the deal done on New Years Eve, which was given some credence when Merritt Paulson sent up a Fernandez highlight reel on Twitter on December 31. Prior to that, Andres Cantor noted Argentine media confirming the deal

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez named to U.S. National Team roster

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Jan 3, 2014

LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan and defender Omar Gonzalez have been called up to the U.S. National Team by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann for a week long training camp that will be held at StubHub Center. Donovan and Gonzalez are two of the 26 players that have been selected by Klinsmann for the camp.

They will report to camp on Monday, January 6, before holding the first of six days of training on January 7. The final training session of the camp will be held on Sunday, January 12.

Following the training sessions at StubHub Center, the U.S. squad will travel to Sao Paulo, Brazil for two weeks of training before returning to Southern California on Sunday, January 26 ahead of the friendly against Korea Republic at StubHub Center on Saturday, February 1. The pair of Galaxy players are scheduled to join the club for preseason training following that game.

Last year, both Donovan and Gonzalez helped the U.S. qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Brazil this summer. Gonzalez appeared in and started eight of the 10 games that the U.S. played in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying while Donovan appeared in three qualifiers, scoring once.

Donovan enters the year with 154 caps, leaving him 10 shy of Cobi Jones’ record of 164 appearances for the U.S. National Team. Already the U.S. record holder for goals and assists with 57 goals and 57 assists in his international career, Donovan had eight goals and eight assists in 10 appearances for his country last year, leading the U.S. to the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup championship.

Gonzalez who was also a part of the U.S. squad at last year’s Gold Cup, collected 14 caps in 2013 and now has 16 for his international career. Only seven players on the 26-man camp roster have collected more caps than Gonzalez while only seven are also younger than the 23-year-old Galaxy defender.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

Pellegrini: Lescott Still Useful

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Footballisgood

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Jan 3, 2014

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini maintains that defender Joleon Lescott remains an important member of his squad.

Lescott, who is out of contract in the summer, has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium during this month’s transfer window.

Tottenham and Newcastle are reportedly potential destinations for the 31-year-old, possibly on loan, but Pellegrini insists no clubs have made an approach.

When asked if there was truth in suggestions Lescott could leave this month, Pellegrini said: “Not for the moment.

“Joleon Lescott is a very important player for us.

“I understand he finishes his contract in June here.

“We will see what happens in the future but for the moment he is still here and he is a very useful player for our team.”

Asked further if he could be allowed out on loan, Pellegrini, speaking at a press conference, said: “At this moment, we are not considering (it).

“We will see in the future, during the transfer window, what will happen.”

While that could be interpreted as the Chilean not ruling out a possible move, centre-back does remain a problem area for City.

With Martin Demichelis currently injured, Lescott is the only senior back-up to first-choice pair Vincent Kompany and Matija Nastasic.

Both Kompany and Nastasic have had injury problems this season and Pellegrini might be reluctant to let Lescott leave, at least without signing a viable alternative.

One player who is likely to move out on loan is striker John Guidetti.

The progress of the Sweden Under-21 international, who had a successful loan at Feyenoord two years ago, has been blocked by injury and illness.

Pellegrini said: “I think John must go on loan, he is coming back from a long injury for about 18 months.

“Here we have (Edin) Dzeko, (Alvaro) Negredo, (Sergio) Aguero and (Stevan) Jovetic. Maybe he will not play as often as he needs so maybe it is best for him and the team.”

Midfielder Jack Rodwell could face another spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The 22-year-old, who has had numerous hamstring problems in recent years, will miss Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Blackburn.

Pellegrini said: “Rodwell has some problem in his hamstring.

“We will see tomorrow how serious. Maybe it is a small thing but for tomorrow he is not fit.”

Written by George Coomber

Hughton: Survival Norwich’s Priority

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Footballisgood

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Jan 3, 2014

Manager Chris Hughton accepts Barclays Premier League survival remains Norwich’s “biggest priority”, but feels the FA Cup will forever be a “very special competition”.

The Canaries host fellow relegation-battlers Fulham at Carrow Road on Saturday, looking to make amends for the disappointing 2-1 home defeat on Boxing Day.

Hughton – whose side were knocked out at home by non-league Luton in the shock of last season’s third round – fully understands the needs for the Norfolk club to retain their top-flight status.

However, the former Tottenham defender, who won back-to-back FA Cup finals at Wembley in the early 1980s, sees no reason why teams should not aim to stay in the famous old competition as long as possible.

“There is no doubt the biggest priority for us is making sure we do well enough in the Premier League, but we also want to do well enough in the FA Cup and would like to make progress if we can,” said Hughton.

“I was fortunate to be involved in cup-winning teams a long time ago, certainly a lot longer than some of our younger supporters would know about, in 1981 and 1982.

“I think whichever year you look at, the FA Cup competition hasn’t changed as regards the stature that it has worldwide.

“The approach to the FA Cup has changed of course over the years, as many aspects of the game have, but it is still a very special competition.”

Hughton added on Canaries Player: “There has been a mentality change a bit by a lot of clubs, with the amount of games there are now and how big this Barclays Premier League is now, but I think it is still the best cup competition in the world and the one which historically will certainly remain that way.”

Hughton is set to utilise the full Norwich squad on Saturday, with club-record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel, fit again from a toe injury, set to lead the attack, while misfit striker Luciano Becchio could also be handed a chance to impress along with 18-year-old winger Josh Murphy and his twin brother Jacob.

Centre-half Michael Turner is doubtful with a hamstring problem picked up in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day, while Leroy Fer serves a one-match suspension after he was sent off.

Hughton added: “The tough part will be making the right balance between making the changes, giving players an opportunity, but giving ourselves a really good chance to win the game.

“We are playing against a top-class opposition which makes the task even tougher, but we are at home, so I think it is a good distraction.”

Whatever side he puts out, Hughton is determined for a much-improved display than the last time Fulham came to Norfolk.

“We certainly want to be doing better than our Boxing Day result,” he said.

“After having taken the lead and having a couple of good opportunities, it was a real disappointment to lose that game.

“This is an opportunity for us to make amends.

“It is always about a result, this is a game we want to win and get through.”

While Hughton has no pressing need of reinforcements following a £20million-plus summer spending spree, the Norwich manager will keep all options option.

Hughton also maintained he had no intentions of letting anyone leave, with Anthony Pilkington and Wes Hoolahan both linked with moves away from Carrow Road in January.

“At the moment our thoughts are not on anyone leaving the club. What happens come the end of the month you can never pre-empt, but the decisions I am making are all about who we bring in,” Hughton said.

“What we find in the last few seasons is that as the month progresses it tends to get busier and even more hectic, particularly that last week.

“The phone has certainly been busy, that is normal and would not just be myself, but every manager.

“We are continuing to work hard and make the right decisions.

“January might be with us now, but this is a process which rolls on throughout the season.”

Written by George Coomber

Mass confusion over Whitecaps Striker’s Contract

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Jan 3, 2014

The potential transfer of Vancouver Whitecaps striker Camilo Sanvezzo to Querétaro FC took a further twist Thursday evening, as the president of the Mexican club told CentralDeportiva.com it was his understanding the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner is available on a free transfer.

Adolfo Ríos said in an interview that his club had been approached by Camilo’s representatives about a possible move. In that same interview, the president told CentralDeportiva.com that the player and his agent have accepted the Mexican side’s offer.

During the negotiations, Camilo’s representatives told Querétaro the player’s contract expired Dec. 31, according to Ríos.

While that may technically be true, the Whitecaps exercised their star forward’s option weeks ago, which makes the player who bagged 22 goals in MLS play Vancouver property for the duration of 2014.

According to the Whitecaps, no contact has been made with Querétaro over a possible sale, and they expect the player to report for preseason camp later in January.

As for whether it’s possible Camilo’s agent snuck in some sort of clause which would allow the Brazilian to get out of his contract, the Whitecaps insist there’s no chance of that, with a club spokesman telling MLSsoccer.com “that’s not possible.”

However, it appears not much that will come of this, and Camilo will be back in MLS this spring. However, if Camilo goes through with the paperwork and breaches his Whitecaps contract unilaterally, there are precedents for how these situations can be handled.

Written by Steve Milne – What are your thoughts – Have your say below 🙂

Bolton re-sign Danns

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Ben Reardon

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Jan 3, 2014

Bolton Wanderers have re-signed Neil Danns from Leicester City until the end of the current Skybet Championship campaign.

Danns spent two and a half months on loan at the Reebok, and proved to be a real favourite with the Wanderers faithful, after the 31 year old scored four times in 13 outings, including the winner away at Barnsley in his final game of his previous loan spell.

The popular playmaker become renowned for his desire and versatility during his original loan spell, becoming a key component in Dougie Freedman’s side.

The news will come as a huge positive for Wanderers supporters, with Danns previously hinting that he may return to the Reebok just last week.

He leaves Leicester, who are currently top of the Championship heading into the new year.

He will be eligible for all of the Wanderers League and domestic FA Cup games, barring the home fixture against Parent club Leicester City on 22nd April.

Danns will be available to play in tomorrow’s FA Cup tie at home to Blackpool, and his completed signing will come as a major boos for Freedman’s men.

Danns have previously had spells at Huddersfield, Blackpool, Crystal Palace and Bristol City amongst others.

By Ben Reardon

@BenReardon1

Napoli full-back under Liverpool radar

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Phil Wellbrook

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Jan 3, 2014

Liverpool are considering a bid for 17 year-old Napoli right-back Armando Amastasio, who is actually yet to make a first team appearance for the Italian side.

Anastasio is a talented defender who can play in number of positions down the right side and has featured in three UEFA Youth League group matches such as the Napoli U19s win against Dortmund and the loss against Arsenal. He was also in the starting line up for their match against Marseille.

There hasn’t been much action from the youngster as of late because he was serving a three match ban following a red card, but is due to play against Real Madrid U19s in the final 16.

Liverpool may want to wait to see more of the young Italian before making a move, but for now, he is under Liverpool eye for a potentail move. Queens Park Rangers are also reportedly interested in signing Amastasio but Liverpool is his preferred choice according to Italian website Tuttomercatoweb.com.

Amastasio is still yet to sign a professional contract with the Naples side so Brenden Rodgers could sign him at a cut price.

By Phil Wellbrook

Arsenal players know they “must” beat Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday

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Jan 3, 2014

The north London rivals meet at Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third round for their second clash of the season, with the Gunners having won 1-0 in September.

Koscielny is looking forward to a special occasion, and stressed the importance of gaining a positive result.

“Against Tottenham we know it will be a difficult game, but an exciting game,” he told Arsenal Player. “We want to win it because it is so important to the club and the fans. We will do everything we can together on the pitch to win the game.

“Every derby is very important for the fans, it is the game that you must win. The atmosphere is different before, during and after the game and we want our fans to be smiling, so we want to win!”

Koscielny could come up against former Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor on Saturday, and he admits it will be a tough challenge.

“He is complete – he is good in the air, he is quick and has good technique,” he said. “He is a difficult striker [to mark] – strikers need confidence and he is scoring goals. He has come back stronger and you can see that.”

Written by Steve Milne – Have your say below 🙂

Emmanuel Adebayor and former Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas fell out over a beanie hat

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Jan 3, 2014

Spurs supporters were mystified by Villas-Boas’s stubborn refusal to pick the striker – despite Spurs’ lack of firepower in front of goal.

At the beginning of the season, the Spurs striker walked into a team meeting wearing a hat and the Portuguese boss asked him to remove it; a request Adebayor declined.

The pair exchanged heated words and during the argument Villas-Boas vowed not to play the striker.

Adebayor played no part in the season as a result of that clash, except for one appearance as a half-time substitute during the 6-0 humbling by Manchester City.

Since Villas-Boas was sacked, the striker has been restored by new boss Tim Sherwood, who has reaped the rewards.

The striker has given Spurs a new lease of life and netted four times in five appearances.

Villas-Boas relied on Adebayor last season as Tottenham beat their record Premier League points haul with 72.

The striker played 34 games for the club and scored five goals in the last 11 games of the season.

But this term Villas-Boas often persevered with just Roberto Soldado up front, leaving Adebayor languishing in the reserves.

Villas-Boas came to Tottenham with a reputation for poor squad management – he banished Nicolas Anelka and Alex at Chelsea and upset many of the more established players at the club.

Next up for Tottenham and Adebayor is a trip to the Emirates, to face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round.

Saturday’s match is one the striker will be fired up for, given he used to play for the Gunners and there is a sour relationship between the two.

After Adebayor ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Arsenal fans after he scored against them for Manchester City, they hold a strong animosity towards him.

During a 5-2 defeat by Arsenal while playing for Spurs in 2012, Adebayor netted the opening goal – but then was sent off for a wild tackle on Santi Cazorla.

Written by Steve Milne – have your say below 🙂

Mourinho “100%” sure he won’t sign a striker

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Jan 3, 2014

Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o have scored only seven Premier League goals between them this season but the Portuguese is adamant Chelsea will not add to their three strikers.

“A striker, 100%, no,” he said. “It is not a priority, it is not an option. We have three.

“The market is open, but for us, almost closed.”

Chelsea’s lack of goals from their forwards this season have led to calls for the signing of a striker, and Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, where he would be reunited with his former Real Madrid boss Mourinho.

But Mourinho, who returned as boss in the summer and whose side are third in the Premier League, stressed this season was about preparing for the future.

“Higuain is a player I know we cannot get, why should we be interested in someone we feel is not available,” said Mourinho ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Championship Derby.

“This squad is good enough for my first season and for the objectives of the first season and to prepare for next season. So we are happy with what we have.

“The fans know we are building another team for another seven years. Our nature does not stop us fight for the titles but they also know we are preparing for the future.”

The Chelsea boss also reiterated that he does not wish to see Juan Mata leave Stamford Bridge after the midfielder looked unhappy when he was substituted for Oscar early in the second half of Wednesday’s 3-0 win at Southampton.

But he admitted Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne does wanted a move away, as suggested by his agent, after a lack of first-team opportunities.

“This is the period for agents to be famous, it is that period,” he said. “Some agents like to speak when things are done, some like to speak when things not started. Some are addicted to Twitter and social networks and want to share info with everybody.

“We know that Kevin did not adapt very well to the difficult life a Chelsea player has, which is to play they have to pay a big price. They have to give a lot, work a lot and accept competitiveness.

“Kevin is a fantastic player with fantastic potential but has found it difficult to adapt to this situation. We know he fancies a move. I don’t want him to leave but we have a couple of contacts made by other clubs. I don’t know if he will go.”

However, It has been reported that the Blues had a £50m bid rejected for the Argentina international and are preparing a second offer.

But Mourinho says there was no such bid and said: “Nothing is true. He is a player that I know we cannot get.

“He moved from Real Madrid to Napoli six months ago and he’s doing very well, he’s adapting very well to Italy.

“Napoli is a club which normally doesn’t sell. In the last years, they sold one player a year, when they felt it was not possible to keep them.

Written by Steve Milne – have your say below 🙂

Swansea chairman rules out Raheem Sterling interest

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Jan 3, 2014

Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has dismissed reports linking his side with a move for Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling.

It was reported earlier that The Swans were interested in bringing in the Englishman in on loan until the end of the season, but talking to Sportsmail, Jenkins dismissed the reports and admitted that there is no interest in Sterling.

He said: ‘It’s not correct that we are trying to sign Raheem Sterling.’

However, some good news for Swansea fans is that Jenkins also revealed that they are renewing their interest in Blackpool winger Tom Ince, and they are planning on making a bid for the Championship star in the January transfer window.

He said: ‘Tom Ince is a talented player and he is someone we are looking at. We made an approach in the summer and have done again for this window, but it is up to Blackpool. He is their player.

‘If and when there is a possibility for him to leave, then we would be interested.’

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

WATCH: The FA Cup – Pride, Passion, History, Giant Killing

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Jan 3, 2014

Napoli reject £50million bid from Chelsea for star-man

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Jan 3, 2014

Italian side Napoli have reportedly rejected a £50million bid from Premier League outfit Chelsea for their star-striker Gonzalo Higuain.

The Argentine only joined Napoli in the Summer from Real Madrid, but he has been in superb form in Serie A since joining and it was reported that the Italians may sell him in order to make a quick profit on the striker.

However, it has been reported that a £50m bid has been turned down from Chelsea, but a second bid may be coming in from Jose Mourinho and co.

Mourinho is desperate to land a world-class striker after the likes of Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba have all failed to impress the Portuguese manager since his return to Stamford Bridge.

As for Higuain, he was a serious transfer target for Arsenal back in the Summer, but he eventually went on to join Napoli, but a move to the Premier League may occur sooner than anyone had thought.

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt – @AlexsArticles

Swansea City want to loan Liverpool starlet

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Jan 3, 2014