Tuesday, 06 July 2004.
TheFA.com is here to provide you with a round-up of all the latest football stories that have hit the headlines today.
Chelsea have pulled out of the race for Wayne Rooney - leaving the way clear for Manchester United. (All papers)
New Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho said yesterday he still planned to make three or four additions to Roman Abramovich’s multi-million pound squad.
But he ruled out a move for Rooney, despite raving about the Everton and England striker during Euro 2004.
“Rooney is a wonderful attacking player, but he is not a pure striker,” said Mourinho. “He plays with free movement just behind on both sides and we have other players with those qualities.”
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Patrick Kluivert is caught in a tug-of-war between Newcastle and Middlesbrough, according to The Sun.
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd last night opened transfer talks with the Dutch striker who has been freed after six years at Barcelona.
But Boro boss Steve McClaren is also keen on Kluivert and wants him to partner Mark Viduka.
Kluivert played under Sir Bobby Robson at Barca and that could make Newcastle favourites to sign the 28-year-old.
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David O’Leary is on the trail of Euro 2004 top scorer Milan Baros. (Mirror, Sun)
But the Aston Villa boss may find Liverpool’s asking price includes a swap with Juan Pablo Angel.
New Anfield boss Rafael Benitez has been trailing Angel for two years.
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Claudio Ranieri wants Ian Harte to be his first signing for Valencia. (Mail, Sun)
Ranieri has reportedly bid £1.5million for the Leeds full-back who turned down a move to another Spanish club, Villarreal, last week.
But Valencia would be a more attractive proposition for the Irish ace and Leeds are keen to off-load him as it would save them £2.8million.
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Arsenal and Manchester United are raiding Parma’s title-winning youth team, report the Daily Mail.
The Gunners have signed forward Arturo Lupoli, 17, who scored 40 goals in 20 games last season.
And United are close to capturing New Jersey-born Giuseppe Rossi.