Rui Costa has enjoyed a great career in Italy with Fiorentina and laterly with Milan.
By Nick Johnson. Tuesday, 27 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.
Sir Alex Ferguson wants Rui Costa - the man who helped end England’s Euro 2004 dream, according to The Sun.
The Manchester United boss is reportedly offering to take Costa on loan from AC Milan and pick up the midfielder’s £55,000-a-week salary.
Costa, who scored a 20-yard wonder goal against England, is said to be considering the offer after both clubs agreed terms.
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The Daily Mirror claim Michael Owen has finally agreed a new three-year contract worth nearly £15million.
The Liverpool striker’s agent apparently flew out to the United States last night to put the finishing touches on a two-year contract extension to his current deal, which has a year left to run.
Liverpool are unlikely to formally announce the deal until they return from their tour of the US next week.
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Sol Campbell could be in line for a shock move to Chelsea after they learned about the defender’s contract row at Arsenal, according to the Daily Star.
England star Campbell has reportedly been told that he will have to take a major pay cut if he wants a new Gunners deal.
Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus have all been made aware of the uncertainty about Campbell’s future at Highbury, but the Italians have baulked at paying him his current £5million-a-year wages.
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Various papers report that Nicky Butt is poised to leave Manchester United and join Newcastle.
The two clubs are understood to have agreed a £2.5million fee for the England international midfielder.
Butt is set to sign a three-year contract at St James’ Park after spending his entire career at Old Trafford.
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Charlton are believed to be preparing a fresh bid for Southampton striker James Beattie.
Addicks boss Alan Curbishley wants to land a proven goalscorer in a bid to improve on Charlton’s seventh-place finish last season.
Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe insists he does not want to sell Beattie.
He said: "I think Beattie’s agent has been busy but he is a Southampton player and we want it to stay that way." (Daily Express)