Football news round-up 25-31 July

Sunday 1 August

Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh insists he is ready to deal with the demands of the Premier League. The Morocco international, signed from Bordeaux this summer, said: “I know I still have a lot of hard work to do to perform well in the Premier League, but I am very motivated and hungry to do well.”

Chamakh was on target for his new club as Arsenal drew with AC Milan 1-1 in the Emirates Cup on Saturday. Elsewhere, Championship side Leeds beat Wolves 3-1, while Everton won 4-2 away at Norwich.

Kieran Richardson has signed a new three-year deal at Sunderland, keeping him at the club until 2013.

England goalkeeper David James believes he can get Bristol City into the Premier League. After being unveiled at the club, he said: “This is about being involved in an ambitious project to try to get into the Premier League - that’s my motivation.”

Fellow England goalkeeper Ben Foster admits it will be tough to replace Joe Hart at Birmingham. “Joe is a fantastic goalkeeper - but I am confident in my ability and believe I can follow on from him," he said.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described new signing Javier Hernandez as first class. The Mexican has looked impressive during pre-season and Ferguson said: “He has done really well - he’s been first class. I could play him as a lone striker or partner him with Wayne Rooney.”

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce insists Vince Grella is not joining Galatasaray. “There has been no contact from Galatasaray at all. Vince is still one of our players,” he said.

Sunderland goalkeeper Martin Fulop is close to joining Ipswich, according to manager Roy Keane. He said: “Hopefully in the next 24 hours something can happen, although we’ve another target that we are looking at too.”

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton says he is working hard to add to the squad this summer. Hughton, who has signed James Perch, Dan Gosling and Sol Campbell, said: “There is money to bring in more pla yers and we expect to do more business.”

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is trying to secure a season-long loan deal for Nantes striker Ivan Klasnic. The forward spent last season on loan at the Reebok and Coyle said: “I have said all along that if we can get something sorted financially with Ivan, then I would love to have him back.”

Saturday 31 July

England keeper David James has signed for Bristol City on a one-year deal, with an option to sign for another 12 months. James, who turns 40 on Sunday and was released by Portsmouth, said: "I've had offers to stay in the Premier League but it is more important that I play football for the right club and be a family man."

Lazio have announced the signing of Javier Garrido from Manchester City. Garrido has joined the Italian club for an undisclosed fee and replaces Aleksander Kolarov who joined City for £16m earlier in the week.

Premier League new-boys West Brom have signed Boaz Myhill from Hull. Myhill has agreed a three-year deal and will challenge Scott Carson for the number one jersey.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he is willing to spend around £9m on the three new signings he wants to bring to White Hart Lane before the transfer window closes at the end of August. Redknapp said: "I've got three players in mind that would not cost a lot of money. If we can pull off the deals, you are talking about £8million or £9million for three players.”

Wigan have signed defender Ronnie Stam from Dutch champions FC Twente for an undisclosed fee. Twente club president Joop Munsterman said: "Ronnie indicated he wanted to move to a foreign league. Wigan were prepared to pay the required transfer fee."

Former Hull midfielder George Boateng has completed a move to Greek side Skoda Xanthi. Boateng was out of contract with Hull and was available as a free agent.

Leeds United have made their seventh signing of the summer after defender Alex Bruce completed a move from Ipswich. Alex, son of Sunderland boss Steve, has agreed a two-year contract at Elland Road.

Bristol City have signed defenders Nicky Hunt from Bolton and Damion Stewart from QPR.

Friday 30 July

Fulham have named Mark Hughes as their new manager after he signed a two-year contract. The former Manchester City, Blackburn and Wales manager succeeds Roy Hodgson, who left Craven Cottage earlier in the summer to take charge of Liverpool. Hughes said: “I hope the Fulham fans will enjoy some special times during this season's campaign and we will work hard to achieve that.”

Striker David Ngog struck twice as Liverpool beat FK Rabotnicki 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie in Macedonia. The return leg will be played at Anfield on August 5.

Scottish side Motherwell drew the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie against Aalesund 1-1 in Norway but Hibernian lost 3-0 at NK Maribor in Slovenia. Welsh side Bangor City were thumped 8-2 in Madeira by CS Maritimo.

Tottenham fell to a 4-1 defeat in their pre-season friendly against Spanish side Villarreal at White Hart Lane, while an inexperienced Chelsea XI were defeated 5-1 at Wycombe and Wigan finished their tour of Austria with a goalless draw against Turkish side Genclerbirligi in Klagenfurt.

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has admitted he feels mixed emotions over whether he wants to return to Barcelona or remain in north London under Arsene Wenger. “I'm a Barca fan, I'm a socio, as is my grandfather, my uncle, my cousin... I have felt the colours from a young age, I'm Catalan,” said the 23-year-old. “However, I'm the captain of Arsenal, I'm a 'Gunner', and I have become a player there and matured as a person.”

England midfielder David Beckham has insisted he has “no interest” in leaving MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy to return to the Premier League with West Ham. A spokesman for Beckham said: “Whilst it's flattering to hear of interest there has been no contact with, or offer from, West Ham. David is happy at the Los Angeles Galaxy and has no interest in leaving, and is looking forward to returning to the team on August 9.”

Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is expected to miss the first three months of the new season after undergoing surgery on his dislocated left shoulder. Newcastle said in a statement: “After further assessment on the injury over the past week, the medical bulletin is that it will be a three-month period of rehabilitation.”

Meanwhile, Newcastle’s Dutch goalkeeper Tim Krul has signed a new four-year contract with the club after impressing as an understudy to Steve Harper last season. Krul, 22, said: “I am delighted to commit my future to Newcastle United, hopefully I can fulfil my dream by becoming the future number one goalkeeper as well as getting into the Dutch national team squad.”

Hull City are considering a bid for from Premier League West Bromwich Albion for Wales goalkeeper Boaz Myhill. “We've had one firm offer in today [Thursday] and that is currently being considered," said Adam Pearson, Hull’s head of football operations.

Goalkeeper Lewis Price has signed a two-year deal with Crystal Palace after joining on a free transfer. He said: “Julian Speroni has had three great seasons for the club and it will be a challenge to try and win that number one position but that is what I am prepared for.”

Sheffield United striker Darius Henderson has been ruled out for at least four months due to a serious hamstring injury which requires an operation next week.

Coventry City have signed striker Clive Platt from Colchester United on an initial one-year contract for a nominal fee. Coventry manager Adrian Boothroyd, who worked with Platt at Colchester, said: “Clive is one of the most under-rated players I have ever worked with.”

Gillingham have signed striker Abebayo Akinfenwa on a one-year deal. Akinfenwa, who was a free agent, said: “I spoke to the gaffer a couple of times and bought into what he had to say. His drive, his ambition and what he wanted to do with Gillingham matched my own.”

Plymouth midfielder Damien Johnson has retired from playing international football for Northern Ireland. “It hasn't been an easy decision for me to make but, with the help of my family, I feel it is the best decision for my career,” said the 31-year-old.

Thursday 29 July

Celtic face a tough task to stay in the Champions League this season after they lost 3-0 away to Portuguese side Braga in the first leg of their qualifying tie.

West Ham chairman David Sullivan insists he will not sell England midfielder Scott Parker following a bid from Tottenham. Sullivan said: “I made a promise that I would not sell Scott and I will not, for any amount of money, break that promise to the West Ham supporters.”

Former Manchester United and Aston Villa midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba will not be joining West Brom after failing tests on an unspecified medical condition.

The Scottish Football Association has made Stewart Regan their new chief executive in succession to Gordon Smith.

Diego Maradona is no longer manager of Argentina after he failed to agree to changes in his coaching team. Under-20 coach Sergio Batista has been named as caretaker boss by the AFA.

Former Spain striker Raul has joined German Bundesliga runners-up Schalke on a two-year contract after ending his 18-year career with Real Madrid.

Bristol City’s Scotland international midfielder Paul Hartley has signed for Aberdeen on a two-year deal.

Estonia international Tarmo Kink has joined Middlesbrough from Hungarian side Gyori ETO. The winger, 24, has signed a three-year deal.

Charlton Athletic chairman Richard Murray has taken full control of the League One side after a share buy-out.

Rushden and Diamonds have had a winding-up order dismissed by the High Court after they proved they had paid their tax bill.

Ipswich have signed Cardiff defender Mark Kennedy for a fee reported to be £75,000.

Wednesday 28 July

Sol Campbell has chosen to join Newcastle on a free transfer instead of remaining with Arsenal. The former England central defender had rejoined the Gunners midway through last season, but was persuaded to move to St James Park by manager Chris Hughton, his former coach at Tottenham. Hughton said: “Sol will bring us a huge amount of experience and leadership.”

Javier Mascherano has told Liverpool that he wants to leave. The Argentina captain was persuaded to stay for one more season last summer,but has told new manager Roy Hodgson of his desire to go. “He wants to leave the club and made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year ago," said Hodgson. Barcelona and Inter Milan, led by former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, are both keen to sign him.

But there was better news for Hodgson when he revealed that he expects Spanish striker Fernando Torres to stay. Torres has been linked with someof Europe’s top clubs, but Hodgson said he is keen on at least another season at Anfield when he returns from a post-World Cup break on Monday. "He has told us that he is looking forward to getting back to work and looking forward to playing for Liverpool next season,” said Hodgson.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle is delighted after signing Spanish defender Marco Alonso from Real Madrid on a three-year deal. The teenage left-back played a handful of games at the Bernabeu last season and Coyle said: “He is an exciting young player and we have a real talent on our hands. He isn't the finished article but you don't get through at Real Madrid without having a bit about you."

Nottingham Forest have failed in a bid to land Erik Huseklepp from Brann after the Norway striker turned down a move to the City Ground. Forest manager Billy Davies had agreed a £1.5m deal with Brann for the reigning Norwegian Player of the Year, but Huseklepp has indicated a preference to move to the Bundesliga with Stuttgart.

Celtic have signed striker Gary Hooper from Scunthorpe United for £2.4m. Manager Neil Lennon swooped for the 22-year-old, who was playing for non-league Grays Athletic a few seasons ago. Hooper went straight into the squad to play Sporting Braga in the Champions League qualifiers and said: "When I knew Celtic were interested they were the only club I wanted to come to."

West Brom have had a bid of £3m rejected by FC Twente for Ivorian midfielder Cheick Tiote. The 24-year-old started all three games for his country in this summer's World Cup and caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs, but West Brom are the first to bid. That offer was rejected off hand by the Dutch champions, who want over £4m.

Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is set to make Dekel Keinan his first summer signing. The Israeli defender will become a Blackpool player for £1.5m this week once his work permit has been rubber-stamped. Keinan, 25, joins from Maccabi Haifa.

Arsenal had a comfortable 4-0 win on their pre-season tour of Austria but Arsene Wenger was concerned to see Johan Djourou limp off injured. The Swiss centre-back made just one appearance last season after damaging knee ligaments and lasted less than half-an-hour against SC Neusiedl. New signing Marouane Chamakh scored fom the penalty spot, after Theo Walcott and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas put Arsenal 2-0 ahead. Carlos Vela scored the fourth before the Austrian Third Division side missed a penalty.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was delighted to see club skipper Ledley King back in pre-season training. King played only 45 minutes of the World Cup after straining a groin muscle in England’s opening game, but he was back at Spurs Lodge earlier this week with the rest of Tottenham’s World Cup players

Tuesday 27 July

Manchester City are stepping up their attempts to sign 19-year-old Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli but a deal has not yet been agreed.
Balotelli's agent, Mino Raiola said: ""Balotelli hasn't signed anything with Manchester City and I doubt that anything will be agreed in the next few days."

Earlier City manager Robero Mancini told Italian newspaper La Stampa: "I was the first to believe in him and I'm convinced about what he can give. Mario has two qualities that suit us: his talent and his age, because I want people able to build a cycle at Manchester City. That said we return to the problem of valuation that has to be just. I like the player and at certain conditions. That's all. I think that in a couple of days certain situations will be clearer, but I can't guarantee in what way." 

England midfielder James Milner has had “amicable talks” with manager Martin O’Neill to talk about his future at Aston Villa, according to the BBC, and will now be included in their pre-season plans. Milner has been linked with a move to Manchester City.

Blackpool say striker Billy Clarke could now miss the whole season with a knee injury after initially hoping he would miss only three months.

Liverpool manager Roy Hogson is pondering whether to include England’s Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole in his side for a Europa League third qualifying round match against Rabotnicki Skopje in Macedonia on Thursday. Hodgson had planned to rest all his World Cup stars for llonger but injuries have left him with reduced options ahead of the big game.

Real Madrid legend Raul has left the club and hinted he may end up in England. The Spanish international has left the Bernabeu after 18 years and has distanced himself from claims he has already agreed to move to Schalke in Germany. He said: “I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England,"

Coventry City have signed striker Lukas Jutkiewicz, 21, from Everton for an undisclosed fee.

Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest in moving into the London Olympics 2012 Stadium according to the BBC, which reports the club has held informal talks with the Olympic Park Legacy Company but has not yet submitted a bid for the 80,000-seat Stratford stadium.
West Ham is the only club to have officially bid for the venue, while entertainment firm AEG, owner of the O2 Arena, is the other main contender.

A spokeswoman for Tottenham Hotspur, however, insists there has been no formal negotiations, saying: "Tottenham Hotspur has not, to date, submitted a bid for the Olympic Stadium and, all things proceeding well with our current plans to build a new stadium within Tottenham, we see no need to."

Monday 26 July

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is still around six weeks away from fully recovering from his knee injury. Ferdinand missed the World Cup in South Africa and now the England captain is set to miss the start of the season.

Tottenham have defensive worries of their own - Harry Redknapp has confirmed Jonathan Woodgate will miss the start of the season, while Ledley King is also a doubt.

Manchester City are under pressure to sell up to 12 players to adhere to the new rules for this season. Teams must register a list of 25 players eligible to play for the season, and manager Roberto Mancini claims he may have to sell players to trim his bloated squad. He said: “I am disappointed because I have to sell players, it’s important we have a squad of 25.”

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish is confident Fernando Torres will remain at the club. The Spanish striker has yet to commit to Liverpool but Dalglish said: “When Torres sees that Joe Cole has signed and talks with Roy Hodgson I am sure he will give us good news.”

Carlo Ancelotti is adamant Ashley Cole will stay at Chelsea this summer. “Ashley is a Chelsea player and nobody wants to sell him. We want to keep him in our squad. I am 100 per cent sure he will be at Chelsea this season,” he said.

England goalkeeper David James will meet Celtic manager Neil Lennon on Monday to discuss a possible move to Scotland. James is a free agent following his release from Portsmouth and Lennon said: “He will come and look and see if he fancies it - the fact he has made contact with us is encouraging.”

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill admits replacing James Milner will be difficult. Milner is wanted by Manchester City and O’Neill said: "You have to replace him, replace his ability and experience, and do it instantly yet do it with someone of probably less value. That is tough."

Burnley have agreed a fee with Sheffield Wednesday for the transfer of goalkeeper Lee Grant. Burnley have made four bids and their latest one has been accepted, with the 27-year-old now on the verge of joining the Clarets.

Laurent Koscielny is eager to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal but the £10m French defender admits he must be ready for the physical nature of the game. "I like physical challenges and I am a player that can anticipate situations," Koscielny said. "However, being at Arsenal, I know that I will have to work harder on all of those points to reach a higher level."