Mulumbu in Spurs and Toon talks World Soccer Shop

West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu claims to have held discussions with Newcastle and Tottenham regarding a possible summer switch.

Mulumbu: Wants another challenge

The former Congo international appears set to leave The Hawthorns once the transfer window re-opens and says his agent is already in talks with potential suitors.

He is prepared to leave the matter in the hands of his representative, but admits he would be open to the idea of trying his luck elsewhere in 2012/13.

"We have already started talking to teams like Newcastle and Tottenham," Mulumbu told Mercato 365.

"For now, I'm leaving it all in the hands of my agent and I hope to have good surprises on my return from vacation."

Mulumbu joined West Brom in January 2009 on an initial loan deal, with the Baggies making the agreement permanent that summer.

The 25-year-old admits he considered heading for pastures new in 2011, but was persuaded to remain with the Baggies.

He penned a contract that is due to run until 2015, but believes he is now ready to take on a new challenge.

Mulumbu said: "Last year, I thought it would be a little premature to go because it was my first full season.

"But I confirmed my promise this season. I continued to show all my abilities and I think I now have to look for another challenge. That's why I hope to join a club in another class.

"I had a good year, I'm pretty confident and I will leave it now to my agent.

"I'm going to go on holiday and come back stronger because I know that another big season lies ahead."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17740/mulumbu_in_spurs_and_toon_talks

Chelsea close in on signings World Soccer Shop

Chelsea's summer recruitment drive may have gathered pace on Monday amid reports they were closing in on the signings of Eden Hazard and Hulk.

Hazard: Likely to complete Chelsea move

Belgium playmaker Hazard was said to be preparing for a medical ahead of an expected move from Lille, while it was suggested Porto forward Hulk had agreed terms with the European champions on a four-year contract.

Brazil star Hulk, who has been valued at £38million, has certainly seemed to pave the way for a potential transfer by hinting the time could be right for him to leave Portugal.

Asked what the future held for him, the 25-year-old told Lancenet: "I will always continue to work hard and keep my feet on the ground, regardless of whether I stay at Porto.

"I have won many titles in the past four years at Porto, and I think that I have a great relationship with everyone.

"If the time has come to move on, I'll do so with a good feeling. I have enjoyed a great time here.

"I'm sure that they will understand the motives behind my decision if I leave."

Hulk, who is contracted to Porto until 2016, added: "The club and its fans will forever have a place in my heart.

"I can only thank them for all the affection they've shown me."

Hulk would fill the void left in Chelsea's squad by Champions League hero Didier Drogba, while Hazard would take the place of Salomon Kalou, who is out of contract this summer.

It is almost a week since Hazard announced he had decided to join the Blues, who reportedly beat off competition from both Manchester United and Manchester City by offering the 21-year-old a reported £170,000-a-week, five-year contract.

Chelsea also look certain to attempt to sign a new right-back after allowing Jose Bosingwa to leave, with Ajax star Gregory van der Wiel having long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Asked if he would be tempted by an offer from the European champions, the Holland international told Sky Sports News: "Yeah, of course. It would be a beautiful club (to join).

"I watch a lot of football - English football, Spanish football - and they did not have the best season but still won the Champions League and that was a great performance."

Van der Wiel insisted he had yet to hear of a firm offer for his services.

He said: "I didn't hear anything from my manager, so they're just rumours, I think, and we will see in the future what comes."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17739/chelsea_close_in_on_signings

Gago hints at Boca Juniors return

Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago has expressed his desire to return to Boca Juniors in the summer transfer window.

The Argentine international joined Roma on a season-long loan from Real Madrid last summer with an option to buy, but the Giallorossi appear to be unwilling to make the transfer permanent.

A return to Santiago Bernabeu doesn’t look likely either, and the player is now actively searching for a new club.

Asked whether he would prefer to remain at Roma or return to Real Madrid, Gago gave a very interesting answer.

“Roma or Real Madrid? To tell the truth, I’d like to go back to wearing the Boca Juniors shirt alongside Riquelme!,” the midfielder told Fox Sport Radio.

Gago came through the youth ranks at Boca Juniors and went on to play 70 league games for the senior side before moving to Real Madrid in 2007.

The holding midfielder never quite managed to prove his worth at Santiago Bernabeu and could now return to Boca, a team that are on the road to make this season one of the most successful ever.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/gago-hints-at-boca-juniors-return/95568/

Mancini rules out Ibra bid

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has ruled out a move for AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer.

The Italian led his side to a maiden Premier League title this term with a last-gasp victory over QPR on the final day of the season.

And City have since been strongly linked with a move for the Sweden international as they look to retain their crown next term.

However, the 47-year-old boss insists a forward line of Carlos Tevez, Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli is strong enough.

“Ibrahimovic is a champion,” Mancini told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“But I already have four very strong strikers. I just need them to compete in the Champions League. We are okay up front.”

The 30-year-old striker scored 35 goals in 44 appearances for the Milan outfit last term, as they finished second in Serie A and reached the last eight of the Champions League.

He is set to captain Sweden at Euro 2012 this summer, who have been drawn in Group D alongside France, Ukraine and England.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/mancini-rules-out-ibra-bid/95531/

Kuyt attracting Euro interest World Soccer Shop

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt claims there are clubs in England, Germany, Spain and Italy interested in signing him this summer.

Kuyt: Set to leave Liverpool

Kuyt, 31, has a year to run on his Anfield contract, but seems destined to leave after a season in which he found first-team starts limited.

"There are many clubs who are interested," he told NUsport in Holland.

"Not only from England, also from Germany, Spain and Italy."

One club he has ruled out, however, are former side Feyenoord who would not be able to afford his wages.

"I have had several conversations with Feyenoord but we were unable to agree," he added.

"I did not want on my conscience that Feyenoord would have financial problems because of my salary.

"There were too many doubts on both sides. I've thought about it, but it is not the time to return. "

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17449/kuyt_attracting_euro_interest

Cuenca to have knee surgery

Barcelona striker Isaac Cuenca will spend most of the summer break from La Liga recovering from knee surgery.

The 21-year-old missed the Catalans’ 3-0 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao due to the ailment, and will now face a spell on the sidelines as a result of the operation.

“The latest examinations of Isaac Cuenca have confirmed an injury to the external meniscus of his right knee, and therapeutic arthroscopy shall therefore be required,” a statement on the Barcelona website reads.

“The operation will be performed on Thursday by doctors Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna.”

Cuenca came through the ranks of the Barcelona youth academy, and made his official first-team debut in October 2011.

The attacker has been capped at Under-21 level for Spain, and was widely expected to make La Rojita’s squad for the Olympics in London, but could now miss the tournament.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/cuenca-to-have-knee-surgery/95507/

Will Leighton Baines move to Manchester United this summer?

Everton and England full-back Leighton Baines is being linked with a summer move to Manchester United.

The Everton star is currently away on international duty with the England squad and has stated he is focused on his national team for now.

Consistent

Leighton Baines has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League for a few years now.

The ex-Wigan man was a crucial part of Everton’s attacking play last season as he got forward and supported the teams attack.

Baines contributed four goals and numerous assists as Everton finished seventh in the Premier League. His defending has also improved in the last year or so as he has matured.

Second

Leighton Baines is now considered the second best left-back in the Premier League, after England teammate Ashley Cole. Baines is seen as Cole’s successor for the England national team but is just four years younger than the Chelsea man.

He is rather unfortunate to have came along at the same time as Cole, as England have lacked talented left-footed full-backs in the past. Like buses though, none come along for ages and then two come along at once.

Competition

It now seems that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to sign the full-back to provide competition for temporary-captain Patrice Evra. The French full-back didn’t have the best of campaigns last season and Baines is considered the perfect alternative to Evra.

Flattered

Baines told Sky Sports: “The United link is flattering. There is no harm in people talking about it because it is a great club. But I’m at a great club as well, a club that I love.

“The focus now is all on the tournament. There’s not much time to let other things seep in. It’s about getting your head on this job for the next six weeks and trying to do the best you can.”

He continued: “Would it be hard to turn United down? I’m not letting my focus shift to that while I am in camp. I’m focused on what I’m doing at the moment.

“Would it be hard to leave Everton? Yes, obviously. You know what it means. I’ve been there for five years myself but also know first-hand what it means to a lot of people so, yes it would be.”

Money

Although Leighton Baines is one of Everton’s key players the Toffees are in need of finances to strengthen their squad. A fee of £15million has been mooted and that sort of money would be hard to turn down for the hard up Toffee’s.

Everton boss David Moyes is unlikely to be able to bring in any new signings without players leaving the club. The Scot really is in a catch 22 situation, sell one of his best players and bring in some fresh faces or stick with the squad of players he already has.

Loyalty

Baines seems to have a strong loyalty to Everton but as we have seen in the past clubs like Manchester united can turn players heads. Wayne Rooney headed to Old Trafford from Merseyside to win trophies. Baines isn’t likely to win any trophies staying at Everton.

As a Everton fan I really wouldn’t want Baines to leave the club but as this story gathers momentum it really does look like Leighton Baines exit is inevitable.

Will Leighton Baines move to Manchester United this summer?

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/will-leighton-baines-move-to-manchester-united-this-summer/95502/

Benzema backs fired-up France World Soccer Shop

Karim Benzema says France have a "big desire" to succeed at Euro 2012 this summer and feels Jeremy Menez and Hatem Ben Arfa could be key.

Benzema: Says France have a 'big desire' to succeed at Euro 2012

The Real Madrid frontman started for France as they came from two goals down to beat Iceland 3-2 in a friendly on Sunday night and is expected to lead the line in Poland and Ukraine.

Les Bleus will play two more friendlies, against Serbia and Estonia, before their Euro Group D campaign kicks off against England on June 11.

Benzema insists he is not looking for individual glory at the tournament but feels the current generation of France players could do well if they come together as a team.

"At the Euros, I won't think about trying to be heroic or trying to do the whole job alone. I need all my team-mates to be good on the pitch," Benzema told L'Equipe.

"We all have a big desire, we talked about it and we will talk again. We have a good generation, it is up to us to play."

He added: "Jeremy Menez has had an amazing season, I had a lot of fun watching him playing at PSG. He will be the icing on the cake at the Euros.

"Hatem Ben Arfa is one of the very best in his position. I hope he will keep the same form. I know with him we can play together on the pitch with our eyes closed."

After struggling to settle at Real following his move from Lyon in 2009, Benzema feels he is finally finding his top form and largely credits coach Jose Mourinho for his development.

He added: "Before I left for Real in 2009, I was a hopeful, I was young, I was a little shy.

"Nowadays, I have matured. I am 24 years old, I feel more at ease and calm in front of the media. Physically I have also become more powerful.

"At Madrid I have learnt to cope better in matches of very high pressure, like El Classicos or big Champions League clashes.

"To me the biggest difference between Lyon and Real is the amount of effort you have to put in to make a name for yourself. At Madrid, I am making double the effort than I did in Lyon. I am working like mad."

Mourinho has been critical of Benzema in the past, questioning his attitude and commitment, and the 24-year-old is grateful to the coach for keeping faith in him.

"Since our very first meeting, I saw he will always back me," he said. "I felt he was fond of me, despite what he said later.

"He has never let me go. Even when he didn't play me, or trained me very hard, or when he slammed me in press conferences.

"Mourinho angered me to toughen me up. Finally that work has paid off."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17298/benzema_backs_fired_up_france

Successful knee op for Wilshere World Soccer Shop

Arsenal have announced that Jack Wilshere has undergone successful surgery on his injured knee and is target for a summer return to action.

Wilshere: On target for July return following surgery

The 20-year-old travelled to Sweden for what was described by the Gunners as "a minor procedure" as he continues his fight to be fit for pre-season.

Wilshere missed the whole of the campaign with ankle problems but insisted earlier this month his target is to join his team-mates for training in July.

A statement on the club's official website said the midfielder's latest operation "is not expected to significantly affect his return date in the summer."

And Wilshere wrote on his Twitter page: "Surgery went well... up and about already," posting a picture of himself on crutches.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16943/successful_knee_op_for_wilshere

Toffees 'sweet on Richardson' World Soccer Shop

Everton have enquired with Sunderland about the possibility of signing Kieran Richardson this summer, according to reports on Tuesday.

Richardson: Attracting interest from Everton

The 27-year-old had been a loan target for Arsenal in January but Arsene Wenger's attempt to lure the versatile midfielder was blocked.

West Ham are also set to enter the race for Richardson but it is Toffees chief David Moyes who has made the first contact about the midfielder who has 12 months to run on his contract.

Moyes is a long-time admirer of the England international and believes his ability to play in a number of positions will make him a valuable addition to the first-team squad.

Richardson is keen to embark on a new challenge and would welcome the chance to play for a club that regularly challenges for the European football places.

The former Manchester United starlet, who has eight caps for England, has not given up hope of playing for his country again having memorably scored a brace on his debut against the United States in 2005.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16926/toffees__sweet_on_richardson

Laursen rules out Villa job World Soccer Shop

Martin Laursen has ruled out returning as Aston Villa boss this summer but admits it would be "a dream" for him to take charge in the future.

Laursen: Too soon for Villa job

Former Denmark international Laursen was forced to quit Villa and retire three years ago because of a knee problem.

There has been speculation linking Laursen with a return to Villa but he is currently taking his coaching badges while part of the staff at Danish side Sollerod-Vedbaek.

Laursen said: "That (the speculation) is flattering but it (Villa) is too soon for me, I'm afraid.

"I'm taking my coaching badges in Denmark and coaching at Sollerod to get some experience.

"It is going well but to manage Villa is too early. In the future, that would be a dream for me.

"Fans know how much I love Villa, a great club."

Villa are continuing their hunt for a new manager after holding informal talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and Norwich's Paul Lambert remain amongst potential candidates although Press Association Sport understands Villa have yet to approach either club.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16906/laursen_rules_out_villa_job