SPAIN TO CHANGE TV RIGHTS SYSTEM

Spain's government plans to push for a new law that will give the Spanish football league control over the collective sale of television rights in a move to improve club finances, collect outstanding taxes, and increase competitiveness.

Miguel Cardenal, president of Spain's Sports Council, said on Thursday that he wants to present the new law by the end of this year to give the league more power over the individual clubs.
Currently, powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid earn several times more than the rest of Spain's clubs from TV rights which they sell individually.

Barcelona and Madrid rake in a reported 140 million euros ($182 million) each from television revenues, while the next-highest earner, Atletico Madrid, makes 47 million euros ($61 million) and minnow Rayo Vallecano just 14 million euros ($18.2 million).
The two top earners have divvied up the last nine league titles between them.
Spain's football clubs have reduced their tax debts by 80 million euros ($140 million) but still owe the tax office around 670 million euros ($874 million). Cardenal said that having the league control TV revenues would increase transparency and improve the state's ability to collect on its tax bills.
''The centralization (of TV rights) would let the public administrations be the first to get paid,'' he said. ''Thirty-five percent of revenues from TV rights won't be passed on to the clubs that can't show they are up to date on their payments.''
Cardenal also said the government's new plan for sustainability has set a target of reducing the debt of Spain's football leagues from 4 billion euros ($5.2 billion) to 3 million euros ($3.9 million) by 2016.
In order to achieve this goal, Cardenal said the government's plan called for clubs to slash their collective budget for the season from 750 million euros ($975 million) to 650 million euros ($845 million).
However, Cardenal acknowledged that the push to balance club finances would lead to more top players being sold to foreign leagues and to the widening of the competition gap between Barcelona and Madrid and all the rest.
''Real Madrid and Barcelona have a level of debt that is acceptable given their capacity to earn revenues,'' he said. ''(The plan calls for) a reduction of 12-13 percent affecting most of the other teams, and some of them will say they have to sell players.''
Cardenal argued the talent drain to leagues like the Premier League, which is home to a growing number of Spanish internationals such as Fernando Torres, David Silva and Juan Mata, is the new status quo.
''We have become an exporting country,'' Cardenal said. ''It's a historic change and Spanish football has to recognize it.''

CASILLAS: SPAIN WERE LUCKY

Iker Casillas has hailed the current group of Spain players but conceded they were lucky in their penalty shoot-out win over Italy in the Confederations Cup semi-final.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper made some fine saves to help his team take the Azzurri all the way to penalties and secure a spot in the final against Brazil.

Following Leonardo Bonucci's miss for Italy in spotkicks, Jesus Navas scored to secure a 7-6 win for Spain and the Real Madrid man admits they rode their luck at times but the fans were witnessing a very special era in Spanish football.

"This generation is unforgettable. Lucky for the Spanish to have seen another win and we're in the final," Casillas said to Tele-5.

"The truth is it was very difficult to win. Italy had made an excellent approach. We tested Buffon as well but they placed us in trouble.

"The thing about the shoot-out is it is a lottery and we have been lucky enough to win. My team-mates have had full success on the penalties and they [Italy] missed one."

Casillas told reporters after the game that it could have easily been Cesare Prandelli's men who were to take on the Selecao.

"Again, we have to admit Italy played a great game. They could be up here talking about an Italy-Brazil in the final if not for a few bounces of the ball," he said.

"We have to recover, physically speaking. We're used to playing games on Wednesday and then on Sunday so we have no excuses not to be match fit.

"Italy had a very good style of play that we didn't expect, defensively they left a few gaps and we had chances to score. Navas was close in the second half of extra time. I'm sure that Brazil, however, will not have that particular style of play against us."

Having been pushed all the way through extra time Casillas admitted his side are fatigued and will need time to recover for Sunday's final in Rio de Janeiro against the hosts.

"We are very tired. We need to rest. We will have to face Brazil in the Maracana. We will try to play a good game."

PRANDELLI: ITALY CAN COMPETE WITH THE BEST

Cesare Prandelli says Italy are able to compete with the best following their 7-6 penalties defeat to Spain in the Confederations Cup semi-final.

The Azzurri pegged back Vicente del Bosque's men for long periods and could have broke the deadlock in a game which remained goalless after extra time.

Leonardo Bonucci's skied spot kick allowed Jesus Navas to send Spain through in a pulsating shootout to meet Brazil in the final, but Prandelli feels they can take plenty positives from the game.

"We earned respect. The respect of our opponents and the awareness that we're able to compete with the best," he told reporters.

"Spain are a great team, they have continuity and we wish to have that continuity.

"We played the ball a lot, short passes on the floor and displayed great generosity. When you get to the penalty kicks though, anything than happen."

Italy were stubborn preventing la Roja from having a single shot on target in the opening 45 minutes but Prandelli conceded that it was tough to continue in the same high-intensity vein throughout the entire game.

"We played a great first half and then of course we couldn't keep up the same intensity," he continued.

"We tried to play the ball low, but they were very good in defence and exploited some chances on the counter-attack. We used [Emanuele] Giaccherini a lot, especially in the first half and I have to congratulate my team.

"As I said before, we wanted to play the way we did. We wanted to deal with Spain on a technical level as well, we started out this way and I want to continue this because we have the right qualities to play this way."

Despite their heroic efforts against the world's best, Prandelli was not in the mood to talk about the upcoming 2014 World Cup.

"At this moment I don't have the right frame of mind to answer questions about the World Cup. Clearly, we have to qualify. We have not qualified yet," he added.

"Then, we have to try and do so in better physical condition. There will be time to talk about these problems and propose suggestions in terms of calendar changes."

NAPOLI PRESIDENT: I WON'T SPEAK TO CAVANI

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says that he doesn't need to speak to striker Edinson Cavani about a move away from the club.
Cavani reportedly said that he wanted to meet with officials from Napoli to discuss his future after Uruguay's 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the Confederations Cup.

But Laurentiis has said that at the moment, there's no need to talk.

Speaking to the press before the Italian league meeting, Laurentiis said: "There is no need to have a face to face with Cavani.
"If a club offers 63million Euros then we would allow him to leave. The release clause will have been activated.
"It's not fair that Cavani has distractions while he is playing in an important tournament like the Confederations Cup.
"Should we receive an offer, then fine. If this offer doesn't arrive the Cavani will stay in Italy with us."
Laurentiis did confirm though that the only side he had discussed Cavani with was Manchester City.
He added: "The only meeting I've had has been with Manchester City, but the offer was inadequate."

SUNDERLAND LINKED WITH PERUZZI

Argentine starlet Gino Peruzzi says he is only concentrating on Velez Sarsfield, amid speculation he is set for a move to Sunderland.

Peruzzi is due to feature for Velez against Newell's Old Boys in the Argentine league final at the weekend, and he insists he is concentrating on that.

However, the 21-year-old international - who has four caps for Argentina - is reportedly the subject of a bid from Wearside.
Peruzzi - the cousin of former Italian international Angelo, came to the fore in the 2012 Copa Libertadores when he brilliantly marked Neymar out of their semi-final clash with Santos.
The player himself is reported to have confirmed the offer from Sunderland but said: "My mind is set on Newell's, and then we will see."
Velez's general manager is, somewhat ironically, former Newcastle midfielder Christian Bassedas, who admitted Peruzzi was set to leave.
"He is the one that is closer to leaving the club," he told Ole.
Due to his Italian family, Peruzzi would be able to get a European passport, meaning he would not require a work-permit to play in the Premier League.

RATCLIFFE: BAINES BIGGER LOSS THAN FELLAINI

Everton legend Kevin Ratcliffe believes Leighton Baines will be a bigger loss than Marouane Fellaini, should the left-back move to Manchester United.

Former manager David Moyes is reportedly interested in taking the left-back to Old Trafford, who scored seven times and assisted a further six last season.

"Marouane Fellaini could also leave but Baines is the main concern," Ratcliffe told talkSPORT. "If he wasn’t scoring he was creating goals, I think he created more than any other left-back in the Premier League last year, certainly more than Ashley Cole.

"His free kicks and set pieces in and around the box are quality, and he’s improved massively as a defender as well.

"He’s a proven international now, he’s battling it out with Cole for the number one left-back spot for England, so he’ll be a big miss.

United are reported to have failed with a €14m bid for Baines, with the club insisting the England international is not for sale, but Ratcliffe believes €18 million will see Moyes reunited with the left-back.

"I would have thought the club would be looking for around the £15m mark if he was to leave," Ratcliffe continued. "I think if the right offer comes in Everton will take it and I think an improved bid of around €18m might sway things Manchester United’s way.

"If Everton get the right money it may be right for both parties to part company, especially because of his age. It's unlikely they'll get this much money for him two or three years down the line. But that’s only if the player wants to go."

PALACE AGREE FEE FOR DWIGHT GAYLE

According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace have agreed a fee for Peterborough striker Dwight Gayle.

The 22-year-old only joined Peterborough in November last season and has caught Palace's attention with 13 goals, including an impressive hat-trick against Blackburn.

Gayle has made a rapid rise through the divisions, enjoying a brief prolific spell at Dagenham and Redbridge, and he now appears set to ply his trade in the Premier League with newly promoted Palace.
Peterborough director of football Barry Fry had confirmed earlier in the day that Palace were one of the clubs who were targeting the highly-rated youngster.
He told the South London Press: "We don't want him to go. He is on a four-year contract but so many clubs are in for him that it is very difficult for us to stop a player from League One moving to the Premier League.
"It has got to be a good offer - then we'd reluctantly let him go to the Premier League.
"He has got four years left but we are honourable people. We keep our best players as long as we can but if we get a good offer then we will listen to it.
"We've done that with all our players. The difference here is that Dwight is on a much longer contract.
"He is the best player I've had - by 100 miles. Just look at his goals - right foot, left foot and head."
Peterborough were condemned to relegation back to League One after a dramatic 3-2 defeat by the Eagles on the last day of the season.

CARDIFF AGREE FEE FOR DENMARK INTERNATIONAL

Cardiff City have agreed a fee with FC Copenhagen for Denmark international striker Andreas Cornelius.

KONE KEEN ON EVERTON MOVE

According to Sky Sports, Arouna Kone is only interested in a move to Everton to team up again with his former manager Roberto Martinez.

we understand Everton have made an enquiry for the striker, who has a clause in his contract at Wigan that allows him to leave for £6million.
Norwich and Swansea are also interested in Kone, who joined Wigan last summer from Spanish side Levante.
Kone, who scored 11 Premier League goals in his debut campaign in England, has already confirmed his desire to leave Wigan following their relegation from the top-flight.

SWANSEA SIGN JORDI AMAT

Swansea City have completed the signing of central defender Jordi Amat from Espanyol for a fee of £2.5m, subject to a medical.

Amat put the finishing touches to a four-year contract with the Premier League club after arriving at the Liberty Stadium on Thursday.

The 21-year-old, who has been on Swans manager Michael Laudrup's radar for some time, has been with Espanyol since the age of seven and made his first-team debut at the age of 17.
He featured 26 times in La Liga in his first full season as Espanyol finished eighth, but made a loan switch last term to Rayo Vallecano, for whom he made 27 appearances.
Amat has played for Spain at every age group from Under-16s to Under-21s and was part of the squad that finished third at the U17 World Cup in 2009.
He is the second summer arrival at Swansea following the signing of midfielder Jose Canas from Real Betis.
Another Spaniard in the shape of Real Betis midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo is expected to follow in the next 48 hours.

LEYTON ORIENT DENY LINK TO NAPOLI OWNER

Barry Hearn says he knows nothing about speculation that the owners of Napoli could buy Leyton Orient.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has already revealed that he wants to follow the same path of Udinese owners the Pozzo family by owning clubs in England and Spain.

The Pozzos own Watford and Granada together with their Serie A side, and De Laurentiis wants to do the same, and reports this week suggested that Orient was the club he had decided to go for.
But Hearn says he has not had any contact with the Napoli owner.
"I haven't had contact about any of this. I've read it on my Twitter account what's happening with Napoli, but unless someone's not telling the chairman then I've no knowledge of anything at all," Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn told Omnisport.
"It's confusing to read because if there's any business out there we'd always like to talk to people who have got an interest in seeing the club go forward, but I've had no contact at all.
"I don't know what the proposition is. The Twitter account said they want some sort of relationship but we don't know if they're buying but if there's a way of getting players and improving the team then of course I'd sit down and talk to anyone about that. But it sounds like paper talk.
"I don't necessarily welcome the investment but I welcome anything that is to the benefit of my football club."

VITESSE DENY BONY REPORTS

The Dutch club have denied reports that last season's top goalscorer in Eredivisie is on his way to Swansea.

Various media have reported that Wilfried Bony is to transfer to Premier League club Swansea City. This message is incorrect.
There is admittedly much interest in the striker, the top scorer in the Eredivisie last season, and Swansea City are one of the interested clubs. However, a transfer is not the case.

– Statement on the Vitesse club website

WILFRIED BONY KEEN ON SWANSEA

Wilfried Bony has revealed that he is keen on sealing a move to Swansea City.

The Ivorian international has been linked with a host of clubs from across Euroipe and a number in England.
But it is the Swans who have emerged as front-runners to capture the 24-year-old, and Bony is more than open to the idea.

"The clubs are now talking to each other, Swansea has made Vitesse a bid and I hope it's good," Bony told Voetbal International.
"Swansea is a wonderful club. It's my chance to play in the Premier League and they also play attractive football.
"I understood from my agent that Swansea want to pay €12million for me and that is what Vitesse want to receive, so I hope there is some good news soon."
Vitesse have issued a statement, saying that no agreement is in place with any club - including Swansea.

PHILLIPS COULD LEAVE PALACE

Kevin Phillips could leave Crystal Palace little more than a month after firing the Eagles back into the Premier League after admitting to being tempted by an offer to move away from Selhurst Park

My agent has been speaking to Palace and the chairman (Steve Parish) - there have been a few figures bandied around but we're a bit apart on them.
I do have offers elsewhere and if I'm being honest, there is one real offer which I'm very, very tempted by.
But there is certainly an offer there for me that is very tempting. It's at a good level that certainly interests me.
There are certainly different offers out there on the pitch and even off it for me, and at my age I'm delighted at these people expressing their interest.

– Kevin Phillips speaking to the Croydon Advertiser

EVERTON REJECT MANCHESTER UNITED'S BID FOR BAINES

Everton have rejected an official bid from Manchester United for left-back Leighton Baines.

Baines has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since the end of last season and David Moyes' switch from Goodison Park to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.

But Everton are determined to hold on to the England international as new manager Roberto Martinez shapes his squad for next season.
Martinez hinted two weeks ago he is keen to reward Baines, who has two years left to run on his current deal, with a new contract and the player himself said this week he is looking forward to working under the former Wigan boss.
"He has a different style to what we have been used to but I think it is progressive and it will move us forward," said the 28-year-old.
"It is also exciting for the players to be able to try that now."

MATA BACKS CONFIDENT TORRES

Mata had this to say about Torres to Marca;

Torres is now much more confident and is physically very good like he has been all season. He's scored four goals in a match, to continue his return to scoring. I am very happy for him. Our forwards have always scored goals, and they have been doing it very well in this tournament.
Many people were very hard on Torres during certain periods of his time with Chelsea. The season was very complicated and I think it went very well. He scored many goals, important goals in finals.

– Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata speaking to Marca

PSV AGREE DEAL FOR CHELSEA'S YOUNGSTER

PSV Eindhoven have agreed deals to bring Chelsea defender Jeffrey Bruma and RKC Waalwijk forward Florian Jozefzoon to the Philips Stadion.
Bruma, 21, will sign a four-year deal with PSV after completing a medical while Jozefzoon, 22, will pen a three-year contract with an option for a further 12 months.

PSV have not disclosed the fee for either player.
Holland international Bruma joined Chelsea from Feyenoord in 2007 but has made just four first-team appearances, instead spending loan spells at Leicester and Hamburg.
Jozefzoon is a product of the Ajax youth system and represented Holland at the recent European Under-21 Championship in Israel.
PSV technical director Marcel Brands is excited at the prospect of working with the pair.
He told the club's official website, psv.nl: "They are talented footballers with the necessary experience.
"Jeffrey is 21 years old and Florian 22. They are footballers that PSV can have fun with.
"They fit the philosophy that PSV likes - to have the best Dutch talent in their ranks."

MONTPELLIER ACCEPT BIDS FOR ARSENAL TARGET

Montpellier will not stand in the way of Younes Belhanda leaving the club after they received "two concrete offers".

The news was confirmed by club president Laurent Nicollin, who did not reveal the identities of the clubs who have shown an interest.
A post on the club's official Twitter account read: "Laurent Nicollin: 'we have 2 concrete offers for Y. Belhanda with whom we are in agreement, it is up to the player to choose'."

BUFFON: WE ARE NOT INFERIOR TO SPAIN

Gianluigi Buffon believes Italy are capable of upsetting Spain in their Confederations Cup semi-final match.

The Azzurri suffered a 4-0 thrashing in the final of Euro 2012 last summer, and although la Roja remain favourites to join Brazil in the final on Sunday, Buffon insists the gap in quality between the sides is not as great as some believe.

“I hope to be able to obtain an unexpected result tonight that I can share with my teammates. We want to make a good showing against one of the best teams in the world,” the Italy captain told reporters.

“We want to show that the difference in quality between us is not as big as Spain showed in the final a year ago. We are not inferior.”

While the 35-year-old is confident his team has the talent to compete, he has plenty of respect for what Spain have accomplished in the last five years.

“Since winning the 2008 European Championship, Spain experienced a succession of incredible successes," he continued.

“Even if they did not win that day, they would have won it in 2010 at the World Cup and the European Championship in 2012 because the belief is important in their squad, but so is the quality of the players.”

Italy have looked shaky in defence thus far in the tournament, conceding four goals in their last outing against Brazil, and Buffon admits he is hoping for improvement in the semi-final.

“I've never been one to hide behind a finger," he added. "Without a doubt I could do better against Brazil, even though I still did good things. Being the goalkeeper, however, I know that puts the emphasis only on my mistakes and my lack of attention.”

CAVANI INSISTS ON HOLDING TALKS WITH NAPOLI

Edinson Cavani wants to hold discussions with Napoli as soon as possible to establish whether he will be leaving the club.
The Uruguay international has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid this summer and has hinted he would be interested in a move.

A £54million buyout clause has put off buyers from making a move for Cavani, who along with his country was knocked out of the Confederations Cup by Brazil on Wednesday.
But he could still leave Napoli and he is eager to speak to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis in the near future to reach a conclusion to all the speculation.
"I love Naples. It's my town and my heart is there. But when I was here in Brazil I've heard untrue rumours and things about me," Cavani told the media in South America.
"For this reason, now I want to talk as soon as possible with president De Laurentiis.
"We must clear ourselves. I'll talk with him, as it's done between men, really soon."

SCHALKE SIGN SZALAI

Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has announced that the Gelsenkirchen side have secured the services of Adam Szalai from Mainz subject to a medical. 

The Champions League hopefuls were keen to add some more depth to their squad and they see the 25-year-old as the ideal signing to strengthen their attack. 

The Hungary international will sign a four-year deal with Schalke upon completion of his medical tests after they triggered his €8 million release clause.

"He is currently undergoing his medical. We have an agreement with Mainz and are currently taking care of the paperwork," Heldt told reporters.

"Adam has a great mentality, always works hard and is eager to improve.

"We failed adequately replace Klaas-Jan Huntelaar adequately during his absence last term. We can make the next step forward with Szalai. It's crucial that there's competition for places."

Szalai joined Mainz from Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 from Stuttgart and had since developed into a key player for Thomas Tuchel's side.

GERRARD EXCITED BY NEW LIVERPOOL ARRIVALS

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is excited about the quality and timing of the club's new signings.

The Reds have announced four new aquisitions already this summer, with Kolo Toure, Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas and Simon Mignolet all agreeing to move to Anfield.

Gerrard feels that the fans should be pleased with the early business and hopes that they can push them to secure Champions League football next season.

He told the club's official televsion channel: "Especially with the news of us making a few signings, I'm really looking forward to getting started.

"It's always important to get faces in as soon as possible; they can get a full pre-season under their belt, get to know the lads and how the manager wants to play.

"There are some exciting names in there so everyone is excited."

The skipper admits that he does not know much about the new Spanish pair but has faith in the club's scouting system.

"I know very little about them but I have got a lot belief and confidence in Brendan [Rodgers] and the scouting department that they are going to make the right decisions and I have seen bits and bobs of new signings we have made," he remarked.

"I am really looking forward to getting back to work next week and seeing what the new players have got to offer and see if they can help strengthen our squad to put in a better fight for a top-four finish."

EX MAN UTD COACH SET TO BE HIDDINK'S ASSISTANT

Rene Meulensteen is set to become Guus Hiddink's assistant at Anzhi Makhachkala after leaving his post at Manchester United on Wednesday.
Meulensteen's departure from the Premier League champions had been expected following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement at the end of last season.

The Dutchman has become the third senior member of staff to leave Carrington following the exits of assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele in May, and he is now excited for a new challenge in Russia.
"I'm looking forward to it and am glad that things with Manchester United have been completed," he told Algemeen Dagblad.
Meulensteen had been in charge of first-team training as Sir Alex delegated more and more of his daily routine towards the end of his Old Trafford tenure.
But while reports claim the 49-year-old was offered a more senior role at United next season, he has suggested that incoming manager David Moyes' hands-on approach would lessen his own importance.
"My responsibilities at the club had grown in recent years," he continued. "Moyes is a coach who is still on the training field."

PEREZ: RONALDO IS HAPPY AT MADRID

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has again stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo has no intention of ever leaving for another club amid reports in Spain suggest the player is seriously considering finishing his career at Manchester United.
It was reported this week that should Ronaldo see out the final two years of his contract at Madrid, United would offer him a €50 million signing on bonus plus the expected huge salary to return to Old Trafford in summer 2015. The player and his agent Jorge Mendes were set to meet with United representatives soon to discuss this possibility, Spanish paper El Pais claimed.

The Blancos chief is rumoured to have a rocky personal relationship with Ronaldo since the player reportedly asked for a move last August and subsequently expressed his ‘unhappiness’ at the club. But he told Spanish national radio that there were no issues at all, and the player remained keen on cementing his status as one of Madrid’s best ever players.
"He has two years of contract left," Perez said. "He is happier every day here. He has no wish to leave Real Madrid and wants to end his career here. He wants to go into history as someone very important at Real Madrid."
Ronaldo currently earns around €10.5 million a year at Madrid, with he and the club share his lucrative image rights. Talks on extending this appear deadlocked, with El Pais claiming Perez has made an offer of €14 million a year up until June 2018, but the player and his agent feeling an annual figure of at least €20 million [net] would be more appropriate.
The story also said that Ronaldo had some qualms about playing under David Moyes at United, and that he did enjoy his life in Spain and now improved relationship with Madrid's fans.
Ronaldo’s future also came up during Carlo Ancelotti’s presentation as Madrid’s new coach on Wednesday at the Bernabeu, when reporters asked the Italian whether he was looking forward to working with his new superstar.
"It will be an honour for me to coach Ronaldo," Ancelotti said. "As it was coaching players like [Zinedine] Zidane, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho in the past."
Ronaldo has mostly kept his own counsel on his future plans, but did tweet recently that "All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are [sic] false," a statement which was taken as a rebuttal of Perez’ repeated claims that he would soon sign a new contract at Madrid.

TEVEZ: I'M PROUD TO TAKE DEL PIERO'S NUMBER

Carlos Tevez spoke of his pride after being handed the iconic number 10 shirt upon signing a three-year contract with Juventus.
The Argentinian completed a move to the Serie A champions last night following four seasons with Manchester City, and even before completing his medical in Turin he was pictured on the balcony of Juve's headquarters holding a number 10 jersey aloft.

The shirt - made famous by Michel Platini, Liam Brady and Roberto Baggio - has been unclaimed since veteran striker and former Bianconeri captain Alessandro Del Piero left Turin for Sydney FC last summer.
Tevez's transfer fee has not been disclosed but it is reported Juve have paid City an initial £10million, rising to £12million with add-ons.
The 29-year-old told juventus.com: "I'm absolutely aware of the great effort Juventus Football Club has made to bring me here.
"I feel the responsibility of wearing this number and I am aware of the great responsibility of representing Juventus and playing for the club so this number is certainly a great challenge.
"Top players have worn it before and I was number 10 with Boca (Juniors) before, and (Diego) Maradona played in it too, so the great responsibility is now that I'm going to play in this great club so certainly the greatest challenge is to do my best.
"Obviously I didn't want to forget Del Piero who was the last player to wear number 10. He is a person and player that I greatly respect and who certainly represents an emblem and symbol of esteem.
"It is a great pleasure and honour to wear this jersey with his number."
Tevez has taken a brief break from his summer holiday in Argentina to join Juve and upon his arrival at Milan's Malpensa airport yesterday afternoon he was mobbed by around 200 Bianconeri fans.
He is expected to return to South America after today's unveiling to complete his holiday before joining new coach Antonio Conte and his team-mates for pre-season training on July 12.
"I feel the Italian supporters are really similar to the Argentinian ones because they really get involved with the club," he added.
"So I was not really surprised by the great welcome I received yesterday and I know that the Juventus supporters have showed great love and affection from the very beginning."

MATA: ITALY ARE VERY WEAK WITHOUT BALOTELLI

Juan Mata believes that the absence of Mario Balotelli could play into Spain's hands in Thursday's Confederations Cup semi-final against Italy.

The AC Milan striker left the Azzurri camp earlier this week due to a strained thigh muscle and the 25-year-old thinks Italy will be a weaker team without their star attacker.

"Balotelli is a fundamental player for Italy," he was quoted as saying by Marca.

"We have seen plenty of videos of them and they rely heavily on Balotelli. His absence will be a blow, but they are still a competitive team."

The Chelsea star then went on to stress that Spain must remain cautious against Italy, but insisted that they will try and play their own game.

"Our style of play will remain attacking. We want to have a lot of possession to create chances and cause them trouble.

"It's true that this could prove to be problematic against Italy, though. They will be playing with a lot men behind the ball, but we will do our utmost to beat them."

TOTTENHAM TO HOLD TALKS WITH DAVID VILLA

Spurs will hold talks with David Villa this week ahead of a proposed transfer from Barcelona.

Andre Villas-Boas has prioritised signing the Spaniard, who scored a hat-trick for Spain in the Confederations Cup last week, after being left short of attacking options for much of last season.

KOLAROV WANTS OUT

Kolarov spoke to the Manchester evening news. saying;

I’m in contact with my agent, and soon we will understand what may happen.
I am happy at City but want to play regularly as I said to Roberto Mancini.”
Money is not everything in life and I have no problem in revising my salary. Simply, I want a place in the starting line-up.

– Manchester City defender Aleks Kolarov speaking to the Manchester Evening news

CADIFF SET TO SIGN ANDREAS CORNELIUS

Cardiff have agreed an undisclosed fee with FC Copenhagen for striker Andreas Cornelius.

Cornelius, who would be the promoted side's first signing for the summer, impressed in his first full season in the Danish Superliga, scoring 18 goals in 32 appearances and breaking into the national side.

The 20-year-old will complete the move to south Wales once he has passed his medical.
A statement on the Cardiff website said: "Cardiff City Football Club have today reached an agreement with F.C. Copenhagen for the services of Andreas Cornelius, the 20-year-old striker is set to join the club for an undisclosed fee on completion of his medical."

CASH STRAPPED BIRMINGHAM MUST PAY ZIGIC

According to ESPN, Cash-strapped Birmingham City, who are having to sell their prized assets, will be forced to pay striker Nikola Zigic almost £4 million next year.

Zigic, 26, has a back-loaded contract with the Championship club that contains an automatic pay rise every season. The source said his wages would go up to £75,000 a week for the final year of his deal.
Birmingham have accepted that they cannot sell Zigic, a £6 million signing from Valencia in 2010, because no one else would be willing to pay his salary. The Serbia international has always insisted he is happy to stay in the Midlands.

But the 2011 League Cup winners, who were relegated from the Premier League that season, have been forced to let some of their key players go for less than the amount remaining on Zigic's contract in order to raise funds.
Defender Curtis Davies was sold to Hull for £2.25 million this week, and Blues have accepted offers of £3 million for England Under-21 winger Nathan Redmond - once tipped to be a £10 million player - from both Swansea and Norwich.
England goalkeeper Jack Butland was sold to Stoke in January for £3.3 million and then loaned back to Birmingham for the remainder of last season.
Birmingham, whose owner Carson Yeung is on trial in Hong Kong on charges of money-laundering, do not have a transfer budget to bring in replacements.
Zigic scored in the 2011 League Cup final win over Arsenal, but has contributed a total of just 29 goals in 113 games.
Birmingham had hoped to sell him to Villarreal in January, and in February manager Lee Clark criticised him publicly for producing "possibly the worst training session in terms of a professional footballer I have ever come across".

UPDATED DONE DEALS FOR ALL PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS - 27TH JUNE, 2013

Arsenal
In: None
Out: Andrey Arshavin, Samir Bihmoutine, Reice Charles-Cook, Denilson, Sead Hajrovic, Conor Henderson, Jernade Meade, Nigel Oldfield Spence-Neita, Joshua Rees, Philip Roberts, James Shea, Sebastien Squillaci, Sanchez Watt (All released), Craig Eastmond (Colchester, free)

Aston Villa
In: Aleksandr Tonev (Lech Poznan, undisc), Jores Okobe (FC Nordsjaelland, £4m), Leandro Bacuna (Groningen, undisc), Niklas Helenius (Aalborg, undisc), Antonio Luna (Sevilla, undisc), Jed Steer (Norwich, free)
Out: Calum Barrett, Joshua Barton, Courtney Cameron, Daniel Devine, Richard Dunne, Eric Lichaj, Andy Marshall (All released)

Cardiff
In: None
Out: None

Chelsea
In: Andre Schurrle (Bayer Leverkusen, undisc)
Out: Amin Affane, Yossi Benayoun, Abdul Deen-Conteh, Paulo Ferreira, Hilario, Florent Malouda, Archange Nkumu, Ross Turnbull (All released), Thibault Courtois (Atletico Madrid, loan), George Saville (Brentford, loan)

Crystal Palace
In: None
Out: None

Everton
In: None
Out: Johan Hammar, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Sam Kelly, Jan Mucha (All released), Phil Neville (retired)

Fulham
In: Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma, £4m), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao, free), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, free)
Out: Chris Baird, Simon Davies, Mahamadou Diarra, Thomas Donegan, Corey Gameiro, Georgios Karagkounis, James Musa, Richard Peniket, Mladen Petric, Mark Schwarzer, Alex Smith, Csaba Somogyi (All released)

 

Hull
In: George Boyd (Peterborough, free), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan, free), Curtis Davies (Birmingham, undisc)
Out: Andy Dawson (Scunthorpe, free), Danny East (Portsmouth, free), Sonny Bradley (Portsmouth, free)

Liverpool:
In: Kolo Toure (Manchester City, free) Luis Alberto (Sevilla, £6.8m), Iago Aspas (Celta Vigo, £7.7m), Simon Mignolet (Sunderland, undisc)
Out: Danny Wilson, Tyrell Belford, Jamie Stephens (All released), Jamie Carragher (retired), Andy Carroll (West Ham, £15m)

Manchester City
In: Jesus Navas (Sevilla, £14.19m), Fernandinho (Shakthar Donetsk, £22m)
Out: Wayne Bridge (Reading, free), Filippo Mancini (Released), Ryan McGivern (Hibernian, free), Roque Santa Cruz (Released), Kolo Toure (Liverpool, free), Carlos Tevez (Juventus, £7.6m)

Manchester United
In: Guillermo Varela (Penarol, undisc)
Out: Reece Brown, John Cofie, Michele Fornasier, Luke Giverin, Luke Hendrie, Luke McCullough, Gyliano Van Velzen, Freddie Veseli (All released), Paul Scholes (Retired)

Newcastle
In: None
Out: Steve Harper, Yven Moyo, Danny Simpson (All released)

Norwich City
In: Javi Garrido (Lazio, undisc.), Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Sporting Lisbon, undisc)
Out: Marc Tierney (Bolton, free), Chris Martin (Derby, free), Tom Adeyemi, Lee Camp, Olumide Durojaiye, George Francomb, Simeon Jackson, Ramil Sheriff, Korey Smith, Elliott Ward (All released), Jed Steer (Aston Villa, free)
 
Southampton
In: Dejan Lovren (Lyon, undisc.)
Out: Frazer Richardson, Danny Butterfield, Dan Seabourne, Ryan Dickson, Ben Reeves, Sam Hoskins, Tommy Forecast, Alberto Seidi (All released)

Stoke
In: None
Out: Michael Clarkson, Rory Delap, Matthew Gledhill, Jadan Hall, Matthew Lund, Andrew Musungu, Carlo Nash, Jermaine Pennant, George Rigg, Mamady Sidibe, Matthew Upson, Dean Whitehead (All released), Michael Owen (Retired)

Sunderland
In: Valentin Roberge (Maritimo, free), Cabral (Basel, free), Modibo Diakite (Lazio, free), Duncan Whatmore (Altrincham, undisc.), David Moberg Karlsson (Gothenburg, £1.7m)
Out: Titus Bramble, Anthony Callaghan, Wade Joyce, Matt Kilgallon, Ryan Noble, Adam Reed, Ben Wilson (All released), Simon MIgnolet (Liverpool, undisc)

Swansea
In: Jose Canas
Out: Mark Gower (Charlton, freeP

Tottenham
In: None
Out: Jack Barthram, David Bentley, John Bostock, William Gallas, Jack Munns, Jake Nicholson (All released)

West Brom
In: None
Out: Marc-Antoine Fortune, Zoltan Gera, Gonzalo Jara, Romaine Sawyers, Jerome Thomas (All released)

West Ham
In: Adrian (Real Betis, free), Razvan Rat (Shakthar Donetsk, free), Andy Carroll (Liverpool, £15m)
Out: Carlton Cole, Jake Larkins, Gary O'Neil, Jack Powell, Jami Rafati, Eoin Wearen (All released)