WEST BROM BLAST CHELSEA OVER PLAYER BID

West Brom have confirmed they have turned down a compensation offer from Chelsea for academy product Isaiah Brown.

The 16-year-old midfielder has been tracked by several Premier League clubs since making his first-team debut against Wigan last season, and is now on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Baggies are due at least £209,000 compensation under Elite Player Performance Plan rules but the club’s sporting and technical director Richard Garlick insist they deserve more.

"We are disappointed by Chelsea’s offer," he told the club’s official website.

"We have invested a lot of time and money in Isaiah’s development as a player. As one of our most exciting academy products in recent years, we had hoped to bring him through into our first team.

"But Chelsea have forced our hands and we are more than prepared for the matter to be decided by a tribunal if needs be.

"More importantly, it makes you question why these young players are joining bigger clubs when they are likely to gain more first-team opportunities in the Barclays Premier League at clubs similar to us."

Brown has won three England Under-17s caps and two for the Under-16s, scoring his first goal in a 4-3 friendly defeat to Germany in February.

Two months later he became the second youngest-ever Premier League player when he came on as a late substitute against Wigan, aged 16 years and 117 days.

WIGAN SIGN NORWICH STRIKER

Striker Grant Holt has joined Wigan from Norwich on a three-year deal.
The news that Holt's switch for an undisclosed fee had been completed was announced by the two clubs simultaneously this evening on their respective official websites.
Regarding the capture of the 32-year-old, Wigan boss Owen Coyle told www.wiganlatics.co.uk: "This is a fantastic piece of business for us at a really good price.

"Grant is a proven goal-scorer at every level and he will definitely bring something new to the table that we were missing in the squad."
Holt, who was the Norwich club captain, scored 78 goals in 168 appearances for the Carrow Road outfit in all competitions.
He joined them from Shrewsbury in 2009 and helped them achieve back-to-back promotions in his first two seasons that took them from League One to the Premier League.
He will wear the number nine shirt for Wigan, who were relegated from the top flight last season, and is the seventh signing Coyle has made since he was appointed the club's new manager last month following Roberto Martinez's defection to Everton.
Coyle added: "There is already a great buzz about the place since the new boys have started coming through the door and this is another one that will really lift the place.

"He's been a hero to the fans at every club he's been at and I know the Norwich fans are sad to see him go, he's been one of the icons of their success in recent years. But now it's the Wigan fans' turn to enjoy him and we're all delighted he's coming on board."
Norwich's statement about Holt's move said: "Norwich City would like to thank Grant for his outstanding contribution to the club and wish him the very best in the next stage of his career."
Goalkeeper Scott Carson and striker Marc-Antoine Fortune are among the other new players to have arrived at Wigan this summer.
Confirmation of the Holt deal has come on the same day that frontman Arouna Kone's transfer from the Latics to Everton was announced.
Norwich boss Chris Hughton told www.canaries.co.uk: "Grant was an important part of what we managed to achieve in the Barclays Premier League last season.
"Of course before I came to the club (last summer) I was very aware of the magnificent job he had already done in the three years prior to that as well. When we look back I'm sure we will all agree that to score the amount of goals he has done for the club in that time is a remarkable achievement. Myself and all of the staff certainly wish him all the best for his time at Wigan."
Norwich finished 11th in the Premier League last term, a campaign in which Holt scored eight times.

MARSEILLE AGREE DEAL FOR MENDY

Olympique de Marseille have agreed a deal with Le Havre for the transfer of defender Benjamin Mendy.
France Under-19 international Mendy made 28 appearances in Ligue 2 last term as Le Havre finished sixth, 10 points off the promotion spots.

Premier League side Sunderland had also come to an agreement over the 19-year-old, but he has seemingly opted to remain on home shores and complete a switch to Stade Velodrome.
"Olympique de Marseille and Le Havre AC have reached an agreement for the transfer of the player Benjamin Mendy," Marseille confirmed on their official website.
Elie Baup's side have already sealed the signature of France international winger Dimitri Payet from Lille in a move worth a reported €10 million.

CHELSEA TARGET HANDS IN TRANSFER REQUEST

Aston Villa have confirmed Christian Benteke has handed in a transfer request and the striker will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer is made 'within an appropriate timeframe.'
Benteke was a revelation for Villa last season after his £7million arrival from Genk and he scored 19 goals in the Premier League.
The Belgium international was a key figure in helping Villa to retain their top-flight status and he has subsequently been linked with a summer move.

The likes of Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs who are reported to have shown an interest in the 22-year-old.
Villa have now confirmed that Benteke has asked to leave the club, but have rejected claims the powerful forward refused to travel on the pre-season trip to Germany.

A club statement read: "In response to reports that Christian Benteke has not traveled to Germany with the club and has made a transfer request, we can confirm that both are accurate. For clarity's sake, however, he had already been given extra time off until July 18 and was reminded that there are three years remaining on his contract.
"We consider him to be a Villa player and expect that he will be with us for the 2013-14 season. Having received his transfer request, we have also informed him that should we receive an offer within an appropriate timeframe during pre-season which meets our valuation we would act upon it. But he will remain a Villa player should this not happen."
Villa manager Paul Lambert has expressed his disappointment at Benteke's request, but remains hopeful that the player will stay at the club.
Lambert said: "While we're hugely disappointed that Christian has put in a transfer request, it's important that people appreciate we are trying to build something strong and vibrant here at the club, something this club demands and stands for, and we want Christian to be part of that."

ROBSON: MANCHESTER UNITED DON'T NEED TO ADD A MIDFIELDER

Former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson insists the arrival of a top-class midfielder this summer is not crucial to the Red Devils' hopes of defending their Premier League title.

United are currently in negotiations to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago and have offered him a £6.2 million-per-year contract.


But Robson, who spent the majority of his playing career in that position, believes the balance of the team is more important than focusing on any one individual to pull the strings.

"I know with the Manchester United fans, they are used to having a really dominant central midfield player," he told the club’s official website.

"But I think what the fans have got to look at is: Is the balance of the squad pretty good anyway without having that type of player in? You've got to say 'yes' as we won the title by 11 points.

"Now, of course you always want to improve but you've got to look at the balance of Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Tom Cleverley, Michael Carrick, Ando [Anderson] and the rest.

"They are still very, very good players but you've got to look at the balance and is that right, rather than go out and try to get an individual who you must rely on all the time."

MANCHESTER UNITED'S TARGET OPEN TO PSV EXIT

Kevin Strootman is open to leaving PSV this summer as he looks to boost his chances of a place at next summer's World Cup.

The likes of Manchester United and Roma have long been linked with a move for the midfielder, although no concrete offers have yet been put forward to the Eredivisie runners-up.

Strootman has now revealed there is significant interest in his signature - although not from any of Europe's elite - and confirmed he would consider leaving his current club.

“There are several clubs interested, but only when they reach an agreement with PSV do I come into the picture,” he told Voetbal International.

“This is not to say that any are in the world's top six.

“There is also interest from Russia, but that is not an option for me. I do not make hasty decisions about my future.

“It was very unfortunate that so many players left PSV [this summer]. I did not expect Dries Mertens and Erik Pieters would leave the club.”

After captaining the Netherlands U-21 squad to the semi-finals in this year’s European Championship, Strootman has now set his sights on cementing himself in the plans of senior coach Louis van Gaal ahead of the World Cup next summer.

“The opinion of Louis van Gaal is also very important to me with the World Cup in Brazil next year," he continued.

Strootman, whose contract runs through the 2015-16 season, has spent two seasons with PSV since joining from Utrecht, starting 62 Eredivisie matches for the club.

NEWCASTLE STAR WANTS TO FINISH CAREER IN ARGENTINA

Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has revealed that, while he is happy with life at St James' Park, he plans to finish his playing career in Argentina.

The former Mallorca star joined the Magpies back in 2008 and has gone on to feature in almost 200 games as a first-team regular at the club.

Gutierrez started 34 Premier League games during the 2012-13 campaign as Newcastle ended a disappointing season in 16th place and although he is keen to remain in England's top flight, a return to his native country is part of his future plans.

"I want to return to Argentina," he told Goal. "I've loved being with this club for many years but I also know you have to be at one hundred per cent.


"And, today, the Premier League is very demanding, very physical. When I am 33 or 34, I'll see if I am physically fit to hold my own at that level.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world. I do not think back to what I accomplished in the past, I enjoy every day.

"I'm 30 years old and I begin to see the end because the guys who come in are younger and it makes everything more difficult. So I try to improve and I'll start my sixth season here and enjoy it."

Toon skipper Fabricio Coloccini was the subject of intense transfer speculation during the 2012-13 season having revealed his desire to return to Argentina, but Gutierrez is hoping his fellow countryman will remain at Newcastle.

"Colo is the captain and that's important. He is the voice of the locker room and everyone respects him a lot," he continued.

"He is a great player and a great person. He is essential for our defence, is our captain and the commanding voice. There are many things that he has won over so many years.

"Losing him could have been very difficult, but football changes a lot, you can not know what will happen. Today he is here in Newcastle and hopefully he will be for many years."

ALONSO DISMISSES TRANSFER RUMOURS TO CHELSEA AND LIVERPOOL

Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has refuted rumours linking him with a return to the Premier League.

Former club Liverpool has been mooted as a potential destination for Alonso, while Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who managed the 31-year-old at the Bernabeu for the last three seasons, is thought to be interested in luring the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge.


Mourinho oversaw his first training session since returning for a second spell as Chelsea manager on Tuesday, but Alonso appears unlikely to join him in London.

"The Premier League? No. No way no chance," Alonso is quoted as saying by AS when asked about the prospect of working with Mourinho for a second time.

Specualtion over Alonso's future at Real is unlikely to go away, however, with the Spain international out of contract in June 2014 and able to leave the Santiago Bernabeu for free at the end of next season.

A mainstay of Mourinho's Madrid side, Alonso made 47 appearances in all competitions last term, but a possible move for Real Sociedad midfielder Asier Illarramendi could see his playing time limited next season.

GALLIANI: MILAN MUST MOUNT SERIOUS TITLE CHALLENGE

AC Milan have enough about them to mount a serious title challenge, according to the club's vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Milan finished third in Serie A last season following a miraculous recovery in the second half of the campaign whilst they also reached the last 16 of the Champions League, eventually being defeated by Barcelona.

But Galliani says it is vitally important they finish in the top three again and is hoping for an extended run in the Champions League.

 “The last season was a difficult one for us,” he told reporters. “We had a rough start but a beautiful final stretch.

“So we go into the new season without any psychological issues.

“Our goals are to get back into the Champions League, to try and go as far as possible in that competition and win the Coppa Italia.

“To finish first, second or third is crucial. Everyone knows that the economic advantages of the Champions League are huge.”

Galliaini also revealed they are still in talks with Santos over the transfer of Robinho. The Brazilian has been linked with a move back to his homeland but no deal has been finalised yet.

Milan are looking to acquire the services of Fiorentina's Adem Ljajic and CSKA's Keisuke Honda as replacements for the 29-year-old.

He added: “Negotiations are underway with Santos. The boy [Robinho] wants to go home.

“There are still some things to be sorted out though.

“Ljajic? There have been some rumours, and I will not deny it.

“Honda? We hope to get him to Milan in January.”

GOMEZ THANKS BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD, BAYERN

Mario Gomez has issued a heartfelt thank you to former club Bayern Munich as he prepares for life with new club Fiorentina.

The Germany international inked a four-year-deal with the Serie A club just a month after completing a remarkable treble with the European champions, and he admitted he will leave the club with something of a heavy heart.

“Dear fans, it is time to announce that I'll be leaving the club with a weeping and a laughing eye,” he posted on his official Facebook page.

“I would like to thank you fans and of course my team-mates, the staff and all the people at Bayern for the sensational support you gave me.

“It was a great time at the best club in the world. I am very grateful for the great experience that I could made here in these four years.”

“Now begins a new chapter for me and I look forward to joining my new club Fiorentina, as well as the city, the country, the language and the culture... and of course the delicious food.

“I will be still very connected to Munich and this great club and wish the team all of the best and much success. I’m sure they will remain the best team in the world with this great coach next year.

“Once again many thanks, especially to fans. Your Mario.”

FORMER BARCELONA STAR QUITS CSKA SOFIA

Hristo Stoichkov has quit his role as coach of CSKA Sofia after only a month in charge.

The legendary Bulgaria striker took charge of the struggling side in a bid to steer them towards European qualification, but has admitted to losing patience with the club's hierarchy, claiming he has not enjoyed the support he expected when taking up the post.

In a letter intended for the local media, the former Barcelona star stated: “I’m fed up, I’m leaving.

“I agreed to start coaching without a contract and I had a great desire to help.

"I had the support of the players and my staff. We endured until it became clear there's no chance of promises being fulfilled.

"It is not my understanding of fair, transparent and professional work. This is no way to achieve high goals if there's no respect between players, coaches and officials on the one hand, and the club owners on the other."

The 31-time Bulgarian champions have been plagued by financial problems in recent seasons, and could only manage a third-placed finish last season.

The club face having to play in an amateur championship next season unless they are able to merge with another top-flight side before the league commences on July 20. Fifteen supporters were arrested last month for vandalising the Bulgarian FA headquarters after the governing body declined to sanction any such merger.

Stoichkov, who won seven trophies with the club during his illustrious playing career, became the club's fourth coach this year, and their ninth since January 2010.

MADRID: NO OFFER FOR HIGUAIN FROM ARSENAL

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has dismissed speculation Gonzalo Higuain is about to join Arsenal by revealing the London club are yet to make an offer for the Argentina international.
Higuain, who told the media on the final day of the Primera Division season that he was going to leave Madrid in the summer, was reported to be on the verge of a £23millon move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, during an interview with Univision, Perez insisted: "We don't want Higuain to leave. What's more no-one from Arsenal has come to us and made us any offers at all for him. There are no offers on the table."
Madrid have made two signings so far this summer, bringing defender Dani Carvajal and midfielder Isco to the Bernabeu from Bayer Leverkusen and Malaga respectively, but Perez remained tight-lipped on future transfers.
The club have been heavily linked with Tottenham winger Gareth Bale but Perez insisted a deal was not imminent.
"He is a great player who belongs to a cub we enjoy good relations with, but we have not made any offer," he said.
It has been reported Madrid will sign Spain Under-21 midfielder Asier Illaramendi from Real Sociedad in the coming days.
And although Perez did not confirm a move for the 23-year-old, he indicated Madrid were looking to sign a long-term replacement for Xabi Alonso, who will turn 32 in November and who suffered from a groin injury towards the end of the season which forced him to undergo surgery in June.
He admitted: "We are concerned about the state of Xabi Alonso. Defensive midfield is a very important position and we should be looking to strengthen there."
Uncertainty remains at Madrid over the long-term future of Cristiano Ronaldo, but Perez said he was calm about the situation.
"Ronaldo wants to retire at Real Madrid, and we want him to retire here, just like Zidane and so many other great players did. You can be absolutely certain that Cristiano will retire at Real Madrid."

ATLETICO MADRID AGREE DEAL FOR ARSENAL AND TOTTENHAM TARGET

Barcelona have reached an agreement in principal for the transfer of striker David Villa to Atletico Madrid.

The Primera Division champions announced on their website that the deal will cost up to 5.1million euros (4.4million) with Barca receiving 50 per cent of any future transfer fee.
The 31-year-old Spain international joined Barca from Valencia in 2010 but has been wildly linked with a move away from the Nou Camp over recent months after struggling to tie down a first-team berth at the Catalan club last season.

DORTMUND AGREE DEAL FOR LIVERPOOL TARGET

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed they have agreed a deal to sign highly sought-after Shakhtar Donetsk striker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Mkhitaryan, 24, will complete a switch to Dortmund later this week with reports suggesting the deal is around €25 million and will sign a four-year deal with the Bundesliga runners-up.

The Armenia forward has had his medical with BVB on Monday and although a contract is still yet to be signed, the stock market has been alerted.

SEVILLA: NO MAN CITY OFFER FOR NEGREDO

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido insists they have still not received any offer from Manchester City for star striker Alvaro Negredo.

There hasn't been any change with respect to Negredo's situation.
There hasn't been any communication between the English club and Spanish club, and Negredo is training with his team-mates and has three more years on his contract.
There hasn't been any offer from Manchester City.

– Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido

MARSEILLE: BARTON FUTURE IS UNSURE

Marseille coach Elie Baup admits he is unsure if QPR midfielder Joey Barton will return to the club this summer.
Barton has expressed his desire to rejoin Marseille after a successful spell on loan at Stade Velodrome last season.

Marseille are thought to be keen on signing Barton on a permanent basis if he can free himself up from QPR by cancelling his contract at Loftus Road.
Baup admits Marseille and Barton have agreed a deal, but says everything depends on QPR with the 30-year-old still having two years to run on his contract in London.
"Joey Barton's comeback? I do not know how it will evolve," Baup told L'Equipe.
"The club and the player agreed about the challenge ahead, but he still belongs to QPR."

HOLLOWAY: ZAHA WILL REMAIN AT MANCHESTER UNITED

Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway has reiterated he will not attempt to re-sign Wilfried Zaha because he wants to give the young star a chance at Manchester United.
The 20-year-old England international was signed by United in January before being immediately loaned back to Palace, who went on to win the Championship play-off final.

It has been suggested Palace might ask United for another loan deal for winger Zaha as they bid to survive in the Premier League but Holloway has no such plans.
"I don't think for one minute I'd even consider asking David Moyes about signing him right now," Holloway told talkSPORT. "I don't think it's fair to the boy. He's got to have a go at United. I'm sure I know Moyes that well that if there was a club in the Premier League that Wilfried Zaha wanted to play for, if it wasn't Manchester United, I'm sure it would be us. So, I'm sure the phone would ring.
"Let's be perfectly honest, I think the boy is so exciting he's going to have a chance at United and I can see him getting in their first team. I genuinely mean that. I wish him all the best in his Manchester United career and well done to them for buying him. Sir Alex Ferguson very rarely gets them wrong and David Moyes will be delighted he's found that talent in his midst, because he can win games at the very, very top level."

BAYERN: GOMEZ WILL JOIN FIORENTINA

Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez has agreed in principle a move to Fiorentina, according to the club's official website.

The Germany international struggled for regular first-team football at the Allianz Arena last season after losing his place to team-mate Mario Mandzukic.

The move will be officially completed within the next couple of days following talks on Monday between Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and the Viola president Andrea Della Valle.

 "It was the desire of Mario Gomez to leave Bayern Munich to Florence. We have now complied with his wish," Rummenigge told the club's official website.

"He has thus made a major contribution to two German championships and two DFB Pokal victories. The highlight was of course the Champions League victory and winning the treble last season.

"I would like to thank him for his performances for Bayern. On behalf of Bayern, I wish him luck and success in Florence!"

Gomez became the most expensive player in Bundesliga history when he signed for Bayern from Stuttgart in 2009 for €30 million. Since then Javi Martinez and Mario Gotze - both Bayern players - have surpassed that milestone.

Gomez played 174 games for Bayern, scoring 113 goals.

The striker becomes Fiorentina's eighth acquisition this summer having landed among others, goalkeeper Gustavo Munua; defender Marcos Alonso; and midfielders Massimo Ambrosini, Juan Cuadardo and Joaquin.

ASAMOAH: THIRD STRAIGHT TITLE IS OUR TARGET

Kwadwo Asamoah says Juventus are targeting a hat-trick of successive Serie A titles and are evolving as a team under Antonio Conte.
The Bianconeri celebrated back-to-back league crowns after finishing nine points clear of second-placed Napoli last season.

Asamoah has sent a word of warning to Juve's domestic rivals suggesting the summer signings of forwards Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente from Manchester City and Athletic Bilbao respectively, have further strengthened Conte's squad.
"I am convinced Juve are getting stronger," he told Tuttosport. 
"The third successive title is what we want.
"I am desperate to stay at Juve and play next season."
The 24-year-old featured on 27 occasions in Serie A last season, contributing two goals and eight assists.

EX NEWCASTLE STRIKER CHARGED WITH RAPE

Former Newcastle United footballer Nile Ranger has been charged with rape, police have said
The London-born 22-year-old will appear in court next month following an investigation by Northumbria Police.

In a statement the force said: "A rape was reported to police on Thursday January 24, 2013, and relates to an incident which happened in the early hours of Wednesday January 23 at a hotel in Jesmond.
"Nile Ranger, 22, of Bailey Close, Harringay, London, has been charged with rape. He is due to appear before Newcastle Magistrates' Court on August 21."

TAYE TAIWO: I REJECTED CARDIFF'S OFFER

Nigerian defender Taye Taiwo has declared that he also had interest from Cardiff City after finalising a move to Bursaspor from AC Milan.

The 28-year-old decided to move on this summer after struggling to establish himself in the Milan side following his switch from Marseille two years ago.

He spent time on loan with Queens Park Rangers in early 2012 and was at Dynamo Kiev last season, but he has now sealed a permanent transfer to Turkish club Bursaspor on a three-year deal.
Taiwo admits that he did have other options, including the chance to return to the Premier League with newly-promoted Cardiff, but he has no regrets about his decision.
He said: "I am delighted. I wanted to play in the Turkish league with a good team and I made a good choice.
"Cardiff contacted my agent but I decided to come here."

CHELSEA MAKE AN IMPROVED BID FOR NORWICH KEEPER

Norwich have rejected an improved offer from Chelsea for goalkeeper John Ruddy.

New Blues boss Jose Mourinho wants an experienced top-class keeper to battle it out with Petr Cech for the No.1 shirt this season.
The Stamford Bridge side had an initial bid turned down last week and an improved offer has now been similarly rejected by the Canaries.

Chelsea have released Hilario and Ross Turnbull, while the highly-rated Thibaut Courtois will spend a third season on loan at Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
That leaves youngster Sam Walker as the current back-up to Cech.
England international Ruddy started his career with Cambridge United before a high-profile move saw him sign for Everton in 2005.
However, he made just one appearance in five years for the Merseyside club and was loaned out to several teams including Stockport (twice), Crewe and Motherwell.
Having failed to make the breakthrough at Goodison Park, Ruddy opted for a move to Norwich in July 2010.
He has been one of the Premier League's most consistent keepers since, although he missed much of last season through injury.

EVERTON SIGN IVORY COAST STRIKER

Everton have completed the signing of striker Arouna Kone from Wigan on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The Ivory Coast forward had been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside and has now followed former Latics' boss Roberto Martinez to Goodison Park.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan said last week that he expected the 29-year-old to leave after Everton met the £5m buy-out clause in Kone's contract.
And although there was also reported interest from Newcastle, Kone has opted to be re-united with his former boss who left Wigan for Everton following David Moyes' appointment as Manchester United manager.
Martinez originally signed Kone from Spanish side Levante in 2012 and the former PSV Eindhoven scored 11 goals last season - although he was unable to prevent Wigan being relegated from the Premier League.
Kone has been on international duty and is currently on holiday but he will join up with his new club later this month.

BLANC: I'LL LOVE TO HAVE CAVANI

Paris St Germain coach Laurent Blanc believes the potential capture of Napoli striker Edinson Cavani would send out a message to the Ligue 1 champions' domestic and European rivals.

If he was to join PSG, I would be happy.
It would be a big sporting shot and a signal to potential opponents of PSG in France and Europe.
I believe Cavani and Ibrahimovic are complementary.

– PSG manager Laurent Blanc speaking to L'Equipe
 
Neither is the former France coach concerned about a possible exit by defender Thiago Silva who has been linked with a move to Barcelona.

I think he will be in Paris next season and he has a great chance to be captain.

– PSG manager Laurent Blanc speaking to L'Equipe

BENFICA MAKE ENQUIRY ABOUT NAPOLI PLAYER

Pablo Armero's agent Luciano Ramalho has claimed that Benfica have made an enquiry about the Napoli man's availability with an eye on a possible transfer ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

The Portuguese giants are looking to sign a new left-back this summer and have previously been linked with Real Madrid's Fabio Coentrao, who is believed to be looking for a route out of the Santiago Bernabeu.

However, they are also keeping tabs on Armero and might see the Colombia international as a cheaper alternative.

"Benfica have not directly contacted us, but they have done so via an intermediary," Ramalho told A Bola.

"I have informed Pablo about it and he reacted with excitement. Benfica are a top club.

"Everything's possible in football, but Napoli have only recently purchased him. We will have to wait and see if Benfica's interest is concrete."

The defender, 26, joined Napoli from Benfica in the January transfer window and has a contract with the Partenopei until June 2016.

GERRARD: LIVERPOOL WILL BREAK INTO TOP FOUR

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the club has the capabilities to finish in the top four next season.

Brendan Rodgers' side finished 12 points off the Champions League spots last season, ending the campaign in seventh as they failed to qualify for European competition altogether.

However, Gerrard feels Liverpool, who lost just one of their last 13 games in 2012-13, can overhaul the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham and secure a place back among the continent's elite clubs.

"The final five or six months of the season were fantastic, we showed fantastic form - I think it was top-four form," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"We certainly finished the season really strong, but we were very inconsistent from August to Christmas - that's the reason why we never managed to achieve what we set out to do, which was a top-four finish.

"But I felt at times in the season we played some brilliant football. If we can find that level on a consistent basis, I've got confidence we can break into the top four.

"The realistic message is to say to the fans that the last four or five months of the season were really positive, we played well.

"If the fans get behind us and show the support that we know they can, I believe we can push into the top four. That would be a fantastic achievement if you look at the standard of the teams in this league."

Gerrard is also quick to praise manager Rodgers, who he thinks is improving the team despite a slightly disappointing first season at Anfield.

He added: "I think the manager has done well - he's taken a huge job on at a young age.

"I think he's moving the team and the club forward and making good progress. If he gets the backing from the owners, and the current squad that we've already got improves, I'm sure we can make the fans happy."

LIVERPOOL REJECT £30M ARSENAL BID FOR SUAREZ

Liverpool have rejected a bid from Arsenal for Luis Suarez and remain steadfast in their insistence the striker is not for sale.
Press Association Sport understands the Gunners made an offer in the region of £30million for the Uruguay international last week which was rejected out of hand by the Reds.
Despite the 26-year-old this summer voicing his dislike of his treatment by the English media and suggesting a move to Real Madrid would appeal, the club have no intention of selling, a stance which was not even tested by an offer well below what is considered Suarez's true value.

Suarez, who has three years remaining on an improved contract he signed last summer, is currently on extended leave after his involvement in the Confederations Cup.
Neither he nor his representatives have spoken to Liverpool about any intention to ask for a move but his comments while on international duty in South America have left the club in a difficult position.
It was expected any approach from Madrid would come after the end of the Confederations Cup but so far has nothing has materialised and the fear is the Spanish giants will leave it late in the window in order to drive the price down.
Arsenal's surprise bid may have been more strategic than realistic as they are currently trying to push through a deal to sign Real striker Gonzalo Higuain.
Making an offer for Suarez may have just been a ploy intended to focus the minds of Bernabeu officials on signing off the Higuain move.
Suarez is not due back for pre-season until July 22 and he will then be expected to join the club's tour matches in Australia and Thailand.

BOJAN: I REGRET LEAVING BARCELONA

New Ajax signing Bojan Krkic feels that he made the wrong decision to leave Barcelona for Roma in the summer of 2011 and then join AC Milan the following season.

The 22-year-old completed a loan move to the Dutch champions at the weekend and he has now admitted that he regrets not making the move to the Eredivisie at an earlier stage of his career.

"My choices for Roma and AC Milan were wrong. Perhaps I should have already opted for the Eredivisie back in 2011," the attacker told De Telegraaf.

"I am a young player and I need to get regular first team action. I cannot make progress if I only get 18 games or so per season. I will get the chance to take the next step in my development at Ajax.

"I really wanted to get this loan move wrapped up as soon as possible. Leaving Barcelona could have been more difficult if Alexis Sanchez or David Villa had been sold, so I wanted to complete the move quickly."

Bojan could make his official Ajax debut in the Johan Cruyff Schaal encounter against AZ on July 27.

SUNDERLAND MAKE OFFER FOR JUVENTUS STAR

Emanuele Giaccherini's agent does not believe the Italian international will be sold by Juventus, amid claims that Sunderland have lodged an offer for his services.

It has been reported in Italy and England that the Black Cats have turned their attentions to the 28-year-old attacking midfielder and submitted a bid of €10million (£8.6million).

However, his agent does not believe that Juventus are looking to sell.
"Myself and my partner have not called anyone, and also [Juventus director general Giuseppe] Marotta has made it very clear on the future of Giaccherini," he told Furio Valcareggi IlSussidiario.net.
"And he gets on well with Antonio Conte, who is a great coach and he has no intention of selling him - he is not for sale."
Asked if the player was looking for a move, he added: "Absolutely not, he is fine at Juventus.
"He has the confidence of everyone and still wants to win so much. I believe Juventus are in a strong shape to win a third consecutive title."

ZANETTI URGES INTER MILAN NOT TO SELL PLAYERS

Javier Zanetti has stressed that Inter cannot afford to sell key players like Samir Handanovic and Fredy Guarin if they want to return to the European elite this season.

The goalkeeper has recently been linked with a move to Barcelona, while the Colombia international has caught the attention of Tottenham among other clubs. 

However, even though Zanetti understands that the side's financial situation plays a big role in their dealings this summer, the club captain feels their sporting ambitions should prevail.

"Selling Guarin and Handanovic? I would not sell anyone if I were in charge. If we want to return to the top, we cannot allow our best players to leave the club," Zanetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Obviously, nobody here wants to weaken Inter, but in difficult economic times like this you might have to consider certain things, though."

The Argentine then went on to discuss the appointment of Walter Mazzarri as Inter's new head coach and he believes the former Napoli man is the perfect man for the job.

"I believe the claims saying that Mazzarri could be our marquee signing are right. We are talking about a coach who has always shown character and determination throughout his career," Zanetti continued.

"What I like about him the most is that he really wanted to coach Inter and this group of players. He's motivated all of us."

Mazzarri left Napoli at the end of the season to replace Andrea Stramaccioni as the man in charge at the Giuseppe Meazza.

MOYES EYES WINNING THE QUADRUPLE

New Manchester United manager David Moyes has insisted he will challenge on all fronts during his first season in charge at Old Trafford.

Having wrestled the Premier League title off city rivals Manchester City last season, United will start their campaign on August 11 against Wigan in the Community Shield before embarking of their three-pronged domestic run and the Champions League.

United last won the FA Cup in 2004 and Capital One Cup in 2010 and, despite failing to win silverware during 11 years in charge at Everton, Moyes is gunning for a historic quadruple.

"You have to do well in all competitions - not just the Premier League," he told The Sun.

"When you are at Manchester United my thinking is you have to go for everything, you attempt to win everything.

"Maybe you miss out sometimes, but you have to try to win all the trophies.

"I’ve done it everywhere else I’ve been and I’ll certainly do it here because I have a bigger squad, quality players and a club with the tradition of being used to winning things."

Moyes officially took over from the retired Sir Alex Ferguson on July 1 to become the club's first new manager in 27 years.

The Scot was handed a six-year deal when he agreed his departure from Goodison Park and hinted that such confidence in him from the Old Trafford hierarchy should relay back to the squad.

He added: "I’ve talked to the players and told them I hope they respect his decision to pick me."

CHELSEA PREPARE BID FOR BENTEKE

Chelsea are preparing a bid for Aston Villa star Christian Benteke as Jose Mourinho seeks a solution to the club's pursuit of a new striker.

The returning manager has been thwarted in his attempt to sign Edinson Cavani and has thus far been unable to convince Robert Lewandowski to choose English football over a future move to Bayern Munich.

Benteke fits the coach's preferred profile of a physically powerful striker capable of leading the attack alone and is more readily attainable as a result of Villa's fragile financial state.

At 22, the Belgium international is attracted by the prospect of playing Champions League football and competing for the domestic title after a first Premier League season in which he scored 19 times for a club fighting relegation.


With Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis refusing to back down on his demand that Cavani's €63 million release clause be met in full, the Uruguay international is near to joining Paris Saint-Germain instead.

Also, aware that Borussia Dortmund would sell to Chelsea this summer rather than see Lewandowski join Bayern in a year's time, Mourinho has attempted to persuade the Pole to join him at Stamford Bridge - so far without success. Jurgen Klopp, the Dortmund coach, has confirmed that a move to their Bundesliga rivals is likely.

Mourinho identified a striker as one of three key positions to reinforce before he accepted Roman Abramovich's invitation to return as Chelsea manager after five seasons managing Inter and Real Madrid. The Russian billionaire is on board with Mourinho's intention to sell record signing Fernando Torres after two and a half campaigns under four different coaches.

January acquisition Demba Ba is also surplus to requirements in Mourinho's preferred squad make-up and has been permitted to seek an immediate transfer out of Chelsea.

There is, however, room on the Portuguese's playing staff for Romelu Lukaku after the younger Belgian scored 17 goals in 35 Premier League appearances on loan at West Brom.

Lukaku will be given an opportunity to prove himself as Chelsea's back-up striker in the belief that the 20-year-old has the fundamentals to improve further in the position.

Chelsea also retain an interest in Mario Gomez, who has been allowed to secure new employers by Bayern after losing a guaranteed starting berth to Mario Mandzukic during their treble-winning campaign.

One of German football's best paid players, Gomez is looking to sustain an after-tax salary of €6m, while Bayern are asking for a significant transfer fee amidst competing interest from Fiorentina.

MILAN REJECT €30M OFFER FOR EL SHAARAWY

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has revealed that the club rejected a bid of over €30 million for Stephan El Shaarawy this summer.

The Rossoneri vice-president refused to name the club that attempted to lure the 20-year-old forward from San Siro but says that he ran the offer by the Italy international, who did not want to leave the Serie A side.

"What we haven't told anyone is that we received a very big offer for El Shaarawy, but I will never name the club involved," the 68-year-old told the 7 Gold television network.

"It is a very important club, though. I informed the player's agent and as soon as he returned from the Confederations Cup I spoke to Stephan.

"We did not want to sell him, so we simply informed the lad and his family that this proposal had arrived for him. I asked him what he wanted to do.

"He said the money he had was more than sufficient, that he is a Milan fan and [that he] did not want to leave. I kissed him on the cheek and that was that.

"We were not tempted by the offer, but we couldn't exactly hide it from him. He saw the figures, but did not want to budge. How big was the offer? More than €30m.

"We discussed tactics for next season, as we are returning to a 4-3-2-1 system and he is happy to play as a support striker.

"He had a goal-scoring crisis in recent months, not a physical one, but he always worked hard for the team.

"He is only 20, so some ups and downs are natural. It even happened to Edinson Cavani, who didn't score for two months."

El Shaarawy, who was crucial in the first half of last season for Massimiliano Allegri's side before suffering a dip in form in 2013, has a contract at the club until 2018.

MONACO SIGN EX BARCELONA DEFENDER

Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has signed for Monaco on an initial one-year contract.

The former Barcelona defender joins the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side on a one-year deal, but the club will have the option of offering him an extra year when the current deal expires.
The 33-year-old France international has been a free agent since June after Barca decided against offering him a new contract.
Abidal's career has been heavily interrupted in recent years due to illness.

He underwent surgery to remove a liver tumour in March 2011 but made a rapid recovery and was playing again before the end of the same season and started the Champions League final against Manchester United that year, which Barcelona won 3-1.
However, in March 2012 it was announced Abidal needed a liver transplant, which he underwent in April of that year and kept him out of action for just under 12 months.
He returned to training last December and made his long-awaited comeback on the pitch as a substitute in a league match with Real Betis at the Nou Camp in April, and went on to make a total of five appearances for Barcelona in the final two months of the season.
The Frenchman began his professional career with Monaco in 2000, spending two years there before joining Lille.
He announced he had returned to the club with a message on his official Twitter account, which said: "I am very happy to have returned to France and Monaco, where it all began for me."
Abidal, who was unveiled at the Stade Louis II stadium today, is the latest of a growing list of notable captures by the French principality club this summer, which includes Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Ricardo Carvalho, Jeremy Toulalan and Joao Moutinho.