Transfers news and gossips

• dragg

  21 Jan 06, 08:30

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 20, 2006
  'Money isn't the reason I'm staying'
  
  Thierry Henry claims his decision to stay at Arsenal has nothing to do with money.
  
  And the France striker knows he could have earned more away from the Gunners.
  
  He said: 'It is important Arsenal has the same sporting ambition as me.
  
  'I repeat there is every possibility I will sign a new contract but whatever happens the decision will not be based on wages.
  
  'I don't think we are in the same category as other clubs if we're talking about money. A lot of teams are ahead of us but it's important to keep [Ashley] Cole. The departure of [Patrick] Vieira did not make things any easier. The board is there to build a competitive team.
  
  'Of course I thought about leaving but on reflection I wanted to stay.'
  
  
• dragg

  21 Jan 06, 08:31

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 20, 2006
  Chelsea have no plans to move home
  
  Chelsea have denied they are set to quit Stamford Bridge and buy the nearby Earls Court Exhibition Centre in a £400 million deal.
  
  The reigning champions reiterated their desire to improve and extend their current home rather than build a new stadium after speculation linked them with the exhibition and conference centre.
  
  The world famous centre is currently up for sale but until the club have exhausted all the possible options regarding an increase in the capacity of Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will not consider moving out.
  
  A spokesman for the club said: 'We have made our position clear several times on the issue of ground redevelopment at Stamford Bridge.
  
  'Despite that, there has been speculation linking us with a whole variety of sites in London including Wembley, the Olympic Stadium at Stratford, White City, Battersea Power Station, Earls Court, Chelsea barracks and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
  
  'Whether these sites are available, or not available, is irrelevant.
  
  'Our position is that we would like to increase the capacity at Stamford Bridge, and ideally we would like to take it to a figure of just over 50,000 but there are constraints on our current site, which are well documented.
  
  'Only after all possible scenarios for the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge are exhausted can a debate start about other options.'
  
  The Earls Court and Olympia complex is owned by St James Capital and while they have 'received approaches' for the purchase of the site it is understood that it must remain a conference and exhibition centre.
  
  St James' entrepreneurs put the 36-acre Earls Court and Olympia site up for sale in December for £400million.
  
  
• dragg

  23 Jan 06, 09:42

  extracted from premierleague.com
  
  HAMMERS AGREE ASHTON FEE
  
  West Ham United have reached agreement with Norwich City for the transfer of Dean Ashton for a club record fee of £7million.
  The Barclays Premiership club have also agreed personal terms with the player and hope his medical will be completed in time for the striker to be unveiled before Monday night's visit of Fulham.
  
  West Ham will pay £7million plus a conditional £250,000 while a 15 per cent sell-on clause has also been negotiated.
  
  Managing director Paul Aldridge told official club website www.whufc.com: "Alan Pardew has identified Dean as a player who can play a key role in helping the club to reach a new level, and we have therefore worked extremely hard to ensure that the transfer goes ahead.
  
  "We are paying a club record transfer fee for Dean because we feel that, at 22, he represents an investment that can benefit West Ham United for years to come at the highest level."
  
  Ashton’s former club Crewe will receive £1.5million up front due to a sell-on clause included when they sold him to Norwich for £3million a year ago.
  
  Ashton revealed the chance to return to the Barclays Premiership was “too good to turn down”.
  
  He told the club’s website, canaries.co.uk: “I have had a great year at Norwich and would like to sincerely thank the fans and everyone I have worked with at Carrow Road. West Ham are a big club, I am ambitious and at the end of the day the chance of a swift step up to the Premiership is too good to turn down.
  
  “I spoke to Nigel [Worthington] and the board and told them I wanted to pursue this opportunity. I’d like to thank Norwich for understanding that and allowing myself and my representative to talk to West Ham.”
  
  Worthington also believes the deal is in the best interests of all parties.
  
  “We’re always committed to trying to keep our best players at the club, but the size of the bid coupled with Dean’s desire to make the move happen meant that after talking it through with the board and the lad himself, we’ve decided to accept this offer.
  
  “If the move goes through, I’d like to place on record my thanks to Dean for his contribution and his professionalism during his time at Norwich and wish him all the very best in his future career.”
  
• dragg

  24 Jan 06, 07:37

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 23, 2006
  Ziegler swaps Hamburg loan for Wigan Athletic
  
  Reto Ziegler is hoping to use a loan move to Wigan as a springboard to playing in this summer's World Cup finals.
  
  Latics manager Paul Jewell beat off interest from a number of clubs to snap up Ziegler after he recently returned to Spurs following a spell on loan with Bundesliga side SV Hamburg.
  
  Tottenham were unhappy with the lack of playing time Hamburg coach Thomas Doll was giving Ziegler, with the Switzerland international making just eight substitute appearances- totalling 137 minutes - in just under five months.
  
  In joining Wigan, Ziegler - who celebrated his 20th birthday a week ago - could be pitched straight into tomorrow night's second leg of the club's Carling Cup semi-final with Arsenal at Highbury, with the Latics holding a 1-0 lead.
  
  Jewell is without a left winger as Lee McCulloch undergoes a groin operation tomorrow, while another new recruit in David Thompson is ineligible after covering the role, and scoring on his debut, in a 3-2 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
  
  As a natural left-sided player, Ziegler fits the bill perfectly, and is undaunted by the fact he could be thrown in at the deep end as Wigan look to reach the first major final in the club's history.
  
  'I don't think anyone needs motivation to face Arsenal, and I don't think the Tottenham link makes things any different for me as far as I'm concerned,' said Ziegler.
  
  'Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe, and to face them in a semi-final going into the game with a 1-0 lead, is enough incentive.
  
  'It is a big game to come into, but to be able to play a role in getting the club to its first major final would be great.
  
  'We are a young team full of energy and hunger. There is absolutely no fear in the dressing room, and a feeling we can win every game.'
  
  Although Ziegler has a new cause to fight for, on a personal level, the World Cup is on the horizon and he is determined to force his way into coach Kobi Kuhn's plans.
  
  'I hope to be able to get as many games under my belt as possible because it is my dream to play in the World Cup for Switzerland,' added Ziegler, who has made three appearances for his country.
  
  'I know if I have a good run between now and May, then of course it will help my chances.
  
  'For a young player like me in a World Cup year, I am just anxious to play and to show everyone, the Wigan fans, the Wigan manager and the Switzerland manager Kobi Kuhn, what I can do.
  
  'But at the moment my number one priority is to play well for Wigan, starting against Arsenal if I'm selected.'
  
  Ziegler, though, has a lot to live up to as Jewell's three other new signings this month in Thompson, Neil Mellor and Paul Scharner have all scored on their debut.
  
  'It's amazing they've all done that,' said Jewell. 'But he gives us decent cover. He is very good technically and he can play left back or left side of midfield.
  
  'That's important for us. Lee McCulloch has done a wonderful job for us, but sometimes we lack balance without a natural left-footer.
  
  'Hopefully, Reto can give us that and give us good competition for places at left back as well.'
  
  
• dragg

  24 Jan 06, 07:39

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 23, 2006
  Richards awarded £2m after being forced to quit
  
  Former Tottenham defender Dean Richards has successfully claimed a record £2million insurance pay-out after his playing career was cut short by illness.
  
  Richards, 31, retired from the game in March last year after doctors warned he risked suffering a brain haemorrhage if he played on.
  
  The former Southampton and Bradford centre-back, at one stage tipped for senior England honours, had taken out a policy with AON Limited, a leading insurance broker and risk management consultant.
  
  The policy with AON covered him in the event of personal total disablement due to accident or illness.
  
  Richards said: 'I appreciate this is a large sum of money and it will secure my family's financial future.
  
  'Football has been my life for as long as I can remember, and the pleasure and fulfilment that being a professional footballer gave me has left a huge gap in my life that cannot be replaced - no amount of money can compensate for this loss.
  
  'I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the continued support and commitment of my representatives World Famous Football and ABG Financial Management, and now look forward to a new chapter in my life.'
  
  Ben Lambourne, Richards' agent and managing director at World Famous Football, added: 'Make no mistake that this is a substantial sum of money, but we shouldn't forget that Dean had at least another five years left as a professional football player.
  
  'His earning capacity was potentially double that of his claim.'
  
  
• dragg

  24 Jan 06, 07:40

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 23, 2006
  Kelly considers quitting Tottenham
  
  Tottenham defender Stephen Kelly insists he will be forced to reconsider his options if he is dropped for next Tuesday's clash with Fulham.
  
  Kelly made only his fourth appearance of the season in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, capitalising on Paul Stalteri's one-match suspension to win a rare start.
  
  The former Ireland under-21 skipper is behind Stalteri in the full-back pecking order at White Hart Lane this term and is becoming increasingly frustrated by his lack of opportunity.
  
  'If I'm not in the side for the Fulham game I'll have to look at things again,' he said.
  
  'I thought I did well against Villa and if I keep my place then I keep my place. If I don't then we'll see what happens.'
  
  Kelly has been told by boss Martin Jol that he has a future at Spurs but the 22-year-old academy product, a regular last season, craves first team action in order to press his international claims.
  
  'I've haven't spoken to anyone. I just want to play so it's been difficult this season,' he told the Evening Standard.
  
  'I don't know what's going to happen. I'll just wait and see what happens until the transfer window closes. The manager said he didn't want me to go.
  
  'I think there's a future for me at Tottenham but I'm 22 and to progress and be pushing for an international place I need to be playing first team football.'
  
  
• dragg

  24 Jan 06, 07:51

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 23, 2006
  On-loan Poom signs permanent Gunners deal
  
  Mart Poom has signed a permanent deal with Arsenal following his loan move from Sunderland.
  
  The Estonia goalkeeper, signed by Arsene Wenger as back-up for Jens Lehmann and Manuel Almunia, was sent to Highbury on loan as part of the deal taking young full-back Justin Hoyte to Sunderland.
  
  And the 33-year-old has made his move permanent, signing an undisclosed contract despite having failed to represent the Gunners' first team so far and only making four appearances for the reserve team.
  
  He told the club's website: 'I'm delighted to have signed a permanent deal with Arsenal and am really pleased that Arsene Wenger and the coaches at the club have shown faith in me.
  
  'I'm really enjoying it here at Arsenal and will continue to work hard in training, so that I am ready to hopefully feature in the first team in the near future.'
  
• dragg

  24 Jan 06, 18:01

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 24, 2006
  England experience in McClaren's favour
  
  Steve McClaren, many would say, is a man in waiting.
  
  The Yorkshireman, who turns 45 a month before the World Cup starts, is one of the prime contenders to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson when the Swede stands down after the World Cup.
  
  He will sit alongside Eriksson on the England bench in Germany this summer and it is a job he covets, although one he believes lies a little further in the future.
  
  To the powerbrokers at Soho Square he holds appeal, with services already rendered a major plus to his curriculum vitae.
  
  But McClaren's decision to commit himself to a further four years at Middlesbrough earlier this season is a measure of his loyalty to chairman Steve Gibson, the man who gave him his first chance in management.
  
  It is a relationship which has proved largely successful for the Teessiders, with McClaren stabilising a club with a reputation for yo-yoing between the top two divisions, picking up a first major trophy - the 2004 Carling Cup - and securing two successive seasons of European football, something Boro had never before achieved.
  
  However, both men know that, should his country's call come, it would be hard for either to resist. Whether it will remains to be seen, and McClaren may need Boro's form to pick up considerably for the FA to consider him, after their recent slump towards the wrong end of the Barclays Premiership.
  
  McClaren's affable public front disguises a huge ambition and a hunger to test himself at the highest level, perhaps qualities which attracted Sir Alex Ferguson when he appointed him as his number two.
  
  He has made no secret of his desire one day to lead his country into battle, and although he is still busily acquiring all the knowledge and experience he can as he continues his own education in the game, he believes he has what it takes to make it at the highest level.
  
  'I am very ambitious, but I've got to keep achieving at Middlesbrough to maybe get an opportunity later on in my career,' he said.
  
  'It is flattering to be linked, but international football is so different to domestic football and I know that.
  
  'I've been working with England for three or four years now. All that experience is useful. I achieved a lot at Manchester United. I always worked with the top players and I have come here and become the first man in 10 years to win a trophy.
  
  'Those are the credentials I believe I have got.'
  
  York-born McClaren enjoyed a modest playing career with Hull, Derby and Lincoln before joining Oxford, where he took the first steps on the coaching ladder in the club's youth set-up.
  
  But it was under the hugely experienced Jim Smith at Derby that he cut his teeth, spending four years as assistant manager before replacing Brian Kidd as number two to Ferguson at Manchester United.
  
  There he was catapulted into the limelight on a learning curve which has seen him lock horns with the best and come out on top.
  
  He was at the Scot's side when United landed an unprecedented treble of Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League titles in 1999, and it was in November of the following year he was first asked to lend his blossoming talent to England following Kevin Keegan's departure.
  
  He and Peter Taylor were in charge for a 1-0 friendly defeat by Italy in Turin, and the newly-appointed Eriksson, apart from a spell during which Ferguson barred him from working with England, has relied upon him ever since.
  
  It was little wonder McClaren was linked with virtually every management job which came up as his stock rose sharply, but it was Gibson, who allowed him to return to the international fold, who persuaded him to commit his future to Teesside in June 2001.
  
  There are still some sections of the club's support which have not taken to their manager - although a recent poll carried out by the club's website saw almost half of respondents vote him the best manager in their history - but his achievements are undeniable.
  
  Not one of his predecessors won a major trophy, or brought European football to the banks of the Tees, and he has done both after implementing a five-year plan which has largely been carried out to the letter.
  
  McClaren decided a pragmatic approach was needed to stabilise the club and, having made his side difficult to beat, then set about the task of making them interesting to watch, although that remains a work in progress.
  
  He is meticulous in his preparation and has shown he is not afraid to give youth its chance as the likes of Stewart Downing, Tony McMahon, James Morrison and Matthew Bates have emerged from Boro's academy to establish themselves as genuine first-team players.
  
  The most frequent criticism of him as a coach is he appears to lack passion on the sidelines - a charge levelled with even more vehemence at Eriksson - although he insists that could not be further from the truth.
  
  'I am so emotional, so passionate, but I do bottle it up and it does come out in private, as the team will testify and definitely my staff will,' he said.
  
  'I remember [a match] at Notts County - I had to pay for a door. I opened it a little bit quicker than I should have done, and closed it a little bit quicker too.
  
  'You are the man at the front and if you keep losing it, I do not think that is what a leader should do.'
  
  With Eriksson's departure now agreed for the summer, McClaren may get a chance to put that theory to the test on the biggest of stages.
  
  
• dragg

  26 Jan 06, 08:14

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 25, 2006
  De La Cruz desperate to quit Villa Park
  
  Ulises de la Cruz is seeking talks with Aston Villa boss David O'Leary as he ups his bid for a free transfer.
  
  De la Cruz badly wants to leave Villa, who want around £200,000 for his services, to secure regular first-team football and ensure his place in Ecuador's World Cup plans.
  
  The 31-year-old has made 95 appearances since his £1.5million move from Hibernian in 2002 - but has started just two Barclays Premiership games this
  season. De la Cruz said: 'It is a frustrating time for me. The manager has not given me the chance to prove myself and yet he has said I can't leave on a free transfer.
  
  'I only care to leave because of the World Cup and my family. I need the manager to understand my situation and let me leave on a `free'.'
  
  De la Cruz has won 107 caps for his country but admitted: 'Ecuador have called me and ask why I am not playing for Villa. The World Cup is very important for me.'
  
  Meanwhile, Villa striker Kevin Phillips has spelled out his desire to play some part in Saturday's FA Cup tie against Port Vale after scoring twice for the reserves against Manchester City last night.
  
  Phillips has now had two second-team run-outs after a two-month absence with an ankle problem and wants to be involved in the fourth-round tie.
  
  He said: 'I'm not 100 per cent but I am getting there. It's up to the gaffer to decide whether he thinks I am ready for the Port Vale game - but I want to be involved if possible. I am feeling good in myself.'
  
  
• dragg

  26 Jan 06, 08:15

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 25, 2006
  Cole loses appeal over Chelsea 'tapping up'
  
  England full-back Ashley Cole has failed in his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the £75,000 fine imposed for breaking Premier League rules by discussing a transfer to Chelsea last season.
  
  The CAS have ruled that the appeal filed by the Arsenal full-back was 'not admissible' because the CAS have 'no jurisdiction to rule on the dispute between Mr Cole and the Football Association Premier League'.
  
  Cole was fined in August last year along with Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho after an inquiry found them guilty of breaking regulations by meeting about a possible transfer.
  
  Cole disagreed with the fine - which had been reduced to £75,000 - and vowed to challenge the decision in front of the CAS. His case was submitted to a panel of Jans Nater, Stuart McUnnes and Jan Paulsson but the Premier League objected to CAS jurisdiction.
  
  A statement released by the CAS said: 'The CAS Panel noted that the FAPL regulations do not contain any reference to a right of appeal to the CAS.
  
  'On the contrary, the same regulations state that the decisions of the Appeal Board shall be final.
  
  'The fact that the FIFA statutes do allow appeals to the CAS against decisions rendered by national federations or leagues is not sufficient to establish the jurisdiction of the CAS if there is no direct reference to CAS arbitration in the regulations of the body whose decision is being appealed against.
  
  'Consequently, as there was no specific agreement between the parties to submit this matter to the CAS, the panel has declined jurisdiction.
  
  'As this decision terminates the arbitration procedure, the sanction imposed by the FAPL Appeal Board on Ashley Cole shall stand.'
  
  
• dragg

  26 Jan 06, 15:25

  extracted from premierleague.com
  
  KIELY JOINS POMPEY RECRUITS
  Veteran goalkeeper Dean Kiely is looking forward to playing first-team football after becoming Portsmouth's sixth signing of the transfer window.
  The 35-year-old joined Pompey from Charlton Athletic on Wednesday for an undisclosed fee after losing his regular place in the Addicks line-up for the first time since signing from Bury in 1999.
  
  The former Republic of Ireland international broke a finger during the summer but passed a medical at Fratton Park and will provide extra competition for Jamie Ashdown and Sander Westerveld.
  
  Kiely told official club website www.pompeyfc.co.uk: “It's great to be here and the move has given me a real lift.
  
  “I broke my finger when I was at Charlton and suddenly I was not playing and in my years as a professional I have always first and foremost wanted to be playing on a Saturday.
  
  “So I raced down in my car when I knew of Portsmouth's interest and it is great to have joined them.
  
  “It will be great to be part of the squad and I am not worried about the position Pompey are in because I want to be part of helping the team to a higher position and where everyone wants them to be.
  
  “I have played at Fratton Park a few times over the years so I know how great the supporters are and I know Andy O'Brien in the current team from the Ireland squad.
  
  “The rest I have played against and I am looking forward to shaking my new team-mates' hands on Friday and kick-starting my career.”
  
  Portsmouth have been busy this month, following the arrival of investor Alexandre Gaydamak who has become the clubÂ’s new co-owner.
  
  They have brought in strikers Emmanuel Olisadebe and Benjani Mwaruwari from Panathinaikos and Auxerre respectively - as well as Tottenham Hotspur trio Pedro Mendes, Sean Davis and Noe Pamarot.
  
  Results have yet to pick up, however, with the team 19th in the Barclays Premiership and five points adrift of safety after SaturdayÂ’s 5-0 thrashing away to fellow strugglers Birmingham City.
  
  Kiely spent six seasons as the AddicksÂ’ undisputed number one, but Dane Stephan Andersen kept him out of the side on his return from injury earlier this season.
  
  Once he returned, Kiely made four appearances. But poor form meant he was displaced by Norwegian Thomas Myhre, who has kept his place.
  
  However, Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp still considers Kiely to have plenty to offer in the Barclays Premiership.
  
  “Dean seemed to have gone down the order at Charlton, but I think Alan Curbishley will be the first to acknowledge the tremendous service and level of performance he has given to a solid Premier League outfit,” said Redknapp.
  
  “His record in the Premier League speaks for itself. It is amazing to have played so consistently - you could count on one hand the number of games he had missed before this season.
  
  “I think in the time he kept goal for Charlton they never finished below 14th, and he has been a virtual ever-present for most of that time.
  
  “At 35, he is just coming into his prime for a goalkeeper.”
  
  Salford-born Kiely made 248 appearances for Charlton, who paid Bury £1million for his services, and he helped them to promotion in his first season before later being twice named the club’s player of the year.
  
  His Pompey debut could come in SundayÂ’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Liverpool - because he did not feature for the Addicks in their third-round clash against Sheffield Wednesday.
  
  Kiely, who first established his reputation at York, may have to bide his time, however - having played no first-team football since CharltonÂ’s 3-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on December 17.
  
  Redknapp hopes that, as well as proving a good addition on the playing side, some of KielyÂ’s know-how can rub off on 25-year-old Ashdown.
  
  “Jamie Ashdown has been great for me - and having someone so experienced around can only bring him on because he is a very good young goalkeeper in a difficult situation,” said Redknapp.
  
  Portsmouth have also brought goalkeeping coach David Coles to the club.
  
  He left Southampton after eight years following the appointment of George Burley in December, when the Scot came in to replace Redknapp.
  
  Coles served under Redknapp during his unsuccessful year at St Mary’s and declared himself “delighted” to renew their working relationship.
  
  He said: “It was time to be moving on and I am pleased to be back working again here at Pompey in the Premier League.”
  
  
• dragg

  26 Jan 06, 15:27

  extracted from premierleague.com
  
  NEMETH TIES UP STRASBOURG MOVE
  Middlesbrough striker Szilard Nemeth has completed his move to French top-flight club Strasbourg.
  The 28-year-old Slovakian successfully underwent a medical and Boro confirmed the former Inter Bratislava playerÂ’s departure when the documentation was completed on Wednesday evening.
  
  “We wish ‘Szil’ the best of luck in his future career,” manager Steve McClaren told official club website www.mfc.co.uk.
  
  “He was a valuable squad member for me throughout the past four years or so, scoring some vital goals along the way.
  
  “However, I wasn’t able to guarantee him regular first-team football, so it was best for Szil to move on to pastures new.”
  
  Nemeth, who made 146 appearances for the Teessiders, was signed by previous manager Bryan Robson in tandem with Terry Venables, but did not arrive until after McClaren had taken over in the summer of 2001.
  
  “In England, my situation had become difficult,” the player told Strasbourg’s official website, www.rcstrasbourg.fr.
  
  “Middlesbrough have a lot of players for each area.
  
  “There are a lot of players and only 11 are lined up at the weekend. The manager preferred to give their chance to the newcomers. That’s football’s law.”
  
  Strasbourg have won just twice in 23 matches. Nemeth, who has cost a “nominal fee”, could make his debut in Saturday’s match against Paris St Germain.
  
  “I have not played in a while, but I passed my medical and the results were good,” he said.
  
  “I am ready to play against Paris on Saturday.
  
  “I am aware of the team’s difficulties, but I don’t want to put myself under any extra pressure. I will do my best to rediscover my top level quickly.
  
  “I know there is no time to waste. I just want to adapt fast and score fast too.”
  
  
• dragg

  26 Jan 06, 15:28

  extracted from premierleague.com
  
  PEARCE STILL HAS TRANSFER TARGETS
  Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce is still hopeful of adding another four players to his squad before the transfer window shuts next week.
  Although the Blues chief had intended completing all his business at the start of the month, so far Pearce has only managed to secure Spanish winger Albert Riera on loan from Espanyol until the end of the season.
  
  Pearce lodged his interest in another potential loan signing on Monday, but knows time is running out if deals are to be done.
  
  “Talks are ongoing with three players and we have made an inquiry about another,” Pearce told the official club website, www.mcfc.co.uk.
  
  “It would be nice to get all four in but the problems we have with regard to contracts and various to-ing and fro-ing between clubs ensure that we won’t get these done very quickly.
  
  “For various reasons, things are taking a little longer than I thought they would but we are still hopeful.”
  
  Pearce had been linked with strikers Dean Ashton and Marcus Bent but they have now joined West Ham United and Charlton Athletic respectively.
  
  However, the former England international, who last week distanced himself from talk of taking over as national coach in the immediate future, is adamant no deal has yet been done he wishes he had been involved in.
  
  He said: “When I look around the Premiership and look at teams in direct comparison to us and look at the players they are bringing in, I have to say to myself 'would that player have benefited us'.
  
  “There aren’t too many where I think 'I wish we had him'. As long as I can keep saying that I haven’t a problem.”
  
  
• dragg

  27 Jan 06, 12:21

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 26, 2006
  Ferguson targets midfielder to bolster United
  
  Sir Alex Ferguson will step up his battle to bring in a midfield reinforcement to try and stop Manchester United's season from disintegrating under a weight of injury and suspension.
  
  Ferguson was without four key men for last night's Carling Cup semi-final triumph over Blackburn in an area of the field where he was already short on numbers following the departure of skipper Roy Keane.
  
  If that was not bad enough, Ryan Giggs lasted just 12 minutes of the 2-1 win before limping off with a hamstring injury, then the Welshman's replacement Alan Smith picked up a booking that will rule him out of next Wednesday's Barclays Premiership rematch with Rovers at Ewood Park.
  
  Although Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for Sunday's FA Cup trip to Wolves after his own three-match ban and Park Ji-sung was due to return to training this morning after a recent knee injury, Ferguson knows it would be a major risk to let the transfer window close next week without making another signing.
  
  So, although chief executive David Gill insisted United's cheque book was now closed until the summer, Ferguson will prise it open again and hope he can beat the deadline, even if it is only a loan move.
  
  'We know it is going to be difficult but ideally, we would like to bring someone in and we are trying our best,' said Ferguson.
  
  'The problem is we have to be sure. There is no point just bringing someone in for the sake of it. We have to get someone who can add to the squad because it is squad number we are light on in midfield.
  
  'But we are exhausting our knowledge of central midfielders in Europe, particularly one we can get on loan.
  
  'It is impossible really because there is only a week left which is not a lot of time to start negotiating fees and things but we could just run out of time.'
  
  United have already been linked with out-of-favour AC Milan man Johann Vogel but the desperation with which he needs to move will not be known until the extent of Giggs' latest injury is revealed.
  
  The Welshman has been plagued by hamstring problems throughout his career and last night's game had barely started before the injury resurfaced.
  
  'He felt the injury and tried to solider on for a few minutes but it was no use,' said Ferguson.
  
  'We wanted Ryan to be our leader in midfield because we only had two young lads alongside him in Darren Fletcher and Kieran Richardson,' he said.
  
  'But the injury put paid to that, which is unfortunate.'
  
  
• dragg

  27 Jan 06, 12:22

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 26, 2006
  Pardew 'desperate' to keep Sheringham
  
  West Ham manager Alan Pardew is prepared to offer veteran striker Teddy Sheringham a new one-year contract and an increased role amongst the coaching staff.
  
  Sheringham turns 40 in April but is anxious to extend his playing career beyond his current deal, which expires at the end of this season.
  
  Tottenham, who allowed Sheringham to leave in 2003 after considering him too old, and Blackburn are both reported to be interested in signing the former England striker.
  
  But Pardew insists he has received no inquiries regarding Sheringham's availability - and the Hammers boss warned any approach in the final days of the transfer window would be given short shrift.
  
  Pardew said: 'Teddy has been fantastic for us. He is a player I am desperate to keep at the club and a player we are talking to about next year.
  
  ``We have made our position clear and Teddy knows that.
  
  'We want him to stay next year and maybe extend his role a bit onto the coaching side. I feel he has something to offer. I have suggested it to him before.
  
  'I am comfortable with Teddy contributing on the coaching here and I have made that clear to him.
  
  'That is a decision Teddy doesn't want to make yet. At the moment he wants to concentrate on playing and I am fine with that.'
  
  A new deal would allow Sheringham to play on at West Ham, and most probably in the Barclays Premiership, beyond his 41st birthday.
  
  Pardew signed Sheringham from Portsmouth in 2004 and he scored 20 goals last season as West Ham won promotion back to the Barclays Premiership.
  
  He has bagged four in 14 starts this season and faces stiff competition at Upton Park from Bobby Zamora, Marlon Harewood and new £7million striker Dean Ashton.
  
  But Pardew is determined Sheringham has an important role to play in West Ham's pool of strikers.
  
  Sheringham may lack pace and the years may be against him, but his footballing brain remains as sharp as ever.
  
  The former England striker played a vital role in West Ham's bright start to the season and he kept Zamora out of the side until he was sidelined by a calf injury before Christmas.
  
  'I'd have a real problem if I lost Teddy, because that is quality I don't want to lose,' said Pardew.
  
  'Yes, we have got some fantastic strikers but so have Chelsea, so have Manchester United, so have Spurs.
  
  ``We are happy with our squad and we feel it is managed okay at the moment.'
  
  Ashton's West Ham debut is set to be delayed as he recovers from a groin problem.
  
  Pardew does not expect him to be fit in time for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Blackburn.
  
  Goalkeeper Roy Carroll is definitely out after his ongoing back problem flared up again.
  
  After ending his six-month search for a new striker by landing Ashton on Monday, Pardew's transfer attentions have now switched entirely to recruiting a new right-back following Tomas Repka's departure to Sparta Prague.
  
  But he warned Hammers fans that with time running out in the transfer window, West Ham may have to wait until the summer to find a permanent replacement.
  
  In the meantime, Christian Dailly will fill in at right-back in against Blackburn and Pardew has urged the Hammers fans to give him their full support.
  
  Dailly's introduction against Fulham on Monday night was greeted by boos from a section of the Upton Park crowd.
  
  'It is difficult to fill the role Tomas played but I am sure our fans will give him the encouragement to do the job,' said Pardew.
  
  'We are working on finding a new right-back. We might not get anyone in because there is less than a week remaining in the transfer window, but we are trying hard.'
  
  
• dragg

  29 Jan 06, 05:37

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 28, 2006
  City to step up Samaras chase after Fowler exit
  
  Manchester City will intensify their efforts to land Georgios Samaras from Heerenveen following the shock departure of Robbie Fowler.
  
  The veteran striker's stunning return to Liverpool has left a gaping hole in City's striking options but also generated around £1million in saved income.
  
  That cash will now be used to try to prise Samaras away from the Dutch club after the 20-year-old decided to go on strike rather than return to training after the Dutch FA ruled Heerenveen's £9million asking price was not too high.
  
  Having previously offered only £3million for the highly-rated Greek striker, City's revised bid will still be some way short of Heerenveen's valuation.
  
  However, Blues officials hope they will buckle knowing the transfer window shuts on Tuesday.
  
  Although Fowler made just four substitute appearances in the Barclays Premiership this term, many City fans are genuinely sad to see the player Kevin Keegan paid £6million for three years ago leave Eastlands.
  
  Yet it would also be true to say Fowler did not fit into the mould Blues boss Stuart Pearce prefers and there was next to no chance of his £35,000-a-week contract being renewed at the end of the season despite his recent hat-trick against Scunthorpe.
  
  'Liverpool are Robbie's dream club and he wanted to leave and rejoin them,' Pearce told the club's website. 'If I refused him this opportunity of fulfilling his ambition, it would not be good for him or Manchester City.
  
  'We wish him well for the future and thank him for his efforts.'
  
  
• dragg

  29 Jan 06, 05:38

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 28, 2006
  Fowler's return puts Cisse's future in doubt
  
  The shock return of Robbie Fowler to Liverpool casts further doubt on the Anfield future of striker Djibril Cisse.
  
  Yesterday, 30-year-old Kop idol Fowler completed a dream move back to his spiritual home after Manchester City allowed him to leave on a free transfer.
  
  And with Cisse struggling for confidence and form, should Fowler quickly rediscover his eye for goal at a club where he previously scored 173 goals in 330 appearances the France forward could be staring at an ignominious exit.
  
  Cisse missed a sitter in the 1-0 defeat against Manchester United last weekend and on Thursday evening he was cautioned for common assault after police received a call from his pregnant wife Jude asking for assistance.
  
  But it is the arrival of the man affectionately called God at Anfield which is the biggest threat to £14million signing made by Gerard Houllier - ironically the man who oversaw Fowler's exit in 2001.
  
  'If I am honest I didn't ever really believe I would come back,' said Fowler.
  
  'But obviously since I have left, deep down I have always wanted to come back and it has been a long time but I am glad to say I am back now.
  
  'Leaving was probably one of my biggest regrets I have had in football. It will be nice to get back out at Anfield wearing the red shirt again. Just to walk back out the tunnel will be amazing.
  
  'You put on the red shirt again and it is just an amazing feeling and I am glad I am going to get that opportunity again.'
  
  Fowler is ineligible for the FA Cup fourth round tie at Portsmouth tomorrow but could make his comeback against Birmingham on Wednesday.
  
  Manager Rafael Benitez believes Fowler's passion for Liverpool will act as an example for every other player at the club.
  
  'He has not been signed just because he loves the club, he has been signed because he is one of the best goalscorers ever to play in the Premiership and he can score goals for us right now,' he told the club's website.
  
  'He has got a wealth of experience and he gives us more attacking options. He is a different kind of striker to what we have at the club and that is good for the team.
  
  'People can talk about having a lot of money to buy players but we have just signed a player with a passion and a heart for this club that no amount of money can buy.
  
  'We are close to a very high level right now but with Robbie we can go even higher.'
  
  Fowler is not cup tied in Europe so can play in the Champions League when Liverpool resume the defence of their crown against Benfica in the last 16 next month.
  
  Benitez, who declined to pay £16million for Michael Owen at the beginning of the season, has now got one of Liverpool's greatest strikers for nothing.
  
  'My idea is for Liverpool to take one step forward and I think Robbie can help us make that step,' he added. 'It is a boost for the team, a boost for the supporters and a boost for Robbie himself.
  
  'I am not sure I have ever seen a player quite so happy to be joining a club before. It's a signing that will lift everyone who loves Liverpool because Robbie is a great finisher who can help us reach a new level.'
  
  • Meanwhile, as reports claim Fowler has taken a salary cut to return to Liverpool, Leeds have confirmed they are still paying the former England striker a wage.
  
  Fowler had a 14-month spell at Elland Road which ended when Leeds looked to cash in on a saleable asset as they plunged into a financial crisis.
  
  However as part of the agreement which took him to Manchester City, Leeds agreed to keep paying Fowler a proportion of his wages, to make up for the shortfall which came with moving to Eastlands.
  
  Leeds chief operating officer Shaun Harvey told the Yorkshire Post that agreement would stand until the summer, the time Fowler's contract at Leeds was originally due to expire.
  
  Harvey said: 'Our agreement is with Robbie Fowler and as such there will be no change.
  
  'Leeds are not going to be relieved of any financial burden, the deal was agreed that Leeds would continue to pay Robbie Fowler until the middle of 2006 and that deal stands no matter where he plays.'
  
• dragg

  30 Jan 06, 06:13

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 29, 2006
  Newcastle chief laughs off Eriksson 'text talk'
  
  Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has laughed off claims that he contacted England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson about coming to St James' Park in the summer - and eased the immediate pressure on manager Graeme Souness.
  
  A News of the World report today claimed Shepherd had sent a text message to the Swede.
  
  But Shepherd told Newcastle's website: 'I must have amnesia as I can't remember sending a text message to Mr Eriksson - in fact I don't even have his number so I'd love to see this message.
  
  'All I can say is that I'd like to wish Mr Eriksson well with England in the summer, and good luck for whatever he chooses to do after that.'
  
  Souness has learned during his time at Newcastle that it is a rare day when his club is not in the headlines.
  
  Too often for the Scot, it has not been good news which has provided his breakfast-time reading, and it was with a sense of relief that he left Cheltenham's Whaddon Road ground on Saturday after the Magpies negotiated a potentially tricky FA Cup fourth-round clash.
  
  The pressure on Souness mounted after he emerged from a meeting with Shepherd on Monday. His job appeared safe but he knew that defeat by League Two Cheltenham would not be good for his health.
  
  In the end, Newcastle ran out comfortable winners as goals from Michael Chopra and Scott Parker inside two minutes just before half-time won the day.
  
  However, £8million defender Jean-Alain Boumsong was given an uncomfortable afternoon by Nigerian-born striker Kayode Odejayi, who left him for dead four times before the break and with greater composure might have punished Newcastle.
  
  Odejayi should have ensured a nervy conclusion for Newcastle's multi-millionaires when he escaped once again 13 minutes from time and rounded Shay Given, only to fire wide of an empty net.
  
  Wednesday night's league trip to Manchester City and the quest for a first Premiership win in six attempts is a big priority for Souness.
  
  'Our league form has been very up and down this year and we need to try to use this as a platform now to go and produce good results in the league,' said Parker, who made his comeback despite being up since 4am on the day of the game with a stomach bug.
  
  The former Chelsea midfielder's strike was his first for the club, although he admitted he did not know a great deal about it after defender Jerry Gill blasted the ball straight at him in an attempt to clear.
  
  'I was very surprised, I wasn't expecting it,' he said. 'I just made the run into the box and Peter (Ramage) put the ball in. The lad went to clear it and it just hit me in the chest. But they all count.'
  
  Souness will hope the win does provide a platform, while opposite number John Ward has urged his players to take a creditable performance into their fight for promotion.
  
  'The occasion has been fantastic for the whole town and we hopefully have made people see us in a good light - particularly the locals, whom we'd like to come back and watch us a few more times,' he said.
  
  'But we need to come in on Monday morning and we have to get our heads around the trip to Peterborough and we have another 17 big efforts in our league.
  
  'Saturday was our 41st game of the season and our 12th cup tie, so we have had a tremendous run and a tremendous number of games.'
  
  
• dragg

  30 Jan 06, 06:14

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 29, 2006
  Kenyon warns FA off approach for Mourinho
  
  Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has warned the Football Association to forget making an approach for Jose Mourinho as they begin the hunt for the next England manager.
  
  With Sven-Goran Eriksson due to depart after this summer's World Cup finals, the FA are looking to name his successor before the start of the tournament.
  
  Understandably, after Mourinho's success with Porto and now Chelsea, the Portuguese is being linked with the job.
  
  But Kenyon, who hails Mourinho as 'the best manager in Europe,' has claimed he would say 'no way' if the FA came calling.
  
  'He's made it quite clear he's not interested, and we would make it quite clear we are not interested in letting him go,' confirmed Kenyon, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.
  
  'He likes Chelsea, he and his family like London, and he is very happy with what we are planning to do.
  
  'We think he will be here to fulfil the plans we have all put in place together.
  
  'He's another six years left on his contract, and we would like him to stay longer that that.'
  
  It is believed the FA are to sound out Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as part of their consultation process in recruiting the best man for the job.
  
  Yet there is a feeling, given their years of success with Manchester United and Arsenal, either would also be suitable to take over from Eriksson.
  
  However, Kenyon feels they are not approached because 'first and foremost they are happy with where they are with their clubs. That's an important thing.'
  
  But he did not dismiss the prospect of another overseas appointment, adding: 'You have to look at the contribution foreign managers have made to English football, and therefore you can't rule out foreign managers.
  
  'What they have to do is get the best manager available, and that's in the interests of everybody in English football.'
  
  Kenyon, whose club announced on Friday a record-breaking loss of £140million, is hopeful Eriksson's claims of Premiership managers taking bungs have no foundation.
  
  The Premier League last week announced the launch of an inquiry into transfers since January 2004, with their aim to make sure all future deals are transparent.
  
  'We're supportive, along with the other 19 clubs, to the Premier League investigation,' confirmed Kenyon. 'It is important that all these transfer allegations are looked at, and we operate within a clean environment.
  
  'Those accusations need to be dealt with, but it's impossible to say whether they will come to nothing. I hope they do for the benefit of the game.'
  
  Despite Chelsea's staggering financial losses, Kenyon reaffirmed the commitment to breaking even by 2010.
  
  However, much could depend on whether the club decide to remain at Stamford Bridge, or move to another site, with Earls Court and Olympia reported as likely options.
  
  'Every bit of space that comes up in London, we get linked with,' added Kenyon. 'We are continually evaluating whether we can increase Stamford Bridge, which is what we would like to do.
  
  'Those plans and discussions have not yet been exhausted, so until that's done there is no plan to move anywhere else. We would like to increase capacity, but it's difficult, although we have no intention of moving to Milton Keynes to achieve that!
  
  'The extension to the ground to get capacity to 42,700 was a major achievement. To get it to over 50,000, we are working and evaluating.
  
  'If we can't then we will evaluate other possibilities, but we are not putting a time frame on it.'
  
  When asked about Olympia, Kenyon replied: 'It's a site that's close by and would suit, but we haven't looked at it from the large number of issues that it would bring.'
  
  At least Chelsea's transfer spending has dipped dramatically, with £175million spent on players in owner Roman Abramovich's first year, to just under £60million.
  
  Kenyon maintains the aim is to bring on their own players, claiming: 'One of the key aspects of our future business is to spend less on transfers and grow more of our home-grown talent.
  
  'That's why we recruited Frank Arnesen to what was already a great academy structure. Fundamentally, it is about continuing to not spend those huge sums of money on transfers, and blend that with home-grown talent.
  
  'We are absolutely committed to having more Chelsea-grown players in our squad.'
  
  Birmingham chairman David Gold wants FIFA to make it statutory for all football nations to be managed by someone from their own country.
  
  Gold has repeated his desire for Eriksson's successor to be English.
  
  He said: 'I wish Sven well over this coming period because nothing would give me greater pleasure for all the fans who have hung in there over the years if we go on and win the World Cup. It would be fantastic.
  
  'We have the finest England team we have had for 40 years. It is probably a chance of a lifetime. We have got the right players - I think - and we have an opportunity because the finals are in Europe.
  
  'If Sven goes out on a high and wins the World Cup, we will all forgive him for his `misdemeanours.' But the next manager at the very least needs to be British - and I want him to be English. I believe FIFA should make it a rule that a country cannot be managed by anyone other than a national from that country.
  
  'I bet if you went to Sweden, they wouldn't want to see an English manager in charge of their team.'
  
• dragg

  30 Jan 06, 06:17

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 29, 2006
  I'll fight takeover plot, insists Saints chief Lowe
  
  Under-fire Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has vowed he will not bow to fan pressure and be forced out of the club.
  
  Demonstrations followed Wednesday's goalless draw against Crystal Palace at the St Mary's Stadium, with angry fans calling for Lowe to quit.
  
  The recent departure of rising star Theo Walcott, who signed for Arsenal for a fee that could rise to £12million, added fuel to the fire for the supporters.
  
  With a three-man consortium claiming to be ready to make an offer for the Saints within the next 48 hours, Lowe would appear to be coming under fire from all angles.
  
  'In any football club, and as chairman, it comes with the territory,' said Lowe. 'What one has to try and do is remember the fans are passionate about the club and they love the club, and I bare no malice to any of the supporters.
  
  'I can quite understand some of their disappointment, both at results and sadly, due to a loophole in the scholarship agreements, losing Theo Walcott to Arsenal.
  
  'But I will step down when the board says it is time for me to step down, or when I decide it is time.'
  
  Lowe is adamant the club are 'getting stronger by the day,' and refutes suggestions it is 'about to fall apart.'
  
  Lowe is also taking no notice of the consortium planning claiming they are set to seize control, particularly as it appears they are only prepared to offer £10million.
  
  'When, and if, we get a serious investor, or group of investors who want to make an offer for the club, we will look at what they propose,' added Lowe, on BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.
  
  'Anybody who thinks they are going to buy a public company that is currently capitalised at £10million, is deluding themselves.'
  
  Entrepreneur Andrew Strode-Gibbons, who heads the consortium, believes that is the figure that would see him and his partners take over.
  
  'I, along with many people in this city, am fed up with the way the club is being run and we want to see an end to Rupert Lowe's reign,' said Strode-Gibbons, co-founder of The Mortgage Lender company.
  
  'We are prepared to pay what the club is worth, which is between £9-10million, but they have a deluded idea that the club is worth more now in the Championship than it was in the Premiership.'
  
  If Strode-Gibbons do take over, director of football Sir Clive Woodward would find himself out of a job.
  
  Strode-Gibbons claims that after speaking with a number of first-team players last week, they have no respect for Woodward.
  
  'It's very unlikely we would want to keep Sir Clive Woodward,' said Strode-Gibbons. 'I'm sure he deserves a chance, but we feel he is best served in rugby, not football.
  
  'The way things are working out at Southampton, he doesn't seem to have the respect of the players and people within the club. That's not peaceful harmony.'
  
  Woodward, who coached England to win the rugby World Cup in 2003, was quick to counter.
  
  'I think I've been long enough in football and professional sport to take all these things with a pinch of salt. I'm not going to find out who these players are and why they are unhappy because I don't think they are.
  
  'But if you want to it's not too difficult to find players to say things, especially at the moment in the January window, with players going out and coming in.'
  
  
• dragg

  1 Feb 06, 15:13

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 31, 2006
  Transfer action: D'Alessandro joins Pompey on loan
  
  Harry Redknapp claimed deadline day's most impressive signing by luring Argentina playmaker Andres D'Alessandro to Portsmouth.
  
  The midfielder joined on loan from Wolfsburg for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent switch in the summer, and becomes Redknapp's ninth signing this month.
  
  The 24-year-old has been capped for Argentina's senior national side and also won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games and honours at youth level.
  
  Redknapp told the club's website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk: 'The boy is a really influential playmaker and you can't have too many of those. This is a massive signing at the club.'
  
  Wolfsburg paid River Plate a club record £6.15million for the 24-year-old in 2003 but he ruled out a return to Buenos Aires as his wife is seven months pregnant and currently unable to travel.
  
  One player leaving Fratton Park before the midnight deadline could be Zvonimir Vukic, who claims he has joined Partizan Belgrade on a six-month loan deal.
  
  Arsenal have surprisingly allowed Dutch youngster Quincy Owusu-Abeyie to join Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee.
  
  The Gunners offloaded the talented 19-year-old forward, who has signed a permanent deal with the Russian club, after recruiting Emmanuel Adebayor and Theo Walcott recently.
  
  The Dutch Under-21 international moved to Highbury from Ajax in 2002 and made 23 first-team appearances for Arsenal, most of them in the Carling and FA Cup.
  
  Fulham have signed midfielder Michael Brown from Tottenham for an undisclosed fee.
  
  The former Sheffield United player agreed a three-and-a-half-year contract after finding first-team opportunities limited at White Hart Lane.
  
  Brown told the club's website, www.fulhamfc.com: 'I'm very excited to be joining Fulham at this point in my career and I'm looking forward to the challenges that this new opportunity brings.
  
  'I enjoyed my time at Spurs and wish the club and its supporters well, as everyone there was really good to me.
  
  'But if I'm honest my prospects there became very limited, so when a club like Fulham, who play attractive passing football, showed an interest in me, there really was only one decision that I could make, and I'm really looking forward to working with Chris Coleman and the rest of the squad.'
  
  Brown's point was underlined by the news that Tottenham have completed the signing of Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ghaly on a four-and-a-half-year contract.
  
  The 24-year-old, who has 19 international caps, arrives at White Hart Lane after two and a half seasons at Feyenoord.
  
  Sporting director Damien Comolli told the club's website, www.spurs.co.uk: 'I have watched Hossam since he was 17 years old.
  
  'He is a versatile, very physical and technically gifted midfielder who will offer us a number of playing options.'
  
  Barcelona midfielder Gabri will not join West Ham after deciding to stay in Catalonia.
  
  Gabri, who can operate in midfield or at full-back, reportedly held talks with the Hammers after Barca agreed to let him leave, but opted to remain at the Nou Camp until his current deal expires in the summer.
  
  AC Milan confirmed they have rebuffed renewed interest from Manchester United in Switzerland midfielder Johann Vogel.
  
  Rossoneri sporting director Ariedo Braida admitted United inquired about the 28-year-old but added they were then told the player will be staying at the San Siro.
  
  Braida told PA Sport: 'Johann Vogel will remain at AC Milan 100%.
  
  'It's true that Manchester United showed an interest. But no offer was made because we said from the beginning that we wanted to keep the player.'
  
  Manchester City could face a frantic fight to keep hold of Joey Barton after the midfielder requested a move.
  
  Manager Stuart Pearce, though, is determined to keep him and said: 'I wouldn't have done what Joey did after the club stood by him in the summer.
  
  'I am disappointed, but more for the fans and chairman. But we hope to secure him on a long-term contract. I will talk to him today and I think something will be sorted out.'
  
  New City striker Georgios Samaras is looking forward to putting a difficult January behind him and start scoring goals for his new club after signing from Heerenveen for £6million.
  
  'It has been a tough month for me but I was pleased that City were interested in me and now I'm really happy to be here,' said the 20-year-old.
  
  City have also secured the services of Southampton central defender Matthew Mills on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
  
  Rory Delap has also left Southampton, signing for Sunderland on a two-and-a-half-year deal. The 29-year-old midfielder joins on a free transfer.
  
  Fulham have allowed defender Zesh Rehman to join Norwich on loan for the rest of the season. The Pakistan international has been joined at Carrow Road by Charlton forward Jonatan Johansson from Charlton.
  
  Wigan's Australia international midfielder Josip Skoko has rejected a loan move to Stoke, despite a lack of first-team opportunities at the JJB Stadium.
  
  
• dragg

  1 Feb 06, 15:14

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 31, 2006
  Blackburn secure deals for Pongolle, Bentley
  
  Blackburn have signed striker Florent Sinama Pongolle from Liverpool on loan until the end of the season while also wrapping up a permanent deal for David Bentley.
  
  The 21-year-old Frenchman has struggled to break into the first team at Anfield this season and now has a chance to challenge for a place up front at Ewood Park.
  
  Bentley, also 21, who spent the first half of the season on loan with Mark Hughes' side from Arsenal, has now made the move permanent, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
  
  Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is expecting more sparks to fly when his side face Manchester United for the third time in 22 days tomorrow.
  
  The Carling Cup semi-final showdown with United produced two feisty games, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side emerging 3-2 aggregate winners, and now the two sides go head to head again in the Premiership.
  
  More notably, though, Robbie Savage ended up stealing the headlines for his clashes with Wayne Rooney and Alan Smith in the first leg at Ewood Park, and then Rio Ferdinand in the return at Old Trafford.
  
  In the initial encounter three weeks ago, Savage took exception to a Smith lunge which sent him flying, and after Rooney followed in, the midfielder grabbed the United striker in a headlock.
  
  Referee Rob Styles, who fell as he attempted to intervene, ended up booking all three players.
  
  Then last Wednesday, and in the words of Hughes, Ferdinand `clipped' Savage as the players made their way off the pitch at half-time.
  
  That prompted the Welshman into confronting the United centre-back in the tunnel, although with referee Graham Poll making no mention of the incident in his match report, no action will be taken.
  
  However, the scene is set for another lively encounter, one Hughes is relishing.
  
  'I hope it would be a similar game because I thoroughly enjoyed the other two,' said the former United striker. 'I thought they were excellent cup ties. I think everybody enjoyed the cut and thrust of games that swung from one side to the other.
  
  'They were well competed, and if the game tomorrow is played in the same manner then it will be a good one for everybody.'
  
  Hughes is demanding no let-up from his players in their intensity, adding: 'I would expect all my players to have a spark. We all need that in our play, and I think we've had that for the majority of the season. We expect to compete.
  
  'But when we have the opportunity to play, we do that as well, as we have proved this year.
  
  'We have received a lot of plaudits for the way we have approached games, and the attacking play we have shown, and I think that will continue from now until the end of the season.
  
  'All the players have been playing well up until this point. When they have been doing that you just send them out and tell them to do exactly what they have been doing because they've been effective.'
  
  But when asked if there were likely to be any repercussions between Savage and Ferdinand, particularly as the latter played in midfield for Sunday's FA Cup win at Wolves, a defiant Hughes replied: 'No.'
  
  With Rovers out of both cup competitions in the space of four days - as they were also dumped out of the FA Cup at West Ham on Saturday - the goal now is a top-six league finish, and with it a place in next season's UEFA Cup.
  
  'We want to get into a European spot,' confirmed Hughes, who is again without key strikers Craig Bellamy and Paul Dickov through injury.
  
  'We've set targets this year and we think they're realistic and obtainable, and we're on track at this moment in time.
  
  'We have set ourselves a points tally that ordinarily, in most seasons, would get us a European spot. We're working on that basis.
  
  'We may need more, we may need less. But we're hoping we've picked the right number and we can have a real go. If we can maintain our form then we will go very close.'
  
  Blackburn have also captured 17-year-old Swedish defender Martin Olsson for 'a small transfer fee' from Hogaborgs BK.
  
  'Martin is another young player who impressed us during a recent trial and we feel he will go on to prove to be a big asset for Rovers for many years to come,' manager Mark Hughes told www.rovers.co.uk.
  
  Rovers striker Paul Gallagher has extended his loan at Stoke, however Hughes can recall the 21-year-old in 28 days' time.
  
  
• dragg

  1 Feb 06, 15:15

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Jan. 31, 2006
  Earnshaw set to leave Baggies for Norwich
  
  Norwich have completed the signing of striker Rob Earnshaw from West Brom.
  
  The transfer nets the Baggies a guaranteed £2.75million, plus a further £750,000 subject to performance-related add-ons.
  
  Albion will also receive 10% of any transfer fee should the Canaries decide to sell the Wales international striker.
  
  Norwich's package deal matches the total fee the Baggies paid Cardiff for Earnshaw's services 18 months ago.
  
  Speaking after his side's 4-0 defeat at Reading, Norwich manager Nigel Worthington said: 'I'm glad everything has already been sent to the Football League because he might have changed his mind after watching that.
  
  'It's a good price for a good player who is proven at this level.'
  
  Worthington had enquired about signing Earnshaw last week but told PA Sport that Albion would have to lower their valuation of the Welshman.
  
  The deal appeared to be dead after Baggies manager Bryan Robson challenged Earnshaw, who rejected the chance to move to Southampton, to fight for his place in the starting line-up at The Hawthorns on Monday.
  
  Earnshaw scored 14 goals in his first season with Albion to finish as their leading scorer after being signed by Gary Megson in the summer of 2004.
  
  But he has made only a handful of appearances during the current campaign with Kanu and Nathan Ellington emerging as the first-choice partnership.
  
  Robson gave Earnshaw a DVD of the parts of his game he felt had to be improved upon to become an established top-flight player.
  
  Earnshaw had two transfer requests rejected and looked disinterested when given a rare outing in the recent FA Cup replay at Reading - and that proved to be his final appearance for the club.
  
• SBS9828X

  2 Feb 06, 17:30

  through the closed window
  
  http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=357161&root=england&cc=4716
• dragg

  4 Feb 06, 13:34

  extracted from soccernet.
  
  Updated: Feb. 1, 2006
  Through the closed windowNorman Hubbard
  Archive
  
  Arsenal
  
  Theo Walcott: Signing continues Wenger's theme of looking to the future.In: Abou Diaby (Auxerre, £3.5 million), Emanuel Adebayor (Monaco, £7 million), Theo Walcott (Southampton, £5 million rising to £12 million), Mart Poom (Sunderland, free)
  
  Out: David Bentley (Blackburn, undisclosed), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Spartak Moscow, undisclosed), Jeremie Aliadiare (Wolves, loan)
  
  Arsene Wenger and spending spree are rarely found in the same sentence, especially in January. Nonetheless, the Arsenal manager made three signings in six days which could cost the club £22 million.
  
  Abou Diaby's physical stature - if not his callow performances - fill the void Patrick Vieira left.
  
  Theo Walcott and Emanuel Adebayor add to his attacking options, but it is notable that, despite Arsenal's defensive difficulties, Wenger opted against any additions at the back.
  
  Poom apart, his signings are made with a typical concern for the long term, but with the need to guarantee Champions League football in the first season at Ashburton Grove, should Wenger have prioritised the present?
  
  Aston Villa
  In: None
  
  Out: Eirik Bakke (Leeds, end of loan), Stefan Postma (Wolves, free), Wayne Henderson (Brighton, £35,000)
  
  Eirik Bakke's significance lies less in his ability as a combative midfielder than as an indication of Doug Ellis' mood and Aston Villa's finances.
  
  David O'Leary's continual refrain was that, while he lacked the budget for new buys, he hoped to extend Bakke's loan from Leeds. Ellis scotched that, leaving O'Leary with one of the smaller squads in the Premiership. At least the unsettled Lee Hendrie and the transfer-listed Mark Delaney did not reduce the playing staff still further by leaving.
  
  And in the same month when Villa were mentioned in conjunction with David Beckham; there would have been so much more to report if the fake sheikh was in charge...
  
  Birmingham City
  
  In: Chris Sutton (Celtic, free), Martin Latka (Slavia Prague, loan), DJ Campbell (Brentford, £500,000)
  
  Out: Walter Pandiani (Espanyol, £1 million), Njazi Kuqi (Blackpool, loan), Andrew Barrowman (Walsall, free)
  
  A belated reminder of the qualities of his squad seemed to have stifled Steve Bruce. The Birmingham boss initially talked of making three buys, but the return to fitness and form of some of his underachievers coincided with a revival in their home form.
  
  So his major signing involved a striking upgrade; out, at a £2 million loss, went Walter Pandiani, who scored against Liverpool and Manchester United but no-one else; in came Chris Sutton, yet to score but already central to Birmingham's gameplan. In a matter of weeks, he has already shown the catalytic qualities Christophe Dugarry displayed to save Birmingham from relegation three seasons ago.
  
  Indeed, defensive injuries mean Bruce could benefit from two Suttons; instead, Czech Martin Latka is the late, and short-term addition to his back four while Brentford's FA Cup hero DJ Campbell represents a late impulse buy. Bruce finally got his three arrivals.
  
  Blackburn Rovers
  
  In: David Bentley (Arsenal, undisclosed), Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Liverpool, loan), Martin Olsson (Hogaborgs, nominal fee)
  
  Out: Matt Jansen (Bolton, free), David Thompson (Wigan, free), Garry Flitcroft (Sheffield United, free), Andy Taylor (QPR, loan)
  
  With a minimum of fuss, Mark Hughes has quietly disposed of three fringe players; it is testament to the consistency of a small squad that none got much of a look-in.
  
  The one position where he sought to strengthen was in attack where Paul Dickov's shoulder injury and Craig Bellamy's stop-start season have increased their reliance on the game but limited Shefki Kuqi.
  
  Teddy Sheringham was one target; but a deadline-day double deal made David Bentley's loan deal permanent and introduced Liverpool's speedy striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle. But Bellamy's fragile fitness remains crucial.
  
  Bolton Wanderers
  
  Allardyce: Cashflow kept him unusually quiet for a transfer window period.
  
  In: Matt Jansen (Blackburn, free), Oscar Perez (Cordoba, free)
  
  Out: Martin Djetou (released), Fabrice Fernandes (released).
  
  A traditional conclusion to January involves Sam Allardyce frantically faxing the FA with details of his three last-minute recruits. Not this year.
  
  To some, that is a sign of progress; Bolton no longer need relegation firefighters. For others, however, it is indicative of insufficient resources being made available to Allardyce. Captain Kevin Nolan's call for the board to finance his spending was not heeded.
  
  The return of the quartet at the African Nations Cup will alleviate a lack of numbers, Oscar Perez provides cover for the injured Ivan Campo and Matt Jansen's versatility provides cover in the three attacking positions, but should Bolton just miss out on a Champions League place they could regret their caution.
  
  Charlton Athletic
  
  In: Marcus Bent (Everton, £2.5 million)
  
  Out: Dean Kiely (Portsmouth, £750,000), Danny Murphy (Tottenham, £2 million), Jonatan Johansson (Norwich, loan)
  
  Alan Curbishley has doubled his Bent quotient and, like Darren before him, Marcus made an immediate impact with a debut equaliser at Chelsea. With five former Ipswich players in his side, Curbishley may not limit his scouting trips to Portman Road in the future.
  
  Danny Murphy's descent from automatic choice to fringe player was completed by his late move to Tottenham, removing some of the craft from one of the bigger squads in the division.
  
  Dean Kiely's departure hardly came as a surprise but, after trying three goalkeepers already this season, it was widely anticipated that the Charlton manager would sign a fourth. He hasn't but the names at the top of his summer shopping list could include Robert Green; consistent clean sheets have eluded Charlton since that excellent start to the season.
  
  Chelsea
  
  In: Maniche (Dynamo Moscow, loan)
  
  Out: Wayne Bridge (Fulham, loan)
  
  The solitary flaw in Jose Mourinho's theory of two players per position always appeared to lie in midfield. Being reunited with Maniche should provide the remedy and, if the Portuguese is unable to show the stellar form of his Porto days, Mourinho's try-before-you-buy agreement means he will not prove costly.
  
  Wayne Bridge's star has waned to the extent that he is now third choice left-back; William Gallas' versatility means the England man can be allowed to leave on loan.
  
  Everton
  
  In: Alan Stubbs (Sunderland, free)
  
  Out: Marcus Bent (Charlton, £2.5 million), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina, £3 million)
  
  The sequence of four successive wins, meaning that the threat of relegation has receded, removed the element of panic-buying associated with desperate managers.
  
  Everton, after rediscovering their form of last season, recaptured the reliable Alan Stubbs while preserving the proceeds of Per Kroldrup's move for the summer.
  
  A £2 million loss on the lesser-spotted Danish defender was, however, an admission of failure and after Marcus Bent's move and the failure to sign Nicolas Anelka, among others, Moyes looks a striker light for the rest of the season. But surely reports of a move for Robbie Fowler were far fetched?
  
  Fulham
  
  Wayne Bridge: Now visible in his search for a World Cup place.
  
  In: Simon Elliott (Columbus Crew, free), Antti Niemi (Southampton, £1 million), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea, loan), Michael Brown (Tottenham, undisclosed)
  
  Out: Liam Fontaine, Adam Green (both Bristol City, loan), Zesh Rehman (Norwich, loan)
  
  Few have as much to show for their January work as Chris Coleman, despite limited outlay. Benefitting from Jose Mourinho's trust, the Fulham manager has borrowed Wayne Bridge and reunited him with Antti Niemi, regularly among the Premiership's top five keepers and available cheaply once Southampton's prospects of promotion disappeared.
  
  Enterprising in attack, Fulham's defence has been porous at times, but that could change. The combative Michael Brown joins a midfield marked by a spiky streak but with a willingness to play attacking football.
  
  Simon Elliott, the fourth addition, is a product of Coleman's scouting in MLS. The Welshman is one of the few to tap in to the American market; perhaps he is looking to add Craven Cottage to Harrods on the tourist trail.
  
  Liverpool
  
  In: Jan Kromkamp (Villarreal, swap), Daniel Agger (Brondby, £5.8 million), David Martin (MK Dons, undisclosed fee), Paul Anderson (Hull, swap), Robbie Fowler (Manchester City, free)
  
  Out: Josemi (Villarreal, swap), John Welsh (Hull, swap), Florent Sinama-Pongolle (Blackburn, loan), David Raven (Blackpool, loan), Mark Gonzalez (Real Sociedad, loan)
  
  Rafael Benitez, we thought, was predictable. Not in his team selections, or his substitutions, but in the transfer market. Signings centred on Spain, much as long balls are aimed at Peter Crouch.
  
  So what, then, is Robbie Fowler's homecoming - an inspired gamble, a rare show of nostalgia from Benitez or a public rebuke for more profligate strikers?
  
  Elsewhere, he has concluded his lengthy search for a central defender (Daniel Agger, kept under wraps so far) and appears to have got the better part of a swap deal with Villarreal, trading the ineffective Josemi for Jan Kromkamp.
  
  But whoever Benitez targets in the summer, the focus will be on Fowler when his short-term deal expires.
  
  Manchester City
  
  In: Albert Riera (Espanyol, loan), Georgios Samaras (Heerenveen, £6million), Matthew Mills (Southampton, undisclosed)
  
  Out: Robbie Fowler (Liverpool, free), Jonathan D'Laryea (Mansfield, nominal fee)
  
  The Premiership is preoccupied with the search for a new Vieira. Stuart Pearce took the rhyming option and added a Riera. The consequences may be felt most by Kiki Musampa after the arrival of another left winger on loan from Spain. Riera has been quickly acquainted with the reality of City - uplifting derby victory followed, almost inevitably, by drab defeat.
  
  Robbie Fowler bowed out with a salute to Manchester United fans; Pearce seemingly prefers pace in attack. In his place, some of the Shaun Wright-Phillips revenue has been spent on Heerenveen's Georgios Samaras, though, with Pearce forced to virtually double his bid to secure the Greek, an early example of his ability would be timely.
  
  One talented youngster - centre back Matthew Mills - was secured, but his arrival was overshadowed by Joey Barton's sudden wantaway tendency and an unsuccessful attempt to borrow Wright-Phillips. The midfielder, however, remains in Manchester, the winger in London.
  
  Manchester United
  
  Keane: No replacement found. The saga continues at OT.
  
  In: Nemanja Vidic (Spartak Moscow, £7 million), Patrice Evra (Monaco, £5.5 million)
  
  Out: David Bellion (Nice, loan), Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (Royal Antwerp, loan), David Jones (NEC Nijmegan, loan)
  
  For a manager who has often professed a dislike of mid-season spending, Sir Alex Ferguson has been active, and wishes he could have increased his outlay.
  
  The arrivals of Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, besides yielding an uncompromising centre-half and speedy left back, may have rid the defence of complacency, with greater competition for places.
  
  But injuries to Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and John O'Shea accelerated his hunt for a midfielder; had any been signed, the newcomer would have been burdened by comparisons to Roy Keane.
  
  But an approach for AC Milan's Johan Vogel failed, and the search will resume in the summer. The sight of a striker and a centre back paired at the heart of midfield at Wolves was both an indictment of previous buys and an indication of the urgency of finding Keane's replacement in the summer.
  
  Middlesbrough
  
  In: None
  
  Out: Szilard Nemeth (Strasbourg, nominal fee), Abel Xavier (released)
  
  Trapped by the footballing equivalent of negative equity, Steve McClaren is stuck with what he has. Attempts to shift his big earners have failed, and now the Middlesbrough manager has a coterie of disgruntled players in his squad.
  
  Ugo Ehiogu agreed to join West Brom only for injury-hit Middlesbrough to veto the move while Steve Gibson's demands that McClaren sell before be buys, together with the failure of a late bid for Joey Barton, precluded any arrivals.
  
  On the plus side, at least the sacking of Abel Xavier will mean he no longer needs to wear sunglasses on the training ground.
  
  Newcastle United
  
  In: None
  
  Out: Laurent Robert (Benfica, free)
  
  Graeme Souness has had his gold credit card cut up. Without a budget to buy, he made the most optimistic of approaches for Nicolas Anelka - lacking only a transfer fee. But no signings do not mean it has been a quiet month on Tyneside.
  
  Instead of arrivals, Newcastle have had scarcely-veiled verbal sparring between chairman - conscious of a £50 million outlay - and manager, unable to swing the proverbial cat in the vicinity of the treatment table lest he decapitate Kieron Dyer.
  
  The presumption is that Newcastle would rather extend their overdraft to fund their next manager and not the current incumbent.
  
  Portsmouth
  
  Loanee Wayne Routledge will get a chance to put his best foot forward at Pompey.
  
  In: Benjani (Auxerre, £4.1 million), Emmanuel Olisadebe (Panathinaikos, undisclosed), Pedro Mendes, Sean Davis, Noe Pamarot (all Tottenham, combined cost £7 million), Wayne Routledge (Tottenham, loan), Dean Kiely (Charlton, £750,000), Ognijen Koroman (Terek Groznyi, loan), Andres D'Alessandro (Wolfsburg, loan)
  
  Out: Laurent Robert (end of loan), John Viafara (Real Sociedad, loan)
  
  If a computer dating programme never matched Harry Redknapp with a wealthy Russian, it is a wonder. Redknapp, rapidly revisiting his estimate of players required upwards during the month, has enjoyed spending Alexandre Gaydamak's money, though Portsmouth's predicament has restricted him.
  
  Porto's Benni McCarthy rejected a move to a club with 'no ambitions' while the Celtic pair of Chris Sutton and John Hartson both declined the chance to become the third striker signed in January alone. But Redknapp responded in typical fashion to coach Joe Jordan's suggestion that eight additions were needed. He got nine.
  
  Benjani is a club record buy, Wayne Routledge rectifies a lack of right-sided players while the other former Tottenham trio strengthen the spine of the side and the dependable Dean Kiely has displaced those bought by Velimir Zajec and Alain Perrin in goal.
  
  Perhaps the most interesting signing of all is Andres D'Alessandro, a latent talent eyeing the World Cup and signed by the man who revived Paolo di Canio's career. But while Redknapp has recruited extensively - and still laments the 14 that got away - Portsmouth's results have taken a turn for the worse.
  
  Perhaps buying the players was the easy bit.
  
  Sunderland
  
  In: Kevin Smith (Leeds, free), Rory Delap (Southampton, free)
  
  Out: Mart Poom (Arsenal, free), Alan Stubbs (Everton, free), Carl Robinson (Norwich, £50,000)
  
  Such is Sunderland's predicament that January, usually a last-chance saloon for the relegation-threatened, is less of a concern than detoxing for the Championship.
  
  Hence just two low-profile additions; Leeds reserve Kevin Smith and Rory Delap, the Southampton squad player who is the replacement for Carl Robinson. while the experienced Alan Stubbs' return to Everton allows Mick McCarthy to give his younger defenders a greater taste of the Premiership.
  
  The summer, when the vultures may come calling for Julio Arca or Dean Whitehead, may prove the pivotal transfer window.
  
  Tottenham Hotspur
  
  In: Danny Murphy (Charlton, £2 million), Hossam Ghaly (Feyenoord, undisclosed)
  
  Out: Pedro Mendes, Sean Davis, Noe Pamarot (all Portsmouth, combined cost £7 million), Philip Ifil (Millwall, loan), Reto Ziegler (Wigan, loan), Wayne Routledge (Portsmouth, loan), Michael Brown (Fulham, undisclosed fee)
  
  Having accumulated 12 midfielders, it was evident that a little pruning of Spurs' squad was in order. Aided by Portsmouth's new-found largesse, Martin Jol now has a trimmer squad and a bigger budget.
  
  Danny Murphy, who almost joined Spurs instead of Charlton, finally makes the move to White Hart Lane and offers the versatility and technique to fit into any of Jol's many midfield permutations.
  
  Hossam Ghaly, signed from Feyenoord, is the other new face in the centre of the pitch but the failure of the bid for Jonathan Zebina means the defence is unchanged.
  
  But Mido's absence in Africa showed Spurs' reliance on the Egyptian to provide an aerial option in attack and Jol's inability to add another striker to strengthen their push for a Champions League place may have been his major regret when the window shut.
  
  West Bromwich Albion
  
  In: Williams Martinez (Defensor, loan), Nigel Quashie (Southampton, undisclosed)
  
  Out: Darren Moore (Derby, £500,000), Riccardo Scimeca (Cardiff, free), Rob Earnshaw (Norwich, £2.75 million), Lloyd Dyer (Millwall, free)
  
  As a player, Bryan Robson was noted for the timing of his arrival in the penalty box.
  
  As a manager, he just beat the transfer deadline to secure the signing of the forceful Nigel Quashie, a belated triumph in a cruel month.
  
  Because West Brom have haemorrhaged players, even though none were considered a first choice by their manager, while there has only been one other addition.
  
  That Ugo Ehiogu's on-off transfer resulted in the centre back remaining at the Riverside was a particular frustration. Robert Earnshaw's goals saved West Brom from relegation last year, but there will be no repeat after Robson sold the reserve to Norwich
  
  West Ham United
  
  Dean Ashton: A heavy gamble at £7million
  
  In: Dean Ashton (Norwich City, £7.25 million), Yaniv Katan (Maccabi Haifa, £100,000), Lionel Scaloni (Deportivo la Coruna, loan)
  
  Out: David Bellion (end of loan), Moses Ashikodi (Rangers, free), Tomas Repka (Sparta Prague, free)
  
  Few would have imagined that Tomas Repka would prove irreplaceable. He nearly did, though; the search for a replacement for the widely-derided and homeward-bound right back was fruitless until, in the closing minutes of the window, Deportivo la Coruna's Argentine defender Lionel Scaloni squeezed through.
  
  In attack, however, Alan Pardew now has five forwards and still repelled Spurs' inquiry about Teddy Sheringham. That even his board wondered if he paid over the odds for Dean Ashton, however, means West Ham's record buy has to vindicate his manager's judgment.
  
  Wigan Athletic
  
  In: David Thompson (Blackburn, free), Neil Mellor (Liverpool, loan), Reto Ziegler (Tottenham, loan), Paul Scharner (Brann Bergen, £2 million)
  
  Out: None
  
  Paul Jewell could be forgiven for thinking he has the Midas touch; for three signings to score debut goals within a month is a remarkable success rate.
  
  It also brought welcome options to a small and injury-hit squad. Scharner, the giant Austrian, has already made his presence felt in both the centre of defence and midfield while the versatile Thompson's combination of competitiveness and incisive passing makes him well-suited to Wigan.
  
  After also recruiting Henri Camara, Arjan de Zeeuw and Pascal Chimbonda in the summer, Jewell should expect calls from his peers looking for a few tips.