The silent soccer site

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Football Talk:

Ruud's Real-ly nervous/Shock draw
Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted that he is extremely nervous about stepping onto the field in the famous white of Madrid. He has spoken that he believes that he can win the champions league here rather than old trafford. Ruud was not on show in Austria against Fulham when they were held to a goaless draw. frank Queudrue and Jimmy Bullard made their debut as Becks and Ronaldo were absent for the game.

United to try their luck
Finally with enough money to work in the transfer window, the red devils will try to lure Fernando Torres to old Trafford. Although he had publicly stated that he wants to stay at Atletico, United will try their luck with Madrid. Another option would of course be Carlos Tevez, who is rated around the same price as the Spainard.

Aimar in shock Zaragoza switch
Paulo Aimar has stunned the football world by completing a switch from Spainish giants Valencia to La Liga side Zaragoza. His 11 million pound move was largly expected but no one could emagine why he wanted to 'relegate' himself. Liverpool were initally the front runners for his signature but has apparently fell short.

More pre-season shockers
Both manchester united and Liverpool lost in pre-season today against Preston and Leverkusen respectively. While there were few first team players in the united side, they were largely expected to win against championship side Preston. They fell 2-1 to the minnows. Liverpool lost 3-2 to Leverkusen with Jose Reina playing in midfield as he came on or the injured Luis Garcia. Even though he was uncomfortable in that position, he came close to scoring twice but lost out to a 87 minute strike.

Duff has a run although newcastle were defeated
Newcastle lost 2-3 to PSV at St.James Park. They fought back from 3-0 down but were unable to find the equaliser. Duff made his debut but was subbed after an hour.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 3:37 PM

Friday, July 28, 2006

Transfer Talk:

Ruud makes Real Switch
Ruud van Nistelrooy is expected to be unveiled as a Real Madrid player after his pending medical. His move was reported to be 11 million pounds. The price tag was dropped after intervention from the Glazers. Ruud was citied saying that he has now joined 'The best Club in the world'. He is also anxious to link up with former England skipper and good pal David Beckham.

Carrick to be unveiled as a United Player
Michael Carrick has finally completed his dream move to Old Trafford. Tottenham has accepted a 18 million pound bid from United and the midfeilder is expected to fill in the gap left by Keane. This comes hours after United accepted a bid for Ruud.

Tevez a target for United
Carlos Tevez, the team-mate of target Javier Masc, is also linked with United to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Thompson moves to pompey on free transfer
Liverpool and Blackburn midfielder David Thompson on a year-long deal. The former England Under-21 international was released by Wigan at the end of last season after joining from Blackburn in the January transfer window and scored two goals in seven starts. The 28-year-old becomes manager Harry Redknapp's second signing after Glen Johnson joined on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

Sutton on the Verge of a Birmingham return
After a unusual season in England, Chris Sutton is set to return to Birmingham, this time in the first division.

McCarthy finally in Premiership after Rovers move
Blackburn have completed the signing of Benni McCarthy on a four-year contract from Porto.
Rovers have not revealed the fee, although it has been reported to be in the region of £2.5million. Manager Mark Hughes will hope the 28-year-old South African can prove a suitable replacement for Craig Bellamy, who moved to Liverpool earlier in the summer. Blackburn chief executive John Williams told the club's website: 'We tried to sign Benni 12 months ago and we have been tracking the situation since then. 'We are delighted that we have managed to bring him to Rovers.'

Barcelona worried by new-look Real Madrid
The whole of Europe are fearing the new look Real Madrid. With former Juventus manager Fabio Capello at the reins, he has brought in superstar vetrans Cannavaro, Emerson and star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
However, Barcelona has bought more ammo as well. Barcelona have added Icelandic forward Eidur Gudjohnsen and Juve defenders Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta to their squad.

Champions League qualifying draw
Liverpool (ENG) v Maccabi Haifa (ISR)
AC Milan (ITA) v Cork City (IRL) or Red Star Belgrade (SCG)
FK Ekranas (LTU) or Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) v Arsenal (ENG)

Liverpool and AC Milan have drawn a difficult team in the third qualifying drawing Maccabi Haifia. AC Milan would probably play Red Star Belgrade. Arsenal would face either Ekranas or favourites Dinamo Zagreb.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 9:02 PM

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Transfer Talk:

Tug-A-Ruud
Ruud van Nistelrooy is now back at Old Trafford for pre-season training. Real has made a new bid that reportedly is closer to United's asking price. Bayern is also waiting a reply from the red devils.

A Torred time
United are going through a torrid transfer window with Torres now pleadging his future to Athletico. Ronaldo has been strongly linked to Valencia. Not only that, It seems that Patrick Vieria will shun a return to England to stay in Italy. Michael Carrick seems to be the first buy but United has to make an increased bid. However Carrick has been holding back on an improved offer from the London club, hoping for United to make another bid.

Juventus only side relegated
Forentina and lazio have been reinstated into the Serie A after they succeeded in their appeal. AC Milan was also granted leniecy and will now participate in the qualifiers for the champions league. Juventus had their point deduction reduced which put them in a better position to be promoted back after a season.

No go Cole
Arsenal left back has not been approached by Chelsea since they raised the bid to 30 million. Arsene has for the first time said that Cole can go. But there was no bids from Chelski.

Defoe linked with Old Trafford
Jermaine Defoe could follow Carrick and move to old trafford. ManU has reportedly be ready to bid 15 million on the English striker.

Pennant set for Anfield
Jermaine Pennant seem to be set to move to Liverpool from relegated Birmingham. Although they had a 3.5 million bid rejected, they seem to have agreed a deal that is said to be around 6.45million.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 8:56 PM

Friday, July 21, 2006

Transfer talks:

A warm-ruud welcome *****
Sir Alex has said that he will welcome van Nistelrooy back for training on Monday. The dutch striker, who is a transfer target for real, has not been shown such high interest after Real Madrid threatened to close negotiations with the reds. That will of course, only be a gift for bayern Munich, who were ready to launch a bid that surpasses that of Real Madrid. Sir Alex has compared Ruud to 30 million pound Shevchenko and 8 million pound Andy Johnson asking the question who he is closer to.

Barca & Real complete Juve double swoop *****
Barca has succeeded in snatching up Zambrotta and Thuram while Real has got Cannavaro and Emerson.

D-Day for euro-Duff bid ***
Newcastle boss Glenn Roeder has clinched a dramatic £10million deal to steal winger Damien Duff from under Tottenham's noses... If they qualify for the UEFA Cup through the inter-toto cup.

Blackburn for Ayala? **
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is making an astonishing move for Argentina's Roberto Ayala.

Fortune-ate for Bolton? ***
Quinton Fortune will be handed a two-year contract by Bolton manager Sam Allardyce if he proves his fitness in tomorrow's friendly with Burnley. Aston Villa will have to move swiftly to persuade Alan Curbishley, their preferred choice to replace David O'Leary, to become the 14th manager to serve under chairman Doug Ellis in time for the start of the Premiership season.

Arca for boro? ***
Julia Arca is a transfer target for Middlesbrough while Frank Queudrue seems to be heading for the boro exit.

Mourinho keen to trim Chelsea squad ****
Jose Mourinho has revealed the fear of losing any more of Chelsea's stars has prompted him to trim his squad. Mourinho arrived at Stamford Bridge with the policy of having two players for every position but last summer's departure of Tiago and the likely exit of Damien Duff has changed his thinking. Mourinho is ready to use a core group of 20 adaptable players in a bid to keep everybody happy. Mourinho's change of approach does not extend to left-back, however, where the Portuguese manager is determined to have two options. Wayne Bridge has ended his loan spell at Fulham and will be staying at Stamford Bridge but a vacancy will open up when Asier del Horno returns to Spain, with Valencia leading the chase. Ashley Cole is the hot favourite to be installed as Del Horno's replacement but Mourinho will not comment on mounting speculation the Arsenal defender will join next week.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 10:24 PM

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Transfer Talks:

Be Real-istic part 1 ****
Ferguson and manchester United has stood by what they said and rejected Real Madrid's inital bid for Ruud van Nistelrooy. Fergie spoke saying theat 'Ruud is still a Manchester United player'. This comes hours after Real Madrid mistakenly posted on their offical website that they completed the signing of united's prolific striker.

Boosted Bids *****
Sir Alex has recieved an increase in transfer budget. After United cleared around 68 million pounds worth of instalment, their transfer budget has been boosted by 18 million. Combined with the expected 14 million pound sale of Ruud, Fergie is planning a 40 million pound transfer raid.

Devils sink Pirates *****
Chinese youngster Dong FangZhou sinked Pirates with his solitary goal in United's pre-season tour of South Africa. The chinese international, who has never and, till December, not play offically for united, scored with a fantasticly time shot. The youngster has yet to recieve a british work permit but it's due to arrive in December and Fergie can't wait to offically sign Dong FangZhou on. The chinese player has been playing in Belgium with United's feeder club, Royal Antwerp for the past two seasons and he is expected to return there for half a season.

Torres Inter-ception ****
Inter Milan has joined United in a race to sign hot prospect Fernando Torres. Inter are rumored to be ready for a 26 million pound bid for Torres whilst manchester united are still awaiting the revenue from Ruud's transfer, which is being dealyed due to disagreement of transfer fees.

An English return for Nicolas? *****
Nicolas Anelka has said that Portsmouth, Bolton and Blackburn are looking to sign him. Portsmouth has already launched a 8.2 million pound bid. 'I hope things will be sorted within 10 days, myself and Fenerbahce need to know as soon as possible.' spoke Anelka, who has been snubbed by all his former clubs.

'Nedved staying with me' Del Piero ***
Alessandro del Piero claims Pavel Nedved, a reported target for Tottenham, is ready to stay with Juventus despite the club's relegation to Serie B following a match-fixing scandal.
Del Piero has already indicated his intention to stay with the Turin club, who will also start next season with a 30-point deduction, and Juve sporting director Alessio Secco revealed: 'Del Piero has told me that he and Nedved will definitely remain at the club.'

Be Real-istic part 2 ****
Secco has claimed Real Madrid will have to increase their offer if they wish to sign Fabio Cannavaro, Emerson and Gianluca Zambrotta. Juve have turned down a reported £20.5million bid for the trio. 'We will meet with them again in the next few days to continue to negotiate.
'We are willing to sell players as long as we receive adequate offers.' Juve are hoping to see their punishment reduced having appealed against Friday's verdict to the Federal Court in order to have a chance to return to Serie A in the 2007-08 season.

Blues get work permit for delighted Obi *****
Chelsea have been granted a work permit for Nigeria midfielder Jon Obi Mikel.
The Premiership champions completed the £16million signing of the highly-rated 19-year-old last month after a dispute with Norwegian club Lynn Oslo and Manchester United.
Mikel is one of four players to have moved to Stamford Bridge this summer along with Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko and Salomon Kalou.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 10:16 PM

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Transfer Talks:

United eyeing Juventus players ****
Fergie has stated that he is interested in a few Juve player but despite enquires on a number of players, has held back frim bids due to their situation. They are, however, ready to make firm bids on 1-2 players. Reports has reached a common player, Patrick Vieira as well as goalkeeper Buffon.

Wigan complete Landzaat signing *****
Wigan has further improved their squad with 30 year old Landzaat from AZ Alkzmar. Adding to their 3 previous signings at the JJB stadium.

No Juve players for gunners *****
Arsene Wenger has srugged off talks of Arsenal signing any Juventus players after their demotion. The club is known to be unable to afford their high wages. That will leave the way clear for other premiership giants like Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United to benefit from their misfortune.

Duff heading across London ****
Damien Duff is almost certain to leave Chelsea for London rivals Tottenham. There he would linking up with english international Michael Carrick, Jermaine Defoe and Aaron Lennon.

Valencia close to sealing Del Horno ****
Del Horno is looking set to complete a quick return to Spain after a failed season with Chelsea.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 7:00 PM

Monday, July 17, 2006

Transfer talk: rated with accuracy<1-5>

Ronaldo set to remain a red devil<****>
Ronaldo is set to remain a manchester united player after having a heart to heart talk with his family back in Portugal. Sir Alex is also relaxed about the situation and Wayne Rooney, too, has urged Ronaldo to return, saying that "He's my mate."

Fergie-ira<*****>
Sir Alex Ferguson hopes to be third time lucky as he attempts to sign Patrick Vieira from demoted Juventus for a cut-pirce expected to be 5-8 million euros. Having failed to sign him from Arsenal, Vieira too has sated in his autobiography that he would contemplate a move to Old Trafford.

Torres ready to Athletic-go<***>
Frnando Torres has made his future uncertain after failing to pledge his future to the club. With Manchester United set to launch a 25 million bid for the impressive world cup starlet after Ruud's departure, Athletico would have to turn to their back-ups to lead their attack.

Real close on Cannavaro, Ruud deal<****>
Cannavaro and Ruud van Nistelrooy are close to signing as the first 2 galaticos of the new real era. Ruud would fancy a reunion with Becks to form one of the deadliest partnership in europe alongside Ronaldo, Raul and Robinho. Their defence seems to be taking shape with World Cup hero Cannavaro almost certain to arrive at the bernabeu.

Nedved to shun serie B<****>
Pavel Nedved is set to leave Juve after declaring that several clubs, including Monaco and Tottenham are chasing for his signature. With his best years behind him, nedved would likely want to spend his last few seasons playing at the top-flight.

<--Matthew Matthias Tay--> Red Devil entered entry @ 6:34 PM