Primera Liga
Samuel Eto'o's team-mates have come out in support of him and pleaded with Barcelona not to force him out.
Eto'o has been informed that he is not part of new coach Pep Guardiola's plans as wholesale changes are carried out at Barca following the Catalan club's second successive trophyless season.
A host of clubs have been linked with the prolific Cameroon international but his team-mates would like nothing more than for him to remain at Barca.
"As a team-mate and friend, I want to keep Samu by my side," said Andres Iniesta. "He is the best player in the world in his position and, if not the best then at least among the top three.
"Let's hope that he stays with us, although you can't control other people's actions. Nor what is going through Samuel's mind.
"My wish is for him to stay, but what will happen will happen, and I hope that it will work out for the best for everyone."
Xavi also praised Eto'o highly, calling him; "An example of professionalism and a great talent on the field, among the best in the world."
Several teams in Serie A and the Premier League are reportedly interested in Eto'o, while Ligue 1 champions Lyon were the latest to throw their hat into the ring.
However, the 27-year-old's agent claimed that he could still stay at the Nou Camp and Lionel Messi hopes he does.
"Let's hope that he stays because there is no one else like him in the world," he told Spanish sports daily Marca.
Malouda to stay at Chelsea
Premier League
Chelsea winger Florent Malouda will not leave Stamford Bridge this summer, according to his agent Pierre Frelot.
Malouda has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Roma and Barcelona after a difficult first season in the Premier League.
But Frelot claims the 28-year-old is happy to remain with Chelsea, who he joined from Lyon for US$32million last summer.
"After a meeting that was held with Peter Kenyon and Luiz Felipe Scolari, I would very much like to clarify that the latter assured us that he has always appreciated Florent," Frelot told L'Equipe.
"He counts on him. Florent is convinced that after a first season where his adaptation was interrupted by injury and changes with the coach, he will be able to fully express his talent."
Chelsea winger Florent Malouda will not leave Stamford Bridge this summer, according to his agent Pierre Frelot.
Malouda has been linked with a move to Serie A giants Roma and Barcelona after a difficult first season in the Premier League.
But Frelot claims the 28-year-old is happy to remain with Chelsea, who he joined from Lyon for US$32million last summer.
"After a meeting that was held with Peter Kenyon and Luiz Felipe Scolari, I would very much like to clarify that the latter assured us that he has always appreciated Florent," Frelot told L'Equipe.
"He counts on him. Florent is convinced that after a first season where his adaptation was interrupted by injury and changes with the coach, he will be able to fully express his talent."
Madrid in Real limbo - Schuster
Primera Liga
Bernd Schuster admits Real Madrid are in limbo as they wait for Cristiano Ronaldo to make a decision on his future.
The Spanish champions have courted the Manchester United star all summer despite his club's insistence he is not for sale.
Ronaldo, 23, has done nothing to dispel the reports, revealing it is his dream to play for Real and refusing to confirm where he will be playing next season.
However, Schuster is beginning to tire of the protracted saga and claims it is difficult to prepare for next season without knowing whether the Portugal winger will be joining his squad or not.
"As all the world knows, we are interested in signing a player like Ronaldo," he said. "But it seems as if he won't finish deciding, and all the rest depends on that.
"If this doesn't work out we have other alternatives, but everything depends on how it finishes with Cristiano Ronaldo."
Schuster's side played their first pre-season friendly on Sunday and despite a less than spectacular 3-2 win over LASK Linz, the bright note of the evening was Arjen Robben's man of the match performance.
The former Chelsea man set up two goals before being substituted after an hour and, after an injury-hit first season at the Bernabeu, Schuster is confident Robben will prove his worth.
"Robben has a tremendous desire to show everyone the player he is," he added. "We already know.
"Since the first day he has been training properly, he is very fresh and fast and for that he has already shown his main characteristic - speed.
"In these first days he certainly stands out from the rest."
Bernd Schuster admits Real Madrid are in limbo as they wait for Cristiano Ronaldo to make a decision on his future.
The Spanish champions have courted the Manchester United star all summer despite his club's insistence he is not for sale.
Ronaldo, 23, has done nothing to dispel the reports, revealing it is his dream to play for Real and refusing to confirm where he will be playing next season.
However, Schuster is beginning to tire of the protracted saga and claims it is difficult to prepare for next season without knowing whether the Portugal winger will be joining his squad or not.
"As all the world knows, we are interested in signing a player like Ronaldo," he said. "But it seems as if he won't finish deciding, and all the rest depends on that.
"If this doesn't work out we have other alternatives, but everything depends on how it finishes with Cristiano Ronaldo."
Schuster's side played their first pre-season friendly on Sunday and despite a less than spectacular 3-2 win over LASK Linz, the bright note of the evening was Arjen Robben's man of the match performance.
The former Chelsea man set up two goals before being substituted after an hour and, after an injury-hit first season at the Bernabeu, Schuster is confident Robben will prove his worth.
"Robben has a tremendous desire to show everyone the player he is," he added. "We already know.
"Since the first day he has been training properly, he is very fresh and fast and for that he has already shown his main characteristic - speed.
"In these first days he certainly stands out from the rest."
Disgraced Barton walks free
Premier League
Barton, 25, left Strangeways prison in Manchester after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence for beating up a teenager in Liverpool city centre last December.
The US$80,000-a-week Newcastle United midfielder was released as Keegan revealed he will give Barton a "second chance" despite his jailing.
The player, signed for US$12 million from Manchester City, was sent to prison on May 20 after pleading guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to assault and affray.
After spending weeks behind bars alongside murderers, drug dealers and thieves he walked out of the prison gates at HMP Manchester at 11am today.
Barton, wearing jeans and a jumper and carrying a holdall, shook hands with a friend waiting for him outside the prison gates.
He made no comment to reporters before getting into a waiting silver Range Rover and being driven off.
Reporters asked the footballer if he had any message for the Newcastle fans, but Barton, flanked by two burly minders, headed straight into the waiting car.
His future at Newcastle had been in some doubt given his time in prison.
Amid reported wrangling over a pay-cut, summer transfer rumours have suggested his club would try to off-load the former England international.
But despite his ill-discipline, both on and off the field, the tough-tackling midfielder is still a prized asset.
And now Keegan has vowed to stick by the player when he returns to St James' Park.
"Joey will be back towards the end of the month," Keegan told Radio Five's Sportsweek programme.
"It's well-documented that he's had his problems but I knew of those problems at the time of taking over.
"He's been punished for what he did wrong and the world is littered with people who have deserved a second chance, got it and taken it with both hands.
"There are lot of things he has to put right with people but I think he can do that.
"It's up to Joey now and he's got to win a lot of people over."
Capped once by England, the player, from Huyton, Merseyside, served 68 days of the six-month jail term plus six days on remand after his initial arrest.
Under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 anyone given a jail sentence of less than 12 months is automatically released after serving half the sentence.
While freed today he is, however, currently serving a four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, after a separate conviction for a "ferocious" training ground attack on former Manchester City colleague Ousmane Dabo, which left his victim unconscious and bleeding.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, pay US$6,000 compensation to Dabo and court costs ofUS$6,000.
He was on bail over the Dabo incident when he got involved in the fight outside a McDonald's restaurant in Liverpool city centre.
The court heard the player, out of the Newcastle team through injury, had been on a night out with friends and family in Liverpool.
After drinking 10 pints and five bottles of lager, Barton and the rest of the group went into the McDonald's for food at about 5am on December 27.
But they became involved in a row with some youths and, outside the restaurant, the confrontation turned violent with Barton caught on CCTV knocking his victim to the ground.
He then straddled the man and punched him up to 20 times.
Moments later, the player attacked 16-year-old Jordan Spencer, punching him in the mistaken belief that the youth had assaulted his cousin.
Barton, 25, left Strangeways prison in Manchester after serving 74 days of a six-month sentence for beating up a teenager in Liverpool city centre last December.
The US$80,000-a-week Newcastle United midfielder was released as Keegan revealed he will give Barton a "second chance" despite his jailing.
The player, signed for US$12 million from Manchester City, was sent to prison on May 20 after pleading guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to assault and affray.
After spending weeks behind bars alongside murderers, drug dealers and thieves he walked out of the prison gates at HMP Manchester at 11am today.
Barton, wearing jeans and a jumper and carrying a holdall, shook hands with a friend waiting for him outside the prison gates.
He made no comment to reporters before getting into a waiting silver Range Rover and being driven off.
Reporters asked the footballer if he had any message for the Newcastle fans, but Barton, flanked by two burly minders, headed straight into the waiting car.
His future at Newcastle had been in some doubt given his time in prison.
Amid reported wrangling over a pay-cut, summer transfer rumours have suggested his club would try to off-load the former England international.
But despite his ill-discipline, both on and off the field, the tough-tackling midfielder is still a prized asset.
And now Keegan has vowed to stick by the player when he returns to St James' Park.
"Joey will be back towards the end of the month," Keegan told Radio Five's Sportsweek programme.
"It's well-documented that he's had his problems but I knew of those problems at the time of taking over.
"He's been punished for what he did wrong and the world is littered with people who have deserved a second chance, got it and taken it with both hands.
"There are lot of things he has to put right with people but I think he can do that.
"It's up to Joey now and he's got to win a lot of people over."
Capped once by England, the player, from Huyton, Merseyside, served 68 days of the six-month jail term plus six days on remand after his initial arrest.
Under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 anyone given a jail sentence of less than 12 months is automatically released after serving half the sentence.
While freed today he is, however, currently serving a four-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, after a separate conviction for a "ferocious" training ground attack on former Manchester City colleague Ousmane Dabo, which left his victim unconscious and bleeding.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, pay US$6,000 compensation to Dabo and court costs ofUS$6,000.
He was on bail over the Dabo incident when he got involved in the fight outside a McDonald's restaurant in Liverpool city centre.
The court heard the player, out of the Newcastle team through injury, had been on a night out with friends and family in Liverpool.
After drinking 10 pints and five bottles of lager, Barton and the rest of the group went into the McDonald's for food at about 5am on December 27.
But they became involved in a row with some youths and, outside the restaurant, the confrontation turned violent with Barton caught on CCTV knocking his victim to the ground.
He then straddled the man and punched him up to 20 times.
Moments later, the player attacked 16-year-old Jordan Spencer, punching him in the mistaken belief that the youth had assaulted his cousin.
Dunga: Singapore gave Brazil good test
When the most successful side in international football rolls into town, chances are, they're going to steal the limelight away from the local team.
Such was the case in the past week since the Brazilian Olympic football team touched down in Singapore, on their way to compete in this summer's Beijing Games.
After much anticipation though, the Singapore Select XI managed to re-claim some of the attention with a spirited display to restrict the samba kings to three goals, while at the same time creating chances of their own.
Brazilian coach Dunga was happy about the result though, especially considering the unfamiliar time-zone and conditions.
"It was a good game, so we had a good practice, especially coming from a different time-zone and with the weather being so humid," said the former World Cup winner.
"We also have players at several different levels of fitness."
With the clock counting down to the start of the Beijing Games Dunga is well aware of the time constraints he must deal with, the 44-year-old even went so far as to state: "In 15 days we can't really prepare a team for (the Olympics)."
"So we try to pass the ball around and let the opponent run after the ball, that way we get to know the other players and tactically try to impose ourselves."
Although the Brazilian team is certainly not short of global football superstars, there was little doubt who was the fan's favourite; two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and new AC Milan signing Ronaldinho.
Much has been made of Ronaldinho's lack of competitive match fitness and some were left to wonder whether Dunga's decision to play him up front against Singapore may have been affected by his condition.
"We put him there because he has a very good touch on the ball and of course it's been a while since he has played competitive games, so we thought he would do well there and he did," responded the Brazilian coach.
"At half time I changed him around a little bit, by moving him more into midfield. But he's more important up front because of his touch on the ball."
"And since he's not really 100%, if he's near the goal he has more chance to score."
Dunga was optimistic about his captain's fitness though, and praised his effort so far.
"It's great that he's improving with all the physical work we're doing, and hopefully he will improve some more."
With regard to his opponents, Dunga was impressed with the Singapore performance, which he said provided his team with "a very good test."
"They gave me a good impression and they tried to do their best, especially playing against us," he continued.
"In the second half they had some very good moments and tried to test us."
"I have to thank all the good work by the Singapore Football Federation and for all the facilities they have given us"
"They have done a great job, everyone is so polite and we feel really welcome here."
Dunga's feeling of contentment and optimism was shared by Singapore coach Radojko ‘Raddy' Avramović, who on the whole was pleased with his team's performance.
"We got what we expected. I'm disappointed that we didn't score, but I think we made a few opportunities and had two or three good shots on goal," commented Raddy.
"It's good the players see they can compete in some moments with the top teams."
Despite the 3-0 loss, there are certainly aspects that the Singapore side can take away from the match against their South American counterparts, a fact which Raddy was keen to elaborate on.
"There are a few areas where they need to concentrate and learn, because if you play games against top teams and you don't learn, then something is wrong."
"The Brazil players came onto the field as stars, and it's important our players realise that you are stars on the field and you must confirm yourself as such."
It may be a while before Raddy can install this wisdom into his players though, as he lightheartedly out: "They're still chasing shirts off the Brazilian players."
As for his opponents, the Serbian was reluctant to pass judgment after the night's match, instead remarking: "They gave us some great individuals, but I'm sure they will face more physical games there then they did tonight."
"They must improve a few things if they want to go for gold, because it won't be easy. But when it comes to competition form, you get that from competition."
Brazil will face Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Friday, their last match before they begin their Olympic campaign.
Such was the case in the past week since the Brazilian Olympic football team touched down in Singapore, on their way to compete in this summer's Beijing Games.
After much anticipation though, the Singapore Select XI managed to re-claim some of the attention with a spirited display to restrict the samba kings to three goals, while at the same time creating chances of their own.
Brazilian coach Dunga was happy about the result though, especially considering the unfamiliar time-zone and conditions.
"It was a good game, so we had a good practice, especially coming from a different time-zone and with the weather being so humid," said the former World Cup winner.
"We also have players at several different levels of fitness."
With the clock counting down to the start of the Beijing Games Dunga is well aware of the time constraints he must deal with, the 44-year-old even went so far as to state: "In 15 days we can't really prepare a team for (the Olympics)."
"So we try to pass the ball around and let the opponent run after the ball, that way we get to know the other players and tactically try to impose ourselves."
Although the Brazilian team is certainly not short of global football superstars, there was little doubt who was the fan's favourite; two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and new AC Milan signing Ronaldinho.
Much has been made of Ronaldinho's lack of competitive match fitness and some were left to wonder whether Dunga's decision to play him up front against Singapore may have been affected by his condition.
"We put him there because he has a very good touch on the ball and of course it's been a while since he has played competitive games, so we thought he would do well there and he did," responded the Brazilian coach.
"At half time I changed him around a little bit, by moving him more into midfield. But he's more important up front because of his touch on the ball."
"And since he's not really 100%, if he's near the goal he has more chance to score."
Dunga was optimistic about his captain's fitness though, and praised his effort so far.
"It's great that he's improving with all the physical work we're doing, and hopefully he will improve some more."
With regard to his opponents, Dunga was impressed with the Singapore performance, which he said provided his team with "a very good test."
"They gave me a good impression and they tried to do their best, especially playing against us," he continued.
"In the second half they had some very good moments and tried to test us."
"I have to thank all the good work by the Singapore Football Federation and for all the facilities they have given us"
"They have done a great job, everyone is so polite and we feel really welcome here."
Dunga's feeling of contentment and optimism was shared by Singapore coach Radojko ‘Raddy' Avramović, who on the whole was pleased with his team's performance.
"We got what we expected. I'm disappointed that we didn't score, but I think we made a few opportunities and had two or three good shots on goal," commented Raddy.
"It's good the players see they can compete in some moments with the top teams."
Despite the 3-0 loss, there are certainly aspects that the Singapore side can take away from the match against their South American counterparts, a fact which Raddy was keen to elaborate on.
"There are a few areas where they need to concentrate and learn, because if you play games against top teams and you don't learn, then something is wrong."
"The Brazil players came onto the field as stars, and it's important our players realise that you are stars on the field and you must confirm yourself as such."
It may be a while before Raddy can install this wisdom into his players though, as he lightheartedly out: "They're still chasing shirts off the Brazilian players."
As for his opponents, the Serbian was reluctant to pass judgment after the night's match, instead remarking: "They gave us some great individuals, but I'm sure they will face more physical games there then they did tonight."
"They must improve a few things if they want to go for gold, because it won't be easy. But when it comes to competition form, you get that from competition."
Brazil will face Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on Friday, their last match before they begin their Olympic campaign.
Brazil cruise to easy win in Singapore
Singapore - Goals from Ronaldinho Gaucho, Diego and Jo sealed the deal for the South Americans despite an unspectacular display from the visitors.
A plethora of the world's best footballers such as Diego (Werder Bremen), Jo (Manchester City), Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho (AC Milan) graced the pitch of the famed stadium but the action never quite lived up to expectations.
The opening quarter of the game was played out at a pedestrian pace before the boys from Brazil ignited the boisterous crowd with a typical samba move which saw Ronaldinho back heeling the ball to a waiting Diego who majestically drilled it straight into the bottom left corner to put his side one up.
Seven minutes later, Diego turned creator when he clipped in a chip pass to Alexandre ‘The Duck' Pato who belted a thunderous strike which Hassan Sunny parried away only to see Ronaldinho there to bundle it over the line for a two goal lead.
The floodgates did not open as predicted with the Brazilians happy to play possession football and stroke the ball around midfield.
Referee Abdul Malik Bashir blew the whistle to signal half time with the Brazilians looking visibly tired due to the humidity while the Singapore players who spent most of the half defending were thrilled to have restricted their visitors to a two goal lead.
Head coach Dunga made three changes at the start of the second half by bringing on Bayern Munich's talented defender Breno, Spurs' rumoured transfer target Thiago Nevez and Real Betis' star striker Rafael Sobis in place of Thaigo Silva, Alexandre Pato and Diego.
The new boys found it hard to gel and with star player Ronaldinho seemingly tired, things went down to training pace and the crowd started getting impatient.
Fazrul Nawaz took advantage of some poor marking to storm down the left for Singapoe before cutting the ball back for an open Juma'at Jantan to try his luck at goal but Brazilian keeper Renan was up to the task and parried it away.
Things started heating up between both sets of players when Qiu Li and Miroslav Latiak made a couple of rough challenges on Thiago Newez and Ramirez to send the Brazilian bench into a fit of anger.
There was still time for one last goal in the 80th minute when Fluminese playmaker Nevez rampaged down the right before putting in a delightful cross for Manchester City's new import, Jo, to head past a helpless Lionel Lewis.
On the 89th minute, with sections of the 33,650 crowd started making their way out of the stadium, Sao Paolo stopper Alex Silva clashed with Qiu Li and the Brazilian was subsequently sent off by the referee to the dismay of captain Ronaldinho who tried his best to calm things down.
It proved not to be the best match ever played out at the iconic Kallang National stadium, but for the grand old dame, it was a fitting finale before the lights went out.
Final score
Singapore Selection 0-3 Brazil Olympic
20 min - Diego (Brazil)
27 min - Ronaldinho (Brazil)
80 min - Jo (Brazil)
Singapore Selection XI - Hassan Sunny(gk), Baihakki Khaizan, Valery Hiek, Juma'at Jantan, Daniel Bennett, Ridhuan Muhamad, John Wilkinson, Fahrudin Mustafic, Shahril Isha, Aleksandar Duric, Indra Sahdan(captain)
Brazil Olympic XI - Renan(gk), Rafinha, Alex Silva, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Hernanes, Lucas, Anderson, Ronaldinho Gaucho (captain), Diego, Alexandre Pato
espnstar.com's Man of the Match: John Wilkinson (Singapore)
Wilkinson worked tirelessly with Lions captain Mustafic Fahrudin, challenging a stellar Brazilian midfield whenever they came into possession. A number of incisive passes and through-balls also got the home crowd's pulse's racing.
All in all though, against a Brazilian side that was meant to dominate, Singapore proved a determined and passionate opponent, giving a good account of themselves on a night that was meant to be all about the samba kings.
A plethora of the world's best footballers such as Diego (Werder Bremen), Jo (Manchester City), Alexandre Pato and Ronaldinho (AC Milan) graced the pitch of the famed stadium but the action never quite lived up to expectations.
The opening quarter of the game was played out at a pedestrian pace before the boys from Brazil ignited the boisterous crowd with a typical samba move which saw Ronaldinho back heeling the ball to a waiting Diego who majestically drilled it straight into the bottom left corner to put his side one up.
Seven minutes later, Diego turned creator when he clipped in a chip pass to Alexandre ‘The Duck' Pato who belted a thunderous strike which Hassan Sunny parried away only to see Ronaldinho there to bundle it over the line for a two goal lead.
The floodgates did not open as predicted with the Brazilians happy to play possession football and stroke the ball around midfield.
Referee Abdul Malik Bashir blew the whistle to signal half time with the Brazilians looking visibly tired due to the humidity while the Singapore players who spent most of the half defending were thrilled to have restricted their visitors to a two goal lead.
Head coach Dunga made three changes at the start of the second half by bringing on Bayern Munich's talented defender Breno, Spurs' rumoured transfer target Thiago Nevez and Real Betis' star striker Rafael Sobis in place of Thaigo Silva, Alexandre Pato and Diego.
The new boys found it hard to gel and with star player Ronaldinho seemingly tired, things went down to training pace and the crowd started getting impatient.
Fazrul Nawaz took advantage of some poor marking to storm down the left for Singapoe before cutting the ball back for an open Juma'at Jantan to try his luck at goal but Brazilian keeper Renan was up to the task and parried it away.
Things started heating up between both sets of players when Qiu Li and Miroslav Latiak made a couple of rough challenges on Thiago Newez and Ramirez to send the Brazilian bench into a fit of anger.
There was still time for one last goal in the 80th minute when Fluminese playmaker Nevez rampaged down the right before putting in a delightful cross for Manchester City's new import, Jo, to head past a helpless Lionel Lewis.
On the 89th minute, with sections of the 33,650 crowd started making their way out of the stadium, Sao Paolo stopper Alex Silva clashed with Qiu Li and the Brazilian was subsequently sent off by the referee to the dismay of captain Ronaldinho who tried his best to calm things down.
It proved not to be the best match ever played out at the iconic Kallang National stadium, but for the grand old dame, it was a fitting finale before the lights went out.
Final score
Singapore Selection 0-3 Brazil Olympic
20 min - Diego (Brazil)
27 min - Ronaldinho (Brazil)
80 min - Jo (Brazil)
Singapore Selection XI - Hassan Sunny(gk), Baihakki Khaizan, Valery Hiek, Juma'at Jantan, Daniel Bennett, Ridhuan Muhamad, John Wilkinson, Fahrudin Mustafic, Shahril Isha, Aleksandar Duric, Indra Sahdan(captain)
Brazil Olympic XI - Renan(gk), Rafinha, Alex Silva, Thiago Silva, Marcelo, Hernanes, Lucas, Anderson, Ronaldinho Gaucho (captain), Diego, Alexandre Pato
espnstar.com's Man of the Match: John Wilkinson (Singapore)
Wilkinson worked tirelessly with Lions captain Mustafic Fahrudin, challenging a stellar Brazilian midfield whenever they came into possession. A number of incisive passes and through-balls also got the home crowd's pulse's racing.
All in all though, against a Brazilian side that was meant to dominate, Singapore proved a determined and passionate opponent, giving a good account of themselves on a night that was meant to be all about the samba kings.
Spurs count cost of Bostock deal
Tottenham could eventually pay more than US$4million to Crystal Palace for promising midfielder John Bostock.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan was angered by a Football League tribunal ordering Spurs to give a US$1.4million downpayment on the 16-year-old but there are other clauses that could see the total rise.
The Barclays Premier League club will pay an extra US$2.9million if Bostock makes 40 appearances for his new club and a full international debut.
Palace will also get a 15% cut of any future deal to take the youngster away from White Hart Lane, with the fresh details emerging from a letter to a Palace supporters' group from the league.
Bostock has been earmarked for the future but could make appearances next season following changes in the rules to allow seven substitutes.
Luka Modric and Giovani dos Santos have also arrived at Spurs this summer but strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane want to leave, for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.
It means head coach Juande Ramos will be required to bring in another striker if they depart, and Zenit St Petersburg have claimed Spurs are interested in Andrei Arshavin but need to raise their valuation of him over the US$40million mark.
They have also been linked with his Russia team-mate Roman Pavlyuchenko, and are in the hunt for Blackburn winger David Bentley.
Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Younes Kaboul are among the players Ramos has allowed to leave, with Sunderland bidding for the quartet.
Tainio and Chimbonda have been responsive to the proposal of playing under Roy Keane, while Portsmouth and Aston Villa are both thought to also be interested in Kaboul.
Palace chairman Simon Jordan was angered by a Football League tribunal ordering Spurs to give a US$1.4million downpayment on the 16-year-old but there are other clauses that could see the total rise.
The Barclays Premier League club will pay an extra US$2.9million if Bostock makes 40 appearances for his new club and a full international debut.
Palace will also get a 15% cut of any future deal to take the youngster away from White Hart Lane, with the fresh details emerging from a letter to a Palace supporters' group from the league.
Bostock has been earmarked for the future but could make appearances next season following changes in the rules to allow seven substitutes.
Luka Modric and Giovani dos Santos have also arrived at Spurs this summer but strikers Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane want to leave, for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.
It means head coach Juande Ramos will be required to bring in another striker if they depart, and Zenit St Petersburg have claimed Spurs are interested in Andrei Arshavin but need to raise their valuation of him over the US$40million mark.
They have also been linked with his Russia team-mate Roman Pavlyuchenko, and are in the hunt for Blackburn winger David Bentley.
Steed Malbranque, Teemu Tainio, Pascal Chimbonda and Younes Kaboul are among the players Ramos has allowed to leave, with Sunderland bidding for the quartet.
Tainio and Chimbonda have been responsive to the proposal of playing under Roy Keane, while Portsmouth and Aston Villa are both thought to also be interested in Kaboul.
Matthaus predicts Bayern stroll
Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus believes the German champions will notch up a 22nd Bundesliga title next season.
The Bavarians cruised to the crown last year under Ottmar Hitzfeld and, despite not spending a euro this summer, Matthaus feels Bayern have taken a further step forward under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
"On paper, it should be a stroll (for Bayern)," he told Eurosport.
While Bayern have added just free-transfer signings Tim Borowski and Hans-Jorg Butt to their squad this summer, their rivals have been spending a little more money - particularly Schalke, who Matthaus tips to push them closer than last year.
"All of the opponents are going to be highly motivated against Bayern," continued Matthaus - currently coach of Israeli team Maccabi Netanya, who are touring Germany during pre-season training.
"Bremen have a strong team, but I would reckon on Schalke, too, due to their transfers.
"Leverkusen have always got a strong squad, and then there are Hamburg and Wolfsburg who will be the six teams playing for places in the Champions League or UEFA Cup while you should not forget Stuttgart either.
"The Bundesliga is certainly not going to be boring."
The Bavarians cruised to the crown last year under Ottmar Hitzfeld and, despite not spending a euro this summer, Matthaus feels Bayern have taken a further step forward under new coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
"On paper, it should be a stroll (for Bayern)," he told Eurosport.
While Bayern have added just free-transfer signings Tim Borowski and Hans-Jorg Butt to their squad this summer, their rivals have been spending a little more money - particularly Schalke, who Matthaus tips to push them closer than last year.
"All of the opponents are going to be highly motivated against Bayern," continued Matthaus - currently coach of Israeli team Maccabi Netanya, who are touring Germany during pre-season training.
"Bremen have a strong team, but I would reckon on Schalke, too, due to their transfers.
"Leverkusen have always got a strong squad, and then there are Hamburg and Wolfsburg who will be the six teams playing for places in the Champions League or UEFA Cup while you should not forget Stuttgart either.
"The Bundesliga is certainly not going to be boring."
Fergie Fosters England ambition
Ben Foster can become England's first-choice stopper after he has recovered from a knee operation, says Fergie.
The 24-year-old was impressive in the 1-0 victory against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night in the Vodacom Challenge match in South Africa.
Foster returned to the team ahead of schedule in March against Derby following surgery, and he is now expected to challenge Edwin van der Sar for the jersey in the coming season. And Ferguson said: "I still believe Ben will be England's goalkeeper for the next few years.
He added: "We did not expect him to get fit so quickly last season and I did not include him in our European squad.
"When I saw his performance against Derby there was maybe some regret on my part.
"The ability he has he is going to be challenging for a first-team place next season. That can only be good news for England.
"With an experienced goalkeeper like David James coming back in the squad it tells you there is an opportunity for someone like Ben."
However, Ferguson confirmed that Van der Sar would be his number one next season.
"It will be difficult for Ben only because he is in competition with one of the best goalkeepers of all time, " said the United boss.
"Edwin is a man of great experience and consistency and has looked after himself so well."
The 24-year-old was impressive in the 1-0 victory against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday night in the Vodacom Challenge match in South Africa.
Foster returned to the team ahead of schedule in March against Derby following surgery, and he is now expected to challenge Edwin van der Sar for the jersey in the coming season. And Ferguson said: "I still believe Ben will be England's goalkeeper for the next few years.
He added: "We did not expect him to get fit so quickly last season and I did not include him in our European squad.
"When I saw his performance against Derby there was maybe some regret on my part.
"The ability he has he is going to be challenging for a first-team place next season. That can only be good news for England.
"With an experienced goalkeeper like David James coming back in the squad it tells you there is an opportunity for someone like Ben."
However, Ferguson confirmed that Van der Sar would be his number one next season.
"It will be difficult for Ben only because he is in competition with one of the best goalkeepers of all time, " said the United boss.
"Edwin is a man of great experience and consistency and has looked after himself so well."
Walcott on target as Gunners draw
Theo Walcott responded to Arsene Wenger's call to arms but Arsenal could only draw 1-1 with Hungarian outfit Szombathelyi Haladas at the Haladas VSE Stadium.
The hosts took a deserved lead in the 25th minute when former Hungary international striker Krisztian Kenesei broke through a static Gunners defence and chipped delicately over the on-rushing Manuel Almunia.
But Arsenal equalised in the 42nd minute when Walcott - urged by manager Wenger to stake his claim for a regular place this season - rifled the ball home.
The former Southampton forward collected Nicklas Bendtner's short pass and, from a position to the right of goal, slammed an 18-yard low shot across the goalkeeper and into the back of the net off the far post.
An inexperienced Arsenal team struggled to create chances after the break although Gael Clichy fired a free-kick narrowly over with 12 minutes left.
The hosts took a deserved lead in the 25th minute when former Hungary international striker Krisztian Kenesei broke through a static Gunners defence and chipped delicately over the on-rushing Manuel Almunia.
But Arsenal equalised in the 42nd minute when Walcott - urged by manager Wenger to stake his claim for a regular place this season - rifled the ball home.
The former Southampton forward collected Nicklas Bendtner's short pass and, from a position to the right of goal, slammed an 18-yard low shot across the goalkeeper and into the back of the net off the far post.
An inexperienced Arsenal team struggled to create chances after the break although Gael Clichy fired a free-kick narrowly over with 12 minutes left.
Essien appeals to Drogba
Michael Essien is hopeful striker Didier Drogba will follow his lead and agree a new contact at Stamford Bridge.
Ghana international Essien agreed a five-year contract on Tuesday ahead of Chelsea's opening pre-season match in China on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast frontman Drogba remained in London to recover from a persistent knee injury.
"Hopefully things will work out for Didier because we need him to stay," said Essien. "If he can make up his mind it will be good for us. He knows what he wants so it is up to him."
Essien, who arrived from Lyon in 2005, will remain at Stamford Bridge until 2013 and follows quickly in the footsteps of full-back Wayne Bridge and goalkeeper Petr Cech in agreeing new contracts with the London club.
He has so far made 143 appearances for the Blues, scoring on 14 occasions, while also winning the Premier League title in his first season.
"I am really pleased to sign a new contract with Chelsea," added the 25-year-old. "I came here to stay longer, I like the team and I love the fans and I think we have got a great squad. I did not consider any other options, I love playing for Chelsea."
And having committed his future to the club shortly after arriving in China ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, Essien hopes the trip will be the start of a bright future for last season's Barclays Premier League and Champions League runners-up under new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The former Portugal coach took over from Avram Grant following Euro 2008 and is already attempting to make his mark on the squad after speaking of building a new philosophy, and was seen taking an active part in training at Guangzhou's Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
"We have one of the best coaches in the world," said Essien. "He has a different way of working so hopefully things will work for us."
Ghana international Essien agreed a five-year contract on Tuesday ahead of Chelsea's opening pre-season match in China on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast frontman Drogba remained in London to recover from a persistent knee injury.
"Hopefully things will work out for Didier because we need him to stay," said Essien. "If he can make up his mind it will be good for us. He knows what he wants so it is up to him."
Essien, who arrived from Lyon in 2005, will remain at Stamford Bridge until 2013 and follows quickly in the footsteps of full-back Wayne Bridge and goalkeeper Petr Cech in agreeing new contracts with the London club.
He has so far made 143 appearances for the Blues, scoring on 14 occasions, while also winning the Premier League title in his first season.
"I am really pleased to sign a new contract with Chelsea," added the 25-year-old. "I came here to stay longer, I like the team and I love the fans and I think we have got a great squad. I did not consider any other options, I love playing for Chelsea."
And having committed his future to the club shortly after arriving in China ahead of Wednesday's meeting with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Pharmaceutical, Essien hopes the trip will be the start of a bright future for last season's Barclays Premier League and Champions League runners-up under new coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
The former Portugal coach took over from Avram Grant following Euro 2008 and is already attempting to make his mark on the squad after speaking of building a new philosophy, and was seen taking an active part in training at Guangzhou's Olympic Stadium on Tuesday.
"We have one of the best coaches in the world," said Essien. "He has a different way of working so hopefully things will work for us."
Gill stands firm on Ronaldo
Manchester United chief executive David Gill is adamant that Real Madrid target Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale.
Real are refusing to give up on their pursuit of the Portuguese star, with club president Ramon Calderon determined to lure him to the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo's future has been dominating the headlines all summer with the midfielder refusing to rule out a move away from Old Trafford.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ronaldo off making a move to Madrid saying it would be a mistake and now Gill says United have told the Spanish side they have no plans to sell the skilful attacker.
He told Sky Sports News: "We made it clear to them [Real Madrid] from day one we wouldn't welcome a bid, it wouldn't be accepted and therefore I don't think there is not much point in putting one in.
"That's where we are at with the situation.
"Obviously there has been lots of paper talk and a lot of coverage in the media about it and we understand that.
"But the reality of it is we have been very firm from day one."
Real are refusing to give up on their pursuit of the Portuguese star, with club president Ramon Calderon determined to lure him to the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo's future has been dominating the headlines all summer with the midfielder refusing to rule out a move away from Old Trafford.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Ronaldo off making a move to Madrid saying it would be a mistake and now Gill says United have told the Spanish side they have no plans to sell the skilful attacker.
He told Sky Sports News: "We made it clear to them [Real Madrid] from day one we wouldn't welcome a bid, it wouldn't be accepted and therefore I don't think there is not much point in putting one in.
"That's where we are at with the situation.
"Obviously there has been lots of paper talk and a lot of coverage in the media about it and we understand that.
"But the reality of it is we have been very firm from day one."
United fansite says sorry for Berb error
A new twist has emerged with regards to the Dimitar Berbatov wrangle between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
A Man United Scandinavian supporters' branch has admitted making a mistake of quoting Ferguson about bidding for Spurs striker Berbatov.
The quotes were then picked up by several British newspapers which created a furore at White Hart Lane. Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy called Ferguson a 'hypocrite' and complained to the Premier League in response to the public 'bid'.
The popular Norwegian group has since taken down the quotes and apologised to all involved.
"A feather has become 35 hens here. It might seem like we are to blame for what has happened," admitted the branch's webmaster Steinar Madsen to Aftonposten.
"We are to the blame in the sense how the interview was presented. Ferguson didn't mention the name Berbatov when he was interviewed by us.
"I would call it a misunderstanding. It was tricky conditions for the interview.
"As journalists, you have probably experienced this yourself, how it is to listen to the tape afterwards.
"That can cause problems and Ferguson's accent is not too easy to understand to start with.
"Ferguson confirmed that United had tabled an offer.
"We assumed it was Berbatov he was talking about. We might have taken it too far."
A Man United Scandinavian supporters' branch has admitted making a mistake of quoting Ferguson about bidding for Spurs striker Berbatov.
The quotes were then picked up by several British newspapers which created a furore at White Hart Lane. Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy called Ferguson a 'hypocrite' and complained to the Premier League in response to the public 'bid'.
The popular Norwegian group has since taken down the quotes and apologised to all involved.
"A feather has become 35 hens here. It might seem like we are to blame for what has happened," admitted the branch's webmaster Steinar Madsen to Aftonposten.
"We are to the blame in the sense how the interview was presented. Ferguson didn't mention the name Berbatov when he was interviewed by us.
"I would call it a misunderstanding. It was tricky conditions for the interview.
"As journalists, you have probably experienced this yourself, how it is to listen to the tape afterwards.
"That can cause problems and Ferguson's accent is not too easy to understand to start with.
"Ferguson confirmed that United had tabled an offer.
"We assumed it was Berbatov he was talking about. We might have taken it too far."
Fergie shrugs off Chelsea threat
Sir Alex Ferguson has begun the mind games with Luiz Felipe Scolari before the season has even started.
The Man United boss dismissed Scolari's chances of repeating the unprecedented success Jose Mourinho brought to Chelsea, who are expected to be United's main challengers for silverware once again this term.
"I'm not concerned about Chelsea," Ferguson told the Daily Mail. "Avram Grant did a good job and Mourinho won the title two years in a row and beat us in the FA Cup final. So there's no-one who can improve on Mourinho's record really."
Ferguson suggested the Stamford Bridge club would struggle to push champions United as hard as they did last season with a squad he considers to be past their best.
He said: "They are an experienced side. I'm not saying necessarily that they're old because with the modern-day training methods, you should be playing in your 30s.
"What I'm saying is that I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team that's in their 30s."
Ferguson had kinder words for Arsenal and Liverpool, who he expects to complete the top four in the Barclays Premier League again this season.
The Man United boss dismissed Scolari's chances of repeating the unprecedented success Jose Mourinho brought to Chelsea, who are expected to be United's main challengers for silverware once again this term.
"I'm not concerned about Chelsea," Ferguson told the Daily Mail. "Avram Grant did a good job and Mourinho won the title two years in a row and beat us in the FA Cup final. So there's no-one who can improve on Mourinho's record really."
Ferguson suggested the Stamford Bridge club would struggle to push champions United as hard as they did last season with a squad he considers to be past their best.
He said: "They are an experienced side. I'm not saying necessarily that they're old because with the modern-day training methods, you should be playing in your 30s.
"What I'm saying is that I don't see outstanding progress coming from a team that's in their 30s."
Ferguson had kinder words for Arsenal and Liverpool, who he expects to complete the top four in the Barclays Premier League again this season.
Robinho wants to stay at Real
Real Madrid forward Robinho has committed his future to the Spanish club in the midst of reported interest from Chelsea.Speculation has been rife that the Brazilian is on his way to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea favourites for his signature.
His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, claimed last Tuesday that the Blues were winning the race, with Robinho attracted by the idea of linking up with their new boss, fellow Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari.
On Monday Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon admitted the Londoners were interested in Robinho and that talks had been held with the Spaniards about the player.
However, later on Monday Robinho declared he was happy to stay in the Spanish capital and only thinking about Real.
"I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time," the 24-year-old told Spanish newspaper Marca.
"I'm very happy and I want to continue. My head is calm, I want to have a good pre-season with Real Madrid and continue here."
Reports in Spain suggest Madrid are unwilling to part with Robinho unless they can strike a deal with Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Brazilian has also been in talks with Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic, during which it is believed a new contract was discussed.
Yet neither the club nor the player have revealed the motive for these talks, with Robinho only revealing: "It's between us."
The forward is seemingly keen to maintain a good relationship between himself and the Madrid directors, after he agreed not to take up his place with the Brazil squad for this summer's Olympic Games.
Madrid revealed earlier on Monday that they had sent a fax to the Brazilian Football Confederation asking for Robinho not to be included in the squad.
Robinho admitted: "Unfortunately I can't go to the games with Brazil, but it is a decision that Real Madrid have made and I respect it."
However, Ribeiro later told Radio Jovem Pan there was still a chance his client could play in Beijing.
"Everything is possible if the CBF manage to convince the Real Madrid men," he said.
Ribeiro added that Robinho could be treated by national-team physio Luiz Alberto Rosan.
"Rosan is one of the best physios in the world," he said. "He has already treated Robinho at Real Madrid. In 10 days, he healed an injury that was expected to take months of recovery. I think it can do that again."
Maldini: Maradona and Ronaldo top two
Veteran defender Paolo Maldini has stated that Argentine legend Diego Maradona is the greatest opponent he's played.
Maldini also revealed that former Brazil striker Ronaldo is second on his list behind the Argentine playmaker.
Maradona has been touted by many as the greatest footballer of all time, bar none, after his term with Argentina and Napoli during the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Ronaldo was also of that class when he was with Inter from 1997 to 2002, taking the Serie A by storm with his striking ability and deadly step-overs. He recently concluded his stay with AC Milan when his contract expired in early July.
"Maradona is the best opponent I've ever played against in my career," Maldini said in an interview.
"However Ronaldo, when he was at Inter, was very close to him. He was devastating."
Maldini added some words of praise for his former striker, but emphasized the impact of the ex-Real Madrid player had on the Rosseneri's championship run in the Champions League, though the now portly forward was cup-tied for the tournament.
"When he arrived he gave us an incredible lift, just as Ronaldinho has done now.
"We won the Champions League thanks to him. He did not play, but we arrived in Athens exploiting the emotional wave of his signing."
Milan defeated Liverpool in the final 2-1, with Filippo Inzaghi scoring both of the Milan's goals.
Maldini also revealed that former Brazil striker Ronaldo is second on his list behind the Argentine playmaker.
Maradona has been touted by many as the greatest footballer of all time, bar none, after his term with Argentina and Napoli during the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Ronaldo was also of that class when he was with Inter from 1997 to 2002, taking the Serie A by storm with his striking ability and deadly step-overs. He recently concluded his stay with AC Milan when his contract expired in early July.
"Maradona is the best opponent I've ever played against in my career," Maldini said in an interview.
"However Ronaldo, when he was at Inter, was very close to him. He was devastating."
Maldini added some words of praise for his former striker, but emphasized the impact of the ex-Real Madrid player had on the Rosseneri's championship run in the Champions League, though the now portly forward was cup-tied for the tournament.
"When he arrived he gave us an incredible lift, just as Ronaldinho has done now.
"We won the Champions League thanks to him. He did not play, but we arrived in Athens exploiting the emotional wave of his signing."
Milan defeated Liverpool in the final 2-1, with Filippo Inzaghi scoring both of the Milan's goals.
Ron move would be Real mistake
The Manchester United manager feels the 23-year-old winger needs to stay at Old Trafford if he is to grow as a player.
However, Ronaldo has refused to commit himself to the club and Real Madrid continue to court him, even though they were reported to FIFA by United.
Ferguson remains clearly unhappy about the situation and for the second time on the South African tour found himself fielding questions about a player who scored 42 goals last season.
He said: "I have a responsibility for all my players and their futures are a big concern for a coach.
"If you were asking advice and it was your son, you'd give him the best advice possible on his career.
"I honestly believe that could be the worst thing he could do; going to Real Madrid.
"He's 23 years old and he's at a fantastic football club. It's the best for him."
Ronaldo signed a long-term deal last season in which United won the Champions League and retained their Premier League title.
He is currently sidelined for three months after an ankle operation following the European Championships.
Ferguson reiterated that he expects Ronaldo to play a massive role again next season.
He said: "The future is he signed a five-year contract last year and he has four years left.
"That's definite. I know that, I've seen his signature. I feel I'm being strapped in and crucified here!
"Young lads can be twisted by the talk of money and the moves that are happening all the time in modern-day football.
"After the final in Moscow he was the happiest boy in the world. I think he knows genuinely where the best club is to be and that's Manchester United."
As United prepared to play the second match of the Vodacom Challenge against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, Ferguson maintained he was happy with the squad at his disposal going into the new season.
He has yet to make any additions but has already made one bid for an unnamed player.
Last season he brought in Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson.
That strength in depth led to a notable double with Chelsea being defeated in the Champions League final in Moscow.
Ferguson said: "We did a lot of stocking up last summer and bought players, who were at good ages.
"That was part of a policy we developed two years back, to bring in young players.
"We're delighted with how that's gone and we think they can progress even further.
"If you take the squad I had in Moscow; I had 23 players and those 23 players will still be there.
"It's a good strong squad so we're happy with it at the moment. Obviously we always try to improve but it can be difficult to get the right kind of players.
"There are always reasons why clubs don't want to sell, just like we don't want to sell our best players, so that makes things a little difficult. But I'm very happy with the squad I have."
England defender Rio Ferdinand could return to the side on Tuesday after sitting out the draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday because of a back spasm.
Ferguson said: "His back is not so stiff at the moment. If he trains well, he will certainly start tomorrow.
"He will want to get back into the action and I think it is important he plays."
Ferguson added: "We are expecting another competitive game and that is what we need at the moment.
"We played the Pirates two years ago and it was a good match. I think they have progressed so we will be tested."
However, Ronaldo has refused to commit himself to the club and Real Madrid continue to court him, even though they were reported to FIFA by United.
Ferguson remains clearly unhappy about the situation and for the second time on the South African tour found himself fielding questions about a player who scored 42 goals last season.
He said: "I have a responsibility for all my players and their futures are a big concern for a coach.
"If you were asking advice and it was your son, you'd give him the best advice possible on his career.
"I honestly believe that could be the worst thing he could do; going to Real Madrid.
"He's 23 years old and he's at a fantastic football club. It's the best for him."
Ronaldo signed a long-term deal last season in which United won the Champions League and retained their Premier League title.
He is currently sidelined for three months after an ankle operation following the European Championships.
Ferguson reiterated that he expects Ronaldo to play a massive role again next season.
He said: "The future is he signed a five-year contract last year and he has four years left.
"That's definite. I know that, I've seen his signature. I feel I'm being strapped in and crucified here!
"Young lads can be twisted by the talk of money and the moves that are happening all the time in modern-day football.
"After the final in Moscow he was the happiest boy in the world. I think he knows genuinely where the best club is to be and that's Manchester United."
As United prepared to play the second match of the Vodacom Challenge against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, Ferguson maintained he was happy with the squad at his disposal going into the new season.
He has yet to make any additions but has already made one bid for an unnamed player.
Last season he brought in Owen Hargreaves, Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson.
That strength in depth led to a notable double with Chelsea being defeated in the Champions League final in Moscow.
Ferguson said: "We did a lot of stocking up last summer and bought players, who were at good ages.
"That was part of a policy we developed two years back, to bring in young players.
"We're delighted with how that's gone and we think they can progress even further.
"If you take the squad I had in Moscow; I had 23 players and those 23 players will still be there.
"It's a good strong squad so we're happy with it at the moment. Obviously we always try to improve but it can be difficult to get the right kind of players.
"There are always reasons why clubs don't want to sell, just like we don't want to sell our best players, so that makes things a little difficult. But I'm very happy with the squad I have."
England defender Rio Ferdinand could return to the side on Tuesday after sitting out the draw against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday because of a back spasm.
Ferguson said: "His back is not so stiff at the moment. If he trains well, he will certainly start tomorrow.
"He will want to get back into the action and I think it is important he plays."
Ferguson added: "We are expecting another competitive game and that is what we need at the moment.
"We played the Pirates two years ago and it was a good match. I think they have progressed so we will be tested."
Milan claim victory in Ronaldinho race
The 28-year-old Brazilian is set to put pen to paper on a three-year deal at the San Siro subject to passing a medical later, finally ending City's audacious bid for his services.
Barca confirmed in a statement on their website that the initial transfer fee was £16.7million, a figure which could rise to the full £19.8million pending additional payments.
The statement read: "The principle of agreement finally established a transfer fee of 21 million euros (£19.8million), plus four million euros (£3.1million) more in the form of performance-related bonuses depending on AC Milan's qualification, in future years, for the Champions League.
"(Barcelona) sporting director, Txiki Beguiristain, announced that this agreement in principle was reached thanks to the player renouncing his right to 15% of the fee."
The projected fee is nearly £8million less than was reportedly being offered by City, who were Milan's only rivals for the signature of the two-time World Player of the Year.
The agreement followed a day of talks between Barca president Joan Laporta and Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani in the Catalan capital.
Ronaldinho reportedly travelled to Milan on Tuesday evening, and the Italian club confirmed the the deal now hinged only on the Brazil international successfully completing a medical.
"AC Milan and FC Barcelona have reached a principle agreement for the transfer of Ronaldinho to the Rossoneri," read a short statement on www.acmilan.com.
"The player will be tomorrow in Milan to undergo the medical examinations and sign the contract that will bind to Milan until June 30, 2011."
Drogba to decide future within 10 days
Drogba has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge since launching a scathing attack on the club over the way they parted company with former coach Jose Mourinho at the beginning of last season and vowing to leave.
The Ivory Coast international also did himself no favours as he was sent off in the Champions League final defeat to Manchester United at the end of the campaign.
Barcelona, AC Milan and Internazionale are all reportedly interested in Drogba, but his agent now claims he could decide to remain at the Blues.
"Didier has given himself 10 days," Seydi told France Football. "If nothing happens he'll stay at Chelsea and extend his contract by two years.
"He doesn't see himself starting training in a few days with Chelsea and then leaving to a new club.
"The reality of November is not that of today. At the time Didier was affected by departure of Jose Mourinho who he was very close to.
"Today, there is nothing to say that he won't stay at Chelsea."
Drogba has seemed destined for the Stamford Bridge exit door for months but recently looked to be reconsidering his options.
New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari claimed at his official unveiling that Drogba was still "200% in his plans", and the Blues have reportedly offered the 30-year-old a mega-deal to remain at the club.
Meanwhile, Drogba is also aware of the Marseille fans' audacious bid to bring him back to the club he left four years ago for the Premier League.
An appeal was launched to raise the 28million euros they felt was needed to buy the forward and, since picking up the pace a week ago when the world's media caught wind of the story, now lies just under the two-million mark.
According to his agent, Drogba has praised the fans for their initiative but is upset they have had to resort to such a scheme.
"OM would have difficulty paying the player's transfer and salary," added Seydi. "The 'Drogbathon' really touched him.
"He found the initiative nice but pitiful, because that shows a bit that OM and French clubs have real difficulties in attracting great players."
Hleb set for Barca medical
The 27-year-old Belarus international is set to arrive in the city at lunchtime before undergoing a medical later in the day.
Barca confirmed Hleb could be presented as early as Thursday and reports in Spain suggest they will pay the Gunners US$24 million.
"The player Alexander Hleb, who has spent the past three seasons at Arsenal, arrives today in Barcelona to undergo a medical prior to his incorporation in FC Barcelona," read a statement on the club website, www.fcbarcelona.com.
"From 1pm, the player will be in the offices of the club to take part in the usual photocall.
"Then, at 4pm, the footballer will have a medical in the Hospital de Barcelona and, from 7pm, will continue these tests in the Medical Centre of FC Barcelona.
"On the assumption that he passes these tests satisfactorily, Alexander Hleb could sign a contract tomorrow and be presented as a new player at FC Barcelona."
If all goes to plan, Hleb will become Barca's fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Seydou Keita, Gerard Pique, Martin Caceres and Daniel Alves.
Terry as club captain
New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that John Terry will remain as the London club's captain.
Terry has been the Blues' permanent captain for the past four years after being given the armband when Jose Mourinho took charge.
During his time as skipper, Terry has led Chelsea to two Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League final and successes in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup.
Scolari will retain the centre-half as his skipper for next season, with Terry's England team-mate Frank Lampard as his understudy.
"I like him as a captain," said Scolari of Terry live on Sky Sports News. "I like him as a player and as a leader.
"Yesterday, he came to my room and he said I'm the captain John Terry and I said I know you and we spoke!
"The captain is John Terry and the second captain is Lampard, but we want more captains on the pitch."
Regarding potential arrivals at Stamford Bridge before the close of the transfer window, Scolari is keen to assess the players currently at his disposal.
Villa -Torres partnership
Benitez made it clear that he will try to sign a replacement striker for Crouch and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.
He said: "We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.
"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."
Benitez also hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.
Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable.
But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.
Crouch go from Liverpool
Crouch has completed a medical at Fratton Park and the finer points of his £11million move back to the south coast are almost complete with Pompey likely to formally confirm the move on Thursday.
But Benitez has pre-emptied Crouch's final departure from Merseyside by saying: "He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract."
He added: "But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.
"I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield."
Benitez made it clear that he will now try to sign a replacement striker, and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.
He said: "We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.
"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."
Benitez now hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.
Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable. But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.
Milan claim Arsenal to sell Adebayor
I have received a letter from Arsenal that says, 'Following our communication of June 13, in which we informed you we were not willing to deal over Adebayor, now we are writing to tell you that we will consider a deal if it still interests you'."
Galliani made it clear he is still interested in signing the Togo international, who scored 30 goals in 48 games for Arsenal last year.
"If Adebayor decides to leave Arsenal, we are certainly interested," he said.
However, Milan have balked at the asking price quoted for Adebayor in recent days and Galliani admitted that the Rossoneri would struggle to compete financially if Barcelona - also said to be interested in Adebayor - entered the bidding.
Earlier, Galliani was quoted as saying that the two clubs were far apart on a valuation for Adebayor, with Arsenal thought to want 45 million euros (around £36m) for their star striker.
Milan are thought to want to sign one more attacking player this summer, and are pursuing a number of options, of which Adebayor is just one.
Galliani also expressed an interest in Russian striker Roman Pavlyuchenko and said the club was also looking at one other unnamed player.
Frank Lampard gunning for a move to Inter Milan
With ‘Big Phil' only hours into his Stamford Bridge reign, the west London club are busy offering Frank Lampard a new contract rumored to be in the region of $US280,000-a-week.The wage would be a Barclays Premier League record and, amid transfer rumours galore, it may yet be the difference between the midfielder moving to Inter Milan or staying at Chelsea.
Without a doubt, Lampard is a vital component in a team that also has supreme stopper Petr Cech and lethal striker Didier Drogba at its undeniably brilliant heart. Hence the incredulous offer being cobbled together.
With Cech's impressive frame in goal, the rocklike presence of Terry and Drogba's marauding brilliance up front, Lampard - not to mention new boy Deco and Michael Ballack - completes a particularly solid spine - a sturdy, 100% reliable base from which Chelsea can either launch attack after withering attack or defend resolutely.
Teams lacking this mighty platform can rarely aspire to the heights scaled by past greats, Jose Mourinho's boys or, come to mention it, Sir Alex Ferguson's recently crowned Premier League champions (Van der Sar, Ferdinand/Vidic, Hargreaves/Ronaldo, Rooney).
They will always be a good distance behind those blessed with the likes of Lampard and friends. Their fragile nature at a variety of points where strength is needed most, a sure fire recipe for failure.
Make no mistake, spines of steel make champions. Having four or five star names excelling in those key middle-of-the-park roles is unquestionably the difference between a team being remembered forever or forgotten in a flash.
These influential individuals - from their equally influential positions - provide the high class consistency that any glorious campaign requires. Level heads who will always give you their very best no matter how well or poorly others perform, level heads who can, as a unit, pull the rest of their colleagues through the tough times.
As a manager, it must be a delightful thing to have this constant dynamism at the epicentre of your plans for global domination.
No wonder then that Mr Scolari, backed by Roman Abramovich‘s money, wants to secure Lampard's services for what would be another extremely lucrative stint in the blue of Chelsea.
They may be astronomical sums, but on past evidence it is clear that Lampard would be worth every penny, his immense pay packet a necessary evil if Chelsea are to continue challenging for the silverware that everyone connected with the three-time champions of England craves.
After all, wouldn't you want to keep a member of one of the most impressive spines in Europe?
To me at least, the price Chelsea will have to pay seems cheap at half the price if they want their favourite to reject Inter's approaches.
Torres bring Spain winner Euro 2008
Fernando Torres was in dreamland after a stunning final performance saw Spain claim the European Championships crown.
The 24-year-old tormented Germany and scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 triumph in the Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna.
He added: "It has been a fantastic season for me - it was fantastic with Liverpool and now a fantastic end of the season for the national team.
"This is the first big trophy for me and I hope not the last.
"We are privileged to be in the national team and we have had a chance to live through a beautiful tournament.
Spain have often been viewed in the past as having suffered from divisions within the team, and Torres paid tribute to the togetherness of this squad who won the country's first major tournament since 1964.
Torres added: "I am happy because my job is to score goals and I have done my job tonight but this was a victory for the unity of the group - it doesn't often happen that a group gets along so well."
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The 24-year-old tormented Germany and scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 triumph in the Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna.
He added: "It has been a fantastic season for me - it was fantastic with Liverpool and now a fantastic end of the season for the national team.
"This is the first big trophy for me and I hope not the last.
"We are privileged to be in the national team and we have had a chance to live through a beautiful tournament.
Spain have often been viewed in the past as having suffered from divisions within the team, and Torres paid tribute to the togetherness of this squad who won the country's first major tournament since 1964.
Torres added: "I am happy because my job is to score goals and I have done my job tonight but this was a victory for the unity of the group - it doesn't often happen that a group gets along so well."
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Xavi top Euro 2008
Xavi has been named the best player at Euro 2008.He was voted the Castrol player of the tournament.
The 28-year-old Barcelona player was the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament.
There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 23-man squad of the tournament however.
The squad did include Manchester United's keeper Edwin van der Sar, Michael Ballack and Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, and Tottenham-bound midfielder Luka Modric.
UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh explained Ronaldo's absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament.
UEFA's squad of the tournament: Goalkeepers: Buffon (Italy), Casillas (Spain), Van der Sar (Holland).
Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Lahm (Germany), Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Puyol (Spain), Zhirkov (Russia).
Midfielders: Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Modric (Croatia), Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Zyryanov (Russia), Ballack (Germany), Fabregas (Spain), Iniesta (Spain), Podolski (Germany), Sneijder (Holland).
Striker: Arshavin (Russia), Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Torres (Spain), Villa (Spain).
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The 28-year-old Barcelona player was the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament.
There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 23-man squad of the tournament however.
The squad did include Manchester United's keeper Edwin van der Sar, Michael Ballack and Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, and Tottenham-bound midfielder Luka Modric.
UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh explained Ronaldo's absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament.
UEFA's squad of the tournament: Goalkeepers: Buffon (Italy), Casillas (Spain), Van der Sar (Holland).
Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Lahm (Germany), Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Puyol (Spain), Zhirkov (Russia).
Midfielders: Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Modric (Croatia), Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Zyryanov (Russia), Ballack (Germany), Fabregas (Spain), Iniesta (Spain), Podolski (Germany), Sneijder (Holland).
Striker: Arshavin (Russia), Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Torres (Spain), Villa (Spain).
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Spain success win Euro 2008
Spain's 1-0 triumph meant that the best major tournament there has been in years was won by the best team, and for that all neutrals should be grateful.
Previous Spanish sides have been dogged by division, with Catalans and Basques viewed, often unfairly, as being insufficiently committed to the national cause.
This time it has been different and throughout Euro 2008 what has epitomised Spain is a style that has been so team-oriented that it is virtually impossible to choose the outstanding player.
Spain, who had been bewildering opponents with possession football and brilliant passing all tournament, just could not get the ball. Fear looked to be the paralysing them while Germany, with Michael Ballack imperious, oozed Teutonic confidence.
Sergio Ramos was the first rabbit to freeze in the floodlights of Vienna's Ernst-Happel Stadion, rolling a dreadful pass across the back-line that was seized on by Miroslav Klose. A slight bobble held up his surge towards goal and that delay allowed Carles Puyol to stretch out a desperate leg and poke the ball out for a corner.
That was not the end of the pain for Spain, though. Ballack skinned Puyol and fired in a dangerous ball across goal, then Thomas Hitzlsperger found himself in acres of space on the edge of the Spanish area but hit a woefully tame shot.
Germany are normally such a clinical side, and such was the magnitude of those let-offs, that one sensed that Ballack and his men had missed their chance.
Sure enough, after 20 minutes the pendulum swung towards the Spaniards and never swung back again.
Jens Lehmann was called on to produced a marvellous diving save after Christoph Metzelder directed Andres Iniesta's cross towards his own net.
Fabregas, producing the unexpected, feinted to cross but cut back for Ramos instead and Fernando Torres did superbly to hang in the air above Mertesacker and direct a header that beat Lehmann but thumped back off the post.
When the goal did come it was one that perhaps only Torres, out of all the players on the pitch, could have scored. Xavi, outstanding throughout, hit the killer pass and Torres left scorch marks in the turf as he burned past Philipp Lahm - and he is no slouch - before lifting the ball over the sliding Lehmann and into the net.
From then on opportunities for Spain rolled off a conveyor belt, and the only worry was that they did not take full advantage.
Still the security of a second goal would not arrive and there was one more terrifying moment when Schweinsteiger was denied a goal for a foul on Capdevila, and Spain, after 44 years of waiting, were champions.
Vienna is famous throughout the world for its Spanish riding school. For Spaniards, now, Vienna will always mean something else too: the city where they proved themselves to be winners.
Highlight Video
Previous Spanish sides have been dogged by division, with Catalans and Basques viewed, often unfairly, as being insufficiently committed to the national cause.
This time it has been different and throughout Euro 2008 what has epitomised Spain is a style that has been so team-oriented that it is virtually impossible to choose the outstanding player.
Spain, who had been bewildering opponents with possession football and brilliant passing all tournament, just could not get the ball. Fear looked to be the paralysing them while Germany, with Michael Ballack imperious, oozed Teutonic confidence.
Sergio Ramos was the first rabbit to freeze in the floodlights of Vienna's Ernst-Happel Stadion, rolling a dreadful pass across the back-line that was seized on by Miroslav Klose. A slight bobble held up his surge towards goal and that delay allowed Carles Puyol to stretch out a desperate leg and poke the ball out for a corner.
That was not the end of the pain for Spain, though. Ballack skinned Puyol and fired in a dangerous ball across goal, then Thomas Hitzlsperger found himself in acres of space on the edge of the Spanish area but hit a woefully tame shot.
Germany are normally such a clinical side, and such was the magnitude of those let-offs, that one sensed that Ballack and his men had missed their chance.
Sure enough, after 20 minutes the pendulum swung towards the Spaniards and never swung back again.
Jens Lehmann was called on to produced a marvellous diving save after Christoph Metzelder directed Andres Iniesta's cross towards his own net.
Fabregas, producing the unexpected, feinted to cross but cut back for Ramos instead and Fernando Torres did superbly to hang in the air above Mertesacker and direct a header that beat Lehmann but thumped back off the post.
When the goal did come it was one that perhaps only Torres, out of all the players on the pitch, could have scored. Xavi, outstanding throughout, hit the killer pass and Torres left scorch marks in the turf as he burned past Philipp Lahm - and he is no slouch - before lifting the ball over the sliding Lehmann and into the net.
From then on opportunities for Spain rolled off a conveyor belt, and the only worry was that they did not take full advantage.
Still the security of a second goal would not arrive and there was one more terrifying moment when Schweinsteiger was denied a goal for a foul on Capdevila, and Spain, after 44 years of waiting, were champions.
Vienna is famous throughout the world for its Spanish riding school. For Spaniards, now, Vienna will always mean something else too: the city where they proved themselves to be winners.
Highlight Video
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