United Going for Higuain and Silva spending £60million in market

"ALEX FERGUSON will try to persuade Manchester United chiefs to spend big in the summer after their season dramatically fell apart.

The Old Trafford manager wants £60million - around twice as much as in recent seasons - to spend on Karim Benzema and David Silva.

He wants those two to underpin the 'tweaking' of a squad who crashed out of the FA Cup and Champions League, then seemingly handed the Premier League title to Chelsea with a tame draw at Blackburn.

But Fergie, 68, is always the last to panic and believes wholesale changes are NOT needed to get back on the trophy trail.

Owners, the Glazers, claim the money left over from the £80m sale of Cristiano Ronaldo is still there to finance deals.

If Fergie gets the go-ahead to splash the cash by debt-ridden United, he will make just a few minor, if expensive, adjustments.

The Scotsman, once told he would win nothing with kids, will trust again in the youth at Old Trafford with United's old guard ready to fall as one team evolves into another.

Rafael might be only 19 but has already proved what an excellent right-back he is, even if his inexperience cost him dearly in the second leg against Bayern Munich with a red card.

In Jonny Evans, 22, there is a ready made replacement for centre-half Rio Ferdinand who is having endless back problems.

Ferguson also has big plans for 20-year-old Chris Smalling who he bought from Fulham this season and loaned back to Roy Hodgson until the summer.

And while the jury is still out on Darron Gibson, the 22-year-old Irish midfielder is just starting to prove his worth.

Fergie has always loved to play with width and in Antonio Valencia, 24, and Nani, 23, he has players who can provide that in abundance.

He snatched a then 18-year-old Wayne Rooney from Everton because he knew what his explosive talents could bring and that is why he will hunt down long-term target Benzema.

Ferguson tried for Benzema, 22, this season but lost out when the striker chose arch European rivals Real Madrid who snatched him for around £35m.

Although Benzema has scored eight goals this campaign his face does not seem to fit at the Bernabeu and United could get him for a 'cut-price' £25m.

Valencia winger Silva, 24, also remains on his hit-list and the struggling Spanish club could do with the £35m he will generate.

The old head of keeper Edwin van der Sar, 39, will survive another season but club captain Gary Neville, 35, is heading for retirement in the summer.

Paul Scholes will also admit at 35 his days of bossing games from midfield are in the past.

Ferguson once went three years without a pot and responded with a hat-trick of titles and a European Cup.

Now he will aim to prove once more his best years at the very top are not in his past."

Manchester United Consider Move for £12m Barcelona Star Bojan

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly interested in signing Barcelona starlet this summer as he looks to strengthen his attacking options. The Manchester United boss is apparently ready to make an offer for the £12m rated teenager and hopes that he can tempt the Catalan giants into selling a player who is something of a cult hero at the Nou Camp.

The 19 year old attacker has found first team opportunities limited over the past season and may feel that the time is right to make a move from the La Liga title holders now that Pepe Guardiola has signed up David Villa last week.

Manchester United are keen to bring in attacking alternatives to help share Wayne Rooney’s burden. Michael Owen’s constant injury woes and Dimitar Berbatov’s poor form have left Ferguson relying too much on his England international goal machine.

Bojan only managed 16 starts last season but managed to impressively net 12 goals in all competitions.

Joe Cole Near to sign United

LONDON, May 30: Manchester United have signed Mexican striker Javier Hernandez from Chivas of Guadalajara for £8m and centre-back Chris Smalling from Fulham for £12m – and Chelsea’s England forward Joe Cole could be next on the list.

But this does not mean that United are splashing the cash. Quite the opposite. United’s reported interest in the England forward may be a sign that the Glazer family are continuing to play careful with their money . . . because Cole would be available on a free transfer since his contract with Chelsea is coming to an end.

Chelsea, apparently, have not contacted Cole or his representatives about a contract extension as the 28-year-old had hoped. He is seeking a pay rise to £100,000-a-week and though the club is said to have been prepared earlier to pay ‘only’ £80,000 even that offer has been withdrawn.

This knowledge has prompted interest from United as well as from Tottenham whose manager, Harry Redknapp, oversaw Cole’s emergence as a teenager at West Ham. However the fact that United are interested in Cole, just as they signed Michael Owen on a free transfer last year from Newcastle, has added to speculation about the Glazers’ reluctance to buy big.

United have just announced losses of £69m in the first three months of the year thought chief executive David Gill has continued to suggest that transfer funds will be available for manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Also, the latest accounts indicate that United have cash reserves of £95m which might be available for team strengthening.

Other targets

But with Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs growing ever older and no guarantees yet over the fitness of Owen Hargreaves, Ferguson may feel he needs to save up whatever he can for a new midfielder. He also knows he may need to spend more money on defence if the unsettled Nemanja Vidic finally leaves for Spanish football.

It is a sign of the times that Scholes and veteran defender Gary Neville, both now 35, are considering joining the coaching staff when they end their playing careers, possibly at the end of next season.

Meanwhile, any prospect of the Red Knights group of wealthy fans coming to the “financial rescue” with a buy-out offer which the Glazers could not refuse is receding.

No offer has yet been made or appears even imminent. Gill has always been sceptical about the prospect of a serious offer. The Sunday Times reports today that the Glazers' valuation of the club at £1.5bn has deterred a number of the consortium members.

Manchester United near to sign Joe Cole for a Free

Manchester United are reportedly frontrunners in the race to sign Chelsea  midfielder Joe Cole.

The creative playmaker has had trouble coming to an agreement with the Blues over a new contract, with his current deal set to run out on July 1. This has prompted the 28-year-old to be linked with moves to a clutch of clubs.

Now the Daily Mail reports that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Cole a contract to ply his trade at Old Trafford next term, amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus.

The former West Ham United player has in the past maintained that he is entirely focussed on making the final 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup and then giving his best shot for the Three Lions in South Africa.

Man UTd to beat Arsenal in Eden Hazard

United have been linked with a spate of big names, but few sound quite as flamboyant and interesting as Eden Hazard. But, rather than some utopian menace, the 19-year-old is actually a tricky Belgian. The talented Lille winger is France's reigning young player of the year and has allegedly caught the eye of United and Arsenal, according to Caughtoffside. The nominated fee is £13million, and personally I hope we pay it, if only for the headline potential.

SAF You have money to spend at Transfer Market :David Gill

Gill: Sir Alex is not restricted financially

It is five years ago this month that David Gill led the final doomed boardroom stand at Manchester United against the Glazer family's takeover. He was the chief executive who went overnight from running a business that was debt-free to one that now supports £504m of the total £716m debt that the American owners borrowed in order to buy the club. Five years later, three Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy down the road, the Glazers are still reviled by the most vocal elements of the club's support, most notably the fans who wear the green and gold of Newton Heath in protest. Gill, once the hero of the supporters' groups for standing up to the Glazers, now finds himself a target for their anger.  In his most detailed interview yet, the man at the centre of United and the controversial Glazer regime spoke exclusively to The Independent about why he thinks United can still prosper. "The money is there," insists Gill. "People say Alex is saying that because he has to. Anyone who knows Alex Ferguson knows he wouldn't say that if he didn't mean what he said. The money is definitely there. The results for the quarter ending 31 March will show the figures are about £95m cash. We are not in a situation whereby Alex is restricted in what he wants to do with the club and his modus operandi as a manager. We have never said: "You can't do that, we have to pay interest [on the debt]." I can look you in the eye and say that. He would say exactly the same thing. People don't believe it. We never said to him: "You can't go for that player because he's too much."
Sam Wallace, The Independent

All the papers report that United have completed the deal to sign Javier Hernandez after the Mexico striker was granted a work permit. His transfer from Chivas will now through on July 1 as revealed on ManUtd.com on Thursday.

Source: Manutd.com

Chicharito granted work permit

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has been granted a work permit and will join the club on 1 July 2010.
  The Reds agreed a fee with Chivas de Guadalajara for the Mexico striker last month, but were required to apply for the permit because he has played in less than 75 per cent of his country's fixtures over the last two years.

Chicharito, who has already passed a medical and agreed personal terms, will join United's squad on the Philadelphia leg of July's pre-season trip to the USA and Canada.

Whether the 22-year-old makes his debut in that game will depend on how far Mexico progress in the World Cup. But he'll definitely be involved in the friendly United will play to open the new 45,000-capacity Chivas Stadium in Guadalajara at the end of July.

Chicharito was a second-half substitute in his country's 3-1 defeat by England on Monday, before scoring in a 2-1 reversal against the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Mexico complete their World Cup preparations with friendlies against Gambia and Italy in the next week, then kick off the tournament against hosts South Africa on 11 June.

Manchester United Going to Buy 'New Kaka' Paulo Henrique

Paulo Henrique Lima (Ganso) - Santos

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Santos prodigy Paulo Henrique, according to The Mirror.

The talented youngster has been dubbed ‘the new Kaka’ and is being chased by a host of European clubs including United, Bayern Munich, Juventus and both Milan clubs.

Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he is only looking to add one or two players to his squad this summer but with his preference to bring in young players with potential for the future, Henrique could prove to be an attractive option for the United manager.

The 20-year-old was tipped to be included in Dunga’s Brazil squad for the World Cup, after scoring 11 goals in 20 league appearances, but he failed to make the final cut for South Africa.

Santos president Alvaro Luis Ribeiro insists that the player is not for sale this summer but it remains to be seen whether the lure of one of Europe’s top sides will be too much for Henrique to resist.

Daniele De Rossi moving to Old Trafford for £38million

Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly weighing up a potential big money bid for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi this summer. The Manchester United boss will have seen that local rivals City have been strongly linked with the battling Italian and the Old Trafford manager knows that he could well do with a bit of steel in his midfield and may make a move for the 26 year old.

Having seen Owen Hargreaves return from injury but still not convinced the England international will have returned a different player to the one he invested a great deal of time and money chasing, Ferguson has been looking for players to play in the centre of his Man United midfield.

With Paul Scholes nearing the end of his glittering career, and with Anderson and Michael Carrick both coming off the back of very average campaigns, the club could do with a new addition and De Rossi is a top quality player who is in many ways two types of players in one.

Never afraid to put in a tackle, but fortunately more able to do so successfully than Scholes, the Rome born man is also able to steer his side towards goal and has the ability to score his fair share of crucial corkers. The valuation of the World Cup bound De Rossi could however be something of a problem. Roma are reportedly pricing their player at a rather inflated £38m which could well scare off any interest in the player, which may well be Claudio Ranieri’s intention.

Sebastian Frey might join Manchester United

The French goalkeeper was part of the side that navigated their way to the second round of theUEFA Champions League this season, however their success in Europe has not been matched domestically this time round, with the club finishing 11th after a fourth place finish last season in Serie A.

Despite not winning proper international recognition for his exploits between the sticks that have spanned over 10 years in Italy with spells at Inter, Verona and Parma , the 30-year-old may finally move away from the country, with Arsenal, Manchester United andJuventus touted as possible destinations.

"I have spoken with Diego Della Valle (Fiorentina's owner) about my future," he toldGazzetta dello Sport.

"I will speak again with him after the holidays.

"I have a contract until 2013 but sometimes in life, new motivations are necessary.

Real Madrid Sign Benfica Winger Angel Di Maria For €40 Million

Real Madrid have put pen to paper on a €40 million deal for Benfica winger Angel di Maria, according to radio station TSF.

The Argentina international has long been linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu after an impressive season at Benfica, both in domestic competitions and in the Europa League.

Reports of an impending switch to the Spanish capital club by Di Maria have intensified after Inter boss Jose Mourinho, who is an admirer of the 22-year-old, became the red hot favourite to assume the reins of the Merengues.

The Portuguese radio station claims that, after signing Di Maria, Real will now put their focus on Benfica colleagueDavid Luiz, for whom negotiations are believed to be at an advanced stage already.

TSF also state that Benfica could receive a player from Real Madrid in return, with centre-back Ezequiel Garay and winger Royston Drenthe both on the table.

Rodwell said no to Manchester United

Jack Rodwell snubbed Manchester United because he feels he has a better chance of realising his England dream with Everton.

The Under-21 star has ignored interest from United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal to pledge his future to Everton by signing a new five-year deal.

Rodwell, 19, knows he might have been swapping his starting place at Everton for a place on the bench at Old Trafford if he had followed Wayne Rooney down the M62 and claims Goodison Park is the best place for him to fulfil his England ambitions.

The midfielder, who made 36 appearances last season, has seen Leighton Baines develop into a full international at Everton and believes he can follow him into Fabio Capello's senior side.

David Silva not going to Manchester United

Real Madrid have launched their bid to prise David Silva away Valencia.

Radio Cadena Ser says no official has been made for the Spain international, but Real have contacted Valencia president Manuel Llorente to register their interest.

Real are setting the groundwork to sign Silva ahead of rivals Manchester United and Barcelona.

Aguero will join Manchester United for €60M

Atletico Madrid president Cerezo: Aguero can leave - for €60M

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has referred any club keen on Sergio Aguero to the striker's buyout clause.

Argentina international Aguero is wanted by Europe's biggest, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

Cerezo said last night: "I do not think Aguero will leave us. I have not received any offers yet, and if ever I did sell, it not be for less than his get out clause of €60 million."

Cristiano Ronaldo Not Happy At Real Madrid :Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid Coach In Waiting Jose Mourinho: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not Happy Because He Has Not Won Titles

As reported in an exclusive interview with Marca, Real Madrid coaching candidate Jose Mourinho has declared that he is "clearly capable of of winning the Champions League with Real Madrid" and also went on to declare why this past season was a very disappointing one for fellow Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Crisitiano is not happy because he has not conquered any titles this sesason," said the Special One who has made winning titles his forte, claiming the Treble with Inter this season.

As for winning titles with Los Blancos, Mourinho is intent upon making history. "I would like to be the first to win the 'Grand Slam' - that is the Premier League, Italian league and Spanish Liga titles."

Manchester United are planning to bid for Fabregas

Barcelona are preparing to make their first official approach to Arsenal to sign Cesc Fabregas today by faxing through an offer in the region of £30 million,Goal.com can reveal.

Manchester United are also near to bid for the Arsenal star Fabregas.

It would be a great prospect for him to move to Old Trafford.

Barcelona are convinced that Fabregas will join them this summer after he flew into London from his Spanish base last week to tell manager Arsene Wenger of his desire to leave the club and return to his boyhood team.

But The Red Devils are keen to sign the Quality player, and to keep him in at EPL.

Franck Ribery Wont be joining Manchester United

Franck Ribery'

Franck Ribey has extended his contract to 2015 at Bayern.

Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery has committed to the German club for another four years

Arsenal want to jump into every big move Manchester United wants

By Fab4.

Here are some of the latest transfer rumours doing the rounds of late. Some are familiar names to Arsenal fans, with the likes of Melo and Gomis being linked once again. While Gunners fans will be excited to here Gourcuff and Silva being named as possible replacements should captain Cesc Fabregas leave for Barcelona. Arsenal have also been linked with yet another goalkeeper and a couple of centre-backs.

Per Mertesacker

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Werder Bremen’s giant centre-back Per Mertesacker, according to The Sunday Times. Arsene Wenger has been linked with the German international in the past and the report claims Mertesacker is looking for a move away from the Bundesliga and the Arsenal boss is ready to make.

The Gunners are on the look-out for a defensive partner for Thomas Vermaelen after it seems certain that William Gallas will leave the club after failing to agree a contract extension, and with 60 caps for Germany and standing at 6ft 6in, Mertesacker is tipped to be the experienced dominant centre-back the club are looking for. I would love this rumour to be true, he is exactly the type of player Arsene should be looking at.

Felipe Melo

Once again Arsenal have been linked with a move for long-term target Felipe Melo. The Brazilian international was close to a move to the Gunners last summer but opted for Juventus, but his time in Turin has been a disappointment and has been tipped by the Times to make the move the Emirates this summer as Arsene Wenger looks to add some steel to his midfield engine-room. Despite his poor season for Juve, Melo has a lot talent and would be a great signing for Arsenal. Although i think his price tag of £17-£20m is slightly over-inflated given what the player has actually achieved so far.

David Silva

The Mirror claims that Wenger has been keeping a close eye on Valencia’s skillful play-maker David Silva. With Cesc Fabregas linked with a move to Barca, Wenger may look to Silva as a replacement and despite interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United, the report says it’s Arsenal who could land the talented 24-year-old for £17m. Although i would love to see Silva arrive at the Emirates, i can’t see this one happening. He has been linked with Real for that last couple of years and if he leaves Valencia i think he will become a Madrid man, Arsene wouldn’t compete with them on price and wages.

Yoann Gourcuff

Gourcuff has been widely tipped to be Cesc Fabregas’s replacement should our captain make the move to Barca this summer. The Bordeaux ace is valued at around £25m and Wenger sees him as the ideal candidate to take over the create role currently filled by Fabregas. The 23-year-old has been capped 17 times by France so far and has been in tremendous form over the past two seasons since moving to Bordeaux from AC Milan, and was a key figure as he won the Ligue 1 in his first year back in France and was also named the league’s best player. However this season has not been as successful as Bordeaux only managed a sixth place finish and failed to qualify for any European football next season. If Fab’s does go, get this man Arsene. Pure class.

Bafetimbi Gomis

Lyon forward Gomis was linked with the Gunners last summer and his name has once again been thrown in the hat as a potential summer buy. Gomis scored 10 goals in 37 appearances this season and signed for Lyon for £11m only a year ago from Saint-Etienne. After the signing of Marouane Chamakh was tied up last week, it’s very difficult to imagine Arsene Wenger buying another striker so i see no substance in this one.

Other rumours include a move for Newcastle centre-back Steven Taylor who is out of contract next summer and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. I could see the sense in going for Taylor who is a good age and wouldn’t break the bank, but i can’t see Wenger going for a 37-year-old goalkeeper and Fulham would be very reluctant sellers.

So they are the latest transfer rumours and I’m sure that as the summer goes on a whole host of other names will be linked with a move to the Emirates.