Video: Arsenal Target Gokhan Inler

In the last few weeks Arsenal have been linked to both Yann M'Vila and Yannick Djalo, and now, talkSPORT have reported that Arsene Wenger may spend £8 million on the Swiss midfielder, Gokhan Inler. The 26 year-old currently plays for the Seria A side Udinese, but speculation has been rife in Italy about his future at the club.

He has been watched by several Premier League clubs since his move to Napoli in 2007 including Liverpool, as Roy Hodgson believed he could replace Javier Mascherano in Liverpool's central midfield before the Englishman's departure. Inler plays in a similar area to Mascherano - a deep lying position just ahead of the defenders, and it is this kind of player that several Arsenal blogs have been suggesting Arsenal buy to guard the defence.

Inler has scored 3 goals this season, one of which was a stunning strike from long range against Napoli as you can see below. However, you may notice the lack of celebration and joy in the players face. Some said that this was a sign of Inler's growing disinterest in playing for Udinese, but the player cleared this speculation up:

"I have many friends in Switzerland who are Napoli supporters and they asked me not to score. Out of respect to them, I responded that way." 

"My heart is black and white and I think I proved that with my performance against Napoli. 

"I'm sorry if I offended anyone, as it was not my intention. Once I got back to the locker room, I shouted my joy and embraced my team-mates.

"My future has absolutely not been decided and I haven't signed for another club."

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

De Gea to "Renew or Leave" As United Scout Patricio

David de Gea, targeted by Manchester United to replace Edwin van der sar, and current Athletico Madrid number one has been told by his club that he will have two choices at the end of the season: to renew his Athletico contract, or leave for United.

The 20 year-old Spanish goalkeeper had met with Athletico club officials twice now to discuss his future, but no deal has been agreed, and with 3 years left on his deal, the Spanish club are getting agitated. The Madrid Chief Executive Angel Gil Marin said:

"We have met with him to negotiate a new deal on two occasions." 

"He has a contract with Atletico for three more seasons, so it is necessary to renew it and reasonable to revise his salary, which is well below his current performance. 

"But at the end of the season there will be two choices - to renew or to leave."

The Sky Sports journalist and compatriot of De Gea's, Guillem Balague has spoken about the decision being in De Gea's hands, but that the player is still undecided. He sees Manchester United as a great opportunity and a great leap forward of course, but is comfortable in his home country and may yet decide to commit to his boyhood club.

The latest reports are that, if Sir Alex Ferguson fails in his attempts to bring De Gea to Old Trafford, he will move for the Portuguese 23 year-old goalkeeper, Rui Patricio. The Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe, and it has been reported that former Sporting star Luis Nani has recommended the goalkeeper to Ferguson.

The Portuguese press stated that Ferguson sent his goalkeeping coach Eric Steele to Portugal over the week end to watch Patricio in action against FC Porto, and with a number of European clubs watching the player, Steele wasn't alone.

Patricio is not Portugal's number one choice goalkeeper, but he did win his debut against Spain, in the second half of a 4 - 0 win for Portugal on the 17th November 2010. If he joins United this summer, he will be fighting for one of the toughest number 1 spots to fill in Europe, with huge boots to fill when van der sar retires. A goalkeeper is certainly coming to United this summer, but it is up to David de Gea who that goalkeeper is: him, or United's insurance, Patricio.

DBSFootball in association with: http://www.watch-football.tv/football/ - Live Football Streaming.

Arsenal Want Djalo But No New Goalkeeper

Arsenal face Liverpool today in what is a massive game for Wenger's side as they try to close the gap on Manchester United at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal will therefore be coming up against the goalkeeper that they tried to sign a couple of transfer windows ago, Pepe Reina.

However, that was before Wojciech Szczesny appeared as a solid figure between the white sticks at the Emirates. He has, Wenger believes, turned into a potential number 1 goalkeeper, and, now recovered from the dislocated finger he suffered against Barcelona in the Champions League, he will be out to prove it against Liverpool:

"Szczesny he has the calibre to be a goalkeeper at Arsenal Football Club and we have Fabianski as well."

"Szczesny has the potential [to be No 1]. It will be a fight because Fabianski will be back. We still have Almunia too, he has one year to go [on his contract].

"We can always in mid-season call Jens Lehmann back!" 

From that then, we can take that Wenger will not be delving into the transfer window to purchase a new goalkeeper, as he has all he needs already at the club. From Szczesny's performances this season, that is understandable. Aside from the defensive mishap in the Carling Cup final, he has been blunder free - something his team mates and rivals, Fabianski and Almunia, cannot boast.

Wenger's comments also seems to spell an end to Manuel Almunia's Arsenal career. No mention of the Spanish goalkeeper and Arsenal's fans huge general mistrust in him are not promising signs, and with the two Polish youngsters and a possible Lehmann return, he won't be getting many games next season anyway.

But according to some reports, Arsenal will try to improve their team further up the pitch with the signing of Yannick Djalo.

The 24 year-old Portuguese forward currently plays for Sporting Lisbon and has attracted attention from various clubs including Everton, but Arsenal are apparently favourites to sign Djalo who can operate both as a winger and a striker.

Djalo possesses blistering pace and has a strong physical presence, making over 80 appearances for Sporting, scoring 20 goals. Sporting will therefore be expecting to make £8 million for the player who has appeared once for Portugal so far.

So What Is Happening With David De Gea?

It seems that some newspapers know more about transfer deals than the clubs and players involved in them. Manchester United will be buying a goalkeeper in the summer, that is a certainty, but who that goalkeeper will be is the big question. Will Sir Alex Ferguson go for experience in Manuel Neur, or will he go for the youth and promise of David de Gea? Most publications believe it to be the latter, as is evident with their headlines.

Last night the Daily Mail reported an exclusive story stating: "Atletico keeper De Gea to sign five-year contract with Manchester United as clubs agree £17.8m deal".

They went on to say: "Manchester United have agreed a £17.8million deal for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea." That sounds pretty solid, they sound pretty certain that United have agreed a deal, and De Gea is as good as gone.

However, you would think that if a player is involved in a £17.8 million deal with one of the worlds biggest clubs, he would know something about it, wouldn't you? You would think his agent, who is set to gain a huge some of money (reportedly 8 million Euros) would have told him something about this mega deal.

Well either his agent for some reason hasn't informed his client of Manchester United's proposed deal, or a deal doesn't exist, because the Spanish goalkeeper was quite certain that he has heard nothing from anyone:

"There is nothing, it is all lies." 

"I know nothing about offers from any team, whether it is other clubs or a renewal from Atletico."

"I have given my all to this team since I have been here, and that will continue today and tomorrow, I will always fight for this team."

"I do not think the fans have any reason to be against me, we have the best fans in the world and they will support me until my final day, for that I am sure."

So, straight from the players mouth, no deal has been agreed, or if it has, which is unlikely, the player doesn't know about it.

David De Gea is a very good goalkeeper, and as has been reported on this blog before he would be, in my opinion probably the best choice for Ferguson. At only 20 years old, he has the potential to be United's number 1 goalkeeper for the next 15 or so years, and at a fee of around £20 million, that seems a good deal. A deal may not be "wrapped up" already, like some headlines report, but United's interest is clear, and in the summer transfer window, those headlines might be reported again, but next time, with some truth in them.

Now Arsenal Want £15 million Yann M'Vila

He has been tracked for some time by both Manchester United and Liverpool, but now, the Rennes defensive midfielder is being linked to a £15 million move to Arsenal.

The 20 year old midfielder is highly thought of in France, and teams all over Europe have been said to be watching him in the hope of acquiring his services.

Back in January, the Frenchman, who has been described as a player who possesses "excellent defensive abilities" and "impressive physical strength" said:

"Manchester United is the club of my dreams. It's a very prestigious club and I dream to play for them."

However, some sources claim that Arsenal have sent scouts to watch him in action and are "poised" to table a £15 million bid to bring him to the Emirates. Arsene Wenger is known for his attention to younger prospects, yet he is often criticized for not bringing in experience, which is cited as one of the main reasons for Arsenal's lack of success. It seems then, that Wenger has been doing his homework, as M'Vila's coach said after his debut in 2009: "For a youngster, he has an unusual level of maturity in his game."

A Rennes source said: "We know there are many clubs who want M'Vila but only a big offer will tempt us to sell him. We have not received any official bids."


His qualities are summed up on ESPN's profile on the player: Robust in the challenge, M'Vila is happy to put himself about and fears no-one when it comes to making a tackle. He boasts a fantastic work-rate but is by no means just about lumbering physicality; he possesses superb vision and can be instrumental in building-up attacks from the back.

His contract with Rennes expires in 2014 after signing another extension to his contract in August of 2010.

Nani for Sneijder?

When Nani walks out onto a football pitch wearing Manchester United colours, you know that he will have an effect on the game. He will cause problems on the wings, he will come inside and unleash a thunderous shot, he will win free-kicks in dangerous areas, he will create and score goals. If it wasn't for him and his stunning form this season, United wouldn't be where they are now - 7 points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course for a Champions League semi final and FA Cup Final.

It wasn't always like that, and at one point he might have been out of the Old Trafford door with a thumping headache and Sir Alex Ferguson's angry words ringing in his ears. But he kept at it, and has turned inconsistency's into an instrumental role at United. Why on earth would United want to let him go?

Well apparently, for Wesley Sneijder. The Netherlands international and Inter Milan play maker has been on Ferguson's wanted list for a while now, with the Inter Milan president confirming solid interest in the player from United. Considering the great World Cup he had and the well known quality in midfield that he can inject, that is very much understandable. Weight is added to the argument when you consider that Paul Scholes' contract negotiations are well off resolving and retirement is just around the corner. United will be looking for a replacement, and what a fantastic one Sneijder would be.

Would Ferguson really allow Nani to leave United so he can exchange him for an older player, in a different position? One that statistically has not had anywhere near as good a season as Nani has, and one who has never played in England before? Sure, he may settle down very quickly in England, but what if he doesn't? One of United's most influential players would be enjoying life in Italy while the player exchanged for him is suffering in a new, very different environment.

Manchester United fans have been left scratching their heads as to why Nani has been left off of the Player of the Year short-list. He has, in the Premier League alone, scored 9, and directly assisted 14 while playing a prominent role in countless Manchester United attacks, often proving lethal for the opposition. Meanwhile, Sneijder has managed 3 goals and 5 assists in the Italian Serie A.

I for one, would not like to see Nani leave Old Trafford for Sneijder. I would like to see the Dutchman wearing the red of United, but not at the expense of one of United's best, who is always looking to improve. Sir Alex has spoken of Nani's early troubles before, and by the sounds of it, the great Scot would not be any hurry to see Nani go either:

“Nani wasn’t close to leaving because he’d have had to get by me! Of course we sat down and talked. You do that with all your players.

“I don’t need to trumpet his improvement, he’s been consistent all season. He’s a match winner – he creates goals and he scores goals. Every time he gets near the ball, you think something special is going to happen. That’s the sign of a great player.”

Jose Enrique to Liverpool "Deal has been Done"

Liverpool had reportedly been watching Jose Enrique, the 25 year-old Spanish left back, and now according to Liverpool legend Phil Thompson, a deal "has been done" to bring the Newcastle player to Anfield.

Enrique joined Newcastle in 2007 for £6.3 million, signing a 5 year contract with the Magpies. But after a few impressive seasons with Newcastle, helping them to win promotion last season and then this season helping them to a safe League position, he has attracted the attention of several top teams. 

Manchester United had been linked to the former Valencia player, but it seems that Liverpool have already agreed to sign him. Kenny Dalglish let Paul Konchesky go to Nottingham Forest on loan when he was appointed manager, and has obviously made getting a replacement his priority. Liverpool have been linked to Fabio Coentrao and Oscar Wendt, but Damien Comolli has watched him personally. 

Enrique's contract expires in 16 months and has held off talks to renew it until the end of the season. Being targeted by clubs such as United, AC Milan and Liverpool have certainly contributed to that decision.

Liverpool Eye Two Dutch Wingers For Carroll

£35 million is a lot of money, and as Liverpool are finding, if you spend it all on one player but don't use his main asset to your advantage, you won't always get your moneys worth. It could be worse though - they could still have Fernando Torres. Anyway, Liverpool will reportedly look to exploit Andy Carroll's heading talents by purchasing two natural wingers - something severely lacking a Liverpool; both Barcelona's Ibrahim Afellay and Hamburg's Eljero Elia.

In October of last year, Afellay, a now 25 year old Barcelona player said:

"Playing in the Premier League would be best for my prestige. I'd like to play for Liverpool or Manchester United , the top-level prospect for any player.

In the January transfer market however, he completed a move to Barcelona - a move which was quite an odd move for the player. Surely if an inexperienced attacking midfielder wanted to play games, they wouldn't attempt to push players like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets out of a side by joining Barcelona. Nevertheless, the deal was done, and unsurprisingly, Afellay has since found that his game time has been limited to only 9 League games.

Liverpool held a keen interest in Afellay before his move to the Nou Camp, and as the summer window approaches, talkSPORT claim:

"talkSPORT understands Afellay will speak with officials at the Nou Camp regarding his future in the coming weeks and if there are no assurances over his future, he will be free to leave this summer."

You may ask why Barcelona will want to sell a player they have only just purchased. Some say that it was simply a money making ploy on Barcelona's half. They recognised his potential, and saw that his contract at PSV was almost up, they had a tiny three million euro offer accepted, and signed the player to a long term contract. They now hope to sell him on for a lot more than they bought him for, due to the length of his contract at Barcelona. It's intriguing, but certainly a possibility.

On to Eljero Elia now, and another player that Liverpool were reportedly very close to signing in the January transfer window. His club, Hamburg confirmed a bid was received for Elia, but not from Liverpool, rather Wigan Athletic. However, a £13 million bid for the 24 year-old was quoted in certain publications, and Liverpool remain interested with Damien Comolli eyeing possible promising transfers.

There is no doubting that Elia has potential. In 2009 he was awarded the Johan Cruijff Award for "Young Player of the Year" in the Netherlands - an award that has previously been won by Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars as well as Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Rafael van der Vaart.

It seems Elia's services will be available in the summer too, as Hamburg's Technical Director Bastian Reinhardt admitted that he would be available if a “good offer” was submitted:

"In sporting terms we would like to keep him. But when we receive a good offer..."

So, this may be music to Andy Carroll's and Liverpool fans' ears. Next season may see the start of a new Liverpool, thriving on wingers' crosses into the box to be headed down expertly by the big Englishman to the predatory Luiz Suarez to finish with a goal. It looks like a recipe for success. But Liverpool need the investment first.

Video: United & Arsenal 'Target' Marko Marin

Manchester United and Arsenal are currently fighting with each other for the Premier League title, but come the summer transfer window, they will apparently be fighting for a player labelled as the "German Messi".

The 22 year-old German midfielder, Marko Marin currently plays for Werder Bremen in the Budesliga, where he can perform as an attacking midfielder and winger. He joined Werder Bremen in June of 2009 from Borussia Mönchengladbach and was even included in the German World Cup squad in 2010, making two appearances against both Australia and Serbia. 

He isn't a prolific goalscorer, with only four goals this season for Werder, but his contribution is more through his assists - 6 this season and 14 last season - troubling the defenders and making chances. 

Both Manchester United and Arsenal have been linked to bringing the exciting forward to the Premier League in the past, and now United are reportedly ready to 'intensify' their interest, and make a move for Marin. 

The player has unfortunately been accused of lacking strength on the ball and going down easily in a challenge, but as can be seen below, he has a special quality, especially in his dribbling ability and could be the spark who could light up United next season from a reported £15 million offer.

A £20 Million Bid for Berbatov Should be Accepted

You could say that Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney are like beauty and the beast. Watching the Bulgarian with the ball at his feet is a joy to behold, as he effortlessly glides past players with the silky skills of a suave, smooth and polished perfectionist. Meanwhile, Rooney charges around, with his undoubted quality, bullishly tracking back, rocketing cross field passes and sometimes getting involved in incidents he really shouldn't be.

You wouldn't, for example ever see Dimitar Berbatov screaming obscenities into a television camera after scoring a goal. That isn't his style, but both players are undeniably Manchester United quality, and are both passionate about their football.

However, the rumours circulating claim that Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to sell the "beauty" of this pairing for an amount in excess of £20 million. Manchester United's top scorer, who is also the Premier Leagues top scorer with 20 goals, seems to have fallen out of favour with the United manager as his starts in games have become all to infrequent. Javier Hernandez's growing reputation as a guaranteed goalscorer at important times has seen him propelled into a starting spot alongside Rooney, whose place in the team seems more or less guaranteed.

Bayern Munich have apparently noticed this, and will reportedly attempt to persuade Berbatov to come back to the country where he made his name - with Bayern Leverkusen. The Germans are supposedly preparing a £22 million bid for the striker who was bought by United in 2008 for £30.75 million.

After two seasons which saw the Bulgarian score a total of 26 in 86 games, he was labelled rather harshly as "Berbaflop". He had cost a lot of money, and at his age, (now 30), it was beginning to look like a bad buy from Ferguson. This season has proved all of his critics wrong, with a stunning total of vital goals in vital games including a hat-trick against Liverpool. He has now almost scored the same amount of goals this season than he did in his firs to season's at Old Trafford, yet starting games is becoming a rarity.

I like Berbatov - he has grown on me - especially this season, but I think if United are offered £22 million like is being reported, then Sir Alex should take it. It would be sad to see Berbatov go after what he has done for United this season, and his incredible touch and fantastic hold up play will be missed by many. His calm, collected figure will be missed too, but at his age, £22 million is a fantastic deal, and one that will not be equalled in the future if this opportunity is passed.

United could use the money this summer to sign a younger striker or midfielder, someone who can contribute to the team for many years to come. A central midfielder is what is needed, and a player similar to Owen Hargreaves who is the engine of a side.

It will be sad to see Berbatov go. He is a brilliant player, with a unique style. Strong when he needs to be, quick when he wants to be, and deadly in front of goal - always.

Is £25 million Young the Best Man for United?

As a child, Ashley Young was a devoted Arsenal fan. That isn't the best introduction considering United's fierce rivalry with the Gunners, but don't worry, "They're just another team" now according to the 25 year old who has been recently linked to a big money move away from Aston Villa to clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. 

Since joining Aston Villa in 2007, he has always been an attacking threat that is a nuisance for defenders to deal with. In his second season at Villa, Young managed 17 assists and nine goals, as well as every wingers' ambition - to leave the defenders dizzy. However, despite winning Player of the month twice in 2008, many performances have been shaky and ineffective. His pace and dribbling abilities are obviously his strong points, but his strength and sometimes effort have let him down. 

His recent performances for England have propelled him to a higher level however, and his impressive two games against Wales and Ghana have certainly changed my mind about him. In both international games he looked very bright, and one of England's main threats as he thrived in the 4-3-3 formation - being given a more free and roaming role against Ghana in the absence of Rooney.

His club may not be having the best time this season; currently wavering in the midst of a relegation battle which, considering the players they have, is hard to believe, but he has impressed. 8 goals, 8 assists and attempting a total of 64 shots is ambitious and not bad going, and he has the spark to be a great winger.

But is he good enough, do they need him and will he fit into the Manchester United side?

First of all, at that price, it's a no go. A £25 million transfer fee and apparently, £100,000 a week wages is way too much for a player who rarely shines against top opposition. Yes, he can perform well against sides with poor defences - four goals against Blackburn and one each against Bolton and Wigan this season. He did score 1 each against against United and Chelsea, but from the penalty spot. Whether he has turned a corner whilst in an England shirt remains to be seen, but when United play in Europe, all of the players have to perform to progress.

I don't think Nani will leave this summer, but if he does - which has been rumoured, Young wouldn't be a bad replacement. He hasn't had as good a season as Nani - who has been exceptional, but under Ferguson, he may be able to improve to United's level. Ryan Giggs has extended his contract at United for another year, but if Young were to arrive before the Welshman's departure, he could only benefit from a man who ruled the wings for about 20 years. 

Pace, dribbling ability and superb crossing were exactly what Giggs possessed in his early to late twenties, but as Young is used more of a central threat and further up the pitch, he may become a better player. Even if Sir Alex has been given £100 million, the price is still a stumbling block as well as the proposed wages. The money, I believe should be used for a Paul Scholes replacement primarily, and then after that, perhaps a winger. A player like Wesley Sneijder should be priority.   

Arsenal after £15 million Colombian - Video

Arsenal are reportedly chasing FC Porto's 25 year-old striker, Ramadel Falcao. Wenger is frustrated with both van Persie's injuries and Marouane Chamakh's inconsistent performances, and while Arsenal's Danish attacker Nicklas Bendtner showers in his own praise, Wenger has found a new striker to get him the important goals and goal threat next season.

Falcao is just what Arsenal need up front - a goalscoring striker - and has netted 23 goals in 28 games in the Portuguese League this season, while last year he managed an amazing 34 goals in 43 games. This goal flare has turned the head of some top European clubs incuding Valencia, AC Milan, and Arsenal's local rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, but Wenger will be hopin a £15 million will be enough to bring him to the Emirates.

FC Porto currently lead the Portuguese Liga, above fierce rivals Benfica, and it is ther Colombian strikers' valuable goals that have helped them to such a fortunate position. They will be reluctant to let thier superstar go, but with a big bid and the players mind on a possible transfer, it would be best for Jose Mournho's former club to let their player go.

Below you can see what he is capable of.

£1 Billion for Modric

Well it doesn't look like Luka Modric will be packing his bags, moving away from Tottenham and heading up North to Manchester or staying in the area and joining Chelsea. Not unless United or Chelsea, the two clubs linked with the Croatian midfielder are prepared to pay £1 billion for him.

Harry Redknapp, the Tottenham manager has led this Spurs side to a Champions League quarter final, beating one of the most successful European teams in AC Milan on the way. Luka Modric played a vital part in both helping Tottenham into the top four last season and their brilliant, over achieving success of reaching the latter stages of the prestigious European competition this year. The Tottenham manager emphasised the invaluable qualities that the 25 year-old holds in the side with a rather exaggerated expected transfer fee:

"I wouldn't want to sell him for £100 million, not even for a billion.

"He's the hub of the team."

He made his point. Of course, Redknapp would sell Modric for £1 billion - not that anyone - not even Manchester City would pay that ludicrous amount. But it is a clear statement that Modric is not for sale, and if an offer were to come in, it would have to be quite a substantial amount.

Modric only signed a long term contract at Spurs last year, and the players' representative, Mario Mamic reiterated Redknapps sentiments:

"These are just rumours. Luka has a contract until 2016 and Tottenham have no plans to sell him. He has an excellent relationship with coach [Harry] Redknapp and only signed a contract extension with Spurs last summer."

The rumours that Mamic spoke of refer to apparent interest from several English clubs including Manchester United and Chelsea as well as Italian side Juventus and Inter Milan. Certainly, Modric has his fans; he is a fantastic player and has been described by the former Chelsea assistant Ray Wilkins as one of the best midfielder's in the Premier League. Gerard Houllier, the current Aston Villa manager also heaped praise on Modric:

"Not only is he a very hard worker, he has a good brain and he provided some calmness and composure to the midfield. His passing was neat and his contribution was outstanding. He was not only winning the ball, he was passing well. We thought that he was very influential. He did not just work hard, he made the other people play well around him."

 He may not be worth £100 million or £1 billion, but Luka Modric is certainly a fantastic asset to Tottenham, and understandably has the best teams in the world watching him.

Daniele De Rossi Transfer News

The past few days have seen Daniele De Rossi's name mentioned quite a few times in the transfer gossip columns in stories linking the Italian midfielder to Manchester United. This happened only a couple of weeks ago with Javier Pastore, the Argentinian attacking midfielder who was supposedly close to a Manchester United move. I haven't heard much since. 
So this is all about the De Rossi Move:

The 27 year-old is apparently prepared to leave Roma, the club he has played for over a decade. De Rossi has suffered a turbulent time in recent years, including the shooting of his father-in-law in a gang attack and the separation from his wife. The player recently told of his recent struggle with the club he began his career with, and explained that he feels that things are changing for the worse. He said after elbowing the opposition and getting sent off in Roma's recent Champions League clash with Shackhtar Donetsk:

"They used to treat me as one of their own, they would tell me to throw in another elbow, but now the wind has changed. Something here at Roma is changing. For a year and a half, the things I've heard that have given me the most pride have come from outside Rome. I have had moments at a low ebb, in which I wasn't at my best. Do I feel wounded?

"Yes, but I don't want to play the victim, I don't want people to come and tell me how great I am. The wound will heal itself. Then, everyone makes his own assessments."

His father, Alberto, admits that the player “would never want to face a future away from Roma” but acknowledges that “if he expressed himself [in that way], then there is a cause behind it.”

His contract at Roma expires in June 2012 and his current wages reach £60,000 a week. That is well within United's budget, and with Sir Alex reportedly being given £100 million to spend, the £20 million fee supposedly being asked for the defensive midfielder would not be a problem. However, 27 is not the ideal age for Sir Alex who has been and will be looking more to youth to replace the older generation of Giggs, Scholes and van der sar.

The former Roma striker Ruggiero Rizzitelli does not believe that De Rossi will leave Italy:

"The truth is De Rossi won't leave Roma. He is their Bandieraplayer, the future captain. He is already named as the new captain after Francesco Totti."

"De Rossi has already rejected Real Madrid in the past. Two years ago the club had asked for him, but he and [former Roma owners] the Sensi family said no because he is a Roman, a Romanista and he wants to end his career at Roma like Totti.

"His dream is to remain at Roma with the backing of the new owners and the promise of a strong team to challenge."

The 2006 World Cup winners' future is looking uncertain, that is for sure. Whether it simply be transfer speculation or actual truth lies at the bottom of this story is yet to be discovered, but he would be a fantastic addition to the Manchester United side, as a perfect replacement for Owen Hargreaves.

Video: A Look at Arsenal Target Kévin Gameiro

Kevin Gameiro, a 23 year old French striker currently playing for Ligue 1 side Lorient is a reported transfer target for Arsenal.

The forward has apparently been watched by Arsenal scouts sent by Arsene Wenger to track his progress - and they have been impressed. The young striker has played a total of 26 games this season, scoring 17 and creating 3. His consistency has also impressed Arsenal scouts, with talk of a move not distracting his on field impact at Lorient, with goals continuing to flow.

Gameiro is a fast, energetic player with good dribbling abilities, demonstrated in the video below. He is contracted to Lorient until the end of the 2011/2012 season, but the club president, Loic Fery admitted that it is likely they will have to let the player go:

"It is true that we are mulling over three options."

"We can let him go when his contract expires, sell him in the summer or renew his contract. But the latter is complicated because we have made several incredible efforts and he has not accepted."

Fey said in August:

"There is no such thing as an untransferable player. Gameiro, and players like him, can and will leave the club, even if we would prefer that they stay. 

Tottenham were said to be interested late 2010, but did not move for Gameiro and Arsenal have since been linked strongly with the player who would cost around £10 - 15 million. The fact that he has rejected several contract extensions at Lorient suggests that he may have his eye somewhere else, and Lorient would surely rather cash in on him than wait until his contract runs its course.

Lehmann to Return to Arsenal

Jens Lehmann could soon become one of very few current Arsenal players to have lifted any silverware wearing the Arsenal kit. Lehmann won several trophies at Arsenal; the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Community Shield and claimed Champions League runners up medal. 

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since the German left Arsenal, and whats more, when Lehmann won the Premier League with Arsenal in 2004, it was done so without losing a single match. His anticipated return to Arsenal comes too late to repeat this feat, just as it is unlikely for the achievement to be completed again, but his experience in abundance and leadership qualities could prove vital in a title race with all too familiar rivals.

Lehmann is reportedly in talks with Arsenal over a short term move to solve Arsenal's current goalkeeping crisis. Wojciech Szczesny, Lukas Fabianski and Vito Mannone are all injured and therefore unavailable, leaving only Manuel Almunia to occupy the goal. Of course you only need one goalkeeper on the pitch at one time, but suppose Almunia were to pick up an injury - which considering Arsenal's current bad luck seems unfortunately likely. They need another keeper, and Lehmann could be a perfectly satisfactory solution.

It is ironic that upon Lehmann's supposed return to Arsenal, Manuel Almunia will be ahead of him in the pecking order. During his Arsenal days, Lehman became increasingly frustrated with the fact that Almunia was chosen ahead of him, and complained to Wenger about it;

"My coach confirmed my impression that he uses a different measuring stick to evaluate [Manuel] Almunia. For me this was a disappointment. It's very frustrating. When I see the performances on the field, I get angry and I have to clench my fist in my pocket."

That was said in 2007, and it looks as if four year on, Lehmann will return with his fist clenched firmly in his pockets. However, it is a nice situation for him to be in - returning from retirement to a club which he earned close to 200 appearance for, and helped to several (now rare) trophies. He could also help the current, still relatively inexperienced squad during the final stages of this incredibly tight title race.

It's a win - win situation isn't it? Well, unless the form of the end of his Arsenal career returns, and upon playing his first football game in a while if Almunia doesn't start, makes a crucial, title losing mistake.

M'Vila to United & Marveux to Liverpool

Yann M'Vila and Sylvain Marveux are said to be on their way to England this summer in the form of two of the top Premier League clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool.

The 20 year-old Frenchman Yann M'Villa is a defensive midfielder who plays at Ligue 1 for Rennes and has been described as a player who possesses "excellent defensive abilities" and "impressive physical strength".
He announced his love for Manchester United earlier this year:

"Manchester United is the club of my dreams. It's a very prestigious club and I dream to play for them."

Now, news sources are reporting that Sir Alex Ferguson sees him as the perfect replacement for the injured Owen Hargreaves. M'Vila has been linked to Liverpool, Tottenham and Real Madrid and is very highly rated in France so his club will be expecting around £15 million for him.

On to Liverpool's target and Sylvain Marveux is apparently "very close" to an agreement with Liverpool about a transfer in the summer. The 24 year-old versatile midfielder has been quoted as saying:

"I am very close to reaching agreement with Liverpool about joining them next season"

He can play in a number of positions in the midfield but is mostly played on the left side of midfield or in a further advanced position more centrally. Last season, Marveaux played 28 times in all competitions, scored 12 goals, and assisted 5. Liverpool have lacked a real winger in recent years, so Marveux, who seems quite eager about a move would be a good addition to Dalglish's Liverpool side.

He will be out of contract at his current club Rennes by the end of the season, so Liverpool will be able to pick him on a Bosman.

Rooney Appreciates the Importance of Valencia & VDS

Manchester United missed Antonio Valencia. They missed his pace, his skill, his clever shimmies around defenders, his sumptuous crosses into dangerous areas and his priceless assists. Wayne Rooney more than most missed the Ecuadorians individual qualities and has had possibly the worst season of his career in the winger's absence.

So Valencia's return to first team action against Arsenal on Saturday was a rare plus point in Rooney's season. His first start since that horrible broken ankle against Rangers in the Champions League last September was welcomed with a rousing ovation at Old Trafford, highlighting his importance to the team and the clubs success. Rooney was delighted:

"I can't tell you how good it is to see him back out there. It was Antonio's first game back after six months out and he looked like he'd never been away. It's fantastic for him and fantastic for us to have him back and playing the way he did."

Valencia's return to action is even more convenient when you consider Nani's absence after the Jamie Carragher horror tackle which ripped open his shin. Valencia will now make his return to Champions League football at Old Trafford against Marseille on Tuesday as United hope to progress further in the competition at the stage which Arsenal recently slipped up at to Barcelona.

Rooney praised Edwin van der sar's superb contribution to the FA Cup tie against Arsenal on Saturday as well, claiming that him and the rest of the team have been attempting to persuade the Dutchman out of his decision to retire:

"The players are trying to persuade Edwin to stay on too. I was speaking to him in the shower afterwards but it is his decision and we have to respect it."

"He is such a great goalkeeper. Despite his age he is still the best keeper in the world."

This is a sentiment shared by so many United fans who remember the huge difficulty in replacing their last consistently brilliant goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. It will cost a large fee to replace van der sar now, especially considering the current transfer market climate - it is however, something that United will have to get used to; not seeing the great Dutchman guard the goal anymore.

Rooney's comments come after the News of The World claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson is preparing to sell Rooney in the summer transfer window. The paper's source claims that, "relations between Rooney and Ferguson are so strained that it is affecting other players," adding that, "Sir Alex is not pleased with the way Rooney has been playing... Rooney has been moaning about the squad again but Sir Alex has told him he should look at himself before criticising others."

I really can't see this being the case. Despite a bad season in front of goal, United do still look a better team when Rooney is on the team sheet. Sir Alex Ferguson knows it; Rooney's goals last season emphasise his importance to the team, and there is no way Ferguson would jump to the conclusion that Rooney isn't good enough for this United side anymore. His passion and desire was on show for all to see at Old Trafford against Arsenal, summed up in the crunching but fair challenge on Bacary Sagna, met with massive cheers from the United fans, impressed by Rooney's impressive show of commitment to the cause.

Nani to Move to Central Role?

Early in Nani's Manchester United career, he was criticized by certain football fans for imitating Cristiano Ronaldo at every opportunity. The nationality obviously can't be helped, but certain similarities in their playing style plus resemblances in some mannerism's prompted people to label Nani as a Ronaldo "wannabe".

Nani has recently asked to not be compared to his former team mate as he has been having a fantastic season as one of United's main providers of goals with 15 assists for the season as well as plenty of goals. But there is one area of Ronaldo's time at United that Nani would be pleased to copy.

Rumours that Ashley Young is pushing for a move to Old Trafford have been building, but one must ask where he would fit into the United team if he does arrive in the summer. With Antonio Valencia soon to return and surely certain to start whenever fit, Giggs signing a new contract, Ji Sung Park soon to return and Young best on the wing - competition out wide would be fierce. Alexis Sanchez is also another prospective winger who has been linked toa move to United.

Ronaldo moved from the wing to a central role in his time at United, and became one of the most prolific strikers in the world. He was able to make the position his own - pushing Rooney out wide and away from the goals, and fought for the title of the best in the world with his very worthy opponent, Lionel Messi.

What is to stop Nani doing something similar? Perhaps not as the leader of the line, but he could certainly cut it as an attacking midfielder just off the striker. Which striker may be the dilemma for Ferguson, as he has watched Berbatov become top scorer and Hernandez close behind, while guaranteed starter Rooney has lagged behind in possible the worst season of his career.

The more quality and creativity on the pitch the better, and Nani's much improved final ball doesn't have to be missed; Valencia's delivery is superb, as is Young's while Sanchez's ability to shimmy around players with his low centre of gravity could cause chaos among opposition defences.

Nani has all the potential to follow in his compatriot's footsteps - perhaps not to the extent of being worth £80 million, but certainly a very valuable player to Manchester United - as he has been throughout the season. Sir Alex Ferguson commented on the two Portuguese attackers in the past, claiming Nani has settled into English football quicker than Ronaldo:

"Ronaldo was exceptional, a once-in-a-lifetime player, but it did take him time to settle and develop in the English game.

"I think Nani has done it a bit quicker."

Javier Pastore Transfer News

Javier Pastore is close to agreeing a move to Manchester United. That is what the world of football transfer rumours tells us, as Sir Alex Ferguson, apparently a known admirer of the Argentinian 21 year-old sees the attacking midfielder as the perfect replacement for Paul Scholes.

Here is what has been said:

• Pastore's current side Palermo are said to be sticking to an asking price of 40 million euros which is £34.4 million.
• That means Sir Alex Ferguson would be willing to break the clubs transfer record set by the signing of Dimitar Berbatov for just over £30 million.
• The controversial and very much disliked Manchester United owners have promised Ferguson substantial transfer funds to compete for the best players in the summer - including Pastore.
• The promise of increased funds comes from the Wayne Rooney transfer saga, when the England striker questioned United's ambition. The injection of funds is apparently a show of ambition to persuade United's top players to stay.
• United will look to sell some of their current players to help in the funding of Pastore. Players such as Owen Hargreaves, Michael Owen, Johnny Evans, Bebe, Gabriel Obertan and Darron Gibson are all said to have an uncertain future at United.
• The player’s agent Marcelo Simonen is supposedly almost finalizing a deal with the head chiefs of ‘The Red Devils’.
• A number of top clubs have already been linked with Pastore, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. Manchester City have also expressed an interest.
• Barcelona travelled to Italy to discuss a verbal agreement with Palermo to unite Pastore with fellow countryman Lionel Messi. No agreement was reached which left United open to discussion.

Pastore joined Palermo in 2009 and his performances were rewarded with a place in the Argentina squad in the 2010 World Cup. He was also awarded with the 2010 Serie A Young Player of the Year - the first Argentinian ever to win it and an honour previously won by another United target, Marek Hamsik, as well as Alexandre Pato of AC Milan.

All of these rumours are somewhat destroyed by what the player said little over a month ago:

"It's not yet time to talk about my transfer. We will see later. Now I'm happy to stay in Palermo," the 21-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

"This is the ideal place to complete my growth. One day I'll be ready for the biggest clubs, but now I'm happy where I am.

"I have a contract with Palermo until 2015. If an important offer does arrive and president (Maurizio) Zamparini decides to talk about it with me, the situation could change, but now I think I still have a few years in Palermo.

"When I leave, I will go to a team where I can play. Going now to Barcelona or Real Madrid would mean to stay on the bench if not in the stands.

"I can do a transfer like that when I'm 28, when I'll be ready."

Below you can watch videos of the player and what has so many clubs interested.