(Soccer365.com) - Coca-Cola Championship side Derby County have failed in a $500,000 move for Kansas City forward Josh Wolff because the U.S. international could not obtain a United Kingdom work permit.

The veteran MLS scorer was being counted on to provide the Rams with instant offense, but even references like Bruce Arena and Everton coach David Moyes could not help his case.

Wolff has appeared in 48 games for the U.S. National Team, scoring nine times.

"We are especially disappointed as it was Billy's belief (Wolff) would have formed the perfect partner for Steve Howard," managing director Mike Horton told the club website.

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(Soccer365.com) - Former Italy striker Christian Vieri has latched on with former club Atalanta, just weeks after canceling a contract to join Sampdoria.

"The player has big motivations and Bergamo's environment is ideal for him," Bergamo general manager Giancarlo Osti told Rai TV.

Atalanta have also brought back midfielder Cristiano Doni, who arrives from Mallorca.

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(Goal.com) - Adhemar, São Caetano’s veteran top scorer with 68 goals scored for the young club that nestles in São Paulo city’s industrial suburbs, is on the verge of a move to NFL outfit Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as his contract with the Azulão runs out on the 1st of August.

The player was resigned to calling an end to his dilated career and settling down at his farm on the edge of countryside town Porto Feliz, but the marksman may well take up a new challenge and swap the round ball for an oval one.

“I’ve practised a few 60 to 80 yard kicks and didn’t find it difficult. A businessman linked with Tampa Bay keeps on calling me as they want me to be the new kicker on their team.” explained Adhemar. who has built a reputation for blistering long-distance shots over the years.

“I’ve always had a knack for shooting from a distance and the idea of going over to the NFL does appeal as kickers over there earn a lot of money for coming on and just taking four or five shots a game,” he added.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were NFL champs in the 2002/2003 when they counted on the services of ex-‘soccer’ player Martín Gramática as their kicker. The Buccaneers were then owned by Malcolm Glazer, the present owner of Manchester United.

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(Goal.com) - Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is happy to remain with the Old Trafford club.

The Portuguese winger said during the World Cup that he wanted to move to Real Madrid, which may have stemmed in part with his run-in with United teammate Wayne Rooney during the Portugal v. England match.

But now he says: "Manchester are the ideal club for me. It is true that I said one day I would like to play in Spain. But if that doesn't happen, it won't be a problem.

"I still feel very happy."

United have also made it clear that Ronaldo, who has been in wonderful form just three games into the new Premiership season, will not be leaving the club.

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(Soccer365.com) - Villarreal midfielder Allesio Tacchanrdi has warned former Juventus boss Fabio Capello that his defensive ways will not work with Real Madrid.

The teams fought to a season opening scoreless draw that had Galactico supporters in an uproar.

"Maybe he’s won things and is a winner of sorts, but it’s easy to win things with an all-star cast," jabbed Tacchanardi. "Let’s see what he does with this team, but from what I’ve seen of Real Madrid so far they play really badly."

"Here he’s going to get it all wrong because the fans in Spain demand attacking football – they want to see their team go out onto the pitch and really hunt down victories through attractive attacking play."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid striker Ronaldo as insisted that he will not be leaving the club before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

The Brazil star has been the subject of talks between Real and AC Milan for a week, but it appears that the transfer is now dead.

“I am extremely happy at Real Madrid. I want to stay with the club for many years,” said Ronaldo.

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(Goal.com) - Reports coming out of Spain suggest that AC Milan have offered 25 million Euros to Real Madrid, not for Ronaldo, but for Robinho, after watching him on the bench in Real's Primera Liga opener against Villarreal. However, the Merengues have been quick to declare him untouchable, at least for now.

AC Milan's interest in Ronaldo has cooled down significantly following the purchase of Ricardo Oliviera from Real Betis.

The attention, meanwhile, seems to have switched to Robinho, as Milan go looking for a left-footed attacking midfielder to supplement Kaka.

It is understood that an informal enquiry was also made when Galliani and Braida were in Madrid last week to negotiate over Ronaldo, but the real impetus has come after the Milan bosses saw Robinho start on the bench against Villarreal on Sunday.

The conjecture that the flashy Brazilian might not be central to the disciplined Capello's plans, has led them to make an official offer, in the region of 25 million Euros, which was immediately rejected.

Robinho moved to Real Madrid last summer for 27 million, and after a difficult first six months, gradually made an impact in Spain, turning in a few impressive displays in the second half of last season. Consistency, however, was not his best trait, and that has not been lost on Capello, who has persisted with the more hard-working Raul in that left-sided role.

It is expected that Real Madrid will omce again ask for Kaka in return, if Milan persist, but crazier things have happened with the transfer deadline looming. Watch this space!

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London, England (Sports Network) - Former Ireland international and Manchester United captain Roy Keane is back in the game, but this time instead of trying to score goals, he will be in the front office as the boss of Sunderland.

"The fact that one of the most influential figures in world football is willing to come here should make all Sunderland fans very happy," said Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn.

Keane inked a three-year deal with the Championship side, his first job as a manager. In his first move, he brought in Tony Loughlan from Leicester as his head coach, instead of Blackburn boss Brian Kidd, who was reportedly thought to get the sideline job with Sunderland.

The 35-year-old Keane announced his retirement back in June after suffering hip problems. Keane ended his career as a member of Celtic after coming over from Manchester United.

"Roy Keane's standards of professionalism are legendary," said Quinn.

In his brief six-month tenure in Glasgow, Keane helped Celtic to the league title last season. He has also been a part of seven Premiership titles with the Reds along with success in the UEFA Champions League.

Keane, a midfielder, was capped by Ireland 65 times.

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(Soccer365.com) - Houston coach Dominic Kinnear was quite pleased with his team’s showing in a 3-0 victory over Texas rivals FC Dallas that sent them to the semifinals of the 2006 U.S. Open Cup.

Eddie Robinson, Alejandro Moreno and Chris Wondolowski scored for the victors.

"We took advantage of our chances," Kinnear told MLSNet.

"I think that the effort that the guys put in from the first minute to the 90th was the reason we got the right result."

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(Soccer365.com) - Juventus netminder Gianluigi Buffon says he would accept a move to AC Milan, but prefers to continue with the relegated Bianconeri.

The Turin side were dropped to Serie B for their part in the Italian referee fixing controversy.

"I told the club if they need to sell me do so, but if you want me to remain, I will stay," said Buffon.

"More than anything it's about gratitude towards the club, the family that manages it, the fans," said the star keeper. "A lot of people continue telling me that I will be sold to Milan."

"I wouldn't say no, but I would be disappointed."

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(Soccer365.com) - France manager Raymond Domenech has recalled Chelsea ace Claude Makalele from international retirement, then hinted he would invoke a FIFA rule if the midfielder doesn’t wish to turn up.

"We had a discussion, but I didn't ask for his opinion," said the coach. "For me, it would be unthinkable to see a great player playing for a great club not playing for his national team."

"A player who refuses to accept a selection is liable to a two-match suspension."

France begin Euro2008 qualifying with a September 2nd visit to Georgia.

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(Soccer365.com) - According to the club, discussions over Real Madrid strike star Ronaldo are continuing at a fair pace with AC Milan.

"There are still large differences between the two clubs in the negotiations," read a Galacticos statement.

"There were talks last night and we expect contacts to continue, but at the moment the positions of the two clubs are very different."

One of the sticking points seems to be Real’s insistence on a first option clause for Rossoneri playmaker Kaká.

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(Goal.com) - Carlitos Tevez is at the focus of mounting transfer speculation as the European market prepares to close; AWOL in Argentina, popping up in Buenos Aires for a bit of a song and dance; and perhaps causing the downfall of the rollercoaster partnership between Corinthians and shady investment group MSI.

Octogenarian President Alberto Dualib – the man who invited MSI in and now wants them out – is hoping to pocket a whopping 20% of the profit from any sale of the Albiceleste striker. He also wants the absentee punished for his sudden, unauthorised disappearance.

"Until today our position was firmly against a transfer of Mr. Tevez. This is now being reanalysed and there’s room for a punishment within the boundaries of the law as the club wasn’t consulted before he travelled,” he explained to São Paulo radio station Jovem Pan.

Dualib added that the Paulista club hasn’t received any firm offers for the player despite a grapevine that’s been rustling madly with talk of a $30 million Manchester United offer and late interest from the Bayern Munich who were stomped 4-0 by Barcelona.

The player’s agent, Adrián Ruocco, is apparently busy with negotiations in London, working side-by-side with MSI head honcho Kia Joorabchian on a transfer deal that’ll see the Argentine number 11 ply his trade in the old world. Dualib wants the club to get a cut of any juicy deal.

However the contract the President signed in order to get himself re-elected specifies that the 20% he’s got his eye on will only be paid if profits are $15 million+. This means that any deal for the player must reach the $37 million mark given that he was bought from Boca for $22 million.

Corinthians’ legal department, however, are working on wheedling open a loophole – FIFA regulations stipulating that negotiations must be club-club – that means that Tevez can only be sold with Alberto Dualib’s signature: something that the ageing exec will refuse until MSI coughs up the cash.

MSI, nevertheless, have a ‘Plan B’: the player is under contract with the Parque São Jorge club until January 2007 but MSI have bought his rights until 2009. This means that Joorabchian and supposed backer Boris Berezovski can tough it out for the next four months and leave Corinthians empty-handed.

With a week left until the transfer window slams shut, neither MSI nor Corinthians want their fingers caught. It seems a fait accompli that Tevez will leave Brazil for Europe: unless the arm wrestle between the warring execs has a collateral casualty - Carlitos Tevez waiting in the void without a stage on which to star, and that would be a crying shame.

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(Soccer365.com) - When most MLS fans saw that Chivas USA's Jonathan Bornstein had been named the league player of the month for July the reaction pretty much everywhere was, "Who?". But this rookie from UCLA has made a huge impact on the 2006 season while playing several different positions. He talks with Soccer365's Lars Lifrak about his impressive debut, how he switches positions so easily and his hopes to play on the National Team.

365: Let’s talk about the team first. I would think the atmosphere is a lot better than it was last year. I know you are a rookie, but can you comment on that?
Jonathan Bornstein: I talked to a couple of the guys who were here last year about how it was and they say they just kept losing so it was hard to be positive. This year everything in the locker room is on the upside. Everyone is always talking about how we can get better. We haven’t lost a game in a long time. I’d definitely say the atmosphere, on the field and off the field, is definitely amazing.

365: Are you starting to sense in the L.A. area that Chivas USA is making a mark? Until now the Galaxy was by far the more popular team.
JB: Definitely. Just head to head in the Súper Clásicos we finally got a victory and we maybe should have won the first one as well. I definitely think that we are getting to the same level as the Galaxy. We are getting the same respect as them. Within the community we are getting a lot more talk and a lot more fans. I personally know some Galaxy fans that have switched over to be Chivas fans because they know a couple of players on the team but, I think we are definitely a team that is going to be in contention with the Galaxy from here on out.

365: Let’s talk about you personally a little bit. I was surprised to see you make the move up front after playing the beginning of the season at left back. How did that all happen?
JB: I was playing in the back and Ante (Razov) got a yellow card suspension. I got the chance to go up front and I happened to score two goals, and one of them happened to be in consideration for goal of the week. The next week I got the chance to go up on the left side at left midfield and I happened to get another goal that was the same thing. I was just in the right place at the right time and put my chance away. I just got the opportunity and I think I was even more eager to get a goal because I had been playing left back all year. So when I finally got that opportunity to go up top, I just told myself I had to score a couple of goals just to give myself a little bit of contention if they ever needed me up there again.

365: When a coach starts to think about replacing an offensive player who is out for one reason or another, rookie left back isn’t usually at the top of the list. Why were you chosen?
JB: I had never played left back in my career before. At UCLA and at my club, all throughout my development I had always played an attacking roll, either forward or center midfielder or outside midfielder. At practice I get my fair share of goals coming up from left back, whenever I get the chance. I think Bob (Bradley) just saw that and gave me the opportunity to go up top.

365: So then let’s go the other way with that question, why were you chosen to play left back in the first place? You look very poised as a defender.

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(Soccer365.com) - Corinthians strike star Carlos Tevéz is absent without leave after skipping out Tuesday training session.

The Argentina international is thought to be angling for a deadline-beating move to Europe, with Manchester United mentioned most often as a destination.

"Tevez has not appeared," confirmed Corinthians press officer Luciano Signorini. "He has not called to give any reason why he has missed training."

"We don't know what is going on with him."

Tevéz was spotted this weekend attending a concert back home in Argentina.

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(Goal.com) - Juve's fight against the punishment handed out to them in the match-fixing scandal could even see Italy miss out on Euro 2008, said FIFA.

Juventus continue to fight against the demotion to Serie B along with the deduction of 17 points, and are currently trying to appeal to a civil court.

If they were to manage to do so, the Italian Federation (FIGC) could be suspended by FIFA, according to the governing body's rules.

In a released letter, the FIGC acknowledged that Juve had not yet launched the appeal, and went on to threaten more sanctions and punishments should the Bianconeri do so to a Regional Administrative Court based in Rome, as they annouced they would on Monday.

They also went on to say that they had already sent a letter to FIFA explaining the situation, and their position on Juve's appeal.

The initial punishments in the Calciopoli scandal had seen Juventus demoted to Serie B along with a 30 point deduction, which was later repealed to 17. The other demoted clubs - Lazio and Fiorentina - saw their demotions overturned, while Milan are back in the Champions League.

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(Soccer365.com) - With Champions League qualification in the bag, AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that the club will pursue Real Madrid strike star Ronaldo.

Los Merengues have thus far seemed reluctant to discuss a transfer, but the Rossoneri executive considers the matter open.

"(He) is available," stated Galliani. "Now, it's a matter between Milan and Real Madrid."

"We asked for him, we shall see what will happen.

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(Goal.com) - Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores was delighted after his side beat SV Salzburg 3-0 in the Champions League third qualifying round to seal their passage into the group stages.

"We've reaped the reward for all our hard work of the last season," he said.

"The club has regained the prestige we needed and we have also ensured that we will receive an important economic boost. We're back where we belong."

The draw for the group stages takes place at 16.00 CET on Thursday.

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(Soccer365.com) - Corinthians striker Carlos Tevéz has revealed that a rift with manager Emerson Leão may finally see him leave the troubled club.

The team have won three of four after topping Botafogo, but remain mired in 17th place.

"This may have been my last game in the Corinthians shirt,'' he told the Daily Mirror.

"I would like to stay but I have to think about what is better for me and my family."

Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Manchester United are expected to weigh in should the Argentina starlet become available.

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(Soccer365.com) - The agent for Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi says the player has not been swayed off of his position and still demands a move away from the relegated side.

"Camoranesi hasn't the intention to remain at Juve," Sergio Fortunato told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He has been clear about this."

"He has no doubts and he reaffirmed this also in the meeting he had on Thursday with club officials."

"There are no margins for negotiation because this is a life choice," he stated. "Camoranesi won't play in Serie B."

"I hope they will soon evaluate the offers from Valencia and Lyon."

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(Soccer365.com) - Former PSV Eindhoven and Rangers keeper Ronald Waterreus is looking to join MLS for next season, according to his agent.

Available on a free transfer, the 35-year old is probably best known in America for a strong performance for Holland in a pre-World Cup 2002 friendly with the U.S. National Team in Boston.

“The only problem is that Ronald can only play after January 1st,” said Kees Ploegsma, who revealed there was interest from several MLS clubs. “There must be a solution to bridge the gap.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Cagliari flank threat Mauro Esposito is in play for suitors AS Roma, according to club president Massimo Cellino.

The Italian winger Esposito may finally join Totti and company at Roma.

This was admitted by Massimo Cellino, President of the Rossoblu, who acknowledged that there is currently an on-going negotiation to transfer the player from Sardinia to Rome.

"I spoke with (Roma executive) Rosella Sensi, I authorized the negotiation," stated Cellino. "We want to please Esposito because he needs new motivation."

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(Goal.com) - The former Bianconero player believes that the Old Lady's verdict was unfair.

Fabio Cannavaro spoke for the first time to the Italian press since leaving Juventus, defending the Bianconeri and the Scudetti won.

"I say what I think, even though it might not be popular: if in the trial there were many teams involved, why only Juve must pay?

"We the players won the Scudetto without ever having the sensation of having any outside help.

"Juve is doing well to ask what believes it deserves, even though I understand that the Figc awarded the Scudetto to Inter, because after the verdict, it had to award it in some way.

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(Soccer365.com) - AC Milan are set to step up their bid to sign Ronaldo from Real Madrid later this week.

According to Spanish daily AS, the Italian giants will move for the chubby Galactico if they qualify for the Champions League group stages on Tuesday night.

The Rossoneri take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their qualifier against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade.

And if they prevail, signing Ronaldo will become their number-one priority on Wednesday.

Ronaldo has already had one spell at the San Siro, starring for Inter Milan from 1997 to 2002 before leaving acrimoniously for Madrid.

Milan only have two front-line strikers after the departure of Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea - Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino.

And the arrival of Ronaldo would be a massive pre-season boost for Carlo Ancelotti.

The one problem for Milan in sealing a deal could be Madrid's desire to take another Brazilian - midfield superstar Kaka - away from the San Siro.

New Bernabeu president Ramon Calderon said during his election campaign that he'd sign Kaka if successful, but so far he's been unable to deliver on that boast.

The player recently signed a new contract with the Rossoneri, but Calderon could play hardball and demand Kaka as part of any deal for Ronaldo.

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(Soccer365.com) - Internacional strike phenom Rafael Sóbis has revealed that advance negotiations have taken place with AC Milan.

Paris Saint Germain are among the clubs also in contact with the Brazilian title contenders.

"I haven't got an agreement with Milan yet, so everything will be decided next week," he declared.

"I have other offers too and must evaluate them all with due calm."

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(Soccer365.com) - Following a scoreless home draw with D.C. United, New York midfield ace Amado Guevara gave thumbs up to new coach Bruce Arena’s first outing in charge.

"You can see the hand of the coach in this game," he told MLSNet. "We looked like the better team from the beginning to the end of the game."

"He put into our head that we are strong and we are good players, so I think the more information he gives us, the better we are going to get."

"We didn't give up too much to D.C. United," boasted Guevara. "They had maybe two chances at our goal, and that's it."

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool have agreed to sign Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt for a reported fee of around £9 million.

The Dutch international has made no secret of his desire to move to the Premiership, with Newcastle also keen to sign the player.

"For me, Liverpool is sure to be the dream club I was looking for," he said.

"There was more interest from abroad, but for me there was nothing of the calibre of Liverpool, a brilliant club with an enormous reputation, fantastic support and a fabulous history. It is an honour to play for a club like that."

Assuming the deal is concluded, the arrival of Kuyt will end manager Rafa Benitez’s summer-long search for a striker.

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(Soccer365.com) - After a summer of transfer rumours, Villarreal playmaker Juan Román Riquelme has divulged that he is on the verge of reworking his contract.

The Argentina star had been linked with the likes of Inter Milan and Manchester United, but says he spurned offers to remain on the Yellow Submarine.

"I do not want to change my life and will continue without change," stated Riquelme. "I have a contract for three seasons with Villarreal and I do not want to leave."

"It is guaranteed that I will sign a new deal, although there are a few details to complete yet."

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(Soccer365.com) - Longtime Czech Republic star Pavel Nedved admitted that his emotions threatened to get the better of him as he made his last international appearance on Wednesday night.

The Juventus ace worked the first half of a 3-1 loss to Serbia & Montenegro, finishing his Czech career with 18 goals in 90 caps.

"All my football career came in front of my eyes, from the early start, everything I lived through in this team," said Nedved. "It was difficult to concentrate on the game, it was more about the emotions."

"I was always very proud to play in the national team."

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(Goal.com) - The Bianconeri will continue fighting the verdict which sees them demoted to Serie B.

Cesare Zaccone, lawyer of Juventus, has confirmed that the Old Lady wants nothing less than Serie A when on Friday the Coni will re-examine the case of the Bianconeri.

"We want Serie A, we shall not be happy with Serie B without penlization.

"We expect the same treatment given to Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina."

If Juventus are effectively given back their Serie A status, then the punishments to the other clubs will also be decreased.

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Photos from the Real Madrid - DC United exhibition match in Seattle on Wednesday night (8/9/06).

66,830 were in attendance to see the Spanish giants take on the top MLS squad.

Ruud van Nistelrooy warms up with his new teammates.

David Beckham warms up with his new haircut.

DC United huddles up before the kickoff.

Freddy Adu and Roberto Carlos share the pitch for the first time.

Real Madrid celebrates Anthony Cassano's goal in the 22nd minute.

Alecko Eskandarian equalizes only 3 minutes later. DC United held on for a 1-1 draw.

photos by Scott Maira, for more photos from the game, click here

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(Soccer365.com) - With the DC United in Seattle to take on Real Madrid, Soccer365's Lars Lifrak had a chance to catch up with Alecko Eskandarian. The United striker answered questions about facing three big named teams in one summer, his hopes of playing for the U.S. National team and the somewhat contriversial celebration after the MLS All-Star game.

Q: Did your dad ever play against Real Madrid?
Alecko Eskandarian: Yeah he almost signed with Real Madrid. He didn’t say much about this game specifically. He always tells me the same thing, just go out there and have fun. Obviously in games like this there are more people watching so it’s an opportunity to show people what you can do.

Q: Is the U.S. National team something that is on your radar?
AE: I just turned twenty-four two or three weeks ago so it’s something that’s definitely on my radar. There are a lot of rumors here and there that if I hadn’t been out for the last twelve months with post concussion syndrome that I might have had an opportunity to crack in. It’s definitely my main goal to break in with the national team. Any soccer player’s dream is to represent their country at the highest level and that’s what I’m gunning for. Obviously it will be a new coach now so that will be a kind of fresh start. I hope I’m fortunate enough to be called up. There were a lot of experienced guys that were ahead of me on the depth chart like Brian McBride and Josh Wolff. When I did get called in before my injury it was a great learning experience and it was trying to soak in all I could gather and then try to have an impact. It wasn’t fun to miss all of that because of the injury but it’s never too late. I think I’m pretty young and this is just the start.

Q: A schedule that includes Celtic, Chelsea and Real Madrid is literally better than a Champions League group stage group!
AE: It really is. It’s a dream come true. Not many people in their lifetime get to play those teams so I definitely just feel grateful that we get this opportunity.

Q: I’m still trying to get a handle on how you guys look at these games. Half the people that watched the All-Star game thought it was a great accomplishment and others said the celebration afterwards wasn’t good for the MLS because the league should look at itself as made up of professionals. What are your thoughts?
AE: I know for us on the All-Star team we were just happy to accomplish our goal which was to win the game. Anyone who says you can’t be happy for winning a game, they must not be athletes. Anytime you put a lot of effort into something, you’re going to celebrate when you win. Obviously for us, I don’t think any American team has ever beaten Chelsea before, any All-Star team or whatever. It was obviously a huge accomplishment but at the same time, it’s not like we had a party on the bus. We were professionals and got back to our hotel and then got on our separate flights to go home. But for that night it was a special moment and I think a huge win to show where the MLS is going.

Q: Is it never or is it ever insulting when people are asking you if you are excited just to be on the same field as a David Beckham or any other player?

For the complete Eskandarian interview visit Soccer365

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(Soccer365.com) - Upon learning that Lyon are preparing a bid in excess of €20 million, Bayern Munich have dropped out of the pricey running for Olympique Marseille winger Franck Ribéry.

"We are not thinking about him any more, as his price is just too high," said general manager Uli Hoeness.

Meanwhile, Lyon are shooting down speculation that they’ve tabled an offer – for now.

"Olympique Lyonnais have denied the reported information about a bid for Franck Ribéry," read a club statement. "But the club still studies appropriate possibilities to launch an offer in the next few days."

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(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona netted three times in the final five minutes to gain a 4-4 share with Club América in Houston on Wednesday night.

The Mexican giants raced to a 3-1 halftime lead behind Nelson Cuevas’ hat trick and added on with an Oleguer own goal after the break.

Javier Saviola, Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o fired home in quick succession to salvage the draw late.

"I think it's obvious that they have a good team," Barça boss Frank Rijkaard told MLSNet. "They are very organized."

"(We) give up too much space and things like this happen."

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(Goal.com) - Chelsea captain John Terry has been appointed as the new skipper of the England national team.

A 25-year-old father of twins, Terry was confirmed today as successor to David Beckham, who reslinquished the armband after the World Cup.

Terry has won 29 caps since making his debut against Serbia and Montenegro in 2003, and he will lead the team for the first time in new manager Steve McClaren's first match in charge, a friendly against Greece on 16 August.

Beckham had captained his country for six years after being given the honour by stand-in coach Peter Taylor in 2000.

Central defender Terry was in competition with Liverpool's Steven Gerrard for the leadership role on the pitch.

And McClaren has acknowledged the qualities of both players by naming Gerrard as vice-captain.

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(Soccer365.com) - D.C. United fired a quick reply equalizer and held on to draw Spanish giants Real Madrid 1-1 in Seattle on Wednesday night.

Antonio Cassano put the Galacticos up on 22 minutes, but Alecko Eskandarian leveled the match just three minutes later.

United phenom Freddy Adu, who also took part in the MLS All-Stars win over Chelsea last week, says the performance was about pride.

"We wanted to prove American soccer is not a joke," he told the Associated Press. "We wanted to go out there and tell all you guys who diss American soccer that you can just forget about it."

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(Soccer365.com) - Wantway Valencia defender Roberto Ayala is threatening to sit out the entire season if the club do not approve a transfer to local rivals Villarreal.

The Yellow Submarines had an offer beaten back, which angered the longtime Chés star.

"For us, the situation is clear," the player’s agent, Gustavo Mascardi, told Spanish radio. "Valencia have to allow Ayala to leave, or else he'll simply see out the last year of his contract without playing."

"I'm going to meet with Valencia's directors, because I do not understand their motives for rejecting Villarreal's offer," he continued. "Ayala's desire is to go to Villarreal."

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(Goal.com) - Inter patron Massimo Moratti has denied reports in the English press that Manchester United are keen on signing striker Adriano.

The Red Devils were said to be preparing a £42 million bid for the Brazilian after losing Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid two weeks ago.

But Moratti, whose club have tied up the signing of Juventus forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, told Inter’s official site: "There is no deal with or request from Manchester United."

Adriano himself has made it clear he intends to remain at the San Siro this season.

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(Soccer365.com) - With three NBA Championships to his credit with the Los Angeles Lakers it is hard to think of Kobe Bryant asking what if. What if he and some of the other great athletes in the NBA had grown up with a soccer ball rather than a basketball bouncing around the house?

"If myself, Tracy McGrady and LeBron James had a soccer ball at our feet instead of a basketball at 2 years old, with our size, it could have been something," Bryant told the Chicago Tribune. "If we had played soccer all our lives, I think [the U.S. soccer team] would have been pretty potent [in the World Cup]."

Bryant grew up playing both basketball and soccer after his dad moved to Italy when the young Kobe was 6 years old. While in Europe he developed and appreciation for the game so adored around the globe and still credits his time playing soccer has helping improve his basketball skills although did point out he was no soccer superstar.

"I'm comfortable [with basketball] footwork because I played soccer," Bryant said, "from changing up rhythms to foot speed, to being comfortable with having my right foot as my pivot foot and my left foot as my pivot foot."

"I wasn't anything spectacular," Bryant said. "I would have moments of doing something crazy that really wasn't done on purpose. I'd pull off a nice move that was unintentional.”

After returning to the U.S. in 1991, Bryant’s attention turned solely to basketball and his dream of playing in the NBA but knows had he remained in Europe he would have continued to play soccer and just maybe would have wound up playing for his team, the Rossoneri.

"I would have kept playing [soccer], that's for sure," Bryant said. "I loved basketball so much, but I also wanted to play for AC Milan. That was my team growing up."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid general manager Predrag Mijatovic is in hot water over a deal that sent youth prodigy Jurado to local rivals Atlético Madrid, which the Merengues now hope to cancel.

"When I found out Jurado was going to be sold to Atletico I rang Mijatovic to paralyse the operation," club president Ivan Calderon told Marca.

"If they were going to pay 10 million euros for the jewel of our youth team then you might accept it, but for three million you solve nothing – out of respect to our fans, we can't accept this move."

Atlético, however, claim business has already been done.

"The matter is completely clear," club owener Miguel Angel Gil Marin told reporters. "Their sporting director was given the power to negotiate with us and we agreed the price, conditions and the buy-back options with him."

"Jurado is ours."

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(Soccer365.com) - New York attacker Youri Djorkaeff is happy to have made his return from a month-long leave to be with his ailing mother in France.

"To be here and motivated, I think this is the most important because the last two weeks before I left it was difficult for me," he told MLSNet. "It was hard to come to the stadium every day because I had this problem in France."

"Now I'm back because I wanted to continue, I wanted to play this last couple of games we have."

The World Cup ’98 champ reported that his mother’s condition has improved.

"The therapy she's following, she's responding well and now it's much more positive," said Djorkaeff. "I don't want to talk about this in front of you, but it's better now."

The playmaker took some heat after he was spotted at France’s World Cup tilt with Brazil, but insisted it was much ado about nothing.

"I don't care," declared Djorkaeff. "This story of the game is ridiculous compared to what happened the rest of the 29 days."

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(Soccer365.com) - Hot transfer topic Luca Toni has announced that he will spurn his suitors and give his all to Fiorentina this season.

"I want to play and score some goals," said the Golden Boot man, who appeared on his way to Inter Milan.

"Any player would have been tempted by the prospect of the Champions League and a big contract, but my colleagues convinced me they wanted me to stay with them."

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(Soccer365.com) - Anderlecht captain Bart Goor has publicly warned right back starlet Anthony van