An all MLS final is set for the 2008 edition of SuperLiga, the annual tournament that crowns the best between four clubs from Major League Soccer and four from Mexico’s Primera Division.

The New England Revolution will host the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday, August 5 at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium beginning at 8:00 pm ET.

The Revolution defeated Atlante of Mexico on Wednesday night 1-0 with a goal by Shalrie Joseph, and will host the Dynamo, which defeated one of Mexico’s best clubs, Pachuca CF, 2-0 on Tuesday night in Houston.

The SuperLiga 2008 final will be a rematch of the 2007 MLS Cup championship won by the Dynamo back in November of 2007.

www.SuperLiga2008.com

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(Soccer365.com) Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly planning to inform his Manchester United team next week that his transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid is "non-negotiable".

A Spanish newspaper claimed that Ronaldo had sent a message to Madrid, which read as follows: "It's OK. Next week, I'll fix everything. I'll go to Manchester and tell them my only desire is to play for Real Madrid and that the decision is non-negotiable."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated that the Portuguese star will not be leaving Old Trafford. The latest update in the saga could put the Reds boss in a very difficult position.

Reports also suggested that Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was under strict instructions to inform Real that his client is still eager to join them.

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(Soccer365.com) Tottenham confirmed they have completed the signing of England winger David Bentley from Blackburn.

Bentley completed his medical at the North London club before the GBP 15 million transfer was completed. It is understood the deal could last up to six years.

Premier League rivals Arsenal, the 23-year-old's former club, will be receiving a percentage of the deal as part of the terms of his move to Ewood Park in 2006.

He made just nine appearances during his time with the Gunners, but will be joining Sol Campbell as the only high-profile player to feature for Arsenal and Spurs in the modern era.

Meanwhile, Spurs have been linked with a move for Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin, with his current club inviting a bid upwards of GBP 20 million for the player.

The Russian star's agent Dennis Lachter has claimed that personal terms have been agreed and a deal could be struck by the weekend if the two clubs manage to agree a fee.

"The next few days will see if he can confirm this move to Spurs," Lachter said.

"Andrei likes the way Juande Ramos is going to play at Tottenham and this is the main point of our decision - not only the money but the desire of the manager to have the player."

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(Soccer365.com) Aston Villa have officially denied reports that midfielder Gareth Barry has signed for Liverpool.

An Aston Villa statement said on Wednesday: "This evening, Aston Villa can announce that Gareth Barry will be staying with the club following the interest from Liverpool over recent months.

"During discussions in the past few days, a final deadline to conclude this episode was set that all parties were aware of and agreed to. This deadline has now passed and so Gareth will remain with Villa."

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(Soccer365.com) With so much attention giving to their challenging placement in the Olympic 'Group of Death', U.S. striker Josmer Altidore says it's the other three teams that need to start worrying.

The Americans will duel once each with the Netherlands, Nigeria and Japan - squads full of players with a recent record of high level youth international success.

Nevertheless, Altidore believes the sky's the limit as to how far the team go in China.

"We've been practicing for this tournament for a long time," the Villarreal summer acquisition told FIFA.com. "It feels like the culmination of something."

"With the players we have and the preparations we've made, there's no telling what we can do or how far we can go in Beijing."

"It could be the toughest in the competition, but I don't think we'll be overawed by any of our opponents," asserted Altidore. "They should be concerned with us."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool confirm they have completed the signing of Robbie Keane from Tottenham.

The 28-year-old was on Merseyside on Monday to undergo a medical and to discuss personal terms after the Reds agreed a fee believed to be in the region of 20million pounds.

The striker was thrilled about his move to Anfield, he said: "I would like to place on record my thanks to the board, players and fans of Tottenham for the past six years, which were the best and most enjoyable of my career to date.

"I will never forget them. I would specifically like to thank chairman Daniel Levy for understanding, that, as a fan, joining Liverpool is a lifelong dream of mine and one I couldn't let pass me by.

"I hope one day the Spurs fans, who have been brilliant to me, can understand this too.

"I have only good things to say about my time at Tottenham and expect them to go from strength to strength under Juande Ramos and Daniel Levy."

And the Republic of Ireland international has since penned a four-year deal at Anfield, bringing an end to his five-year spell at White Hart Lane.

Tottenham chairman Daniek Levy was not happy with the Reds though, saying: "I have already made my opinion clear on the nature of this transaction. I don't regard it as a transfer deal - that is something which happens between two clubs when they both agree to trade - this is very much an enforced sale, for which we have agreed a sum of GBP 19million as compensation plus a potential further GBP 1.3million in additional compensation."

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has long been an admirer of Keane and views him as the ideal partner for Spanish sensation Fernando Torres and the ideal replacement for Peter Crouch who left for Portsmouth.

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(Soccer365.com) Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has advised Cristiano Ronaldo that joining Real Madrid would be 'stupid'.

The Frenchman says Ronaldo's style of play is well-suited to the Premier League and he should be very careful about leaving Old Trafford.

Ronaldo is reportedly eager to make the move to the Spanish champions, and the possible transfer has attracted a storm of media attention.

Cantona, who spent five years as a United player, said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player in the world right now. He is a genuine artist.

"His style of play fits Manchester United's very well, and the reverse is also true. It is pleasing to see such harmony.

"As for him wanting to join Real Madrid, I don't really know his personality. Maybe he has valid reasons that drive him to leave United.

"He is still young, and so maybe he wants to take on fresh challenges. I can understand if this is the reason why he wants to leave for Real.

"But if he were to leave because of something else, I think he would be doing something absolutely stupid."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Inter have sealed the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari from Portsmouth.

The Italian champions have signed Muntari on a four year deal for a fee of around GBP 14 million.

According to reports the capture of Muntari means Inter will no longer be pursuing England and Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

Inter Milan director Gabriele Oriali said: "Muntari will be our last acquisition, now we must work on reducing the squad as coach Jose Mourinho wants 22 players and three goalkeepers."

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp was full of praise for the outgoing midfielder, saying: "I'm very disappointed to let him go.

"He's a terrific player and was a great signing for us. He's a really nice lad as well.

"He helped us to achieve what we did last year.

"He had some great moments for us like scoring against United in the cup and those two great goals against Villa.

"I thought he was generally terrific all year. But Inter Milan have come in and made a big offer which allows us to strengthen the team in a couple of other positions.

"We need that. I still feel we're a few players short if we want to do as well as we did last season."

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(Soccer365.com) Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed his desire to join Real Madrid, but the Spanish sensation insists it will not be this summer.

Reports emanating from Spain suggest Madrid president Ramon Calderon has lined up a big-money move for the 21-year-old after appearing to have missed out on signing Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

But while Fabregas, who joined the Gunners from Barcelona's youth set-up, revealed he could move to the Bernabeu in the future, he insists he is happy at the Emirates Stadium for the time being.

"I didn't tell Ramon Calderon no," he said.

"I told him that now wasn't the time to go to Madrid.

"That you are wanted by Madrid, one of the biggest teams in history, is important."

And the young star, who helped Spain lift their first piece of silverware in 44 years after beating Germany in the Euro 2008 final, admits that another trophy-less season with Arsenal could see him exit the London outfit.

"To be four seasons without winning any titles would be too much for me," Fabregas added.

"Real Madrid are the favourites to win La Liga this year."

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(Soccer365.com) Aston Villa have signed Brad Friedel from Blackburn on a three-year contract.

While the midlands club are refusing to state the fee, it is believed to be around £2.5million.

Manchester City did express late interest in the American but Friedel confirmed his intention to join the Villa Park outfit.

The 37-year-old was initially given permission to speak with Villa but Rovers said they would only allow the move to go through once they had signed a replacement.

They achieved that aim by completing the capture of England international Paul Robinson and Villa were quick to take advantage.

The move brings to an end Friedel's eight-year association with Rovers, who he joined from Liverpool in 2000.

Blackburn reluctantly gave way to his request to leave in recognition of such long service.

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The MLS All-Stars defeated West Ham United 3-2 in Toronto. Chicago Fire Cuauhtémoc Blanco's scored a goal and added an assist en route to being named the game’s most valuable player.

West Ham got on the board first with a Dean Ashton goal in the 26th minute scoring on a low drive past MLS goalkeeper Matt Reis (New England). The MLS All-Stars answered immediately on a goal from Christian Gomez (Colorado Rapids). The play started in the center of the field with David Beckham feeding the ball ahead to Blanco, who flicked the ball back to Gomez with the back of his heel. Gomez touched the ball forward and fired the ball to the left corner of the goal past West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green.

The MLS All-Stars took the lead before the end of the first half on a spectacular effort by Blanco. The Mexican forward received a pass from Juan Toja (FC Dallas) in the top left corner of the penalty area, dribbled by a West Ham defender and curled the ball from a sharp angle around Green and into the top right corner of goal in the 43rd minute.

With the MLS All-Stars up 2-1 in the second half, Ashton struck again for West Ham drawing the game level at 2-2 in the 67th minute. Ashton fired a long-range shot that deflected off an MLS defender and with Reis going the opposite way, the ball snuck by the left post.

The match was tied for only minutes as the MLS All-Stars went ahead for good on a penalty kick goal in the 69th minute. Houston Dynamo midfielder and Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario was fouled in the penalty area by defender Lucas Neill, which set up the spot kick. De Rosario stepped to the spot and blasted a shot high and down the left center. The ball crashed into the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and up into the goal. The goal was De Rosario’s second game-winning goal in an All-Star game. He scored the lone goal in a 1-0 defeat of Chelsea FC in the 2006 All-Star game.

The MLS All-Stars are 5-0 in the format of MLS versus top-flight clubs from across the globe and have outscored opponents 13-5 in the five matches.

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Will Ferrell visited the Daily Show with Jon Stewart last night and showed up wearing an old Chelsea jersey.

You can check out the show here.

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(Soccer365.com) Following a couple weeks of speculation, Monaco president Jérôme de Bontin is en route to the U.S. Olympic camp ground in Palo Alto, California to officially present season loan signing Freddy Adu.

The Benfica attacker scored six goals in a limited role as a rookie last season, but the summer arrival of Pablo Aimar has caused the Eagles to farm out the American Abroad.

Monaco are believed to now hold a purchase option on the teen playmaker, who is being counted on to stir the U.S. drink at the Summer Games in China next month, a duty stint that will delay his arrival in Monaco.

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(Soccer365.com) Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Cristiano Ronaldo that joining Real Madrid would be "the worst thing he could do".

The Red Devils boss feels the 23-year-old needs to stay at Old Trafford if he is to develop himself into one of the world's greatest footballers.

However, the Portuguese winger has refused to commit his future to United, and Madrid have continued their pursuit of the winger, despite being reported to FIFA by the Premier League and European champions.

Ferguson remains clearly unhappy about the situation and for the second time on the South African tour found himself fielding questions about a player who scored 42 goals last season.

He said: "I have a responsibility for all my players and their futures are a big concern for a coach.

"If you were asking advice and it was your son, you'd give him the best advice possible on his career.

"I honestly believe that could be the worst thing he could do; going to Real Madrid.

"He's 23 years old and he's at a fantastic football club. It's the best for him."

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(Soccer365.com) Zenit St Petersburg claim Tottenham have made an approach for midfield maestro Andrei Arshavin.

Arshavin, who set Euro 2008 alight with surprise package Russia as they stormed through to the semi-finals, has told Zenit he wishes to leave the club in the summer.

The 28-year-old has openly declared he is most keen on a move to Barcelona, but his club has since revealed Spurs have made a move, although no fee has yet been discussed.

Zenit official Konstantin Sarsaniya told the Russian press: "With Tottenham we have contacts.

"This English club is really interested in acquiring Andrei but, as I understand, 27million euros (21.5 million pounds) is too high a price for them.

"For Spurs it is unacceptable. Tottenham are ready to pay in the region of 20million euros (15.9million pounds) for Arshavin."

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(Soccer365.com) Portuguese international and Chelsea signing Deco says he turned down offers from Saudi Arabia and America in order to play for the Blues.

Deco says he made the move to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona at the start of the summer in order to win more medals.

He said: "If I wanted to go somewhere for the money I wouldn't have come to Chelsea.

"There were many other places that offered much more money, the money I wanted I could have gone to Saudi Arabia or the United States.

"It's not about the money. Obviously money is important but not that important, I have plenty of money, more than I need, so for me I wanted to go to a place where I could have better objectives and to still have this challenge to win games.

"If I wanted money I could have stayed in Barcelona - I had two years left on my contract, which was a lovely contract.

"It was a sunny and lovely place to live but I want to have new challenges, more objectives and the will to win more trophies - and that is why I came to Chelsea. If it was for money I would have gone somewhere else."

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(Soccer365.com) Francesco Totti has revealed that he would be prepared to consider a return to the Italy national team.

Totti retired from international football last year, saying in a statement that his body could no longer fully withstand the rigours of playing for a club and his country at the same time.

But the return of Marcello Lippi to the Italy national team has tempted the Roma skipper - who was part of Lippi's 2006 World Cup winning squad - to consider coming out of retirement.

"If I'm well and I don't have problems, it will be possible to address this issue in six months or a year," Totti, who missed the end of last season with a knee injury, told reporters in Italy.

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(Soccer365.com) Barcelona sporting director Txiki Begiristain has vowed to do all he can to prevent Lionel Messi from taking part in the Beijing Olympics.

Not surprisingly, the Argentinean Football Association (AFA) announced an Olympic squad that includes the Barcelona forward at the beginning of July.

Because the dates of the Olympic games clash with those of the Champion's League preliminary round, Barca are adamant that they will do everything in their power to keep their star player.

"We are right and we will fight for Messi to play the preliminary round because he has to be with us," said Begiristain.

"We have to play two games of official nature and so we have made that known to FIFA.

"We will continue insisting but we want to come to a solution that is agreed by all the parties."

But the club's chances of stopping Messi from participating in Beijing are slim - as the 21-year old has already said he wants to represent his country, and FIFA released a statement last week that said all players under 23 must be released for Olympic duty.

However, Barca president Joan Laporta has slammed the thinking behind the rule.

"Barca have Olympic spirit, but also that of the Champions League," he said. "We don't want to get into any argument with AFA president Julio Grondona.

"He has to understand Barca's interests, for which we also want understanding in what we are asking for.

"We hope the solution will be satisfactory."

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(Soccer365.com) Despite being blocked at every turn thus far by Toronto FC general manager Mo Johnston, Chicago exec Frank Klopas vowed that the team were still chipping away to gain the rights to Fulham strike ace Brian McBride.

With the BMO crew still requiring at least one of Chad Barrett, Justin Mapp and Chris Rolfe in any trade to acquire the former USMNT forward, the Fire have remained patient in the chase.

"I wish I could tell you it's a done deal, but it's not," Klopas told the Chicago Herald. "There's nothing to say at this point, but both sides are talking."

"We want the guy, but on the other hand you have to make the best decision for the team."

While he waits on a solution, McBride is reportedly set to be tabbed for a shock international return as one of three overage selections for Piotr Nowak's Summer Olympics squad.

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(Soccer365.com) Real Madrid midfielder Wesley Sneijder is less keen than most at the Spanish club about the potential signing of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Dutch star is concerned about the impact Ronaldo's massive wage deal would have on the rest of the team, saying it could cause tension in the dressing room.

Sneijder said in AS: "The truth is that could happen a bit. It would be bad for the squad if one player had a much higher salary than the rest.

"It would not matter to me, but I know that there are other players that would not like that.

"But I do not want to say much because every day there is different news. Cristiano is a great player with incredible quality and if he joins Madrid then he will be welcomed.

"We cannot comment on it now because to speak highly of him would be slightly disrespectful to the players that are already here and have shown their class.

"There are already similar players to him here, like (Arjen) Robben and Robinho. It is clear that he would be a useful acquisition, but also maintaining the stability within the squad is important.

"I do not think that Madrid need to sign anyone. In the final games of last season we were very solid and the team showed it has grown a lot. Maybe the only thing we do need is to sign a forward.

"This squad is strong and next term we will become even better. But I suppose that if you bring in a player with great quality it could be good for the team."

Of team-mate Robinho, who has been linked with a move away from the club should Ronaldo sign, Sneijder said: "I want Robinho to stay with Madrid because I think that he is almost the same as Cristiano Ronaldo.

"People criticize him a bit and say he does not play well in big games, but I have seen Ronaldo disappear in some of Manchester United's big games.

"I am not criticizing because I just want to point out that a player cannot be at the same level all year round."

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(Soccer365.com) Belarus international midfielder Alexander Hleb is on the verge of signing for Spanish giants Barcelona after undergoing medical tests on Wednesday.

Hleb, who is currently on the books with Arsenal, is apparently on the brink of a GBP 15 million deal with the Catalan club, expressed his admiration for Barca by saying: "It is a dream. I love this team. I will give my best.

"I have spoken with (Barcelona coach Pep) Guardiola and for me it is very important that he wants me and I will give my best for the team and I want to win everything with Barca."

When asked about his best personal qualities, Hleb said: "I don't want to talk about me. I am going to give my best on the pitch, but it is better that the fans and the coach talk about me."

Hleb has credited his desire to move to the hectic pace of life in London, which he said made him "mentally tired". Should the move go to plan, he will join former Gunner Thierry Henry at the Nou Camp, as well as new signings Gerard Pique and Daniel Alves.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) AC Milan have confirmed they will complete the signing of Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho on Wednesday, with the Italian giants claiming they have agreed a fee for the Brazilian ace.

After rejecting a 25.5million pound offer from Manchester City, Ronaldinho has reportedly agreed a three-year deal with the Rossoneri - keeping him at the San Siro until 2011.

Milan released a statement confirming the impending deal.

"AC Milan and Barcelona have reached an agreement in principle over the transfer of Ronaldinho," said the statement.

"The player will be in Milan (on Wednesday) to undergo a medical and sign a contract that will keep him at Milan until June 30 2011."

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi confirmed that vice-president Adriano Galliani had finalised the deal.

"Galliani phoned me this evening and there has been a handshake," he said.

"I have no reason to doubt it and tomorrow morning the contract will arrive."

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(Soccer365.com) Didier Drogba will extend his contract with Premier League side Chelsea, if no offers come in for the Ivorian striker in the next 10 days, according to the player's agent.

Drogba has been linked with moves to Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan, where he could reunite with former manager Jose Mourinho.

However, Chelsea have yet to receive an acceptable bid for the 30-year-old and new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari claims the player is still "200% in his plans".

Thierno Seydi, Drogba's agent, says there is a chance the powerful forward could remain at Stamford Bridge, despite comments made shortly after Mourinho's departure from the club last September.

He told France Football: "Didier has given himself 10 days. If nothing happens he'll stay and extend his contract by two years.

"He doesn't see himself starting training in a few days with Chelsea and then leaving to a new club."

Seydi added: "The reality of November is not that of today. At the time Didier was affected by departure of Jose Mourinho who he was very close to. Today, there is nothing to say that he won't stay at Chelsea."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United admit they are willing to play the waiting game in their pursuit of Dimitar Berbatov.

United are set to depart on their pre-season tour of South Africa on Thursday but say they will not be rushed into paying over-the-odds for the 27-year-old Tottenham revelation.

It is thought the Red Devils have already made a bid for the Bulgarian international, thought to be somewhere in the region of 20million pounds plus add-ons, who has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford.

Berbatov's arrival would be likely to lead to the departure of Louis Saha - the Frenchman could even travel the other way if Tottenham are interested.

Former Spurs manager Martin Jol has also commented that the player made little secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford.

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(Soccer365.com) Cristiano Ronaldo will be out of action for at least three months, according to the Portuguese national team physiotherapist.

The Manchester United winger has had a troubling summer as he has been in the centre of a transfer battle between his English club and Spanish suitors Real Madrid.

The Portuguese star underwent surgery on his right ankle last Monday and physiotherapist Antonio Gaspar has confirmed he will be sidelined until October.

"We are going to use everything that is possible to us and that will help him recover as quickly as possible," Gaspar said.

"But Cristiano Ronaldo will not be in an optimum state for the competition until 12 weeks are up.

"He is working very well and he is optimistic.

"These first four weeks he will do the rehabilitation work in my clinic. After the first month, the Manchester United doctors will carry out another exam."

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(Soccer365.com) Andrei Arshavin's agent believes Arsenal could be an ideal destination for the Russian ace due to the influence of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

Dennis Lachter told reports his client is a keen admirer of the Frenchman, saying: "The stable situation in the club and the influence of Arsene Wenger to Arsenal and to English football is huge. I think this is an advantage."

He added: "If Arsenal go for Arshavin it could be really good for both parties. Arsenal is a very young team and Arshavin is 27.

"There's something about combining young and older players, they propagate attacking football."

Arshavin was one of the stars of Euro 2008, and his two goals helped Russia to an unlikely place in the semi-finals, where they lost to eventual European champions Spain.

The Zenit St Petersburg player was subject of interest from Spanish giants Barcelona but it now appears he has his sights set on a move to London.

Lachter also suggested that new Barca manager Pep Guardiola's lack of experience could impact on his client's desire to join the Camp Nou giants.

"Guardiola was an excellent player, but no one knows what kind of a manager he is," he said.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) AC Milan look to have lost Brazilian striker Ronaldo to Flamengo, who have an agreement with the player's agent.

Marcio Braga, the president of the Brazilian club, has announced an agreement with the agent of Ronaldo, who is now out of contract with the Italian giants.

Ronaldo has been out of action since suffering a knee tendon injury while jumping for a cross in AC Milan's 1-1 Serie A draw with Livorno on February 13.

His subsequent battle for fitness prompted Milan to opt to wait before committing to another season.

But this policy seems to have back-fired, with the Brazilian now set to sign for Flamengo.

Braga told Globoesporte newspaper: "We have a deal with the player's agent.

"As soon as he has recovered from the injury, we will sit around a table and complete the paperwork."

He added: "Flamengo's medical staff are personally following his physical progress.

"Ronaldo will be this club's top priority."

The 31-year-old striker has played for a host of top European sides - PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter, Real Madrid and Milan - since leaving Brazilian outfit Cruzeiro in 1994.

While his career has been blighted by a series of injuries, he has still won the coveted FIFA World Player of the Year title a joint record three times.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) According to a club statement Chelsea have rejected Inter Milan's offer for midfielder Frank Lampard.

Lampard has one year remaining on his contract with the Blues and the London outfit seem unwilling to part with the England international before next summer.

The 30-year-old is said to be keen to be reunited with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, now the manager at the San Siro.

As Lampard only has one season remaining on his contract he is allowed to buy out the remainder of his contract and force the move.

A statement on the Chelsea website read: "We have informed Inter that we will not enter into any discussions regarding the transfer."

Inter reportedly only offered GBP 6.5 million for the midfielder, a reflection of the time remaining on his deal with the Blues.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's second-in-command Carlos Queiroz is about to be appointed the new Portuguese national team manager according to reports.

Queiroz is the favourite to take over from Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in the Portugal hot seat.

He said: "Things are being dealt with by officials from the two institutions involved.

"The important thing is for the two institutions to reach agreement."

He added: "From my part, there is not much to say, it needs to be resolved between the federation and United.

"I can say little more than you know at this time. It's out of my hands."

United are unwilling to comment on the possible departure of the former Real Madrid and South Africa boss.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United should release the firm grip they have on Cristiano Ronaldo.

United have insisted time and again that the Portuguese winger is not for sale and chief executive David Gill is expected to issue an official "hands off" warning when he meets with Calderon on Monday.

The Real supremo had seemed to have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Ronaldo on Monday morning, but later the same day claimed he would 'bet' the talented player would join the Spanish champions.

Calderon feels United are being too stubborn and insists he would welcome the chance to get involved in such a unique transfer if the roles were reversed.

He said: "I think that, first of all, it's the desire of the player (to join Real), but, of course, Manchester shouldn't be angry and they should open up their stance.

"We can't be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid. If I was Manchester United I'd be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players.

"Everything would be a lot easier if United realized that they could pull off the transfer of the century."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)

(Soccer365.com) AC Milan are still hot on the heels of Chelsea's Didier Drogba and Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor as they hunt for a new striker, says technical director Leonardo.

Milan are in the market for a new striker after selling Alberto Gilardino to Fiorentina, while Brazilian ace Ronaldo is still out with a serious knee injury.

"It's no secret we're interested in signing a forward and are studying candidates," Leonardo said.

"Drogba is a fine player and Adebayor is a player I really like. We are waiting for the right time to move."

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani had said in June that Adebayor was the Rossoneri's "sole transfer target" of the summer, although he later admitted that Arsenal's valuation of the Togolese striker left Milan unable to afford the player.

It has been reported that Chelsea are yet to receive a single offer for the unsettled Drogba, and World Cup-winner Leonardo admits they will struggle to compete financially with the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona - who are all thought to be interested in the Ivory Coast international.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Chelsea have made an offer for Brazilian striker Kaka, according to AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani.

Kaka has been linked with a move to the Blues following the appointment of compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari at the helm of Stamford Bridge.

Milan have repeatedly insisted their star player is not for sale, while Kaka has also voiced his intention to remain with the Italian titans.

But Galliani claims the London-outfit have approached the club over a possible deal for Kaka and that the Rossoneri have received enquiries over highly-influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

"For Kaka, a really big offer has arrived from Chelsea," Galliani said.

"For Pirlo, there have been many requests. As for him, neither Pirlo nor his agent have come in to my office asking for an improvement in his salary."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Fernando Torres has revealed that Rafael Benitez and Steven Gerrard inspired him to his sensational debut Premier League season with Liverpool.

The Reds striker smashed home 33 goals for the Merseysiders, the best-ever tally in a debut campaign for a foreign player, and claims it was from manager Benitez and captain Gerrard that he drew his inspiration.

"There are days when you think: 'My God, this guy (Benitez) doesn't let you breathe'," said Torres.

"At times like that, you don't realise that all he wants is for you to improve.

"When you are in a team where things are going mostly well, players tend to relax. But you must always push yourself. Never become complacent; you try to do your best every single day.

"At a club like Liverpool, you can't sit back after scoring 20-odd goals and say: 'Well, that's it.' After you score 20, Benitez is at you during the next training session and stays on top of you all day, all week.

"He tells you to go off on your own and do new exercises. I want to progress in life, not relax, not be complacent, and you need someone close to you telling you to keep at it. It is impossible to do it otherwise. We don't always fancy someone that close but, in the long term, I am sure that everybody will thank him for it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claims Brazilian ace Ronaldinho has rejected a move to Manchester City.

Ronaldinho is expected to leave Barcelona this summer after new coach Pep Guardiola informed the midfielder his services were no longer required at the Bernabeu.

City have been chasing the talented playmaker all summer and have already made the player an offer, but Ronaldinho's agent and brother claims a move to Milan is "90 percent likely".

Talks are ongoing, but Galliani concedes the 28-year-old's salary is an issue after Ronaldinho turned down a lucrative transfer to City.

"As for Ronaldinho, he's not in Guardiola's plans, so he has a different price," Galliani said.

"But the problem is the salary - to pay him his salary it would mean his arrival would not cost much. A loan? It depends on Barcelona.

"Ronaldinho rejected Man City's offer, who were ready to give him double what we had offered."

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(Soccer365.com) According to Sport, the Los Angeles Galaxy are set to meet with the brother/agent of unsettled Barcelona star Ronaldinho in Houston with a view to a €30 million transfer offer.

Before they approach the Catalans, however, the MLS club must first tempt the Brazil attacker, who thus far has not seemed interested in heading to America at this time.

With rumours linking him to AC Milan, Chelsea and Manchester City dying down, the Galaxy have apparently found it the right time to offer Ronaldinho a salary to top David Beckham's.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Soccer365.com) Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho admits it is unlikely he will sign Frank Lampard from Chelsea this summer, but claims he is "100 percent sure" the midfielder will make the move in 12 months.

Lampard has long been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, and the arrival of Deco from Barcelona on Monday night suggests the England international's future may lie away from London.

However, former Blues boss Mourinho reportedly admitted it is unlikely the 30-year-old will be at the San Siro next season.

"This season? I don't think so," Mourinho said.

"Why won't he? Well, it's not because we don't want him to, but I'm sure Chelsea and Chelsea's officials don't want to sell him.

"However for the next season it will be easier for him to join me at Inter.

"I'm 100 percent sure in 2009/2010 he will be playing here."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Chelsea have confirmed the signing of highly rated Barcelona midfielder Deco.

This is the London based club's first major signing since former Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari agreed to join after Euro 2008.

Chelsea paid in the region of GBP 8million for the two-time Champions League winner on a two-year deal after the Portugal veteran had become surplus to requirements in Spain.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)