Dunne targets Champions League

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

remier League this season.

Dunne on Wednesday finally joined Martin O'Neill's side in a £6million deal from Manchester City, despite passing his medical and the two clubs having agreed the fee five days ago.

"Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot," said Dunne on AVTV.

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."

Zola closes on Chamakh

friday, August 21, 2009

Chamakh Marouane

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is edging closer to signing Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh and is looking to sell James Collins to push the deal through.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis is still hopeful of signing Collins but the Hammers are also waiting to see if Aston Villa are willing to bid for the 25-year-old centre-back.

The money for Collins would be used for Morocco international Chamakh, who is needed to support Carlton Cole as Zola's only senior striker.

Chamakh wants to leave his French club and earlier in the summer was on the radar of Arsenal but Arsene Wenger felt his price was too expensive for a player whose contract is running out.

Meanwhile, left-back Herita Ilunga's facial injury means he is rated as doubtful to face Tottenham on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League clash at Upton Park.

Jonathan Spector is a likely replacement but Fabio Daprela, the Switzerland Under-19 international, impressed in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Watford.

Radoslav Kovac also featured in the 2-1 win, his first appearance since signing a permanent deal with the club. Josh Payne and Zavon Hines scored the goals in the friendly.

Yeung takes step towards bid

friday, August 21, 2009

Carson Yeung

Birmingham have revealed Carson Yeung's investment company has paid a £3million deposit with a view to making an offer for the Premier League club.

Yeung's Grandtop International Holdings, which currently holds a 29.9% stake in the St Andrews club, has entered into an escrow agreement with City.

He had looked set to bid for the club two years ago but an offer failed to materialise, prompting the current owners to challenge him to prove he had the financial muscle to make a firm approach.

Grandtop have done that by placing a substantial deposit which could lead to a takeover worth around £81.5million.

A statement to the Stock Exchange said: "The board of Birmingham announces that on 20 August 2009 it entered into an escrow agreement with Grandtop International Holdings Limited, the holder of an existing 29.9% interest in the issued share capital of Birmingham.

"Under this agreement, Grandtop has put down a deposit of £3million with a view to making an offer for the entire issued share capital of the company.

"The £3million deposit is a surety for Grandtop's ability and intention to make an offer, without which the company was unable to commit resources to considering an offer."

Majority shareholders David Sullivan and David and Ralph Gold have always maintained they would not sell the club unless they were confident it was going into safe hands.

The statement added: "The irrevocables (a signed agreement for the sale of shares), if signed, will be in respect of 40,757,026 ordinary shares of 10p each in the share capital of Birmingham, representing approximately 50.0% of the existing issued share capital.

"The offer, if made, would value the entire issued share capital of Birmingham at approximately £81.5 million. It is expected that the irrevocables will be signed as soon as Grandtop indicates that it is in a position to announce a firm intention to make an Offer on the Agreed Basis."

Late penalty gives Blues win

James McFadden scored an injury-time penalty to earn Birmingham a dramatic victory over Portsmouth at St Andrew's.

Referee Lee Probert pointed to the spot after England goalkeeper David James had clattered into Blues midfielder Sebastian Larsson.

Up stepped McFadden to drill the ball past the 39-year-old who had earlier denied the home side with fine saves from Larsson and veteran striker Kevin Phillips.

James' efforts looked to have earned his side a valuable point on the day Pompey confirmed a new consortium led by chief executive officer Peter Storrie was in negotiations to buy the club.

Blues boss Alex McLeish is desperate for his side to make St Andrews into a fortress after eight draws in his 13 home games in charge two seasons ago were a major factor in them being relegated.

But for all their endeavour and purpose, with Barry Ferguson impressive in midfield, they were unable to unlock the visitors rearguard, in which Sylvain Distin was a key performer, until the late finale.

Larsson came close to putting City in front after 18 minutes when the Sweden international got on the end of a deep first-time centre from left-back Gregory Vignal but he could not keep down his header.

Hart parried a low effort around the post from Frederic Piquionne although the shot was probably heading just wide before his intervention.

City tried to build up some momentum and James turned over a curling free-kick from Larsson after Phillips had been brought down by Hayden Mullins.

James made a fine save to turn a curling shot from Phillips past the post after Garry O'Connor had headed the ball into his path. But St Andrews erupted after McFadden's late decider.

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Fabregas targeted for Milan move

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Centre of attention: Cesc Fabregas has been linked with Milan

AC Milan are reportedly lining up a £30million offerc for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

The Italian Tuttosport newspaper claims the San Siro club already have an understanding with Arsene Wenger to buy the Spain playmaker, when the Arsenal boss decides he is ready to sell.

The report claims Milan coach Leonardo will meet with vice-president Adriano Galliani and Italy's prime minister Silvio Berlusconi - the club's owner - on Wednesday to discuss the move.

Everton deny Senderos bid means Lescott can leave

Everton have confirmed they are in talks with Arsenal about a move for Philippe Senderos, but deny he will be a direct replacement for Joleon Lescott.

England defender Lescott is wanted by Manchester City, and talk of a move for Senderos led to speculation a switch to Eastlands could be imminent.

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: 'We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe. Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are on-going.'

A fee of about £6million is being discussed for the player who was on loan to AC Milan last season, playing 15 times.

But an Everton club source insisted Senderos - who joined Arsenal in 2003 - was not being signed as a direct replacement for Lescott.

Senderos is being lined up as cover at the back, where Phil Jagielka is not due back from a knee injury until November at the earliest.

However, the Switzerland international's arrival on Merseyside would compensate for a possible Lescott departure.

Everton have rejected two bids, £15million and £18million, from City boss Mark Hughes.

But Lescott did hold talks with Toffees manager David Moyes yesterday, but did not put in a formal transfer request.

Lescott has been told by Moyes he will not be sold and City have yet to return with a third bid.

Redknapp would welcome Vieira arrival

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp believes Patrick Vieira's determination to play at White Hart Lane shows the character of the former Arsenal captain.

Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an inquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra. He feels Vieira would add quality to his midfield and has no reservations over the 33-year-old spending almost a decade at the club's rivals.

"I'm still interested in Patrick, I would like him," Redknapp said after Friday night's friendly 1-1 draw against Barcelona at Wembley.

"What's he done wrong, he hasn't killed anyone, he's just a great player who played for Arsenal.

"If he wants to come to Tottenham it shows you about his character. He wants to come and play, he's a fantastic player and wants to play here."

Redknapp is also still interested in Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, adding: "We are interested in him but the whole deal is expensive. We feel it is more than we want to spend."

Jake Livermore, after signing a new contract with the club earlier in the day, grabbed the equaliser against Barca after Bojan Krkic had opened the scoring.

The European champions fielded a team of reserves and youngsters but gave Spurs a massive test with their passing.

"It's very difficult to play under that pressure - anyone can play when given time," he added. "I should have had my youth team here to watch.

"The whole club is a credit to football. People will only talk about their passing but I saw the other side of their game."

Trotters sign defensive duo

Bolton have completed the signings of Aston Villa defender Zat Knight and Hull full-back Sam Ricketts on three-year deals.

Centre-back Knight, who has won two England caps, joined Villa in the summer of 2007 from Fulham in a £3.5million deal but struggled for regular first-team football, starting just 13 Premier League games last season.

Wales international Ricketts, who can play on the left or the right of a back four, started 27 of the Tigers' Premier League games in their debut season in the top flight. They are Wanderers boss Gary Megson's third and fourth signings of the summer, with the club having brought in Sean Davis after his contract at Portsmouth expired and also defender Paul Robinson from West Brom.

Mascherano 'wants to quit Liverpool'

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano wants to quit the club for Spain, claims the player's agent.

Real Madrid and Barcelona are both keen on the Argentina holding midfielder but Rafa Benitez is desperate to keep the player at Anfield.
However, his representative Walter Tamer has reportedly told Infobae.com: 'Barcelona is the easiest deal to set up as Javier wants to go to Spain. He is tired of life in England.

Spurs not chasing Beckham but keen on Crouch, says Redknapp

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp says there is no chance of the club signing England midfielder David Beckham.

Spurs have been linked with the LA Galaxy midfielder and Beckham is desperate to play in Europe when the MLS season finishes to boost his chances of playing in the 2010 World Cup finals.

But, speaking after last night's 4-0 friendly win over Peterborough, Redknapp said: 'David Beckham is a fantastic player, and an amazing professional.

'There's no truth in those stories. No enquiries have been made by us.

'I don't know where those stories came from.'

Redknapp did admit he is interested in signing Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, thouhg, who would cost around £12m.

#Crouchy, I have signed several times, and if Portsmouth want to sell we could be interested,' Redknapp told Sky Sports.

'It depends on everything about price etc, but everyone has their price and it would be up to the chairman and Portsmouth to sort out a price. I love Crouchy but we will have to wait and see.'

Sunderland were also chasing Crouch but pulled out of the race yesterday as the player is keen to stay in the south of England.

Darren Bent, Jermain Defoe, Luka Modric and Roman Pavlyuchenko got the goals last night for Spurs.

Terry plays as Chelsea beat Jose's Inter

Slick Chelsea dominated former boss Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl to get their World Football Challenge campaign off to a winning start in Pasadena, California, this morning.

Goals from Didier Drogba in the 11th minute and a Frank Lampard penalty just after half-time gave Chelsea the victory over the Italian champions in front of 81,224 fans.

The impressive nature of the Blues' performance more than the scoreline, however, will have delighted new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, especially coming so soon into the ex-AC Milan chief's first pre-season campaign and against his former cross-city rivals.

Mourinho, facing the club he led to two Premier League titles during his three seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2004-07, had seen his Inter team open its campaign with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Mexico's Club America on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, had warmed up with a 2-0 win over Major Seattle Sounders the previous day but had since lost German midfielder Michael Ballack to a broken toe.

Led once again by John Terry in central defence with Ricardo Carvalho, Chelsea fans at the Rose Bowl saw their African players start for the first time in pre-season, John Obi Mikel and Michael Essien returning to midfield with Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou in attack.

It was the central defenders, though, who had Chelsea's first sights on the Inter goal, Florent Malouda receiving a short corner on the left and crossing for Carvalho to head over the bar at the near post in the second minute and Terry heading from the resultant Malouda corner from the right.

Chelsea were dominant throughout the opening half and Drogba opened the lead in the 11th minute, receiving a short pass from Lampard with his back to goal, turning and shooting unimpeded from 20 yards, the ball bouncing over Inter Milan keeper Vid Belec's outstretched left hand and into the bottom corner of the goal.

The Londoners continued to play with purpose and fluency, highlighted in the 16th minute when Lampard and Branislav Ivanovic exchanged a one-two down the right, the Serbian full-back advancing to the byline and centering for Drogba whose shot was straight at a grateful Belec.

Trailing 1-0 at the break, Inter's first real chance came as Chelsea adjusted to the five changes made by Ancelotti at half-time. With Carvalho making way for Alex in defence, the incoming centre-back gave the ball away to Mario Balotelli on halfway immediately following the restart and the through ball found Diego Milito who cut inside Terry but was blocked at his feet by Petr Cech, the Chelsea keeper making his first meaningful contribution of the game.

Daniel Sturridge, who scored on his debut at Seattle, and Nicolas Anelka had replaced Drogba and Kalou and they quickly caused problems.

Deco, on for Malouda, sent Sturridge clear in the box in the 48th minute and when his cross from the left was blocked by Ivan Cordoba's hand, Lampard was given the chance to add to his goal scored against the Sounders, converting the penalty, right footed into the bottom corner.

Ancelotti made further changes in the 64th minute, taking off Cech, Essien and Ivanovic for Ross Turnbull, Juliano Belletti and Michael Mancienne, who was called straight into the action, blocking a Balotelli bicycle kick on the six-yard line after Inter sub Zlatan Ibrahimovic had crossed from the right.

Late substitute Franco Di Santo nearly added a third for the Londoners in stoppage time, taking a delicate Deco chip over the top on his chest and shooting right-footed over the bar.

Alonso plays it cool over Madrid move

Xabi Alonso joined up with the Liverpool squad last night for their Far East tour with his future at the club still uncertain.

The midfielder met boss Rafael Benitez and the Anfield squad at Vienna airport after flying from Spain - where he got married last weekend - following weeks of speculation that he was about to join Real Madrid.

Bernabeu officials had been working last week to try to tie up a deal for the 30-year-old that would have avoided him having to take part in the Liverpool trip to play Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday and Singapore next Sunday.

There were even suggestions that he would be given leave from Liverpool so that a £30million move could be completed.

But after Liverpool had lost 1-0 yesterday evening in a friendly against Rapid Vienna, the squad went directly to the airport to be reunited with their Spanish stars, for the overnight flight to the Far East.

Alonso, Fernando Torres, Jose Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa had all been given extra time off following their participation in the Confederation Cup.

And Alonso - who as yet has not formally asked for a transfer - has spoken for the first time about his future ahead of the flight from Spain.

Alonso said: 'It is always a great feeling when Madrid want you, especially considering the phase of the career I am in now.

'But at this point, whether or not that can happen is not up to me. It's a matter that involves three parties, including myself. I do not like to force the issue. I prefer to talk.

'Madrid's project is certainly impressive. But beyond that, I cannot tell you anything else.'

Alonso intends to hold discussions with Benitez. He said: 'I will talk to him, sure, but the first thing to do when I arrive [in Austria] is to greet him.

'But I imagine that in the next few days, there will be time for all that, even though in reality, there is nothing in particular to talk to Rafa about. It's the clubs who have to negotiate to reach an agreement.'

On the reported fee, Alonso said: 'I am not the man who can answer these questions.

'The truth is that I cannot say much, because every little thing can be misinterpreted. And I do not know how things will turn out either because I am not a fortune teller.'

Benitez has consistently said in public that he does not want to sell Alonso, but if the position becomes untenable with the Spaniard having to search for a replacement, the fee he wants is over £30m.

Valencia's David Silva is reputed to be a target, while Liverpool are also likely to enter the bidding for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young.

Javier Mascherano, who has been told he will not be sold to Barcelona, played in the last 25 minutes of the defeat in Vienna, while new signing Glen Johnson was sidelined with an Achilles injury.

'Fraud' Beckham clashes with fans in return to LA Galaxy

David Beckham got involved in an ugly confrontation with fans at his home return game in Los Angeles.

The former England captain attempted to jump over a barrier as he left the field at half-time to remonstrate with a section of the crowd that had been jeering him.

He was held back by security staff, members of whom were also needed to restrain an angry fan who left his seat and rushed towards the footballer.

Beckham received a less than friendly welcome at his first home game for LA Galaxy after returning from a five-month loan spell at AC Milan - the team LA faced.

A hardcore section of the crowd booed Beckham every time he touched the ball and held aloft signs reading "Go Home Fraud" and "23: Repent" in reference to his shirt number.

Another read: "Hey Becks, Here Before You, Here after You, Here Despite You" while one stated: "Is evil something u are...or something u do?"

Frand: Fans' signs said it all at the LA Galaxy home coming

Earlier this year, Beckham indicated he wanted to stay in Milan rather than return to America, stating that the standard of play was far higher in Italy.

The apparent snub has angered some LA fans, notably a hardcore that sit in the so-called LA Riot Squad section.

Throughout the first half of the game he was subjected to jeers and obscene chants.

After the referee blew for half time, Beckham tried to hurdle an advertising boarding and appeared to make a "come on" gesture towards fans.

In response, one man left his seat, jumped down onto the pitch and attempted to run towards Beckham. At this point security intervened and escorted Beckham to the changing room, while removing the fan from the pitch.

Simon Fuller, Posh, Tom Cruise and Gary Barlow watch the match

Despite the incident, Beckham returned in the second half. He was the last man to take to the pitch and hugged several of his former AC Milan teammates before gesturing towards the rowdy section of the crowd.

A line of yellow-jacketed security staff stood below the supporters in the trouble area as a precaution.

In the 65th minute Beckham assisted in the scoring of an LA Galaxy goal. After doing so he turned and shrugged his shoulders in the direction of the section of crowd that had been jeering him.

Beckham was substituted in the 75th minute and walked off to a mixture of cheers and boos. The friendly match ended 2-2.

Beckham claimed he had tried to shake a supporter's hand. "The majority of the fans have been great," Beckham said afterwards in comments broadcast on Sky Sports News.

On the boos, he added: "It's to be expected. Sometimes it goes beyond it. I tried to shake one of the guy's hands but he didn't want any of it. That's the way it is."

Tevez reveals Real rejection

Carlos Tevez has revealed he rejected the chance to join former Manchester United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid.

The Argentina striker also confirmed that Chelsea and Liverpool had made inquiries about securing his services. Instead Tevez opted for a move to Manchester City after his extended loan deal at United ended, signing a lucrative five-year deal at Eastlands.

"Real made an offer but there was no agreement," Tevez told the Nation newspaper during a promotional visit to Abu Dhabi with his new club.

He added: "There were talks about deals and agreements but in the end it was only City. They showed lots of interest in me and are intent on growing and signing big players.

"I am sad to leave United but I am excited to join City. I'm thinking about the future and I will grow with this club."

Meanwhile manager Mark Hughes is continuing his pursuit of Emmanuel Adebayor and John Terry. Hughes remains determined to land the two men even though there are suggestions that Adebayor is not keen to leave Arsenal for Eastlands while Chelsea are adamant Terry is not for sale. Adebayor knows as well that there is stiff competition for places in attack at City following the arrivals of Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz with Craig Bellamy also on board.

Terry is Chelsea's defensive rock but Hughes believes the England international is ready for a new challenge.

"We do need new players," Hughes told the Gulf News. "We are still in discussions (over Adebayor) and the talks will continue.

"We have got attacking-minded players but we are looking to bring other players to the club before the transfer window closes.

"We are also looking to strengthen the defence. Every transfer deal is difficult and has different problems. There are areas which we need to address but we are happy with our progress."

Young going nowhere - O'Neill

Manager Martin O'Neill insists the £12million arrival of Stewart Downing at Aston Villa does not spell the end of Ashley Young's time at the club.

With the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and even Real Madrid said to be interested in the former Watford man, speculation has been rife that Young could be on his way from Villa Park.

The signing of Downing only adds more fuel to the fire, but O'Neill insisted on Thursday: "There have been a lot of stories about Ashley - and that's what they are - stories."

Pardew marches into Saints

Southampton have named former Charlton and West Ham boss Alan Pardew as their new manager.

The 47-year-old, who left The Valley in November following an eight-game winless run, has signed a three-year deal at St Mary's.

Saints will kick off the new season in League One with a 10-point penalty, having been relegated and fallen into administration last term.

The south coast club were on the brink of going out of business over the summer until Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr completed his takeover last week.

Liebherr's first action was to sack Dutchman Mark Wotte as first-team coach and he has now turned to Pardew, who has achieved promotions with Reading and West Ham and also took the Hammers to the 2006 FA Cup final.

Liebherr said: "We are delighted to have been able to attract Alan to St Mary's from a very strong field of candidates we identified and who expressed an interest in joining us.

"Alan has a strong track record and impressed us with his vision, commitment and ambition."

Pardew is expected be in the stands when Southampton host Ajax in their latest pre-season friendly on Saturday.

Injury won't halt Villa bid for Downing

Aston Villa were holding talks with England winger Stewart Downing last night after agreeing a £12million fee with Middlesbrough.

The 24-year-old arrived at Villa's training ground on crutches as he took a break from his rehabilitation from foot surgery to discuss personal terms with manager Martin O'Neill.

His pending arrival will spark fresh speculation Ashley Young could be leaving. Downing's injury, suffered in a clash with Villa's Stiliyan Petrov in the penultimate game of last season, means he is unlikely to play again until October and may be out for some time longer.ut O'Neill has made his move in the hope of avoiding a bidding war in January when other clubs might have been prepared to do business once he had proved his fitness.

Sunderland step up Crouch pursuit

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is keen to begin talks with Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch over a possible move to the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have been in discussions with Pompey for several weeks about the £12million-rated frontman but have yet to agree a fee. Sunderland are in a hurry amid speculation Fulham, who accepted a £5m bid from Hull for Bobby Zamora yesterday, are ready to swoop for the England striker.

Bruce said: 'He is a player I have admired for a very long time, and I suppose a lot of other managers do exactly the same thing.

'We hope we can try to put something together because he would be the type of player, of course, that would signal our intention of the way we want to take the football club forward.'

Asked if a fee had been agreed, Bruce replied: 'I know discussions at high levels were going on late last night, so we will see, and I will be able to tell you more in the next 24 hours.'

Fulham are tipped to turn to Crouch after agreeing to offload Zamora just 12 months after signing the 28-year-old from West Ham. Any deal could take some time, with Zamora currently on the club's pre-season tour of Australia.

Chelsea warn City off priceless Terry

Chelsea have warned Manchester City no amount of money will be enough to prise away John Terry.

City manager Mark Hughes has gone public with his desire to tempt Terry to become the Eastlands club's latest big-name signing. However, at an event to announce a new three-year deal with kit sponsors Samsung, chief executive Peter Kenyon was adamant Chelsea have no plans to sell the England skipper.

'He is not for sale at any price,' Kenyon told Sky News. 'John's going to remain with us. He is our talisman, the heart of Chelsea. It is irrelevant what another club will offer.'

Hughes, who looks set to complete the £25million signing of Emmanuel Adebayor today after the Arsenal striker was granted a work permit, had been encouraged by the failure of Terry to publicly dismiss the idea of leaving Stamford Bridge. But there was encouragement for Chelsea fans on that front when the defender stood alongside new coach Carlo Ancelotti to mark the contract with Samsung.

Terry's appearance to publicise the deal - believed to be worth more than the £11m-a-year agreement in place for the past five years - could suggest he remains committed to the club.

Kenyon also dismissed as 'mad speculation' reports he himself feels marginalised and may leave Chelsea, with City a possible destination.

Meanwhile, Uefa has reduced the European bans given to Blues striker Didier Drogba and defender Jose Bosingwa for their conduct following Chelsea's Champions League semi-final defeat by Barcelona in May.

European football's governing body has reduced both players' suspension by one game on appeal.

Fergie snubs forced me to move on, insists Tevez

Carlos Tevez has accused Sir Alex Ferguson of not showing him enough love at Manchester United.

Tevez yesterday became one of the few players to cross the Manchester divide, joining City immediately after quitting United in a five-year deal worth around £170,000 a week.

Ferguson claimed Tevez had a deal in place last January and that the Argentina striker refused to return phone messages.

But Tevez says it was the United boss who snubbed him, triggering the disenchantment that made him leave. 'I felt Sir Alex Ferguson and [chief executive] David Gill did not do enough to try to keep me,' said the 25-year-old.

'I was at Manchester United for two years. I never got a call or a text message from Sir Alex Ferguson.

'The only time he spoke to me was after the Champions League final in Rome when I was going back to Argentina. I don't think this is the way to treat a player who is at a club for two years. There was no line of communication.'

Tevez was unhappy at his lack of first-team action at United so he must have supreme confidence in his own ability as City will have ten strikers in their squad if Emmanuel Adebayor joins from Arsenal for £25million.

It is estimated City have paid £25.5m to buy Tevez, gaining his registration from the investors who owned his 'economic rights'. 'To bring one of the top strikers in world football to the club is fantastic,' added City boss Mark Hughes.

Tevez will join his new team-mates on their three-match tour of South Africa when they leave today.

City open their Premier League campaign at Blackburn on August 15, while Tevez returns to Old Trafford with his new club on September 20.