All posts by h79snht.top

Despite the bookmakers suggesting otherwise before this week’s first legs, Bayern Munich and Chelsea made home advantage count and will take leads into their Champions League Semi Final second leg ties against Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. The question though is whether their slender leads will be enough to prevent an “El Clasico” Champions League final when the second legs are played next week in Spain.

The Bookmakers are sticking with their initial predictions and offer odds of 13/8 that the two Spanish Giants will be playing in the final next month at the Allianz Stadium in Munich.

Having secured a 2-1 lead with a second half stoppage time winner from the prolific Mario Gomez, Bayern will believe that they can win this tie, even if they have to withstand the pressure of Jose Mourinho’s side at the Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday.

The Germans showed enough to demonstrate to Real that they are in this tournament to win it whilst, Real Madrid once again flattered to deceive when up against elite opposition. Bayern have world class players in the form of Ribery and Robben and in Toni Kroos, they have a central midfield star who looked the best player on the pitch in Tuesday’s game. The 22 year old can do almost anything with a football at his feet but it is his long pass accuracy that could well catch the Spaniards out in the second leg and an away goal for Munich would really make this tie interesting.

Obviously home advantage and the away goal will play a very important part but Real’s boss, Jose Mourinho, will expect a lot more quality and commitment from the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was only seen in patches on Tuesday evening. He did set up Real’s equalising goal for Ozil but only after missing a gilt-edged himself.

Mourinho did have one or two players who performed admirably, Pepe kept his discipline at the back, Benzema made a number of smart runs in attack and had a couple of goal bound shots saved, while Khedira and Ozil worked hard in midfield. However, should defenders Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao play as poorly again, then Bayern’s lively attack will be sure to seize a vital away goal.

Real’ 4/7 odds on to win the game in 90 minutes and 8/11 odds on to qualify, whilst the away win can be backed at 11/2 or 11/10 to qualify for the final and set up the first Champions League final where a team is playing at its home stadium.

In the other Semi Final, it is all well and good Barcelona boss, Pep Guardiola, suggesting that Chelsea are the favourites to go through to the final after scoring the only goal of the game in the First Leg on Wednesday evening but he knows that his team should have come away from Stamford Bridge two, perhaps three goals to the good but for a number of squandered opportunities.

Chelsea produced a performance of epic proportions to win the game but they will realise that Drogba’s goal was their only shot on target in 90 minutes and that Barcelona had the ball for a total of 80 minutes of the game. They will also realise that Barca hit the woodwork twice, had a clear chance missed by Cesc Fabregas and a couple more opportunities missed by Messi and Iniesta. Add to that two world class saves from Petr Cech and Barcelona must be thinkign that Chelsea’s good fortune cannot extend for 180 minutes.

To win at the Nou Camp however, Chelsea will have to be even more resolute in defence and hope that the Barcelona’s rare profligacy in front of goal continues for the next game. If it doesn’t and the home side find the net early then they are quite capable of winning comfortably.

Chelsea still has a mountain to climb and bookies are confident that the reigning European champions will progress to the final and are still heavily odds on to do so at 4/11 and to win in 90 minutes they are 1/4 with Chelsea rated a 12/1 chance!

The results from the first legs have certainly made the Champions League Semi Finals interesting but the dream “El Clasico” final still remains firmly in sight and the latest odds to win the Champions League still see Barcelona as the 6/5 favourites to become the first back-to-back winners of the competition in the Champions League era with Real Madrid rated an 11/4 chance. Bayern Munich are 4/1 and Chelsea a best price 7/1 chance.

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Chelsea target Willian has admitted that he is interested in a move to the Premier League club, and is eager to wrap up a switch from Shakhtar Donetsk before the end of the transfer market.

It has been revealed that The Blues have already had a bid for the Brazil international rejected by the Ukrainian side, with an improved offer expected to be lodged to try and change Shakhtar’s mind.

The midfielder is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, especially given the fact that there are a number of his countrymen already at the club.

“I wouldn’t have any fears about coming to England because I have played against English sides in the Champions League and studied the English game,” Willian told The Sun.

“To play in a league that is seen throughout the world would be good for my hopes of playing regularly for Brazil, especially with the World Cup

at home in two years’ time.

“That is my aim. I’ve worked hard for four years to establish myself in the national team.

“It has taken that long but now I feel I have a good relationship with the coach and I want to keep working hard, so I remain in the side.

“There are times when you look at your life and realise how lucky you’ve been.

“I’ve played for a great club in Corinthians and been successful. I moved to Shakhtar and that turned into a great move too.

“There was talk about Barcelona

and Arsenal

before but now Chelsea

are interested. If the next step of the adventure is England, then I would be excited by that.

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“I have friends in the Brazil side who play for Chelsea, like David Luiz and Ramires.

“I’ve known David since we played together in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about what Villas-Boas is trying to build at Chelsea.

“He and Ramires feel he wants a core of young players who can mature and grow together but also be successful,” he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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The latest Merseyside derby this weekend highlighted a lot of issues. Are our referees really the best in the world, and if not, when are they going to be held accountable? Are we starting to see the ugly side of fans, creeping back into our stadiums, and are clubs doing enough to combat those disgusting individuals who throw missiles directly at players? And is the Liverpool side that finished the game (with the exception of Jordan Henderson) the ideal starting XI for Kenny Dalglish? Let’s take a look.

Little more than 20-minutes had passed on the clock when Martin Atkinson foolishly flashed a red card in Jack Rodwell’s direction after the Everton midfielder committed a tough, but clean challenge, but it took Liverpool until the 71st minute to break the deadlock. Both club Captain Steven Gerrard and Craig Bellamy had been on the pitch barely 4-minutes when the latter was involved in some neat build-up play which saw Andy Carroll break Everton’s resolve. There should be little doubt that the injection of pace and quality that Liverpool introduced at that time, in the sweltering, unseasonable weather, against a tiring 10-men helped change the game once more.

Bellamy replaced the anonymous Stewart Downing and looked instantly more threatening down the left-hand side of the pitch, combining well with left-back Jose Enrique. The former Villa man had a promising start to the season, but in recent weeks has become something of an invisible man. Bellamy on the other hand is the perennial pain in the neck to whatever opposition he faces. His constant harrying and buzzing around the pitch, coupled with his mouthy, moaning ‘charm’ never leaves supporters wondering if he is on the field of play. Charlie Adam had performed bright in spells but has not been as consistently influential on the pitch as he would have liked – or many would have expected. The return of iconic Captain Gerrard will now threaten Adam’s place in the starting line-up. There could be a case to partner both midfielders together and thus replacing the much maligned Lucas, which is what many fans want to see. It would certainly provide a more offensive option, however the balance of the team may suffer as the much improved Brazilian provides an effective shield in-front of the defensive line, and defensively, Liverpool have struggled at times this season.

Injuries have prevented Liverpool from having a consistent back-line this season but there can be little doubt when fit, Agger, Carragher and Jose Enrique should be first choice (alongside keeper Pepe Reina). The only question mark is at right-back with young Martin Kelly forever impressing, injury prone England international Glen Johnson seems to be a forgotten man at Anfield, and many believe his poor defensive positional sense should see young Kelly keep his place.

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One option could be to play Johnson further forward and join the midfield unit – he certainly has the attacking quality and composure. However the ever-dependable Dirk Kuyt now seems to have won his place back in the starting line-up after initially losing it to new signing Jordan Henderson at the start of the season. Many were mystified by Dalglish’s preference for youngster Henderson over the experienced Kuyt, but it now seems the Dutchman has worked his way back into the starting line-up at the £20 million man’s expense. Henderson can have little complaint due to his performances thus far, but maybe it is a slight on the management team for rushing the youngster into the first team instead of allowing him to acclimatise slowly – was there pressure from above to play him, with his huge price-tag? Either way Henderson is not yet ready for the starting line-up, especially whilst there are other more experienced, proven options available who have also contributed more on the field of play this season than the former Sunderland man.

That just leaves the front-line which was made up of £58 million pair Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll for the entirety of the derby. The two striker’s were bought together back in January to form a dream ‘little and large’ partnership, but of the two, only Suarez has shone. The Uruguayan has been far and away Liverpool’s best player since pulling on a red shirt and his place in the starting line-up is cemented. Contrast that with Carroll’s very inconsistent, stop-start career at Anfield so far which has seen the Geordie giant’s abilities called into question every time he plays. A severe lack of goals has added to the scrutiny, but Dalglish is standing by his man, publicly defending the youngster from the media’s criticism. Carroll repaid the managers faith with a derby goal, and there is little doubt he is still a huge ‘work in progress’. But both strikers scored on Saturday in a 2-0 win, their jobs done. Will the team that was on the field of play whilst both goals were scored be given a chance from the off?

If you want to read more from myself including news, thoughts and views you can follow me on Twitter @fantasista1077 thanks!

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Reports in France have indicated that David Beckham has agreed to sign for Paris Saint Germain, but the player’s representative has stated that no agreement has yet to be made.

The big spending Ligue 1 side are eager to add Beckham to their already star-studded squad, with the veteran English midfielder a free agent after his contract with MLS side LA Galaxy expired.

Le Parisien revealed that they believe the deal had been signed, with Beckham to move to the Parc des Princes in January.

“It’s done! After four months of negotiation, the capital’s club has just received an agreement in principle from David Beckham. He will sign the document next January,” the French newspaper stated.

The deal is reported worth €800,000-a-month, with Beckham set to sign on for a year and a half.

Despite these reports, a member of Beckham’s management team has denied that his client has agreed to the move.

“No agreement has been reached with any club yet. Talk of a deal is premature. David is yet to make a decision on his future,” a spokesman revealed to The Daily Mail.

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By Gareth McKnight

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Last month former England manager, Sven Goran-Eriksson, told the BBC of his “big, big mistake” following fresh reports that he was deceived by an elaborate fraud in to taking the managerial post at Notts County in 2009. The Serious Fraud Office is investigating allegations that Russell King orchestrated an intricate scam which targeted Eriksson, Sir John Walker and the North Korean Government, and the claims that the current Leicester City boss assumed control of over half of a London investment bank without paying for any shares.

King acquired 49% of First London PLC’s shares in 2008 by falsely claiming he was managing billions of pounds for the Bahraini royal family, according to the BBC investigation. The program focussed on the astonishing deal that saw the Swede become director of football at the League Two side following a takeover which promised substantial investment from the Middle East. Of course no such cash injection materialised and the club were left with debts of over £7million as a result.

Eriksson’s error was just the latest in a series of controversial incidents which have coloured the career of the former Lazio, Sampdoria and Benfica manager, including much publicised affairs with Ulrika Jonsson and Football Association assistant, Faria Alam, as well as continuous and evident connections to Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea side whilst still in the England manager’s post. Sven never completed a move to Chelsea – the west Londoners instead appointed Jose Mourinho, and the merits of this decision remain unquestioned – but it could be argued that his prolonged existence in the England set-up, having signed a contract extension soon after revelations linking him to Stamford Bridge, is to blame for the relentless disappointments of the ‘golden generation’ throughout the previous decade.

It’s not that Eriksson is a bad manager, evidenced by a trophy haul which includes League and domestic cup wins in three different countries in addition to UEFA Cup, Super Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup triumphs, but that he was the wrong option to take England forward at a time when the country’s most talented crop were beginning to harvest. I don’t tend to agree with the likes of Arsene Wenger, Steve McClaren and Harry Redknapp that English nationality is a prerequisite for the ‘toughest job in football,’ especially seeing as modern international competition has allowed Brazilian-born Alessandro Santos (aka Alex) to make over 80 appearances for Japan and seen Dutchman, Guus Hiddink, manage five different nations.

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But the FA’s decision to appoint the Swede in 2001 was misguided on the basis that England required a coach willing to implement a philosophy, idea or identity to direct the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Ashley Cole towards glory. Eriksson maintains an interesting reputation as he is fondly remembered in his home country for winning the UEFA Cup with Gothenburg in 1982, but is considered the ‘perdente di successo,’ or ‘successful loser,’ in Italy following a 14 –year pursuit of Serie A success, eventually achieved in his final season in charge of Lazio in 2000. It is worth mentioning that Eriksson benefitted from President, Sergio Cragnotti’s, £300million investment over the four seasons he was manager at the Stadio Olimpico and has never expressed a distinctive style at any of the nine clubs and 3 countries he has coached.

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His most significant characteristic has always been a close affinity to the large egos he has controlled, and was ruthless in omitting Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Lee Bowyer from international duties because he deemed them all unruly influences, but Eriksson’s attention to detail throughout his five years in charge was justifiably criticised for apparently rarely researching the opposition before games or becoming acquainted with upcoming match officials and was a largely marginal figure during training sessions. His reluctance to make sweeping changes was often criticised in the context of making his best players feel secure about their status, but this was only detrimental in terms of his inability to mould said players in to a team that were aware of their roles. He was entrusted with the job of forming the most effective system for English football’s greatest ever collection of players and never applied it, or even demonstrated that he was searching for it. There wasn’t a plethora of English managers available at the turn of the century to replace Kevin Keegan, but in hindsight it is obvious that Eriksson was far from the most suitable option.

Football teams are dynamic, particularly at international level, and they decline and are reconditioned on a basis that may seem brutal but is natural and necessary. Eriksson’s appointment interrupted that cycle of renewal, and his successors, Steve McClaren and then Fabio Capello, failed to cure the ‘golden generation’ of the apathy that had been instilled over the course of the last decade. McClaren’s appointment was questionable on the basis that he was the individual most closely associated with the Eriksson regime, so that by the time Capello took England to South Africa last summer, the Italian faced the impossible task of reversing years of dispiritedness in a squad that was reaching its natural twilight in terms of average age anyway. The England manager’s position should always be decided by taking ability in to account ahead of nationality, but a knowledge of English players and traditions is vital, facets ignored by Eriksson to England’s long-suffering fans’ detriment, having wasted a generation of English talent the likes of which we are unlikely to witness again for decades.

If you think Sven Goran-Eriksson should umpire at Wimbledon this year, follow me on Twitter

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FootballFanCast.com WORLD Exclusive, Robbie Savage Face in a baby Scan

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Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier believes midfielder Stewart Downing has improved beyond recognition while he has been in charge.The England international was lacking confidence when Houllier took over at Villa Park, but the French manager has seen Downing flourish since moving from the left of midfield to the right.

And the manager expects Downing to shine on the flank when Villa host Newcastle United on Sunday.

“I think he has stepped up. I think he?s made one step, but there are several steps,” Houllier said.

“He seems to have become a more regular international and is in the squad all the time.”

“My aim is to see him playing practically two games out of three for England very soon and to take part in the 2012 European Championships.”

Houllier had favoured a 4-4-1-1 formation until last weekend when he switched to a more straight-forward 4-4-2 for the 2-2 draw at Everton.

But he said he could revert to playing Darren Bent upfront on his own against Newcastle.

“I’ll see the games how they come,” Houllier said. “I knew that we would pose more problems to Everton with Darren Bent and Gabriel Agbonlahor upfront together.”

“We will see game after game, but it?s not set in stone.”

“I prefer to deal privately with how Darren and Gabby played together – all I know is that we scored two goals.”

“But it would be hard for you to quote me teams that play with two strikers – there are not many.”

Houllier has a welcome headache at the selection table with Villa reporting no injury problems.

Ever since the Premier League announced the hare-brained scheme of playing a 39th fixture in different corners of the globe, it has become fashionable to knock the likes of Blackburn, Bolton or Wigan. It’s not easy to ‘sell’ those clubs as part of a ‘global brand’, they are quick to tell us. As if small-town Lancashire clubs have no real part in this brave new world – when in actual fact they are the hotbed of English football. It’s been sad to see that trio of clubs in the bottom three for much of the season and it would be very sad if they were wiped off the face of the Premier League.

When I was playing, Blackburn, Bolton, Burnley, Blackpool and Preston were all regular members of the top flight – and they often made up the majority of the England team. With Stan Matthews at Blackpool, Tom Finney at Preston and Bryan Douglas at Blackburn, they had three of the best dribblers of a football the world has seen, all playing within a few miles of each another. Those clubs all suffered a major downtown in the 1980s and early ’90s but they have defied the odds to play at the top level and the Premier League has been richer for them.

Blackburn’s season so far has been a staggering story. In all my years in football, I can never recall a manager suffering quite the level of abuse which has been piled on Steve Kean. I’m delighted to see that Kean has begun to turn things around in recent weeks and I can tell you that if a group of footballers do not believe in their boss they can use the mass protests as a convenient excuse not to perform. That hasn’t been happening at Ewood Park and it speaks volumes for Kean’s man-management abilities.

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I’ll readily admit that I don’t understand – or care to understand – this culture of unrealistic expectation which has sprung up among supporters of most clubs, fostered by the internet. I saw a couple of Arsenal fans crying and hugging one another after the defeat at Swansea last weekend – as if it’s their God-given right to beat a decent mid-table side away from home. This sort of culture certainly hasn’t helped Kean and although the Venky’s people who own the club are spectacularly naive in many ways, they have had the guts to stand by their manager, when most would have pulled the trigger.

These Lancashire clubs used to be owned by prominent local businessmen, who knew their clubs intimately and who instinctively understood what supporters expected and wanted. Bob Lord, the Burnley butcher, was the epitome of these owners, who did so much to make Lancashire football clubs punch above their weight. Dave Whelan, of Wigan, is very much of that old school. I played against him when he was a full-back at Blackburn but a broken leg in the 1960 Cup Final ended his career. It turned out to be probably the best thing he’s ever done, as he became a multi-millionaire in the sportswear trade.

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Wigan have been a remarkable successful story – they are now in their seventh successive season in the Premier League, despite a small support and none of the history of their fellow Lancashire clubs. You wonder whether their time is running out, but you have to admire the way their manager Roberto Martinez sticks to his footballing beliefs and I wouldn’t bet against them staying up. Bolton, like Blackburn, are enjoying an 11th straight season in the top flight but look to be in the most parlous state of all, in terms of finances and playing resources.

Personally I’d love to see all three stay up – if only to annoy those big-time chairmen who think that playing Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan is beneath them.

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As snow fell heavily in the winter of 1996 Kevin Keegan introduced a player to the Newcastle fans who would be remembered for a variety of contrasting reasons. If you haven’t guessed yet I’m talking about the maverick Colombian Faustino Asprilla. Tino signed for Newcastle for a fee of 6.7 million pounds from Italian giants Parma. He was purchased with the intention of bolstering the Geordies’ attacking options for their title push. Asprilla made an immediate impact in his first game when he came off the bench and swung the momentum in the Toon’s favour. They were trailing to local rivals Middlesbrough 1-0 until Asprilla emerged with 20 minutes to go and instantly become a hit with the fans. He left Steve Vickers in knots with his dazzling footwork before his Cruyff turn and cross set up Steve Watson to level the game which Newcastle then went on to win 2-1.

Despite the start he made Asprilla never really found his feet in terms of his goals for Newcastle and clearly that is the underlining requisite for any striker. His return of 9 goals in 48 domestic games doesn’t make for great reading, and does this stat class Asprilla’s purchase as a bad one? What Tino did do in his time at Newcastle was leave a lasting impression on the Premiership and Newcastle fans though, whether it be the head-butt he dished out to Keith Curle or his trademark goal celebration. Furthermore, his European goals tally makes for rather more pleasant viewing – 9 goals in 11 games – and aren’t the great European nights often those the fans remember most?

One night in particular he lit up St James’ Park, in what is unquestionably Asprilla’s finest moment in the black and white. It is of course the Champions League group stage game against the mighty Barcelona. Barca came to town boasting world stars such as Rivaldo, Luis Enrique and Figo, but the night belonged to one man alone and it will ensure Asprilla remains a cult like figure among the fans for some time to come. For those of you who aren’t aware of that incredible evening Asprilla scored a hat-trick – a penalty and two fantastic headers which resulted in the team winning 3-2. It actually ended up being the last time Tino found the net for Newcastle, and he was sold back to Parma by Kenny Dalglish soon after. Asprilla won the hearts of the fans for his performances in Europe. Another distinctive moment was his celebration against Metz where he removed his shirt and held it aloft on the corner flag. I wonder if Newcastle fans would swap these moments in time? The reason I pose this question is that if Newcastle had never signed the mercurial Colombian maybe the team would have gone onto win the league in 95-96? Surely Asprilla can’t be the scapegoat for Newcastle’s incapability that season, can he?

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Since he left Newcastle Asprilla was linked with a shock move to Darlington back in 2002 which never materialised. He has also been in hot water for firing his machine gun on his farm in Colombia, but the latest venture in Asprilla’s life is his purchase of his own Colombian football club, the modestly named Club Athletico Faustino Asprilla. Inevitably Asprilla’s time on Tyneside was seen by some as a failure. Although, he brought a certain showmanship and eccentricity to the team he was consequently considered as a factor in the disappointing climax to the 95-96 season. You may think he revelled with his skill and craft, or you may think his inconsistency and antics on the pitch as well as his lifestyle off it cost Newcastle. Whatever you say about Tino Asprilla there’s no denying his spell in the Premiership has provided the fans with many talking points and fond memories.

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Arsene Wenger is set to continue his spending at Arsenal as he lines up a bid for Juan Vargas after missing out on him in the summer the Mirror reports.

The Gunners boss was interested in signing the versatile Peruvian before the transfer deadline as a replacement for Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas but opted to continue scouting him during the season.

Capable of playing at anywhere on the left and also in central midfield he could be a huge asset to Arsenal who are currently going through one of their worst periods under Wenger,

With the Frenchman worried about his sides ability to cope mentally and physically during an arduous winter schedule a bid for Vargas, who also has a reputation as a tough nut, is likely.

The 27-year-old isn’t one to shy away from a physical battle and he would certainly add a fighting mentality to a side that has so far failed to show any sort of battling qualities.

Wenger is prepared to put his faith in the current side until January but a move to bring Vargas to the Emirates Stadium could happen if results don’t improve by then.

They could have a rival for his signature with Juventus are also keeping tabs on him and have been linked with a £10 million bid when the window opens at the start of 2012.

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Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani will definitely play at Anfield next season, his agent said on Thursday.The Italian spent last season on-loan at Juventus, but the Serie A club were reluctant to use their option to sign him permanently.

Recent reports have linked the 27-year-old to Fiorentina, but Aquilani’s agent Franco Zavaglia said he would remain with Kenny Dalglish’s English Premier League outfit.

“Aquilani will certainly stay at Liverpool,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“Alberto has recovered from his ankle problem. He’s back in the international set-up and has the characteristics needed to do well in the Premier League.”

“He’s in pre-season training with Liverpool and has played in all of the team’s summer tour games so far.”

Aquilani had been linked to Fiorentina as midfielder Riccardo Montolivo continues to be tipped to join Serie A champions AC Milan.

In other Premier League news, Manchester City could sign Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi unless the Italian club offers him a new deal.

The midfielder’s current deal expires next year and Roma run the risk of losing him on a free transfer unless he receives a substantial pay rise and a clear outline of new owner Thomas DiBenedetto’s future plans for the club.

The Eastlands club are ready to put together a 23 million euro deal to secure De Rossi’s signature and can also significantly bump up his wages.

De Rossi would agree to sign a contract extension with Roma should he receive the certainties he craves and the club are believed to have offered to increase the Italy international’s wage from four million euros to six million euros per year.

Elsewhere, Benfica have announced the signing of Villarreal defender Joan Capdevila on their official website.

The World Cup-winning defender has signed a two-year deal with Jorge Jesus’ men, with a 20 euro million release clause inserted into the contract.

Capdevila has won 59 caps for Spain, scoring four goals since making his debut in 2002 and he played every minute of his nation’s triumphant World Cup campaign last year.

The left-back has enjoyed spells with Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and Deportivo La Coruna before joining Villarreal in 2007.

Santos midfielder Ganso has revealed he only wants to play for AC Milan once his current club eventually decides what to do with him.

The 21-year-old Brazil international has been strongly tipped to join Milan, who are yet to make a formal offer.

Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport claims Ganso has already told Milan defender Thiago Silva of his ambition to join him at San Siro.

“I only want Milan and I am ready to wait,” Ganso reportedly told Silva.