Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko from AC Milan for a fee of around £30million.No word on the fate of Drogba, Crespo or Gudjohnsen.
The 29-year-old flew into London today to conclude negotiations with the Stamford Bridge club after announcing last week his intention to leave.
Fantasy Football is offered for entertainment purposes only and may not be used in connection with any form of gambling or wagering.Just a friendly reminder. :-)
Sir Alex Ferguson is convinced Paul Scholes will be as good as new next season despite his continuing eye problems.Scholes is a fantasy team killer. Plays an amazing game... 3 SOT's, game winning goal, takes a free kick or two... so you buy him even though he's not too cheap. And then he'll disappear for weeks. So you sell him. And he goes wild again. Never fails. And it looks like he'll be back next year to kick us around again.
The former England star has admitted he may never be completely clear of blurred vision which forced him to miss over four months of the season.
[Carlton Cole] now looks set to join Martin Jol's ambitious side on a four-year deal after visiting the club's training ground on Friday.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the old Carlton Cole! So where does Defoe end up when the music stops?
Spurs have already snapped up Dimitar Berbatov for £11 million, but are determined to bolster their squad further in an attempt to break into the top four next term.
Their search for another striker was given extra impetus by the news that Egyptian forward Mido will return to Roma next season.
Third time a charm?Everton have revealed their £8.5million offer for Andrew Johnson had been accepted by Crystal Palace.
The England striker, on standby for the World Cup squad, is now due for talks on Merseyside today, according to Everton.
When Bolton made their offer, Jordan informed them that Wigan were 'in the box seat' to sign Johnson, however reports have claimed the player would prefer to join Everton.Looks like Faddie is heading back to the bench. Or the left wing, if he's lucky. Though you figure Arteta slots in on the left, with van der Meyde on the opposite flank (if healthy). Add Neville and Cahill and you have a 1/2 way decent midfield.
Feyenoord striker Salomon Kalou is holding talks with Chelsea, the Dutch news agency ANP reported on Saturday.Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the new Carlton Cole!
'Anticipating the possible departure, we have given Salomon an authorisation to talk with Chelsea,' Feyenoord marketing director Chris Woerts told ANP.
AC Milan have accepted Andriy Shevchenko's transfer request but have warned Chelsea they must break the bank to land the Ukraine striker.He has family in London?
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'I am leaving for family reasons - I want to thank the club for everything it's given to me,' said Shevchenko. 'There's no problems regarding my relationship with anyone in the club or any financial problems.'"
"It's a victory of the English language over the Italian language." That was apparently a reference to Shevchenko's American wife who reportedly wants a move to England.Right. It was the language barrier in Italy and not the chance to grab not a few million in Russian oil profits.
Liverpool have announced that striker Fernando Morientes has joined Valencia for an undisclosed fee.Methinks new signings are in the works, and that he may not be the last one out the door.
Newcastle United winger Kieron Dyer has been arrested for allegedly exposing himself at a female member of staff at a Norwich hotel.Dyer has been seen more (and more has been seen of him), and gotten more action in hotels than on the pitch in the past few years. Time for NUFC to cut their losses? Of all the players moving on from Ipswich in the last few years, has any had more potential and been so far from reaching it as Dyer?
David Gold has insisted Birmingham do not have to sell striker Emile Heskey - reported to be a £3.5million target for Blackburn - or winger Jermaine Pennant.I don't think Gold quite has a handle on the term "asset". Heskey may be valuable (and I fully expect some EPL club to waste millions of pounds on him this summer), but he certainly isn't an asset. If he were an asset, Birmingham would still be in the EPL and we wouldn't be having this discussion.
Crystal Palace have accepted an £8.5 million offer from Bolton Wanderers for striker Andy Johnson.Looks like we'll have AJ to kick around next year, but where remains a question. Surprised to see Bolton in the bidding. They only play with one striker and already have Davies, Borghetti, a rapidly improving Vaz Te, and a rapidly aging if still useful Pedersen. I wonder if AJ would play the inside-right role that Stelios currently holds, especially if Stelios' noises about moving on (to Liverpool, was it?) was more than just hot air.
The Trotters' offer matches that made by Wigan Athletic just 24 hours earlier as the race for the England international hots up.
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Everton and Portsmouth were also interested but they will have to match the offers tabled by Bolton and Wigan if they are to have any chance of snatching Johnson from under the noses of the two Lancashire sides.
Robert Pires has ended his six-year association with Arsenal after he joined Spanish side Villarreal.Farewell to a fantasy stud, and the poster boy for left-sided (if not left-footed) French players who have been EPL Fantasy gold for years (Pires, Steed, Robert, etc).
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Wenger moved to strengthen his midfield options earlier this week with the signing of Czech Republic international Tomas Rosicky, 25.
The Arsenal manager, however, knows his squad will be poorer for the departure of Pires.
Wenger said: 'Robert has had six tremendous years with us and made a huge contribution to the team's success during his time here.
'He is not only a great footballer but a good man, so of course, we are sad to see him go.
'It is difficult to pick out one or two highlights - but he was superb in our double winning season during the 2001/02 campaign and contributed so hugely to our unbeaten season with 19 goals.
'I would like to thank Robert for the dedication, determination and passion he has shown and wish him well in his career.'
"He is in many ways a typical Arsène Wenger signing," says Honigstein. "He is very technical, very clever on the ball and always has an eye for a through ball. In Germany and for the Czech Republic he mostly played as a No 10 behind the strikers, similar to the role Alex Hleb used to play for Stuttgart.My interpretation for fantasy purposes is "don't waste your time for the first half of the season" - it took Hleb a while to adjust to the speed of the Premiership and even then he wasn't a very good fantasy player. In the immortal words of Vince Vaughn, he might end up being "the guy behind the guy behind the guy" (which comes off a lot gay-er when you're typing it than it did in Swingers...not there's anything wrong with that).
"That position doesn't really exist in the Premiership so I'd expect him to fit in somewhere on the wings or perhaps as a second striker. He is not very physical so is probably most likely to operate as an attacking midfield player.
"In terms of stature and the way he moves, he reminds me a little of Joe Cole. He doesn't get many goals but Wenger can get the best out of him. In five years at Dortmund Rosicky hinted at his genius but has not quite been able to do it consistently. Wenger has obviously looked at him for a number of years and decided to make a move for him."
Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt has claimed Liverpool have expressed fresh interest in signing him and he would like to move to the Premiership.This is certainly not a negotiating ploy to wring more money from Newcastle. No. Nope. Didn't happen with Owen. Nor did they do it with Rooney the year before. This is real news. Honest.
Crystal Palace have accepted an £8.5million bid from Wigan for Andrew Johnson but Simon Jordan has told Bolton and Everton to match the offer.So it looks like AJ is coming back to the EPL, even if his final destination is still unknown. As long as he goes to a team where he can take PK's, he should be a good fantasy pick up next year. Otherwise... ?? ;-)
Arsenal have completed the signing of midfielder Tomas Rosicky from Borussia Dortmund.Anyone know more about him? Seems like a player much like Cesc... central middie who looks to start the attack. So do those two compete for time? Hard to imagine Wenger bringing in someone to compete for that spot after dumping Viera for Cesc last year. But on the other hand I wouldn't expect a player like Rosicky, a 25-yr old international, presumably at the prime of his career, to be content with a place on the bench.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said: 'We are delighted to welcome Tomas to our squad.
'He has great technique, skill on the ball and sharp passing.
He secured World Cup football for the Czechs this summer by scoring the winning goal in the decisive qualifying play-off second leg against Norway.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed that he is willing to listen to offers for Eidur Gudjohnsen.This should surprise no one. The Ice Man was always going to be the one to drop in the pecking order with Ballack's arrival -- rumors of Joe Cole's concern not-withstanding.
The Iceland international has been an integral part of Chelsea's success in the past couple of seasons, with Mourinho finding a niche for him in midfield following the arrivals of strikers Hernan Crespo and Didier Drogba.
However, German superstar Michael Ballack has been brought in this summer and two or three more high-profile signings are likely to follow.
"Results have confirmed that Norovirus, a form of viral gastroenteritis, has been identified in three samples taken from those affected," read the statement.Norovirus. The new glandular fever.
"Although no conclusion can be drawn as to the source of the illness, as the symptoms of Norovirus infection begin around 12 to 48 hours after a person becomes infected, exposure to the virus will have taken place prior to their arrival at the hotel."
Dr Alex Mellanby, consultant in communicable disease control at the North East and Central London Health Protection, shed some further light on the illness.
"Our investigation has identified Norovirus as the cause of the outbreak," he said.
"The affected cases would have been exposed to the virus before they visited the hotel and the infection was probably transmitted from person to person."
Moments later, while finally remembering what he had eaten for breakfast that day, Zico found that he couldn't remember much else; including what had happened to all of his teeth.
Fulham are ready to sell midfielder Steed Malbranque after he rejected the offer of a new contract.Maybe a swap for SWP? Steed may be a good fit as a back-up in the new "winger-less" Chelsea while SWP would give Fulham balance in midfield and a lot more attacking speed.
[O]n their website, Fulham say: 'Unfortunately Steed has indicated no offer would be acceptable as he wants to leave next year on a free transfer.
'This would be unacceptable to the club so we will listen to offers for him.'
"Competition is good as it improves the level of the team. [Can I win my place back?] Why not? I am a professional."This will be very interesting going into next season. Who will be Arsenal's right back? Wenger has been keento keep young players in the team (selling Viera for Fabregas' sake, for example) so Eboue would have to be the favorite. Who knows, maybe with Gilbert healthy, Wenger finds Lauren expendable.
Mourinho, who did not take questions from reporters and instead asked his own, said: 'How can Michael's arrival affect Lampard and the team?Only 10 spots left on everyone's 2006-2007 Yahoo! Fantasy Football team.
'It will affect it a lot because Lampard wants top players to play with him and the team want good players to improve the team.
'I look forward to working with them and look forward to playing both together.'
Bretos even suggested that McLaren might bring in Ray Parlour on the right wing. I honestly yelled "You idiot!" at the television, "He's going to bring in Maccarone!" My wife began wondering sarcastically why I wasn't in LA announcing soccer games if I know so much. But I was right, wasn't I?• The Table Test:
It all comes back to my world-renowned Table Test, which can be used for any actor, athlete, writer or broadcaster. It centers on one phrase: "I'm not sure if Person X brings anything to the table." Hey, sometimes that's not a bad thing. We all have friends who don't say much or add much, but they're fun to have around, know when to laugh at the right times and generally fit in with everybody else in your group (the Robert Horry of friends). And maybe they don't bring that much to the table, but they also don't take things off the table -- they aren't rude, they aren't inappropriate, they aren't stupid, they don't act like drunken idiots, and so on. Think of it this way:Scenario No. 1: Person X brings something to the table.
Scenario No. 2: Person X brings nothing to the table.
Scenario No. 3: Person X takes things off the table.In certain circumstances, you can get away with bringing nothing to the table (No. 2); for instance, I'd much rather hear a play-by-play broadcaster pull a No. 2 over somebody trying too hard to be a No. 1.
Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell has begun building his squad for next season by releasing experienced duo Stephane Henchoz and David Thompson.Paul Jewell explained:
"Thommo is a good little player, but he has found it difficult, in particular as he has had a couple of niggly injuries.There goes my hope for next year of seeing Thompson with a unique treble for Wigan on the opening day of next season... score, booking, and substituted for injury. Guess there's still a chance that he can do it for another club.
"But he is very unlucky because you could see what he's capable of at Arsenal.
"So it was a tough decision, but I've just thought for next season we will try something different.
Pit your wits against friends, work colleagues or leading celebrities by playing the McDonald's®/FIFA World Cup™ Official Fantasy Game. Register to play on 18 May.This is in partnership with Yahoo! and will require a Yahoo! account to play.
You will be able to chop and change your lineup as many times as you like before each match but once a player is in action, he cannot be substituted for another.We'll have to see how that will work in practice.
Newcastle defender Stephen Carr has been spared a four-game suspension after winning his appeal against the red card he received against Chelsea.Just blogging this as a reference point for August.
Referee Mike Riley dismissed Carr for aiming a kick at Lassana Diarra but the Football Association's disciplinary committee overturned the decision.
Manchester United keeper Tim Howard will join Everton on a 12-month loan deal this summer.Martyn is out of contract and Wright is just terrible. I expect Howard to be Everton's number one with Turner as his back-up. This should free up some money to spend on a forward and maybe a defender who doesn't remember where he was during the Queen's coronation.
Tottenham have asked the Premier League to order their game against West Ham to be replayed.Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
The crucial match went ahead on Sunday despite a number of the Spurs team being struck down with food poisoning hours before kick-off.
Martin Jol's side subsequently lost 2-1 at Upton Park and therefore missed out on a Champions League place after Arsenal's 4-2 victory over Wigan.
A Premier League spokesman said: 'Tottenham fulfilled their fixture and as far as the Premier League is concerned the result stands.
'However, the Premier League board will convene and discuss the contents of Tottenham's letter.'
Bent, who scored 18 goals in the league for Charlton, was a surprise omission from the Swede's 23-man squad with places instead going to Peter Crouch and the untried Theo Walcott.Inexplicable.
Charlton Athletic have beaten off competition from Uefa Cup finalists Middlesbrough to land USA international Cory Gibbs.Good to have another American in the EPL next year. With Convey and Hahnemann joining, and Eddie Lewis doing all he can to make it as well, there may be enough players for a fantasy XI.
The versatile defender was available on a free transfer after completing the season with Dutch outfit ADO Den Haag.
Gibbs revealed Charlton chairman Richard Murray played a key role in enticing him to join the Valley outfit.Translation: Mr. Murray was the one offering the most money.
"In the past week I've received interest from Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Charlton," Gibbs told the club's official website.
"Playing Premiership football has always been my dream and I was flattered to have such options. I am joining a club that is ambitious and hungry for success.
"I was hugely impressed with the chairman, Richard Murray, and his ambitious plans for the continued development of the club."
The Dutchman, who plays his final league game on Sunday, will be remembered for scoring one of the top 10 World Cup goals, winning European trophies with Ajax Amsterdam and Inter Milan, and an 11-year Arsenal career highlighted by two Premier League and FA Cup doubles.
What has set Bergkamp apart is his touch, vision and slide-rule passing which could flip open a defence in the blink of an eye from his position in the "hole" behind his strikers.
Antti Niemi, who missed the Stadium of Light clash to have a scan on his knee, should return.
Louis Saha and Cristiano Ronaldo are minor doubts - both men picked up knocks in Monday's draw with Middlesbrough, although manager Sir Alex Ferguson expects the duo to be fit
Robbie Fowler could return to the starting line-up
Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp is sure to grace Highbury one last time, although he may not start.
[Everton] striker Victor Anichebe could be given a run-out.
Chris Coleman could also hand Claus Jensen his first outing since October.
[Tottenham striker] Lee Barnard may be pressed into action alongside Jermain Defoe in attack.
Wenger is still debating whether to include Cole in the crucial match against Wigan on Sunday, where they must get a better result than Tottenham to overtake their arch-rivals and claim fourth place and Champions League qualification.
He said: 'Ashley was very tired at the end of the game and I'll have to see what his recovery is like. Then I will see what we will do.'
| 30' |  | Goal! Manchester City 0, Arsenal 1. Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal) left footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Thierry Henry. |
Fulham substitution: Luis Boa Morte replaced by Tomasz Radzinski (injury).And Niemi, K2, and Clichy didn't even make the bench today.
Fulham boss Chris Coleman understands why Luis Boa Morte and Steed Malbranque are frequently linked with moves away from Craven Cottage.I think Wigan should buy both of them for next year and they should sit out today's match with Sunderland. It's only fair.
Full-back Ashley Cole will start against Manchester City tomorrow after coming on at the Stadium of Light.But let's be honest, there's only 1 player that matters...
Gael Clichy is rested, along with striker Dennis Bergkamp, but Alexander Hleb, Gilberto, Freddie Ljungberg and Jose Antonio Reyes all return to the squad.
Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor (sinus infection) is out, along with Mathieu Flamini (hamstring), Theo Walcott and Philippe Senderos (both knee). Lauren (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is concentrating on the World Cup after admitting he will take no further part in the club's season.C. Cudicini (CHE - G) @NUF [ BUY ] 9.33
Cech is not the only player undergoing a rest as captain John Terry, Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien and Claude Makelele will also take no further part in the campaign.
Kevin Nolan will have a late fitness test on a rib injuryI guess that explains his absence for the past 2 games.
Gabriel Heinze could get the chance to prove his fitness for the World Cup against Middlesbrough on Monday.Let's just hope he doesn't do so well so we can pick him up on the cheap next year. You too, Mr. Cole.
