Credit where it's due

The Spanish goalador is sure to get much closer attention this season from Premier League opponents - but Keane's presence up front should ensure that a 'stop Torres, stop Liverpool' strategy does not become the simple mantra of Liverpool's opposition.

Bill Shankly once famously advised his number seven Kevin Keegan to just go out there and drop hand grenades all over the pitch. Rafa Benitez, as a student of the club's history, will likely offer similar advice to Keane. For the Liverpool supremo, the Irishman's 'game intelligence' was critical in his decision to bring him to Anfield and will be key in unshackling a more closely-policed Torres.

Funny stuff. As if clubs over the summer finally got around to looking at tape. "Hey, Liverpool seem to revolve around Torres. I sure wish we had realized that last season! This time we'll be ready."

Solano in Galaxy talks

Nolberto Solano could be set to link up with David Beckham at Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Peruvian winger's agent claims MLS side LA Galaxy are keen on signing the former Newcastle ace.

I don't know if I understand this move... I guess it would mean Becks moves infield permanently. But regardless, I'm a big fan of Nobby's and would love to see him stateside.

Last Tango in Paris

Injured Cristiano Ronaldo has been resting his crocked ankle - by going on a bender at an LA club.

The Manchester United striker, recovering from an ankle operation, splashed out more than £10,000 on wine, vodka and bottles of Cristal champagne after arriving at trendy nightclub Villa with two friends.

Ronaldo and his mates were met by the four models, who sat with him at a private table in one corner.

As the booze flowed, the 23-year-old got into the party spirit. He even threw his crutches to the ground and tried to dance on his uninjured foot - although it turned into more of an ungainly shuffle. So he ripped open his white shirt instead - as the models squealed with delight.

The Portuguese star has angered Man Utd fans by angling for a transfer to Real Madrid. But at Villa he was tapped up by one of the world's most famous clubbers, Paris Hilton.

Pouting Paris pushed her way through a bevy of admirers to flirt with him. But Ronaldo, who split with girlfriend Nereida Gallardo earlier this week, gave her the brush off. One clubber said: "Paris saw Ronaldo and immediately slithered past the dozens of women trying to get his attention.

"Then she climbed over one of his mates and planted herself next to him. She was flirting with him but he wasn't interested. He was just happy drinking. She looked a bit put out."

First good decision he's made all summer, right?



Well, give him credit for at least making a decision.

Cristiano Ronaldo's 42 Goal Season

... and here are all of them.

Wow. Just, wow.

Barry to BFAY

Does Barry's imminent departure mean more fantasy return from Blog Favorite Ashley Young this season? Just thinking that the corners and free kicks that Barry would have taken last season will now come to BFAY. And with BFAY listed as a midfielder this season in the Yahoo!UK game instead of at forward... well, he may be real value for money.

Premier League trio called up to Brazil Olympic side

Premier League trio Anderson, Lucas and Jo have all been named in Brazil's 18-man Olympic squad.

All three - of Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City - are named as regular Under-23 players and therefore clubs cannot refuse to release them.

Something to keep in mind when the season starts as these players won't have been with their teams in pre-season. That will be especially detrimental to Jo, whose side can least afford to be without him for any length of time.

Chelsea make 'massive' Kaka offer

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani says Chelsea have made an "astronomical" bid for Brazilian Kaka.

The Blues have long been linked with a move for 26-year-old World Player of the Year and their boss is now ex-Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Galliani told Italian newspaper La Stampa: "We received an astronomical offer from Chelsea for Kaka."

Galliani also revealed the club have had interest in 29-year-old Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.

One gets the feeling that Chelsea are once again going to be linked to a lot of players over the next month. Most of it will be bunk, but it sure makes for a fun summer. There's a version of the home game coming out soon... "How to accommodate Lampard/Ballack, Makalele/Mikel, Pirlo/Deco, etc, into the same midfield."

And if Ronaldinho is really going to Milan... maybe not all of it is bunk.

And needless to say, this would be about as +10 as you can get.

Update: The inevitable denial. Deal should be as good as done then.

Our long national nightmare is over

AFP/Getty Images

Turkish champions Galatasaray have announced the signing of former Liverpool attacker Harry Kewell on a three-year contract.

Kewell had been available on a free transfer after not being offered a new deal at Anfield following five injury-plagued seasons with the club.

Portsmouth had been linked with a bid to keep the Australian in the Premier League, while Roma had been tipped to sign the 29-year-old.

Ronaldo Set for Surgery

AFP/Getty Images

Sky Sports News understands that Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo is to undergo surgery on his ankle injury in the next two to three days.

United representatives met with Ronaldo and members of Portugal's medical staff on Wednesday to discuss the necessary course of action for the winger's injured right ankle.

Portugal's team doctor has told Sky Sports News that Ronaldo is expected to go under the knife at the weekend.

But United claim a decision is still to be reached as to whether Ronaldo requires an operation, and issued a statement on their official website.

It read: "Procedures are in place to seek specialist advice, in order to finalise the treatment plan as soon as possible."...

Surgery would see Ronaldo sidelined for pre-season, but United will hope their star player is still at Old Trafford and is fit in time for their first game of the 2008/09 campaign, at home to Newcastle on 16th August.

If I were him, I think I'd be doing anything I could to convalesce at home with Nereida Gallardo too. Indeed this post isn't much more than a flimsy excuse to link to photos of her, and perhaps kick off a new WAG category.

End of an almost era

Never did get to enjoy the "Isaksson for a buck" era to which I was so looking forward. First Casper and then Joe Hart kept the gloves for Citeh. And for whatever reason (matchups, most likely) I always ended up with PRobbo for a buck. And that never worked out well. So good luck to Isaksson as, in ironic fashion, he goes to PSV to replace Gomes who has gone to Spurs to replace Probbo.

History Repeating Itself?

Presuming the rumor below is true, there are two things we can guess about Chelsea next term...

1) They're going to be a lot more fun to watch; and

2) There is a good chance that they're going to fall prey to the same thing that brought down "Don't Call Me Big" Phil's last team Portugal, namely that they won't be big enough to win out against larger, more aggressive teams (like the kind that are generally found in the top half of the Premier League table). Deco in (small); Robinho in (small); Drogba out (big).

Don't be shocked if this edition of Chelsea ends up short of expectations just like the last one unless they find some size other than Ballack and Terry.

ESPNsoccernet - Europe - Chelsea in Robinho negotiations, claims agent

New coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who began his Chelsea job today, has already signed Portugal international Deco from Barcelona and there are increasing signs that Robinho could be the next arrival.

Round-up

Nothing in the +10 range, but...

• Barton spared more jail - He'll still miss the early season, so nothing here.


• Pompey take Sahar on loan


• Wigan seal De Ridder deal - If this move is half as successful as Bruce's picking BRM's pocket for Palacios, it will be a good deal indeed. However De Ridder didn't show much at BRM when he was given the chances that Palacios never had.


• Huddlestone signs new deal - Good news for THud, who could have been a blog favorite had he gotten more regular playing time in midfield while continuing to be listed as a defender. Alas neither happened.


• Bischoff Set For Gunners - The new Flamini?

Viva Espana

AFP/Getty Images

Congratulations and felicidades to Spain on their Euro2008 title. They are deserved winners in all categories - goals scored, allowed, time of possession, shots, shots on, and most importantly, they won their games.

Special mention for Marcos Senna, pictured on the left above. His play in the "Makalele Role" was the key to Spain's entire game and the newly emerging meme of the "Senna Role" is telling. He was the screen in front of a good, but not great defence. He broke up more opponent's attacks than I can remember. And just as importantly his passing out of defence was the platform for Spain's rightly praised midfield to shine.

Final kudos to Torres and Fabregas who carried their Premier League form into the tournament. Despite issues of Torres' not be free-scoring, and Cesc not starting, both made important contributions to the final match and indeed throughout the tournament.