New Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland: I felt unwanted at Manchester City

Aston Villa's new signing Stephen Ireland has admitted that he didn’t feel valued at former club Manchester City and believes that James Milner will have to fight for a regular starting position at Eastlands.

The Irish midfielder joined the midlands club as part of a deal that allowed Milner to be yet another addition to Manchester City this summer.

Ireland believes he got the better end of the deal after he revealed that Roberto Mancini didn’t give him a fair chance.

"I did feel unwanted at Manchester City” he told reporters.

"I was banging my head against a brick wall despite what I had done in training.

"I just went with the reserves, worked hard in the gym and kept as active as possible."

The City Player of the Season in 2009 added: "Without a shadow of doubt the situation I found myself in will happen a lot at Manchester City with all the high-profile players they have at the club.

"At Manchester City sitting on the bench I didn't feel part of the team. I was neither happy nor sad if we lost.

"I'm still young and hopefully Villa will get the best of me and I am now looking forward to the season."

"I can see why he wanted to go to Manchester City."

The 23-year-old midfielder thinks that Milner may struggle to become an established member of the City team but he admits he understands why he made the move.

"I can see why he wanted to go to Manchester Citym" he added.

"He can see the attraction of the move and the opportunity to become more established and become a superstar.

"But he faces a challenge of holding down a regular first-team place.

"I may have been forced out but I couldn't be more happy to be at Aston Villa.

"Richard Dunne is a good example of what can happen after leaving Manchester City to join Villa.

"A year on I can see how happy he is at Villa and I'm hoping that I will be as happy in a year's time.

"Richard was a huge part of Manchester City and it was a great shock to see him leave.

"It was as big a shock to him as everyone else but he could not have come to a better club as he proved with his performances last season.

"For me this is a positive, as this is exactly I want it to be."

Villa's caretaker manager Kevin MacDonald has already had experience working alongside the midfielder, during his stint as assistant coach to the then Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton.

MacDonald believes Ireland, who is due to make his first appearance against Newcastle on Sunday, is a positive addition to the squad.

"Stephen Ireland is a very talented player," he said.

"He is different from James Milner who is a power player.

"James has the drive to break the game up. He probably doesn't get into the box as much as Stephen Ireland. I think he glides across the pitch.

"I remember the first time I saw him training with the Republic of Ireland.

"I just thought I hadn't seen the kid before. He glides past people and rides tackles easily.

"His awareness of where his team-mates are on the pitch is fantastic and his choice on the weight of pass is one of his real plusses."

The Scotsman, who is still unsure whether his future as Aston Villa manager remains for the long term, is willing to wait for club owner Randy Lerner’s decision.

"It's been nice so far but I am a reasonably intelligent man that I would know whether to accept or decline the job.

"I have no problem with the timescale as Mr Lerner will be looking seriously at what he wants to do."

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirms move for Sevilla centre-back Sebastien Squillaci

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed his interest in Sevilla centre-back Sebastien Squillaci but has dampened rumours of an impending move.

Squillaci, 30, was pulled out of the Champions League play-off, first leg defeat to Braga this week to prevent him being cup-tied. The Spanish side soon announced they had rejected an offer for the France World Cup 2010 star worth about £4.5 million.

Wenger revealed he had made a bid for the ex-Monaco defender and was studying other options.

He said: "He is one of the players we look at.

"With central defenders we are short number-wise, so we look at him, but we are far from being close to signing him."

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Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder eager to welcome Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt to Inter

Inter midfielder Wesley Sneijder is keen to see Netherlands team-mate Dirk Kuyt signed up from Liverpool.

The 30-year-old is believed to be on the verge of a £13 million move to reunite with ex-manager Rafael Benitez at the San Siro. After Sneijder and Kuyt helped propel their nation to the World Cup 2010 final, the ex-Ajax and Real Madrid player was eager for them to join forces at club level.

Speaking to Corriere Dello Sport, he said: "With him it's like playing with 12 and not 11 players.

"Kuyt is always running for two and with the work that he does he's always vital, whether for the national team or Liverpool."

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Barcelona set to move for Liverpool's Javier Mascherano as Pep Guardiola seeks new additions

Barcelona are set to once again express their interest in luring Argentine midfielder Javier Mascherano to the Nou Camp, after coach Pep Guardiola stated his desire to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.

Guardiola, in a press conference earlier today, admitted that he would not rule out any new additions ahead of the closing of the transfer window, and according to television channel TV3, the club are looking to complete a deal for the Liverpool enforcer before the deadline on August 31.

Barcelona are in the hunt for a defensive midfielder following the departure of Yaya Toure to Manchester City, and the collapse of the proposed deal for Cesc Fabregas from Arsenal, with the 26-year-old Mascherano now their number one priority.

Mascherano has publicly stated his intention to leave Anfield to further his career, and following discussions with international colleague Lionel Messi, the player believes that Barcelona would fulfill his requirements.

Last week, Blaugrana sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta passed comment on Mascherano, insisting that the player does not feature in the clubs’ plans for the season, but they have also been linked with an offer of €15 million (£12.2m) plus Aleksander Hleb to land the former West Ham United and River Plate star.

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Milan turn down Bologna offer for Tottenham target Klaas-Jan Huntelaar

Italian powerhouse Milan have rejected an offer from fellow Serie A club Bologna for the services of striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, according to latest reports.

Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Bologna made a bid on Thursday for the former Real Madrid striker but Milan's director of sport Ariedo Braida turned it down. Apparently, the Felsinei wanted the Dutch international striker on loan for the 2010-11 season but the former Italian and European champions want to sell him outright for a sum between €10 million (£8.2m) and €12m (£9.8m).

Milan, who finished third in the Italian top flight last campaign, have expressed a willingness to offload the 27-year-old, who has struggled to fulfill his potential at the San Siro. Huntelaar had previously been linked with moves to Tottenham, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool but nothing concrete has emerged.

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Marseille president confirms Nice striker Loic Remy has heart problem after complications with medical

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier and club doctor Christophe Baudot have confirmed that the club have found a cardiac problem with Loic Remy.

The young striker was due to complete his move from Nice pending a medical, but the transfer ground to a shuddering halt earlier on Friday when the news broke that the press conference scheduled to announce his signing had been cancelled because of a hiccup in the tests on the player.

Rumours quickly spread that the France international had a cardiac defect, which was confirmed by the Ligue 1 champions on Friday afternoon.

“It's a mechanical problem,” club doctor Baudot explained via the club's official website. “On Monday, further investigations are programmed to be able to give clear answers to Loïc. He asked us to continue our investigations. He will not play until all doubts have been lifted.

“We’ve decided not to convene Loic Remy tomorrow [Saturday] because late last night a small problem occurred regarding his MRIs,” Dassier added. “The news this morning is reassuring, but we took this decision because what matters most is the health of player.”

It will therefore be next week that this issue is cleared up.

In recent years veteran players such as Lilian Thuram and Steve Savidan have been found to have heart defects, and both France internationals were forced to quit the game.

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Lyon star Michel Bastos insists he has had no contact with Real Madrid

Lyon star Michel Bastos has ensured his club that he has received no contact from Real Madrid regarding a proposed transfer, but added that the Spanish giants are a ‘great club’.

Bastos, who represented Brazil during this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, was today the subject of speculation linking him with a move to the Bernabeu, with Royston Drenthe plus €12 million (£9.8m) exchanging hands.

However, L’Equipe reports that although Bastos is flattered by the interest, he has not been informed of any bids from Jose Mourinho’s side.

He stated: “People are saying things right and left, I try not to pay too much attention and it does not bother me, the only thing I want is to return to action soon.

“I do not want to know anything about this story until there is something official, and I have acknowledged it. Real Madrid would be a great club for me but they have not made any offer, and no one has called the club.”

However, Bastos made sure that he left the door open for the Spanish giants to potentially swoop for his services, adding: “I know that the leaders of Real Madrid have said that their signings are over, but you never know.

“If I leave today, tomorrow, or next year it will be because the club believes it is a good deal for them and for me. Otherwise, I will stay.”

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Juventus in talks to sign Alberto Aquilani from Liverpool

Juventus are in talks with Liverpool to sign midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the player's agent.

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has earlier admitted that Aquilani, who was signed from Roma last summer, could be let go to Italy on loan for a year. Juventus have been looking to strengthen their midfield and it appears that are set to make a move for the Italian.

Aquilani's agent, Franco Zavaglia, says that although negotiations are underway, a deal is not yet in place for the Italian, contrary to reports.

“The negotiations between Juventus and Liverpool have not yet concluded. We are working on the details,” he told Sky Italia.

However, according to Il Corriere dello Sport, Aquilani is already a Juventus player. The report claims contracts have been signed and the Liverpool midfielder will move to the club on loan with an option to buy for €17 million (£13.9m).

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Real Madrid star Rafael van der Vaart admits it would be hard to turn down Manchester United

Rafael van der Vaart has admitted that the only club he can see himself leaving Real Madrid for is Manchester United.

United have reportedly made enquiries regarding the 27-year-old midfielder, and the Dutch international acknowledges that a switch to Old Trafford would be a logical step for him at this stage of his career.

“I could never play for another club in Spain and the truth is that if you are leaving Real Madrid, there is only one club you can join that is not a step down – and that’s Manchester United," he said, according to The Daily Express.

“They are a huge club and if the reported interest they have in me turns out to be true, then I would really have to sit down and listen.

“If Manchester United could offer me first-team football with the situation as it is at Madrid, it would be very hard to turn down. Alex Ferguson is a great coach and I would never think about joining a team where I didn’t believe I could win things, so all of a sudden that limits your choices.

“At Manchester United you know success is likely and that’s a big factor for me at this stage of my career."

And Van der Vaart seems to be eyeing the Premier League if he does not see much action on La Liga over the coming campaign.

He added: "If [Real boss] Jose Mourinho makes it clear I won’t play much, I see my future in English football."

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Chelsea target Neymar signs new deal with Brazilian club Santos

Teenage prodigy Neymar will stay in Santos and ignore a multi-million pound move to Chelsea, after the player and his representatives agreed a lucrative new contract with the Sao Paulo club.

The deal was confirmed on Thursday in a meeting held at the club headquarters, with Neymar, agent Wagner Ribeiro and the Santos President Luis Alvaro Oliveira the only parties present.

There the 18-year-old signed the new deal; lasting five years and earning the youngster a reportedly staggering £36 million.

Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro told reporters: "Football is not only driven by money. It's part of an entertainment industry, but also driven by passion. This decision proves that a 18-year-old boy can take a balanced attitude of a man that loves what he does."

The striker added: "It was a complicated and difficult decision. I'm staying at Santos and I'm very happy here and now I'm focused to win more titles.

"Money doesn't just bring us happiness."

The player's representative Ribeiro, earlier strongly in favour of a European move, praised the superhuman efforts of the Peixe to keep their brightest star in Brazil.

"The deal offered by Santos for Neymar is incredible. Viewed outside of Brazil, how it was arranged here with half the training and including all the assistance to the family. I've never seen anything like it", the agent affirmed.

The new agreement means that Chelsea and other European clubs will have to wait until the end of the 2011 Copa Libertadores if they wish to tempt Neymar once more.

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AC Milan Sign Kevin-Prince Boateng from Genoa

Italian giants AC Milan have announced the signing of midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng from Genoa on a season-long loan deal with an option to sign him on a permanent contract at the end of the 2010-11 campaign.

Boateng has joined Genoa from Portsmouth for a reported fee of around £5 million after his impressive performances for the Ghana at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Portsmouth chief executive David Lampitt was grateful to Boateng for his spell at Fratton Park and wished him well for the future.

He told the club's official website: "We wish Kevin all the best. He played an important role last season and we thank him for that."

On Tuesday, though, Grifone president Enrico Preziosi had made it clear that he was on the verge on farming out the player on loan to Milan and would be looking to make a profit on any future dealings involving the player.

The Rosseneri are struggling for funds to sign reinforcements and a loan signing is beneficial for the former Italian and European champions.

The 23-year-old central midfielder was an important player for Ghana at the World Cup in which the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals.

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Mesut Oezil has agreed to join Real Madrid either this summer or next, claims player's father

Mesut Oezil's father has confirmed a deal between Real Madrid and Werder Bremen, according to Turkish newspaper Hurriyet.

Mustafa Oezil declared that his son will be playing at the Bernabeu, either this season or next. The clubs are still negotiating over a fee to engineer a switch during the current transfer window, but if that breaks down the player has pledged to move to the club next summer when his current contract expires.

"We promised that if Bremen keep Mesut for now, next year year he will join a free," Mr. Oezil said.

He also confirmed a better offer was on the table for the Werder star from Inter, but the young playmaker decided to reject the offer in favour of Los Blancos.

"Mesut and I stayed at the chalet of Florentino Perez in Madrid, he invited us there and everything was resolved quickly. We were impressed by his willingness to help my child play for his club," said Oezil Senior.

He continued to say that Werder are reluctant to let their big stars leave this year but "our word is sacred."

Marca revealed that the deal between to the two parties was made shortly after the Bundesliga club had given the green light on a move to Inter, as on offer of almost €30m (£25m) had been tabled by the Italian giants.

"My son has always said that the only club he wanted to go to was Real Madrid."

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Inter interested in signing Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos

Inter are believed to be pondering a move to acquire the services of Tottenham Hotspur striker Giovani dos Santos.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport

reports that the European champions are monitoring the situation at White Hart Lane, following the cash influx they have received from the sale of young forward Mario Balotelli to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Dos Santos spent a portion of last season on loan with Galatasaray, having failed to break into the first-team at the north London club. Following an impressive World Cup showing with Mexico, Dos Santos started Spurs' Champions League qualifying first leg against Young Boys on Tuesday night.

It had recently been thought that the Barcelona youth product would be willing to consider a move away from his current club, if a concrete offer should be forthcoming from a club in the Serie A.

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Bebe youngster Manchaster United

Manchester United youngster Bebe wants to make a similar mark on Old Trafford history to that of his illustrious compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese joined the Red Devils from Vitoria Guimaraes in a deal worth £7 million last week.
Now he is seeking to make a glittering impression at Old Trafford after rising literally from the streets to sign for the English giants, having in the past played for a club in a league organised for homeless people.

"To come to a team like Manchester United is a dream come true for any player," the 20-year-old told reporters.
"The Portuguese factor at Old Trafford was a motivation for me.
"You have very big names like Cristiano Ronaldo who has played here and is a very big player now. Nani and Anderson are still at the club.
"I want to become like then and I will work hard to become a top quality player."

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Nemanja Vidic Signs New Contract With Manchaster United

Nemanja Vidic has signed a new four-year contract at Manchester United, drawing a line under speculation he could leave the club.
The 28-year-old centre-back was consistently linked with AC Milan and Real Madrid this summer.
But United chief executive David Gill revealed Vidic had agreed terms on a new long-term contract in July.
"This kills all the silly speculation over the past months," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Nemanja has developed into one of the best centre-halves in Europe and we are pleased he will be here for many years to come."
Vidic arrived from Spartak Moscow in January 2006, going on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League and, many observers argued, the world.

He won three successive league titles and his solid central partnership with England international Rio Ferdinand was considered one of the vital components of United's 2008 Champions League triumph.
"I came to this club when I was young and have developed enormously with the help of the manager, coaching staff and my team-mates," added Vidic.
"During my time here we have had a lot of success and I look forward to continuing that success in the coming seasons."
Reports early this year had suggested that he, and specifically his wife, Ana, were unhappy with life in the North West.
And that speculation again gathered momentum during a summer in which Vidic captained his country to group-stage elimination at the World Cup in South Africa.
Ferguson expects to be without knee-injury victim Ferdinand until the end of September so John O'Shea, Wes Brown and Chris Smalling will aim to partner Vidic in the centre of defence.

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