Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Ajax striker Luis Suarez has snubbed interest from Chelsea and Manchester City and given Manchester United and Arsenal the green light to launch a £30m summer move for him. (Daily Star)
Arsenal have also been put on alert after the agent of Lazio striker Mauro Zarate claimed he could walk out of the Italian club.(Daily Mail) 
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is keen on Fiorentina full-back Juan Manuel Vargas. (Daily Star)
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is refusing to commit his long-term future to the club.(The Sun) 
Meanwhile, Hammers midfielder Valon Behrami is an £8m summer target for Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart. (The Sun)  
Stoke are chasing Wigan midfielder Paul Scharner, who looks set to leave the DW Stadium on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.(Daily Mirror) 
Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj said he would be "very interested" in joining Barcelona after the reigning European champions renewed their interest in the Algerian.(The Sun) 
Highly-rated Crystal Palace right-back Nathaniel Clyne has revealed he turned down a deadline-day move to Wolves because he did not want to sit on the bench at the Premier League club. (Daily Express) 
Reading goalkeeper Adam Federici is a £2m target for Tottenham.(The Sun) 

OTHER GOSSIP

Portsmouth could have a fifth owner this season after Hong Kong-based investment company Endeavor Plan viewed documents relating to the club's financial position and informed Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie of its interest in buying out current owner Balram Chainrai.(The Guardian) 
The south coast club's plea to allow them to sell players outside the transfer window has fallen on deaf ears at Fifa.(Daily Telegraph) 
Pompey are clear to sell their players under a little-known 'club in crisis' rule but, in the process, they will be hit with a nine-point penalty by the Premier League.(Daily Mirror) 
But the cash-strapped Fratton Park outfit have been offered a loan of £10m from West Ham co-owner David Gold offered to prevent them from going bust.(The Sun) 
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was involved in a heated exchange with Craig Bellamy after the Welsh striker refused to train on Thursday with one of the Italian's staff.(The Sun) 
Mancini is facing dressing-room unrest among City players over his training ground methods.(Daily Telegraph) 
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is set to commit his long-term future to the club by signing a new deal.(The Guardian) 
Sir Alex Ferguson says AC Milan made a tactical error by playing David Beckham in the centre of midfield against Manchester United in his team's Champions League victory.(The Guardian) 
United supporters angry at the ownership regime of the Glazer family have brought their 'green and gold' protest to the driveway of Old Trafford chief executive David Gill, attaching a banner to the gates of his home.(Daily Mail) 
England boss Fabio Capello will name defenders Wayne Bridge and John Terry in the squad for the friendly against Egypt on 3 March. Terry is alleged to have had an affair with Bridge's former partner but Capello has warned both defenders not to bring any personal tensions with them.(The Times) 
Nigeria are preparing to snatch Wigan's new striker Victor Moses from under the nose of Capello with the lure of a place in their World Cup squad this summer.(Daily Mail) 
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is backing under-fire referee Martin Hansson, criticised for giving the free-kick that led to Porto's winner against Arsenal in the Champions League on Wednesday.(The Times) 

AND FINALLY

Manchester United defender Jonny Evans should watch where he sits in the changing room after manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted giving him the hairdryer treatment in the match against AC Milan because "he was the nearest defender to me". Sir Alex said: "Our whole back four were going to get it, but he's unfortunate."(Daily Mail) 
Stoke midfielder Diego Arismendi has been accused of driving a neighbour crazy by playing football in his flat at all hours of the night. Plastic surgeon Dr Muhammad Khan, who lives above the Uruguayan, said the player's rowdy antics were forcing him out of his home.(The Sun) 
Armed raiders have stolen 50,000 new-design England away shirts worth £2m from a lorry.(Daily Mirror)
www.bbc.co.uk

Northern Ireland 0-1 Serbia

A classy goal from PSV Eindhoven striker Danko Lazovic was enough to give Serbia victory in Saturday's friendly at Windsor Park.
Lazovic drilled in a low shot to cap a neat move in the 57th minute. 
Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Zoran Tosic had first-half efforts well saved by home goalkeeper Maik Taylor. 
In the second half Northern Ireland had chances to take the lead but Kyle Lafferty missed out in front of goal and Chris Brunt put a low shot wide. 
Defender Stephen Craigan then tried for his first international goal but saw his header saved by keeper Bojan Isailovic. 
The result means Northern Ireland have won just twice in their last 20 friendlies. 
Having lost their last home game to Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier, Nigel Worthington's men were keen to produce a good display. 
Keeper Taylor had to be alert in the ninth minute to tip over a shot from Zdravko Kuzmanovic. 
Niall McGinn then cut inside and tried his luck on goal but his shot was deflected for a corner by Aleksander Lukovic who could easily have scored an own goal. 
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans did not come out for the second half because of a calf injury. 
His club colleague Nemanja Vidic also sat out the second half. 
Northern Ireland should have taken the lead in the 49th minute after good work by McGinn but Brunt sent his shot wide of the far post with his less-favoured right foot. 
Serbia took the lead in the 57th minute with a quality score. 
Lazovic fired past Taylor from the edge of the box after a great dummy from Gojko Kacar set him up following Tosic's cross. 
However Northern Ireland threatened an equaliser six minutes later but Isailovic made a good block to keep out Craigan's header. 
David Healy, relegated to the bench, came on in the 64th minute and soon scuffed a shooting chance wide of the mark. 
The out-of-touch Sunderland striker had a great chance late on but curled his shot just wide from the edge of the area. 
Northern Ireland: Taylor, Evans, Hughes, Craigan, McCartney, McGinn, Davis, Baird, Brunt, Feeney, Lafferty.
Subs: Tuffey, McCann, McGivern, Healy, McCourt, Kirk, O'Connor.
Serbia: Isailovic, Rukavina, Vidic, Lukovic, Kolarov, Milijas, Kuzmanovic, Petrovic, Tosic, Jovanovic, Lazovic.
Subs: Stojkovic, Kacar, Ivanovic, Lekic, Tomovic, Vukovic, Krasic, Ninkovic, Zigic, Subotic.
Referee: Albert Toussaint (Luxembourg)

Northern Ireland - Serbia

Northern Ireland will miss another big competition. And while in previous campaign as underdogs were very close, this qualifiers entered with bigger ambitions but reached only fourth place in group. They gain English style of play characterized with fighting spirit, national coach has a decent squad, but simply lack in quality when they face some of the best European teams (if we can say so for Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic or Poland). Two best players are young Man.Utd. star Jonny Evans and Sunderland’s striker David Healy. Healy didn’t repeat the performances from campaign for EURO when he was the best European goal scorer and probably because the lack of first team play at Stadium of Light scored only one goal in ten group games. Small amount of goals also was the main reason for recent national team failure as they didn’t score in two last and decisive games (Slovakia 0-2 at home and Czech Republic 0-0 away). However, coach Nigel Worthington has called the best available players. Only missings will be Coventry midfielder Sammy Clingan and striker from Burnley Martin Paterson. Northern Ireland never lack in motivation and I expect their decent display.

 

Serbia passed very strong group consisted of France, Romania, Austria, Lithuania and Faroe Islands. With seven wins and 22 points on the balance, booked the ticket for the final countdown in South Africa and left France short handed. New national team coach, Radomir Antic has brought collective play and fighting spirit that were never characteristics of Serbia’s games. With excellent tactical leadership and squad based on Vidic and Ivanovic in defense line, Stankovic, Krasic and Jovanovic in midfield and Zigic and Pantelic in attack, team surprised announced group favorites France, Romania and whole European audience reaching the first place in group. Second of two defeats (first was in Paris 1-2), Serbia faced in last round in Lithuania 1-2. Cold weather and freezing rain in Vilnius, extremely bad pitch and two penalty kicks for the opponent were the main reasons for defeat that took off the celebration smiles. So, Serbs traveled to Belfast with intention to return a good mood. Antic can not count on key midfielder Dejan Stankovic, regular striker Marko Pantelic and defender from the bench Ivica Dragutinovic. He’ll mix the cards and try some tactical solutions, but anyway team that will start the game at Windsor Park will be more than competitive.

 

Northern Ireland have a decent squad, but will face the stronger opponent than they used to play against. Although they’ll play at home and will have fans’ support, clear advantage is on visitors’ side. Serbia  will be very serious, friendly games are important for self confidence and I expect their attacking attitude and win. Probably without a goal conceded. Best odd is at Betfair, 2.35. Away win.

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Friday's gossip column

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is keen to swoop for former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari from Inter Milan, using Jermaine Jenas as bait to lure the Ghana international. (The Sun)
Meanwhile, Redknapp has been told only a cash bid will persuade French club Le Harve to part with midfielder Kevin Anin. (The Sun)  
Birmingham are tracking Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara as an alternative should their £2.5m move for Sporting Gijon's Michel fall through. (Daily Mail)
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is considering a move for Feyenoord's Canadian-born Dutch midfielder Jonathan de Guzman, on the recommendation of Chelsea's sporting director, Frank Arnesen. (The Guardian)
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has inquired about the services of Hull centre-back Michael Turner, while Ghana defender John Mensah will arrive at the Stadium of Light on a season-long loan from French club Lyon. (Guardian)
Bruce will offer Nyron Nosworthy and Daryl Murphy plus £6m to land the £12m-rated Turner. (The Sun)
Meanwhile, Bruce is planning another raid on former club Wigan with a £5m bid for left-back Maynor Figueroa. (Daily Mail)
Alan Shearer wants Cardiff's £6m-rated striker Michael Chopra to mark his return as Newcastle boss as part of businessman Barry Moat's takeover at St James's Park. (Daily Star)
The Magpies are discussing a deal for Tottenham left-back Gareth Bale on a season-long loan, but the Championship side are only prepared to pay a small percentage of the left-back's wages. (Guardian)
Middlesbrough have rejected a £6m bid from Everton for centre-back David Wheater. (Daily Mail)
Toffees boss David Moyes also wants Atletico Madrid's Netherlands international defender Johnny Hettinga, as well as Celtic midfielder Scott Brown. Moyes is also keen to take Tottenham midfielder David Bentley on loan. (The Times)
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hunting Kosice's £2m-rated Slovakian striker Jan Novak. (Daily Mirror)
Stoke boss Tonly Pulis is set to continue his spending spree after tabling a £2.5m bid for Sunderland defender Danny Collins. (The Sun)
The Potters also had a £10m offer for Trinidad and Tobago striker Kenwyn Jones reject by Sunderland. (Daily Mail)
Hull manager Phil Brown is eyeing a move for Poland international right-back Marcin Wasilewski from Belgian club Anderlecht. (The Sun)
Portsmouth's new owner Sulaiman al-Fahim could fund a minor spending spree with the acquisition of Ivory Coast striker Aruna Dindane for £4m from Lens, while bids have been placed for Watford defender Mike Williamson and Vitoria de Guimaraes' Nuno Assis. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

However, Al-Fahim's deal to buy Portsmouth has yet to be signed off by the Premier League. (Guardian)
Manchester United defender Jonny Evans is set to undergo ankle surgery - but only after playing for Northern Ireland against Poland and Slovakia in early September. (Daily Mirror) 

AND FINALLY

Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has defended his decision to turn down a move for Wilson Palacios in 2007 - even after Spurs paid Wigan £12m for the Honduras international. "I saw Wilson play in a Birmingham Cup game against Banbury and he looked OK, nothing more than that." (Daily Mail)

Barcelona – Manchester United

The final game is in front. Barca, formally host, had an excellent season in Spain, wining both titles, league and cup. Their superiority was visible in Madrid where they humiliated an arch rivals, scoring six times! Fans were suspicious when Frank Riijkard was substituted with a coach of younger selections at the club. But, Guardiola got rid of Deco and Ronaldinho (biggest stars from previous season) and made a squad younger. Attacking performance (scored 30 goals in 12 CL games, btw.) deserved admiration of whole football Europe. Wining an European title would be a crown of excellent season. But, won’t be easy. First reason is the opponent. Since beating Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final, they have played eight European matches against English opposition and won just once. Big problem is when someone cut their passing play. Whatever Spanish side says, admitting, or not, they were outplayed in semi-final. If referee allows tough game from the start with many fouls and challenges, they’ll be in a big trouble. Eto’o, Messi and Henry can’t get a ball, midfield already has a player less (formation 4-3-3) and defense is fighting against the storm. Here we come to the second big problem. Three very important players won’t play. Abidal and Dani Alves are suspended, while Marquez and Milito are injured. It means Puyol and Silvinho will be on the sides, Toure and Pique as the center backs. But, that’s not all, Henry and Iniesta have injury problems. They’re expected to play, but the question is, are they fully fit. 


United take on Barcelona on with the aim of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League title and to join the clubs who did it in the previous format of competition (1956-60 Real Madrid, 1961-62 Benfica, 1964-65 Inter Milan, 1971-73 Ajax, 1974-76 Bayern, 1977-78 Liverpool, 1979-80 Nottingham Forest FC). Sir Alex Ferguson and lads are superior in England, wining the Premier League again and easily. There are some opinions this team is the best in United’s history. In the previous CL round, they passed Porto and humiliated Arsenal. Tonight, their opponent will be much harder, one of the best European teams. Sir Alex knows what is the weakest link in Barca’s machine and will try to use their wounded defense line. He has no worries about missings, just suspended Fletcher (will be substituted by Park more likely than Anderson). But, the real secret is condition of Rio Ferdinand’s injury. He says he is “fine”, but he has been out for three weeks with a calf injury. If he’s not fully fit, there will be two possible problems. First, half-injured Rio will have a task to stop the best strikers in Europe. Second, if Jonny Evans will substitute him (in this case, over is very possible). It is very important for them what criteria referee will establish from the start. Will he allow tough challenges, or will cut the play for easy touching. 

I give a clear advantage to United. My reasons are nearly similar like in semi-final. 1.English style of play against Spanish, 2. Ferguson against Guardiola, 3. Barca's defense. Simply, Man.Utd. is stronger. But, at the same time, two reasons for limiting the stake. First, won’t say a big wisdom, but this is final and everything is possible, as always. Second, again unknown referee. Ovrebo didn’t see Pique handed the ball from two meters distance. Won’t write about the things outside the football, but really hope Swiss Massimo Busacca will be on the game level. Expekt offers 2.70. United to win and Rooney to score.  

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