welcome to gurusmac: June 2013

4:46 PM WAT

7/5/13

MKHITARYAN RUMOUR

Thanks in full to our dedicated Transfer Talk section, here's the latest rumour regarding Liverpool's pursuit of Henrikh Mkhitaryan:

Sky are reporting that Borussia Dortmund have agreed a fee for the Armenian midfielder, putting the Reds' chances of signing the talented youngster in serious doubt.

4:41 PM WAT

7/5/13

So today's two big announcements see Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney both seemingly staying at their current clubs. How boring?

Or are you, rather, pleased to hear that both Manchester United and Real Madrid's star men will be staying put?

4:37 PM WAT

7/5/13

Back to Rooney, meanwhile, and here are some of your views on Facebook:

John Chibueze says: 'Rooney is a very good player and he will make a serious impact at Manchester United this season.'

But, in fact... I'm going to stop there. Plenty of the other comments were short and sweet and not really long enough to repeat.

The jist of them was: 'This isn't good news - we don't want Rooney to stay.' Divisive...

Here's our story on Moyes' quotes about Rooney in full: England striker will stay at Old Trafford.

4:32 PM WAT

7/5/13

And another transfer update, this time regarding Chelsea:

Gael Kakuta will be spending next season on loan with Vitesse again, the Dutch club have confirmed.

Will the Frenchman ever fit into first-team plans at Stamford Bridge?

4:30 PM WAT

7/5/13

Meanwhile, a quick detour to Gus Poyet's earlier comments on Thiago being better off staying at Barcelona.

Here's the view of one of our readers on Twitter, Kayode Olawoyin:

'Poyet? An established MUFC hater. His opinion where Manchester United is involved can never be objective. His comments on the Evra/Suarez saga?'

4:24 PM WAT

7/5/13

Here is some early Twitter reaction to the wise words of David Moyes:

Sunny Eze ‏tweets: 'Moyes is not a show-stopper. All I want to hear in the press conference is just about Rooney!'

It seems you've got your wish, good sir!

Meanwhile, Kelly A Agbonze says: 'Do not worry sir, you have Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville there to guide you through.'

Will we finally see the return of the Jedi?

4:17 PM WAT

7/5/13

What are our thoughts on David Moyes' confidence in keeping Wayne Rooney, then?

Is it just rhetoric or will the former Everton boss - who has worked with Rooney before - make the England striker central to his plans at Manchester United?

Let us know your thoughts!

4:09 PM WAT

7/5/13

For more from David Moyes' conference, visit our other LIVE Blog, which is dedicated solely to the event: Moyes' first press conference LIVE.

4:07 PM WAT

7/5/13

BIG ROONEY NEWS

David Moyes says he has spoken to Wayne Rooney and that he will remain a Manchester United player.

Moyes said in his first press conference as United boss: "Wayne's not for sale. He's a Man United player and will remain a Man United player.

"It's interesting to think that Wayne is only 50 goal behind Sir Bobby Charlton. I see a glint in his eye. He looks happy, he looks like he will knuckle down and get himself right."

More to follow...

4:05 PM WAT

7/5/13

Veysey concludes on Twitter:

'When fee is agreed by Arsenal & Real Madrid, Higuain will be given the green light to fly over and undergo his medical.'

3:58 PM WAT

7/5/13

HIGUAIN UPDATE

Goal's very own Chief Correspondent Wayne Veysey has this update on Gonzalo Higauin:

'Higuain: Arsenal & Real Madrid still haggling over fee & structure of payments. Not far off a deal, though. Medical unlikely to be today.'

It looks close, Gunners fans. How happy will you all be once the deal is finally concluded? Get in touch!

3:48 PM WAT

7/5/13

ARSENAL "NEWS"

New Gunners signing Yaya Sanogo will wear the number 22 on his shirt. Yep, we are just as thrilled as you are about this one *yawn*.

3:46 PM WAT

7/5/13

Some more reaction to Tottenham's imminent Paulinho signing, now:

Oh Ming Xiang on Facebook: 'We still need five players to complete the squad.. the top strikers(If Adebayor leaves) a left back and a replacement for William Gallas..'

Will Spurs have to sell to fund such acquisitions, though?

Meanwhile, Mike Michael - also on Facebook - says: 'Let's hope it's a start of things to come, we still need another four players.'

Same question again... And will you be able to keep Gareth Bale?

3:36 PM WAT

7/5/13

CONFIRMED

Marc-Antoine Fortune has become Wigan Athletic's sixth summer signing, agreeing a two-year deal with the club after leaving West Brom.

3:34 PM WAT

7/5/13

THIAGO NEWS

Many of you - especially the Manchester United fans - have been publicly urging Thiago Alcantara to make the move to Old Trafford.

However, former Brighton manager Gus Poyet thinks he would be better off staying at Barcelona. Do you agree?

Poyet: Thiago capable of making history at Barca.

3:28 PM WAT

7/5/13

ITALY UPDATE

Meanwhile, Verona have announced the signing of 36-year-old Fiorentina striker Luca Toni.

Verona sign veteran Toni.

3:26 PM WAT

7/5/13

SWANSEA NEWS

Luke Moore is set to leave Swansea after being left out of the Welsh club's pre-season trip.

Moore set for Swansea exit.

3:21 PM WAT

7/5/13

PORTUGAL UPDATE

Benfica manager Jorge Jesus has made it abundantly clear he would welcome Real Madrid defender Fabio Coentrao back with open arms.

Read the full story here: I would like Coentrao to return - Jorge Jesus.

Would such a move would benefit the full-back?

3:20 PM WAT

7/5/13

And our other big news of the day, soon to be gazumped by the news lines coming out of David Moyes' first presser in charge of Manchester United, is our story on Paulinho, the Brazil midfielder who is set to join Tottenham in the next 24 hours.

3:12 PM WAT

7/5/13

Just in case you missed the headline news from earlier - I'm sure you didn't though - Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain will battle Chelsea in the race to secure Daniele De Rossi's signature.

Hat-tip to Wayne Veysey, for that story.

2:39 PM WAT

7/5/13

2) The Daily Star are reporting that Napoli will outbid Chelsea in order to land Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic. The Serie A side will sell Edinson Cavani to PSG, using the funds from the sale to capture the Montenegro striker.

A bit of revenge for Rafa Benitez?

2:36 PM WAT

7/5/13

LET'S TALK RUMOURS

Right, it's that time again - the time you've all no doubt been waiting for: rumour time!

Here are our latest two additions to Goal's Transfer Talk section:

1) Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has personally assured Marco van Ginkel that he will be guaranteed first-team football next season, according to The Guardian.

2:33 PM WAT

7/5/13

SOMEONE'S HAPPY

Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal says he is the "happiest man in the world" after re-signing for Real Madrid just 12 months after leaving for Bayer Leverkusen.

"Thank you to the president, the fans and the club," Carvajal told reporters at a press conference. "I fought for a dream that today becomes reality.

"Today I'm the happiest person in the world. I will give my all for this club."

Carvajal delighted to be back in Madrid.

2:29 PM WAT

7/5/13

DONE DEAL

Ajax have signed Mike van der Hoorn from Utrecht for an undisclosed fee. Do you think the 20-year-old will thrive in Amsterdam?

2:23 PM WAT

7/5/13

Here's some more reaction in on Paulinho's move to Tottenham:

Brian James Holden on Facebook: 'Big mistake. I watched him during the Confederations Cup, he did nothing special for me, nothing the midfielders we have noe can't already do. So, a waste of money.

But Jussi Selkee disagrees: 'Very welcome signing! Now Adebayor off, Benteke and one other striker in, new left back and Spurs is full of iron! COYS!'

2:13 PM WAT

7/5/13

Goal.com revealed last month that Liverpool were set to embark on a summer splurge in the transfer market but, having secured two of the four players mooted to add to the signings of Iago Aspas and Kolo Toure, skipper Steven Gerrard now believes some of the younger players must step up and make themselves counted for in the new season.

2:05 PM WAT

7/5/13

A reminder that, for all things Moyes, Goal.com is the place to be this afternoon.

We have every base covered, from Thiago to Wayne Rooney's future at the club. The Scot's press conference will commence at 4pm so stay tuned for all the news here.

1:58 PM WAT

7/5/13

Gomis was quoted earlier as saying: "I want to choose but without constraint, even if I have been offered better conditions than in Lyon," in an interview with French publication L'Equipe.

Here's our story on Gomis, which naturally poses the question: Bony, or Gomis?

1:52 PM WAT

7/5/13

Swansea seem to be really going for it this window, Lyon claim the Welsh outfit have lodged a bid for out-of-favour frontman Bafetimbi Gomis, while Nacer Chadli is reportedly in the club's sights.

We want to hear from you Swans fans. Your club may have already reached the dizzying heights of Europa League football but is the club's approach to the transfer market a chance to gatecrash the top six or seven?

1:44 PM WAT

7/5/13

One deal that would appear to be becoming something of a saga in this transfer window is Swansea's move for Vitesse Arnhem forward Wilfried Bony.

The Ivorian is in demand after a stunning season in front of goal and his price tag is naturally reflecting that, much to the Swans chairman Huw Jenkins' frustration.

1:36 PM WAT

7/5/13

On the subject of Moyes, Goal.com used some of the questions you asked us using #AskMoyes to explore and assess each of the talking points the newly-appointed United manager will be expected to answer.

1:28 PM WAT

7/5/13

All the talk may be about David Moyes' first official press conference as Manchester United manager this afternoon but the bad news for United fans is a certain Cristiano Ronaldo (remember him?!) has revealed he will not be returning to the club anytime soon.

Instead, Ronaldo has pledged his future to Real Madrid.

Get in touch via Twitter and Facebook on this one, is the Portuguese right to continue his career at Real?

1:20 PM WAT

7/5/13

We can often get caught up in all the transfer talk flying about during the summer. Well, here's something to lighten the mood just a touch.

Xherdan Shaqiri will be hoping to make more of an impact at Bayern Munich next season but he has already honed his beatboxing skills to dazzle his fellow team-mates.

Enjoy!

1:12 PM WAT

7/5/13

If you missed our story from roughly an hour ago, here it is for you once more. Listen up Tottenham fans, Brazilian midfielder Paulinho will be joining the club in the next 24 hours, as he undergoes medical tests. Excited?!

1:04 PM WAT

7/5/13

Our transfer story on Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain joining Chelsea in the race to sign Roma ace Daniele De Rossi is today's number one Editor's Pick!

Madrid & PSG join race for De Rossi.

12:54 PM WAT

7/5/13

ITALY NEWS

AC Milan have confirmed that Sampdoria midfielder Andrea Poli is undergoing a medical with the club and is expected to complete his move to Milan today.

Full story here: Poli undergoes Milan medical.

12:49 PM WAT

7/5/13

Here's a separate thought from one of our fans on Twitter, meanwhile...

Donald Earl says: 'Goodness me; Edinson Cavani, Falcao and Zlatan Ibrahimovic might all be in the French league at the same time!!! Ah well we've got Romelu Lukaku and Arouna Kone.'

Exactly! Who needs Zlatan and co? We've definitely got the better end of the deal. Right guys... Guys?

12:43 PM WAT

7/5/13

As I've already said, your responses have been absolutely fantastic so far today and throughout the transfer window as a whole.

It seems many of you think Tottenham's hopes of a top four finish are not only pinned on new recruits such as Paulinho, but keeping this man - Gareth Bale:

12:39 PM WAT

7/5/13

And a final batch for now:

Young Ojury tweets: 'Paulinho, with one or two marquee signings would certainly propel Tottenham ahead of the Gunners.'

Andreipo Grobkreutz, meanwhile, says: 'I don't think they will finish in the top four, because what they need is a defender, not a midfielder.'

And Tony Jason ‏tweets: 'One player doesn't make a team. I feel Paulinho won't propel Tottenham Hotspur to the top 4 of the #EPL.'

12:37 PM WAT

7/5/13

Some absolute stunners of tweets coming in, keep them coming!

Patrick Anyaene Jnr: 'Yes [Tottenham can now make the top four] but if Gareth Bale stays.'

Oluwa@deji: 'I think Paulinho will end up bad at Spurs but he is a very good player.'

James W Daly: 'It is dependant on the acquisition of a striker and whether Bale is definitely staying.'

12:31 PM WAT

7/5/13

The reaction continues...

Craig Wearne tweets: 'No [Tottenham cannot make the top four] because there will still be four teams better than them and strengthening an area where they already have good players won't help.'

Eoghan Mullan ‏on Twitter: 'Many think it's a striker we need. We conceded most goals of a top 6 team. Covering the defence with solid midfielders is a must!'

12:29 PM WAT

7/5/13

Here are the earliest of your thoughts on whether Paulinho joining Tottenham will help them break into the top four...

Jordan_THFC on Twitter: 'Need to sign a couple of strikers before It will be answered! it will help us massively! 3 across midfield - Paulinho, Sandro & Mousa Dembele.'

And Passenal ‏ agrees, tweeting: 'Still a few top quality players light. Especially need a 20 a season CF.'

12:19 PM WAT

7/5/13

Goal revealed in June that Tottenham had agreed a £17m fee with Corinthians and now the Brazil midfielder is undergoing his medical at White Hart Lane.

Read Greg Stobart's full story on the pending transfer: Tottenham set to announce Paulinho signing within next 24 hours.

12:15 PM WAT

7/5/13

TOTTENHAM NEWS

Even bigger news, now - it's all starting to kick-off! Tottenham are set to announce the signing of Brazil midfielder Paulinho within the next 24 hours.

12:10 PM WAT

7/5/13

Here's a gem from one of our fans on Twitter about Gonzalo Higuain, in the mean time:

I.Am.Emmanuel ‏says: 'Even if #Higuain is on a camel from Spain, surely he should be pretty close to north London by now. #afc.'

You would think so...

12:08 PM WAT

7/5/13

Wayne Veysey: 'New Roma manager Rudi Garcia wants to keep De Rossi, but he turns 30 later in July and will be allowed to leave the Giallorossi for around £15 million after a troubled 2012-13 season in which he lost his regular starting place in the heart of the midfield.'

Full story here - you won't want to miss this one: Madrid & PSG rival Chelsea in De Rossi pursuit.

12:05 PM WAT

7/5/13

CHELSEA, PSG AND REAL MADRID NEWS

At midday, we've got a big, big transfer story for you courtesy of our Chief Correspondent Wayne Veysey.

Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are set to rival Chelsea for the signature of Daniele De Rossi, Goal understands.

12:02 PM WAT

7/5/13

It looks like the Frenchman is keen to create discussion wherever he goes! Can West Brom really make it into Europe next season? They did enjoy their best ever finish last season...

Any success will surely be dependant on Anelka & co. being able to replace the goals scored last term by this man:

11:55 AM WAT

7/5/13

MORE ON ANELKA

Nicolas Anelka is targeting a place in Europe with new club West Brom!

Full story here: Anelka targets Europa with Baggies.

11:45 AM WAT

7/5/13

ITALY UPDATE

With there previously being talk of Stephan El Shaarawy leaving AC Milan, striker Giampaolo Pazzini has expressed his delight at the club's decision to keep the young Italy striker.

"I never had any doubts that El Shaarawy would stay at Milan," Pazzini told the club's official website.

"He is still young. It is true that he has suffered in certain situations, but he will learn how to deal with that. He has a lot of quality and will prevail and become important for Milan."

El Shaarawy can be key for Milan - Pazzini.

11:40 AM WAT

7/5/13

REAL MADRID NEWS

Elsewhere, someone else could be set to stay at their current club unless their release clause is met in full.

Yes, Real Sociedad skipper Xabi Prieto has insisted Real Madrid will have to meet Asier Illarramendi's minimum fee release clause of £25.8m if they want to sign the 23-year-old.

Madrid must pay the full fee, says Sociedad skipper.

11:34 AM WAT

7/5/13

There has been hardly any recent mention of this man, meanwhile. Indeed, some of you on Facebook want Robert Lewandowski to join Manchester United but could the Poland striker be destined to stay at Borussia Dortmund for at least another season?

11:30 AM WAT

7/5/13

ITALY UPDATE

Juventus face the prospect of missing out on prime target Angelo Ogbonna, according to Torino's sporting director.

"Juventus have yet to get back to me to close the deal," Gianluca Petrachi told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's a logical consequence that other teams that were already interested in signing Angelo before Juventus came up have returned for him.

"I don't have any preference as to where he goes if he leaves. I can only say that the teams that have returned are back in the race. Those who have contacted us have made serious offers."

Check the full story out here: Juventus face competition for Ogbonna.

11:24 AM WAT

7/5/13

A reminder that if you'd like to keep abreast of all the confirmed transfers from this summer, you can see an extensive list at our Done Deals section:

All of this summer's transfers on Goal.

11:19 AM WAT

7/5/13

Here's an interesting one for you: Marc Muniesa, who recently moved from Barcelona to Stoke (!), says he is sad to have left the Nou Camp.

"It is sad to leave Barca, my home for all my life, but you must understand that one stage ends and another starts and you must try to grow," he told Mundo Deportivo.

Do you think maybe he's finally seen the weather in Stoke-on-Trent?

Muniesa admits sadness over Barca exit.

11:13 AM WAT

7/5/13

What would you do if you were Thiago?

11:10 AM WAT

7/5/13

3) A biggie from Sport, meanwhile, with the publication reporting that Barcelona have asked Thiago Alcantara to decide whether his future lies at the Nou Camp or at Manchester United before the Catalan club start their pre-season schedule.

11:08 AM WAT

7/5/13

2) Mundo Deportivo say Real Madrid are concerned that Barcelona will be too strong next season if they sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva this summer.

11:06 AM WAT

7/5/13

RUMOUR MILL

The transfer news just keeps coming in - both domestically and from Europe! Here are three new rumours directly from our Transfer Talk section:

1) The BBC claim that Corinthians midfielder Paulinho will undergo a medical at Tottenham ahead of his £17 million move to White Hart Lane.

10:58 AM WAT

7/5/13

MANCHESTER CITY DEBATE

With former Premier League and FA Cup champions Manchester City desperate to bolster their squad, we want to know who you would sign if you were Manuel Pellegrini this summer.

Here are a couple of ideas from you guys on Twitter so far:

Royal Hoops ‏wants Luis Suarez to go to the Eithad: 'Can you imagine a [Sergio] Aguero-Suarez partnership? Eesh.'

But Ludovic Mapessa ‏wants Alvaro Negredo: 'Negredo is quite solid and a good striker. He can give you 10 to 15 goals a season when he's on form.'

10:51 AM WAT

7/5/13

Meanwhile, here's a couple of #MoyesQuestions off Facebook from you guys this morning:

King Sammy Melody would ask new Manchester United boss David Moyes: 'If you have only one option between keeping Wayne Rooney or signing Thiago Alcantara, who would you go for?'

And Prince Kelechi Madu would ask something more long-term: 'What are your plans to retain the winning legacy of the club?'

10:45 AM WAT

7/5/13

Now I know our debates on Nicolas Anelka came to a natural end, but there were some sublime comments left over and I thought I wouldn't let them go to waste.

On twitter, Kolade Olufunsho ‏thinks Anelka was indeed a great: 'YES, checking his status, consistency & the great clubs he has played for, I would consider him as one of the great strickers in the world.'

But Shiv Mishra (with two tweets) says 'good but not great': 'Very good, lost his way during what should have been peak of career, Euro 2000 promised greatness, CL 2008 confirmed he was just good.

'And the ranting about Chelsea boss Avram Grant after the penalty miss in the final was lack of class, a striker is supposed to take penalties, pity he was not taught this.'

10:38 AM WAT

7/5/13

Here's our full story: Liverpool preparing for life without Suarez, says Molby.

10:37 AM WAT

7/5/13

SUAREZ NEWS

Any Liverpool fans hoping to keep Uruguay striker Luis Suarez at Anfield may not want to read what's coming...

Former Reds midfielder Jan Molby says the club could be preparing for life without Suarez.

"The last thing you want is an unhappy player and Liverpool know that," the Dane told BBC Radio Merseyside. "They've been busy in the market and it appears they're almost readying themselves for life without Suarez."

10:32 AM WAT

7/5/13

And remember, for all the latest and greatest transfer rumours, our Transfer Talk page is just waiting to be read. Millions of you have visited already but you won't be able to keep up with all the latest deals unless you keep on checking!

Goal's dedicated football and transfer rumours section.

10:30 AM WAT

7/5/13

RUMOUR LATEST

Two more rumours have surfaced this morning, one on Radja Nainggolan and yet another story on Edinson Cavani.

Indeed, L'Equipe are reporting that Cavani is close to signing for Paris Saint-Germain, with the French champions ready to pay the Uruguay international €10m a year.

And La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Inter are set to win the race for Cagliari midfielder Nainggolan.

10:25 AM WAT

7/5/13

NEGREDO UPDATE

Here's a reminder of one of our top stories from yesterday, on Alvaro Negredo:

Sevilla have denied reports that Manchester City and Tottenham have made bids for their prized striker.

"Sevilla have specific financial demands for Negredo," president Jose Maria Del Nido told reporters. "If they are not met, then he will play here next year.

“There have not been any offers from the Premier League yet, neither from Manchester City nor Tottenham.

“Atletico Madrid withdrew from negotiations over ten days ago."

No bids for Negredo, say Sevilla.

10:20 AM WAT

7/5/13

Meanwhile, a huge thanks to all of you for your responses regarding Nicolas Anelka. There will also be plenty more opportunities for you guys to have your say as the transfer window gears towards its busiest time (except for deadline day, of course)!

10:15 AM WAT

7/5/13

CAVANI DEBATE

From one striker to another and continuing the Paris Saint-Germain theme, here's a debate from this morning on where Uruguay and Napoli striker Edinson Cavani should go:

Chelsea, PSG, Manchester City or Real Madrid: where to for Cavani?

10:10 AM WAT

7/5/13

More on the Frenchman off Twitter...

Phil Togwell ‏is adamant Anelka is best forgotten: 'NO - he is all that's bad about modern footballers - wasted talent, greedy, sulky, disloyal - #ModernFootballIsRubbish.'

That's a rant if ever I saw one!

Manchester United fan Liam says no but potentially yes... '‏If Anelka was a one club player he'd defo be up there with RVP, HENRY, SHEARER, COLE, & DROGBA! But as it stands he just falls short.'

An interesting view. The longest Anelka has been at a club is four years - with Chelsea.

Alex Love rules in favour of the new West Brom striker, however: 'He's got all it takes to be considered as one..he has seen it all, what else?'

He has definitely been around the block. Can you believe it started at Paris Saint-Germain all the way back in 1996...

10:03 AM WAT

7/5/13

Back to Anelka... And the response on Twitter has so far been quite favourable towards the Frenchman.

The majority of fans have said 'yes, Anelka can be considered one of the greats of his generation' and Stephenh95 tweets : 'He is one of the best the Premier League has seen.'

But there are always two sides to an argument and Sencerv2 asks: 'When has he ever been a great striker?'

Smith, meanwhile, ‏shares the sceptical view: 'Great journeymen you mean?'

9:54 AM WAT

7/5/13

ITALY UPDATE

Meanwhile, remember that Rafael signed by Rafael story? There's been some progress...

Santos have accepted Napoli's bid for their goalkeeper Rafael.

9:49 AM WAT

7/5/13

Here is our breaking story: Coquelin joins Freiburg on loan.

9:47 AM WAT

7/5/13

BREAKING NEWS

Before that, even, we have some breaking Arsenal news. It may not be exactly what fans are dreaming for (the capture of Gonzalo Higuain) but Francis Coquelin has joined SC Freiburg on loan, the club have confirmed.

9:45 AM WAT

7/5/13

No doubt there will be more rumours by the minute as the day progresses but, first, let's go back to that man Nicolas Anelka.

The record total of money spent on a player stands at £171.1m (Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who else?) but Anelka has now joined the 12th club of his career! We want to know whether you think he can go down as one of the great strikers of his generation.

9:41 AM WAT

7/5/13

And here are the best of the rest of the rumours (for now):

The Independent say that Manuel Pellegrini wants to bring Real Madrid defender Pepe to Manchester City.

Bild, meanwhile, are reporting that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will snub interest from Tottenham and Liverpool in order to sign for Borussia Dortmund.

And the Newcastle Evening Chronicle claim that Newcastle are set to pass up the chance to sign Loic Remy from QPR.

9:34 AM WAT

7/5/13

If you think you've seen it all already, though, we haven't even got started! Let's not forget the tons of rumours flying about outside of Goal. The best place to read about them all is of course on Goal's dedicated Transfer Talk section.

The latest - and rather juicy - rumour comes from the Times, who are reporting that Chelsea striker Demba Ba is in talks with the rich Russians of Anzhi Makhachkala.

9:28 AM WAT

7/5/13

That brings us to today, when the transfer stories have just started to kick off.

Here's three juicy stories for you from this morning:

Van Ginkel should not have joined Chelsea, says Overmars

Swansea chairman frustrated over lack of progress in Wilfried Bony deal

Thiago Silva dreaming of Barcelona move

Cor, you can just feel the transfer tension!

9:23 AM WAT

7/5/13

And finally from yesterday (yes, we got there in the end!), Southampton declared their interest in Leandro Damiao, Ever Banega and Victor Wanyama, while super agent Mino Raiola claimed that Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Napoli forward Edinson Cavani would make a great duo.

That, of course, followed rumours from Europe that Cavani had agreed terms for a £50m to the French club.

Reports from the continent had also surfaced of a shock move for Luis Suarez to Chelsea.

9:17 AM WAT

7/5/13

Back on these shores, Newcastle announced the signing of FC Metz youngster Olivier Kemen, while Wigan prized former Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson away from Bursaspor on a one-year deal.

9:14 AM WAT

7/5/13

Another confirmed move was that of Massimo Ambrosini leaving AC Milan for Fiorentina, ending an incredible eight-year association with the Milanese club.

9:10 AM WAT

7/5/13

But things did not stop there. No, once the Blog went for a cozy sleep at 6pm (it had been working very hard), several deals were announced in the evening.

Of them, the most noteworthy was the capture of veteran forward Nicolas Anelka by West Brom. More on that particular move later.

9:08 AM WAT

7/5/13

Arsenal made an improved £23.1m offer for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.

Internacional set a £21.5 million valuation for striker Leandro Damiao.

Norwich City confirmed the signing of Nathan Redmond from Birmingham City.

And Borussia Dortmund completed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from St Etienne.

9:06 AM WAT

7/5/13

As always, we'll start with a round-up of the best transfer news from the day before. Today, though, that'll require a deep, deep breath; okay, here goes...

Chelsea confirmed they had reached an agreement with Vitesse to sign Marco van Ginkel.

David Moyes appointed both Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville to his Manchester United backroom staff.

Besiktas made an offer for Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

More on the next post...

9:00 AM WAT

7/5/13

Good morning all Goal readers and welcome to Friday's Transfer Window LIVE Blog! Yes, the working week is almost over but the transfer market is keeping extremely busy, as ever.

I'm your host Tim Poole and, boy, do we have a lot of news to get through today. So whether you're at home, at work or anywhere else, for the next nine hours I'd advise you to get comfy, get yourselves plenty of drinks (it's sunny for a change!) and enjoy the best transfer coverage in the world right here, right now.

6:02 PM WAT

7/4/13

Fear not though, we will be back tomorrow morning at 9am for all the latest transfer news, gossip and done deals. See you next time.

6:01 PM WAT

7/4/13

That then just about wraps everything up for today, but we do have time to have a quick run-down of the day's top stories:

Chelsea confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Vitesse to sign Marco van Ginkel, Gerard Pique welcomed Wayne Rooney to Barcelona, David Moyes appointed both Ryan Giggs and Phil Neville to his Manchester United coaching staff, Besiktas submitted an offer for Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Arsenal made an improved offer for Gonzalo Higuain, Internacional set a £21.5 million valuation for striker Leandro Damiao, Norwich City confirmed the signing of Nathan Redmond from Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund completed the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from St Etienne.

Phew. What a busy day!

5:50 PM WAT

7/4/13

The news broke not too long ago that Borussia Dortmund had completed the signing of Saint-Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for an undisclosed fee. Well now, the Gabon international has been welcomed to the German club by sporting director Michael Zorc.

“We are very pleased that in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang we were able to sign a player we really wanted,” Zorc told the club website.

Read the full story here.

5:45 PM WAT

7/4/13

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has been linked with a whole host of clubs this summer, with one of those being Paris Saint-Germain. Well, according to former Juventus and Sampdoria coach Ciro Ferrara, the Uruguay international would be better off moving elsewhere.

"PSG don’t have the same attraction as Real Madrid and Chelsea,” Ferrara told Corriere dello Sport. “If I were to choose, I would certainly not go to Paris.”

5:38 PM WAT

7/4/13

We brought you the line earlier this afternoon that Sevilla president Jose Maria Del Nido had denied receiving any offers from Premier League clubs for star striker Alvaro Negredo; well we have an update on that now.

"Sevilla have specific financial demands for Negredo," said Del Nido. "If they are not met, then he will play here next year."

Read the full story here.

5:32 PM WAT

7/4/13

Fancy another update from our Poll of the Day? Well you're going to get it anyway. If you remember, way back this morning we asked you whether or not Wayne Rooney was a good fit for Barcelona; well, I can tell you, currently 51.7% of you feel he IS a good fit.

But don't threat if you disagree with that statement, get involved as there is still time to vote here.

5:20 PM WAT

7/4/13

Back to transfers now and Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay says he is hopeful the club will complete a move for Tom Ince soon. The in-demand youngster has been away on holiday but is back in the country and set for talks over his future.

Read the full story here

5:08 PM WAT

7/4/13

Keep those #AskMoyes questions coming in. Here are a few that I have a feeling probably won't be asked tomorrow. But funny nonetheless.

@King_dotunAde: "Do you play football manager? #AskMoyes"

@brownsam "To what extent were the causes of the Second World War impacted by the terms of the Versailles Treaty? #AskMoyes"

4:56 PM WAT

7/4/13

RUMOUR

Some news coming in from Spain, as El Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Tottenham and Everton are both leading the race for Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu. The paper states that, although Barca are not looking to sell the player, they are keen for him to go elsewhere on loan to experience regular first-team football.

4:50 PM WAT

7/4/13

Celtic are on the verge of signing French defender Steven Mouyokolo, according to manager Neil Lennon. The former Hull and Wolves defender has recently completed a trial at the SPL champions, and will now undergo a medical following concerns over a knee injury from 2012.

"Things have been agreed more or less. He's done a medical and we're just waiting on the reports coming back and if everything is okay, we'll go ahead with it," Lennon told The Daily Record.

Read the full story here.

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Justice Okechukwu Wish Moyes the best of luck. i hope he succeeds> not necessarily as SAF but comparable.
Today at 4:31 PM

Holuwarsamson Holarjidey Up united,united we stand
Today at 4:16 PM

Abbah Musa i don't know why madrid want sign unnacessiry players
Today at 2:45 PM

Ibrahim Iro Zawachiki gunners 4live
Today at 2:37 PM

Ibrahim Iro Zawachiki Gunners 4live
Today at 2:35 PM

Ovoh Freeborn Chelsea wat ar u guys stil waitin 4 to sign a gud stricker?
Today at 1:26 PM

syangulu arsenal most deliver dis tym around
Today at 12:24 PM

Igboaungo Raymond UP GUNNERS
Today at 11:23 AM

Igboaungo Raymond arsenal for life
Today at 11:19 AM

djhackerjp Man Utd For Life
Today at 9:56 AM

Ajiboye Abeeb Up barca 4 real,d winning team 4 lyf
Jul 4 at 11:30 PM

Prince Magashi Am Fan 4 Real madrid,
Jul 4 at 8:10 PM

Awiaka Godswill Liverpool for life
Jul 4 at 7:59 PM

Jimoh Ibraheem Up blues Chelsea 4life
Jul 4 at 6:03 PM

Nathy Silva I Can't wait 4 d arrival of edinson cavani.chelsea,do it fast!
Jul 4 at 5:37 PM

Simon Ezemma MAN UTD for una infor THIAGO is not 4 sell
Jul 4 at 5:30 PM

Onyeka Offor @ ABUBAKAR tomorrow
Jul 4 at 3:47 PM

Onyeka Offor I LOVE MAN U
Jul 4 at 3:46 PM

Abubakar Muhammad Gamawa We are waiting for tomorrow to wellcome our new player thiago alcantara. up man utd
Jul 4 at 3:12 PM

Buhari Fanisau rooney welcom to arsenal
Jul 4 at 2:11 PM

Buhari Fanisau Wenger should sighn rooney
Jul 4 at 2:08 PM

Obioma Onyekwere Up united 4 life
Jul 4 at 1:35 PM

Livinus Aghaeze It's only in Arsenal dat a speculatn wil go on 4 months and wil neva happen.What a shame !
Jul 4 at 10:49 AM

Samuel Benzino No club like UNITED!!!
Jul 4 at 8:01 AM

Samuel Benzino I want Wazza to remain at Old-trafford, like_wise to Nani. We also need a midfielder at United & moyes should get one pls
Jul 4 at 7:56 AM