Category: Transfer news

Hamburg keeper Rene Adler has refuted claims that he is pushing for a return to the first-team plans for Germany at the expense of Manuel Neuer.

The 28-year-old has gained a new lease of life after joining Thorsten Fink’s men on a free transfer, although he insists he is keeping his feet on the ground at the moment.

“I am very grateful because I feel the affection of the [Hamburg] fans,” Adler told Sport1. “This has given me a good feeling.

“However, only time will tell if I return to the national team. I have emphasised many times that neither I nor Neuer have put undue pressure in public on the coach [Joachim Low] to be selected.

“He is in favour of competition for all places. I was recently in his plans, and I don’t believe it was the last time.”

Adler’s form, which has seen him only concede 22 goals in the Bundesliga so far, has resulted in him being linked to Barcelona as a replacement for Victor Valdes.

But the German refused to respond to the alleged response, replying: “I don’t think [of Barcelona] at all.”

Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that Juventus’ signing of Nicolas Anelka is merely a short-term move, whereas the potential capture of Brazil legend Bebeto’s son Mattheus would be a signing for the future.

“We needed some reinforcements and Anelka will fill a gap. He will sign a five-month contract with an option for a second year if the circumstances are right,” Marotta told Sky Sport 24.

“In this market, expectations are high but supplies are limited, which is why we are pursuing these types of transfers. Anelka will join an attack where Giovinco and Vucinic are playing with consistency. Matri and Quagliarella are available but they are not in optimal condition since they have not played official matches for a few weeks.

“Anelka is a temporary reinforcement because he has a contract for five months.”

Although Marotta admitted that the 33-year-old Frenchman was unlikely to be more than a stop-gap for the Italian champions, he hinted at some summer signings – with Bebeto’s son Matheus possibly amongst them.

 “We will make important investments in July. We could have spent money this month but we have to be shrewd and rational.

“Bebeto? He is an important name but he was only born in 1994 so it will take time to fully understand his qualities. We have not signed him yet.”

The 18-year-old, currently of Flamego, impressed at the South American Under-20 championship in Argentina and would present a forward-thinking signing for La Vecchia Signora.

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has refused suggestions that former protege Mario Balotelli was a disruption in the dressing room, as talk of an AC Milan switch for the Italy international gathers pace.

The 22-year-old striker has run into trouble with boss Roberto Mancini at Manchester City after several high-profile incidents, and looks increasingly likely to be surplus to requirements at the Etihad.

But Mourinho has stood up for the controversial forward, claiming that his behaviour was wrongly interpreted by all quarters.

“Balotelli, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Marco] Materazzi. They are not the most difficult of players to manage,” the newly-turned 50-year-old commented to Rai Sport. “With Balotelli, it was even fun.

“Those not seen or felt outside are in fact the difficult [people], rather.”

Mourinho’s position in Madrid has come under scrutiny of late, as reports of a player mutiny against the embattled trainer surfaces.

But he refused to be daunted by the challenges at hand, and instead spoke of his desire for fresh success in European competition, even beyond his time with the Spanish champions.

“I cannot say want I want to conquer this season, but I hope to win my third Champions League [following success with Porto and Inter],” the Portuguese concluded.

“I do not know if it will be with Madrid this year, because it is all very balanced. Still, I have another 20 years of football to achieve my target.”

Massimiliano Allegri insists he has full faith in his AC Milan squad after speaking ahead of Sunday’s Serie A trip to Atalanta.

The Rossoneri were tipped to do plenty of business in January but to date have signed just former Parma defender Cristian Zaccardo and secured half of Kevin Constant’s economic rights from Genoa.

However, their coach highlighted the upturn in form of Ignazio Abate, Robinho and Mathieu Flamini – three players expected to depart San Siro – as reasons why he is not desperate to reinforce his party.

“I’m happy with the players that I have as I see them growing every day – both as individuals and as a team. I’m very happy with El Shaarawy’s performance on Sunday,” Allegri said at a press conference.

“A drought happens to all players and it shouldn’t become an obsession. The club knows what I feel about the number of players we have in the squad and we’ll see what happens at the end of the month.

“Abate played well on Sunday and I was happy with that. I have two great players on the right, but I haven’t decided who is first choice yet.

“Robinho is training well and he’s a great player. From here until June, Milan need the real Robinho and I’m very happy that he is staying.

“Flamini is proof that over the course of the year, all players will get their chance and they’re all important. I’m happy as when I called on him he was ready, just like Traore and Niang.”

Kaka had also been expected to return to the club – only for a deal to collapse – but Allegri reiterated his encouragement with the signs of growth his team have shown.

“We already have 22 players so if another one comes in, then someone has to leave,” he added. “The Kaka situation is complicated and I think only Galliani can solve it.

“There have been market moves with Zaccardo coming in, Mesbah going to Parma and Acerbi to Genoa. When I say 22 players, I mean 22 players available to me.

“De Jong and Didac Vila are not available at the moment, but the club is working well and there is the intention, if the possibility presents itself, to improve the squad.

“Pazzini is going well. He has 10 goals in the first half of the season after almost three months of inactivity and a knee problem after the match against Bologna. I have four goalkeepers and I have faith in all four.

“I think that Boateng has done well as a midfielder, though he still has room for improvement.”

Turning his attentions to Atalanta, who inflicted a surprise 1-0 defeat on Milan in the reverse fixture earlier this season, the 45-year-old hopes his side can prove that they have matured by earning a positive result in Bergamo.

“I think the first eight games were necessary to help make a team that needed to be moulded,” Allegri noted. “Tomorrow’s game will be much tougher than the home match [which ended 1-0 to Atalanta].

“They’re very well organised at home and Colantuono is doing a great job. The pitch won’t be in the best of conditions so it won’t be a technically great game.

“It’ll be the usual game that you play in Bergamo. We had some problems here last year as well. We have yet to score from a corner even though we’ve come close.

“At the moment the team is in good shape physically with some young players in the side who want to do well.

“But we still have to improve and understand the changes in dynamics of a match which is something that will come with time.”

Peter Odemwingie has reaffirmed his desire to leave West Brom this month, placing the blame for his wish to exit with the Baggies’ fans.

Goal.com revealed earlier this month that the Nigeria international was looking to force a move to QPR as he had grown unhappy at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies rejected a transfer request from Odemwingie on Thursday, but he remains determined to leave the club before next Thursday’s transfer deadline, taking to Twitter to explain his decision to West Brom fans.

 “I can understand the reaction of few Albion fans on my desire to leave the club. Real reason? Cos they once doubted my commitment,” he said on the micro-blogging site.

“Want to know why I wanted to quit top flight football last summer earlier than I wished to ? They know at the club.

“Albion fans are not the only reason,but made it easier for me to decide to stay and try my best to forget about the disappointment.

“I succeeded in doing that. But it’s not getting better. Before bigger disappointment comes one day I better leave on a good note.

“I am crazy haha adviser text saying don’t tweet, it weakens our position. Doesn’t weaken nothing! When I want to do something, I Do it.”