Strootman: I am happy to remain at PSV

Netherlands international Kevin Strootman has all but ruled out quitting PSV in the January transfer window amid reported interest from Manchester United and a host of Serie A sides.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been in fine form in the opening months of the 2012-13 campaign and several foreign clubs are keeping tabs on him.

Nevertheless, Strootman is in no rush to leave the Eredivisie leaders and is happy to stay put for the foreseeable future.

“A move abroad in the winter transfer window is by no means ideal. That would only give you two weeks to adapt to your new surroundings. If a club really wants me, they will return in the summer,” Strootman told NUsport.

“And it’s not like I want to leave PSV at all costs in the summer. We will hopefully play in the Champions League again next season.

“Of course, I have ambition and I occasionally discuss certain clubs with my agent Chiel Dekker, but a transfer’s not on my mind all the time. I am happy at PSV and want to win the league title here first.

The former Sparta Rotterdam star has a contract with PSV until June 2016.

Cruyff: Barcelona do not need Neymar

Neymar / Superclásico de las Américas

Neymar marca el último penal / Getty

Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff believes the Catalans do not need Santos sensation Neymar as they already have plenty of offensive options.

The Brazil international is one of the most sought after players around in the world, and the Blaugrana are continually being linked with a move for the 20-year-old.

Nevertheless, Cruyff feels that Barca would be wasting their money on attacking reinforcements as they already score plenty of goals.

“The one department where Barcelona don’t lack anything is scoring goals. So if you ask me whether they need Neymar, I’m going to have to say no,” Cruyff said to Catalunya Radio.

“Just look at the amount of goals they score. They already have good options up front.”

Neymar is under contract with Santos until the summer of 2014.

Juventus determined to hold on to De Ceglie amid AC Milan interest

EXCLUSIVE
By Romeo Agresti

Juventus have no intention of selling Paolo De Ceglie in the January transfer window amid interest from AC Milan, Goal.com can reveal.

The Rossoneri are looking to add a new left-back to their squad, and the 26-year-old is one of the candidates to strengthen the San Siro side.

However, a winter transfer seems to be out of the question as Juve are determined to hold on to the former Italy Under-21 international.

De Ceglie has been struggling to secure regular first team action this term due to the stiff competition from Kwadwo Asamoah down the left, and has made only six official appearances so far.

But the Ghana international is set to play in the African Cup of Nations in January 2013, and De Ceglie is likely to get more playing time during Asamoah’s absence.

De Ceglie is a product of the club’s youth academy, and has a contract with the Bianconeri until June 2017.

Wenger confirms Arsenal interest in Zaha

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Arsenal’s interest in bringing Crystal Palace sensation Wilfried Zaha to the Emirates, claiming that the winger is one of several players being considered by the north London club.

Responding to recent speculation linking The Gunners with a move for the winger, Wenger admitted that they had indeed been looking at Zaha, though “he is not more on the list than anybody else”.

Arsenal’s apparent interest comes after a Goal.com exclusive revealed that Manchester United were among the frontrunners for the 20-year-old’s signature.

Zaha, who made his England debut in the recent friendly against Sweden, is rumoured to have been attracting the interest of a number of top flight sides in the wake of a string of stunning displays for Palace so far this season.

Wenger was also coy on the on-going situation regarding Theo Walcott’s contract negotiations, claiming that there is “no new news” to speak of.

Berlusconi: AC Milan aim to sign future champions

Silvio Berlusconi says AC Milan will be looking to sign players in their early 20s with world-class potential, rather than older, established names.

The San Siro side said farewell to Alessandro Nesta, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva ahead of the 2012-13 campaign, and Berlusconi is determined to bring in young talent as replacements for the aforementioned stars.

“We are looking for players who can become true champions in the future, players in the age category of 22 to 23. We will mainly sign young players to rebuild the team,” Berlusconi was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Milan boss then went on to discuss Stephan El Shaarawy, and stressed that the Italy international cannot be compared to any other current player.

“El Shaarawy does not remind me of any other player as he’s unique and a very special player. He’s one of the discoveries of the season and has been a revelation,” he added.

“El Shaarawy wants [Mario] Balotelli to join because they’re friends? They could play cards together if they’re friends.”

Berlusconi also had his say on the possible arrival of Pep Guardiola as the club’s head coach, and insisted that the Rossoneri have faith in Massimiliano Allegri.

“We have an excellent relationship with Allegri and will continue with him,” he continued.

“Of course, every team would like to have a coach like Guardiola. There are three teams that have left their mark on football. Johan Cruyff’s Ajax, the ‘Dutch’ AC Milan and Guardiola’s Barcelona.”