Football transfer news

New Chelsea boss, Roberto Di Matteo has warned their Spanish striker Fernando Torres that he needs to compete hard or he might lose his place in the starting line up.

The Italian led the Blues to a historic Champions League triumph last season and has recently been appointed as the permanent manager of the club. Fernando Torres, who has struggled to adjust to life at Stamford Bridge, launched a scathing attack on the club after the final at Allianz Arena accusing them of mistreatment. However, since then the Spaniard has been spoken to and Russian owner Roman Abramovich has promised to build the side around the Euro Golden Boot winner.

But Di Matteo insists that there are no guarantees and everyone has to fight for a place in the team.

“There is no concerns about Fernando at all,” said Di Matteo.

“I did have a chat with him the morning after the final, and have been in touch since as well.

“It (disappointment) was a feeling he had at the time, but I will continue to speak to the players.

“I am expecting him here in a good mood, to be buzzing and be very good next season.

“Certainly winning the Golden Boot and the Euros, along with the trophies they won with us should give them a lot of confidence.

“I expect him next season to be a fantastic player with us.”

Di Matteo, though, added: “We have three strikers at the moment in the squad, and I would not be saying who is going to be playing.

“They will all have to fight for their position and there is healthy competition. Whomever is in the best form and can give the best for the team will be playing.”

 

Turkish side Galatasaray have released a statement denying any interest in the Premiership duo of Andrei Arshavin and Dimitar Berbatov.

According to recent reports, Arsenal midfielder Andrei Arshavin had generated interest in Galatasaray but the club moved quickly to quash the rumors. United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has been asked to look for a new club by manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was also linked to the Super Lig side.

Arshavin who has struggled to make a mark in England ever since his move to Arsenal in 2008 was set to join his former employers in Zenit but his post Euro outlash put the deal off. Meanwhile, Bulgarian frontman Berbatov has been linked to a host of clubs recently as he continues his search for a new club. The Premier League top scorer in 2010-11 edition found himself pushed further down the pecking order and spent most of the time on the bench.

South American duo of Alex Pato and Gonzalo Higuain have also been linked to Galatasaray as both of them face uncertain futures at their respective clubs.

“Reports regarding the club’s interest in a number of players, such as Andrey Arshavin, Dimitar Berbatov, Alexandre Pato and Gonzalo Higuain, does not reflect the truth,” read a statement on Galatasaray’s official website.

 

Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho could be set for a move to Premier League after Manchester United opened talks with Porto over a £20m deal.

The 25 year old joined the Primeira Liga champions in 2010 and has since been one of the constant figures in their side. The former Sporting youth player enhanced his reputation as one of Europe’s finest this Euro putting together a string of impressive displays for the national team.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is in search of a central midfielder to step into Paul Scholes’ shoes. The veteran has extended his current contract by a year but is unlikely to feature on a weekly basis for the Reds. Luka Modric was the frontrunner to join United this summer but Real Madrid won the bidding war for the Croat and the Spurs playmaker is set for a move to the Bernabeu.

Porto were believed to be disinterested to sell Moutinho but they have had a change of heart and are willing to listen to offers. A fee in the range of 20m could be enough to lure the Portuguese to Old Trafford.

QPR manager Mark Hughes is said to be readying a £5m bid for United’s Korean winger Ji Sung Park after getting the nod from club owner Tony Fernandes.

Rangers dramatically escaped relegation in the final minutes of last season and are aiming to consolidate their place in England’s top tier. The club owner is particularly interested in the deal given the vast Asian market where QPR could generate revenues from. Fernandes ‘private airline company Air Asia operates flights to Seoul and Park’s arrival could be a marketing masterstroke.

The 31 year South Korean has been a trusted figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side since his move in 2005. Park has often been used by the United boss against tougher opposition to give the midfield some protective cover. However, the former PSV man is considering moving Loftus Road in search of more football after first team opportunities came infrequently last season.

Ferguson is also contemplating selling Park so as to invest in fresh talent after a disappointing last season.  United have already signed Shinji Kagawa from Dortmund and young teen sensation Nick Powell from Crewe.

Chelsea are set to complete their third signing this summer with Wigan striker Victor Moses expected to join the Blues in the next 24 hours for a sum of £10m.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has been weighing various options to replace Didier Drogba but has finally decided to sign the Latics frontman. Moses was very impressive for Roberto Martinez’s side last term and was key to their survival in the Premier League. Chelsea had a bid rejected earlier but the renewed offer is likely to test Wigan as the cash strapped side needs funds of their own to rebuild.

The 21 year old Nigerian is eager to move to a top club and the opportunity to play alongside the best at Stamford Bridge has attracted him. Wigan, however, won’t settle for anything less than £10m since 20% of the profit will go to Moses’ former employers at Crystal Palace.

Meanwhile, the Blues have commenced their pre season training although their Euro 2012 stars are yet to join them. Moses’ signing would take their net expenditure this summer to £50m.