Football transfer news

Chelsea target Alvaro Pereira’s agent insists that the Porto defender is not contemplating a move away from Estadio do Dragao this summer amidst interest from many clubs.

The 26 year old Uruguayan, who is still enjoying his holidays back in South America, has been the subject of speculation recently with Chelsea reportedly interested in him. Chelsea are in desperate need of a right back after Jose Bosingwa was released earlier and Paolo Ferreira is also expected to follow him through the exit door. New Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has closely studied Pereira’s exploits for the Primeira league side and is keen on signing him.

The defender has a release clause of £25m which the European champions aren’t willing to pay. The Stamford Bridge officials are likely to enter into a discussion with Porto soon over the possibility of a transfer.

Meanwhile, the player’s agent Alexander Savich spoke to Portuguese radio station Radio Renascence.

“Many clubs in England and Italy have asked about his situation, the value of his release clause and if Porto would be willing to negotiate, but we are not negotiating with any club,” he said.

“Alvaro is not thinking of leaving Porto because he has signed a contract. If there is an interesting offer, it will be Porto who decides.”

 

Arsenal defender Pedro Botelho who is yet to feature for the Gunners in a competitive fixture ever since joining them back in 2007, has attracted interest from a host of Spanish clubs.

The 22 year old Brazilian joined Arsenal from Figueirense in 2007 and has ever since been sent out on loan spells to five different clubs in Spain. He has played for Salamanca, Celte Vigo, Cartagena, Rayo Vallecano and Levante for brief periods over the last five years. However, during his stint with Levante in the La Liga he impressed many with his performances and it is believed the Valencia club would be keen on securing a permanent move for the defender.

According to Spanish newspaper Las Provincias, Levante will have to ward off interest from fellow Spanish clubs Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules along with a few Brazilian sides as well. Botelho, who can also play in the midfield, is eager to move to Spain but it remains to be seen if Arsenal let him go.

 

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has sent his chief scout to Sao Paolo to initiate talks about a possible transfer involving Lucas Moura while Chelsea and Arsenal watch on.

The 19 year old Brazilian international is one of the hottest properties in the transfer market this summer and has been targeted by plenty of top clubs across Europe. Chelsea have had a big rejected by the Samba club as they remain firm over their decision to not let Moura leave. Arsenal are assessing various options after Robin Van Persie announced he would not re-sign with the Gunners after a closed door meeting. Arsene Wenger who is a strong admirer of the Brazilian midfielder is now banking Van Persie’s sale to fund Moura’s transfer to the Emirates.

Debt ridden United Chief Executive David Gill has assured fans that money is available for the manager to spend if he wants to and with Sao Paolo demanding £35m, it’s time to put that to test. Fergie has sent his chief scout Jim Lawlor to hold talks with the cub while he has invited the player’s father over to Old Trafford to discus about a possible move. Moura’s rights are partly owned by his family and the Scotsman is determined to go to any extent to please them so as to facilitate a transfer.

Arsenal transfer target Younes Belhanda is being offered a vastly improved contract by Montpellier in a desperate attempt to hold on to the highly rated young star.

The Moroccan international rediscovered himself last season under manager Remi Girard after the Montpellier boss opted to move him into the playmaker position just behind the striker. Belhanda thrived in this new found role and was a key figure in Montpellier’s maiden Ligue 1 winning campaign.

The 22 year old has attracted intense interest from Arsenal and French club are determined to hold on to their stars for the next season. The player’s current contract runs till the end of 2014 and Montpellier Chairman Laurent Nicollin is readying a much improved contract for the highly talented player. Arsene Wenger is trying to reunite Belhanda with Olivier Giroud at the Emirates and bank on their link up play after club captain Robin Van Persie chose not to renew his contract.

Belhana currently has a £15k a week contract but his salary will be tripled in the new offer.

Brazilian winger Hulk’s agent has once again invited European Champions Chelsea to sign the player this summer, but warned them against stiff competition from other clubs across Europe.

The Primeira League club had earlier denied having received any bids from the Blues after rumors of a £38m deal were doing the rounds in the media. The 25 year old has a much higher buyout clause in his contract but club President Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa has set a £38m fee for the Brazilian international.

The player himself, who joined Porto in the summer of 2008 from Tokyo Verdy, has expressed his willingness to move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but it is believed that the Blues officials are buying time and trying to bargain his owners into a £30m deal.

Speaking to Portuguese radio station Antena 1, Fonseca said: “Hulk is the most coveted player in Europe this summer.

“I never said he wants to leave Porto because he belongs to the club, but if he is sold, it has to be in the best way possible.

“Now his dream is to play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and it is my opinion that the Premier League is the best place he could play.”

Chelsea have already spent £40m on two players Eden Hazard and Marko Marin and Hulk could be their third signing of the season if the deal goes through.