Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, The Daily Mail report that Juventus are ready to enter the bidding for Gabriel Heinze, with a move to Liverpool looking unlikely.

Colombian international midfielder Jhon Viafara looks set to join West Brom. The Daily Mirror report that a fee in the region of £250,000 will be enough to prise Viafara away from his current club Southampton.

Frustrated by their attempts to capture Sol Campbell, Villarreal have turned their attentions to Fenerbache defender Diego Lugano. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Uruguayan international is highly rated by the Spanish side, who are keen to begin negotations with Fenerbache as soon as possible.

Real Murcia have failed in their latest attempt to sign Brazilian international Josue from Sao Paulo. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Brazilian side have turned down a bid of 3million Euros for the midfielder.

Finally, Inter Milan chairman Massimo Moratti has said it is unlikely they will be able to sign Brazilian wonderkid Alexandre Pato. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that although he holds an interest in the player, he feels that city rivals AC Milan hold the edge as they have former Brazilian midfielder Leonardo acting as a go-between for them.

Monday Transfer Gossip

Transfer stories seem to be few and far between, as most European clubs start their build-ups to the new season. Expect there to be another flurry of activity a couple of weeks before the end of August transfer deadline.

In fact, there is only one story today, which comes from The Daily Star, who claim that Manchester City have agreed a £7.4million fee to sign Brazilian midfielder Elano from Shahktar Donetsk.

Sunday Transfer Gossip

Only a few stories around on quite a slow Sunday for transfer news.

First off, Marca (Spanish link) report that Real Madrid have offered 90million Euros for AC Milan's Brazilian playmaker Kaka.

Young Chilean striker Nicolas Medina is expected to complete his transfer from Universidad de Chile to Osasuna this afternoon. Marca (Spanish link) report that Medina will sign a four year deal with the Spanish side.

Finally, in the same article, it is also reported that Medina's move has cleared the way for Bernando Romeo to return to his homeland. The Argentine forward will sign for his former club San Lorenzo on Tuesday.

Saturday Transfer Gossip

First off, Blackburn have confirmed they have completed the signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich. BBC Sport report that the Paraguayan striker has signed a four year contract, with the transfer fee thought to be in the region of £3.5million.

The Daily Mirror report that Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Daniel Alves from Sevilla. Although Sevilla have said they are holding out for £20million, it is thought that a small increase on Chelsea's current bid of £13million will be enough to capture the Brazilian full back.

Despite previous interest from Arsenal, it seems Angel Di Maria is set to sign for Benfica. Sky Sports report that Di Maria, along with his Rosario Central teammate Andres Diaz, are due in Lisbon today to complete their medicals, before being unveiled to the press later. They will both sign five year contracts with the Portugese club for a combined transfer fee of £4million.

Benfica are also after Barcelona full back Julio Belletti, according to Marca (Spanish link).

Marca (Spanish link) also report that Uruguayan forward Fabien Estoyanoff will join Real Valladolid on loan from Valencia for next season, having spent last season on loan at Deportivo La Coruna.

AS Roma are in negotiations to sign two Brazilians. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that Real Madrid right back Cicinho could join the Italian side on loan for next season, with Borussia Dortmund left back Dede in discussions over a permanant move.

Finally, Gazzetta (Italian link) also report that AC Milan have made a 17million Euro offer for Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Julio Baptista. Baptista is thought to have turned down a move to Villarreal as he wants to play in the Champions League, something that Milan can offer him.

Who Did We Just Sign? - Lucas Leiva/Liverpool

Liverpool unveiled their new Brazilian signing Lucas Leiva yesterday, with both Rafa Benitez and Steven Gerrard singing the praises of the twenty year old midfielder.

The player, who carries the name Lucas on the back of his shirt, certainly comes to Anfield with a great pedigree behind him.

He was the youngest player to ever receive Placar magazine's Bola De Ouro, awarded to the best player in the Campeonato Brasileiro, for his performances at Gremio last year.

He is also the current captain of the Brazilian under-20 squad, playing a vital role in their 2007 South American Youth Championship victory. His absence from the recent U-20 World Cup through injury is seen as one of the key reasons Brazil failed to deliver during the tournament.

Noted South American football journalist Tim Vickery described Lucas as,

"A big, blonde figure whose power and physical strength comes with attacking ability.

He can pass well and loves to rumble forward. He gets on the scoresheet both with blistering shots from range and from bursting beyond the strikers."

It all sounds very promising for Liverpool fans, who should get a chance to form their own opinion of him today, as he is expected to play a part in their Asia Trophy final against Portsmouth this lunchtime.

In the meantime, here is a video collecting many of his best moments whilst playing for Gremio.

And to hear Rafa Benitez talking about his new signing, click here.

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, Bayern Munich have cleared four clubs to speak to Roque Santa Cruz after accepting £4.5million bids from each of them. The Daily Mirror reports that Blackburn, Porto, Espanyol and Real Zaragoza are the teams involved in negotiations with the Paraguayan striker.

In a clear indication that they no longer want Juan Riquelme, Villarreal have given away his number 8 shirt to Santi Cazorla. Marca (Spanish link) report that he has been given the number 16 jersey as he is required a number by the league, but is certain to leave this summer. Atletico Madrid have baulked at Villarreal's asking price, so with time running out before the transfer window, it will be interesting to see if anyone else come in with a bid for the playmaker.

AC Milan could turn their attention to Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta in their search for a central midfielder. The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that Real Madrid midfielder Emerson is their first choice, but that they may make a move for his compatriot Motta if a deal cannot be done.

Finally, Barnsley have taken Brazilian defender Daniel Souza on trial, according to the Daily Star.

Thursday Transfer Gossip

First off, PSV Eindhoven have signed Brazilian under-20 international goalkeeper Cassio Ramos from Gremio. Sky Sports report that PSV fought off competition from Benfica to land the keeper.

Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson has said he is willing to wait for a year to sign Carlos Tevez if his transfer hasn't been resolved by the close of the August transfer window. The Daily Mirror quote Ferguson as saying "I would imagine it will be done before the deadline, but we would wait for him anyway if we have to. We've gone so far now, there's no point stepping back."

Recreativo have boosted their ranks with the signing of two South American players on loan for next season. Marca (Spanish link) report that Jose Maria Calvo will join the Spanish side from Boca Juniors, with the option of a permanent purchase at the end of the season. Uruguayan under-20 defender Martin Caceres will join from Villarreal, but will return to the El Madrigal at the end of the season.

Finally, having impressed at the under-20 World Cup, Napoli are thought to be interested in Boca Juniors midfielder Ever Banega. Tutto Mercato Web (Italian link) report that Boca have turned down the Italian side's initial approach and that a deal looks unlikely at the moment.

New PS2 Winning Eleven game out next week

J.League Winning Eleven 2007 Club Championship comes out next week for the Playstation 2 in Japan. The series is better known in the UK as Pro Evolution Soccer.

This entry should be of particular interest to Latin American soccer fans as Argentine side River Plate are officially licensed for the first time. This means correct player names, correct shirt designs (including make, sponser) and likenesses. It would be a good bet to say that their stadium will also be included in the new game.

Hopefully, this also indicates that more Latin American teams will be included in the next version.

As well as River's licensing, there is another addition to the game which sounds very interesting. Fantasista mode allows you to control only one player on the pitch (ala Libero Grande) as you take them through a football career. From the screenshots it looks like this could work well and it is hopefully something that will be included when the series hits the PS3 later this year.

The game can be pre-ordered from Play Asia, who have always served me well when importing myself.

Aguero nets Goal of the Tournament award

Not content with winning the awards for top goalscorer and best overall player, Sergio Aguero has now also picked up the goal of the tournament award, after a vote by users of FIFA.com.

His goal against Poland in the second round has been chosen as the best goal, with Giovanni Dos Santos' half volley for Mexico against Gambia coming in second. Aguero also tied third place for his goal against Korea DPR, sharing the position with Luis Suarez of Uruguay for his strike against Spain.

The full top ten list, along with videos of all the goals can be found on FIFA.com

U-20 World Cup - 10 players with big futures

With the U-20 World Cup coming to its conclusion this past weekend, I thought a list of the top ten young Latin American players not currently plying their trade in Europe, but destined for big things would be in order. So here we go:


Maxi Moralez - Argentina/Racing Club

Whilst Sergio Aguero took all the post-tournament plaudits, Maxi Moralez played as big a part as any in Argentina's attacking brilliance during the tournament. The small attacking midfielder is a total livewire, always making runs and wanting the ball at his feet. His pace, coupled with a surprising strength on the ball allowed him to run past opposition players with ease and he showed a keen eye for goal too, netting four goals in Argentina's run to the final.

Ever Banega - Argentina/Boca Juniors

Banega provided the beat to the rhythm of the Argentine play throughout the tournament. Sitting at the back of their midfield, he picked the ball up off of the defense and sprayed passes around all over the field to grateful teammates. He showed great skill on the ball in tight situations, constantly turning players and creating that little bit of space to size up defense splitting passes. Despite his build, he also showed himself to be good in the tackle, winning many unlikely challenges with larger players. His only flaw is a tendency to take players on deep inside his own half, potentially giving the ball away in dangerous areas. He is only 18, so he has plenty of time to eliminate that flaw, and if he does, he is potentially one of best midfielders in the world.

Angel Di Maria - Argentina/Rosario Central

Arsenal are thought to be heavily interested in signing Di Maria and its not hard to see why. A tall, skillful, left footed striker, Di Maria is equally adept in the floor as in the air and his presence proved difficult for many teams to deal with during the tournament. He scored three goals before coming off injured in the semi-final, forcing him to miss the final. He was missed by Argentina in the final, and despite a lack of pace, is sure to have a big future in front of him.

Alexandre Pato - Brazil/Internacional

All of Europe's big clubs are already on the trail of Pato, who, like the Brazilian side around him, somewhat flattered to deceive during the tournament. He showed flashes of his talent, two goals against Korea Republic in the group stages showing that his pace and finishing ability are top notch. Unfortunately for him, he tended to drift in and out of games and rarely lived up to the hype that surrounded him going into the tournament. He is still only 17, and clearly has the correct attributes to be a success, but on this showing a move to Europe this year may be too much too soon for the Brazilian. Long term though, he is a still a great prospect.

Luizao - Brazil/Cruzeiro

It might seem strange to highlight a Brazilian defender as being one to look out for, but Luizao looks set to follow the footsteps of fellow large athletic defenders, such as Alex and Juan, into Europe, and the full national side. He showed a good reading of the game which instantly elevates him above the Roque Junior type defender that has been commonplace in Brazil sides over the years. This coupled with his impressive build definitely make him one to watch out for.

Nicolas Medina - Chile/Universidad de Chile

A lively, skillful forward, Medina was at the heart of the Chile attack that ripped through their first two group stage opponents and did the same to Nigeria in the quarter finals. He was always a threat, looking the most likely against the Argentines and with Osasuna in Spain already sniffing round, it will surely not be long before he is playing in Europe.

Nicolas Larrondo - Chile/Universidad de Chile

Chile were a side that not only attacked well, but also defended superbly throughout the tournament. Larrondo was the most impressive figure in their defense, both technically and from a leadership perspective, always pulling him teammates into position and barking out orders. Without him, it is unlikely they would have made it all the way to the semi-final before conceding a goal.

Patricio Araujo - Mexico/Guadalajara

Although many praised the Mexicans for their expansive play in the final third of the pitch, they were also a defensively sound team, mainly thanks to the organisation skills of captain Araujo at the back. He put in assured performances in every single game they played and it is not coincidence that some of England's top sides are now very interested in taking Araujo to the Premiership.

Alfonso Blanco - Mexico/Pachuca

Blanco played like the typical expectation people have of a Latin American goalkeeper; good shot stoppers, but a little suspect on high balls. However, to describe Blanco as simply a good shot stopper would be criminally unjust. Throughout the tournament he produced a string of world class saves, his acrobatics more akin to the Olympics than a football tournament. If he can tighten up his game on crosses and set plays, then he definitely has the potential to be a world class keeper.

Luis Meija - Panama/Tauro

Another keeper to round off the list. Pretty much everything I said about Alfonso Blanco above applies to Meija, demonstrated mainly through his virtuoso display against Korea DPR in Panama's first game of the tournament. Although the goals against column may not read in his favor, there was only so much Meija could do with such an inadequate defense in front of him. He will be hoping that the Korea performance has been enough to get him noticed by scouts in South America or Europe, as you can't help but feel that another few years in Panama can only hurt his growth as a player.

Overall, the tournament was a great success and I'm sure there will be many scouts returning to Europe with names of players they feel are good enough to make the grade in the top leagues.

Wednesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Manchester City are in talks to sign Brazilian international Elano from Shakhtar Donetsk according to the Mirror. Negotiations are though to be at an advanced stage, with the transfer fee thought to be in the region of £7million.

After the news yesterday that Roque Santa Cruz wanted his future resolved this week, it seems that Blackburn are heading the queue for his signature. The Daily Mirror reports that Blackburn are to pay £4.5million for the striker and have asked him to fly to England for talks, in an attempt to complete the deal before the weekend.

Uruguay international keeper Fabio Carini is set to sign for Real Murcia. Sky Sports report that he will sign a four year deal at the newly promoted Primera Liga side and is expected to be unveiled to the media later today.

Finally, the transfers of Carlos Tevez and Gabriel Heinze still continue to drag on, details reported by BBC Sport.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Marca (Spanish link) lead with the story that Real Madrid are now in pole position to sign Brazilian starlet Alexandre Pato. Pato's agent Gilmar Veloz met with Real sporting director Predrag Mijatovic at the weekend and is quoted as saying "Duck (Pato) only wants to play in Real Madrid".

Sky Sports report that Villarreal are considering a move for Julio Baptista, with Marca (Spanish link) reporting that they are to bid 15million Euros for the Brazilian. Newcastle and AC Milan are also interested in the player if he decides his future is best served away from the Bernabeu.

Manchester City are once again being firmly linked with Mexico striker Nero Castillo. The Daily Mirror report that a £10million deal has been agreed with Olympiakos. The player is thought to be holding out for a move to a bigger club, but may move to City if no better options arise in the next 48 hours.

The Mirror also report that City are still interested in Roque Santa Cruz. The player, who has also been linked with Blackburn, Porto, Galatasary and River Plate, is expecting his future to be resolved this week.

Finally, Ernesto Farias now seems set to join Porto, after arriving in Portugal yesterday for his medical. Ole (Spanish link) report that River Plate had agreed to sell to player to Mexican side Toluca, but Farias' wife didn't want to live at that altitude, so the deal collapsed. Porto have paid 4million Euros for the striker, but Toluca are taking the matter to court as they believe the player had already signed a contract with them.

Argentina win U-20 World Cup

Argentina came from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the final of the U-20 World Cup last night.

Argentina dominated possession in the first half, but were unable to break down the defensive Czechs, who rarely threatened apart from a couple of counter attacks. The half was full of niggling free kicks, with the Czechs seemingly unwilling to allow any Argentines to turn without bringing them down.

After the poor first half, the game sprung to life in the second. Within six minutes, Maxi Moralez was played in by Sergio Aguero, but could only fire his shot straight at the Czech keeper. The Czechs then had a menacing attack of their own, Sergio Romero having to be at full stretch to pull off a magnificent save from Lubos Kalouda's header.

A net finally bulged in the 60th minute as Czech striker Martin Fenin turned and fired an unstoppable half volley past Romero to give his side the lead. Their lead didn't last long, Ever Banega splitting the Czech defense with a pin-point through ball to Aguero who calmly slotted the ball home for the equaliser.

Argentina came to life after the equaliser, with both Banega and Aguero frequently getting on the ball and causing problems for the Czech defense.

Despite their efforts, the game looked like it was destined for extra time until 4 minutes from time when Mauro Zarate turned and fired a shot past the Czech keeper from 20 yards. Despite a late charge from the Czechs, Argentina held on for the victory, their fourth truimph in the last six times this tournament has been played.

After playing some great football throughout the tournament it was justice to see Argentina come out victorious, despite the Czech Republic's best efforts to turn the game into a boring affair by piling men behind the ball.

Sergio Aguero picked up both the Golden Boot award for top scorer with six goals, but also the Golden Shoe award, given to the best overall player in the finals.

Earlier on in the day, Chile defeated Austria 1-0 to secure a third place finish. A spectacular Hans Martinez strike on the stroke of half time was enough to give them the victory.

Monday Transfer Gossip

Incredibly sparse on transfer rumours today, in fact only two stories doing the rounds!

First off, Deportivo La Coruna have confirmed the signing of Mexican winger Andres Guardado for a fee somewhere in the region of 5million Euros. Marca (Spanish link) report that the player is to be presented to fans and the media tomorrow.

Finally, Real Madrid president has confirmed that the club are not interested in signing Juan Riquelme, as reported by Tutto Mercato Web (Italian link).

U-20 World Cup Final

Tonight sees Argentina face the Czech Republic in the final of the U-20 World Cup in Toronto.

Unfortunately, Eurosport are not showing the game live as it clashes with their Champ Car and Tour de France coverage. They are offering a highlights package from 11pm, after the Moto GP finishes (so may be later).

For anyone who wants to catch this game and the third/fourth playoff between Austria and Chile as they happen, FIFA.com offers live coverage through their FIFA TV feature.

The start times are as follows:
Austria vs Chile - 17:15 UK/12:15 Canada
Argentina vs Czech Republic - 20:15 UK/15:15 Canada

I had some trouble getting FIFA TV to work using Mozilla Firefox, but it appears to run fine in Internet Explorer.

Pele Speaks

Pele has spoken in Marca (Spanish link) about various Brazilian footballers.

He has advised Kaka that if he is happy at AC Milan, he should stay, no matter what Real Madrid may offer him financially. He has cited his own choice of staying at Santos for his entire career as an example, even when he received offers from teams like Real or Juventus.

He believes that Ronaldo can return to be "number one" at AC Milan and that across the city at Inter, Adriano "will return to be great".

When asked about young starlet Alexandre Pato, he thinks he is a great prospect with great opportunites for the future.

Finally, when asked to pick one player to watch out for, Pele picked Santos striker Marcos Aurelio who has scored 40 goals in the last 18 months. He likened the player to Romario and described him as a player with great promise.

Below is a video of one of his goals whilst at Atletico Paranaense; for his Santos goals click here.

Sunday Transfer Gossip

First off, Portsmouth have made a £4million offer for Hamburg's Peruvian striker Jose Paolo Guerrero, according to The People.

The Sunday Mirror report that Newcastle are interested in signing Brazilian Julio Baptista, who has just returned to Real Madrid after a year on loan at Arsenal.

Sky Sports are now confirming that Carlos Vela will join Osasuna on loan for next season, with a possiblity of a second year on loan depending on Arsenal's wishes for the player.

Finally, FIFA and the English Football Association will meet on Monday in an attempt to resolve the Carlos Tevez affair. BBC Sport report that Manchester United expect the proceedings to be completed before the transfer window closes at the end of August.

PES America Revolution

For any Pro Evolution Soccer fans out there, the Pesamerica Revolution patch for the PC version might be just what you are looking for.

The patch includes all major South American leagues, along with updated menus, scoreboard graphics, sponser boards and stadiums.

It can be downloaded by signing up for the forum at Pesamerica.net, which also includes links to various singular face packs and other downloads related to the South American game.

Saturday Transfer Gossip

First off, Gabriel Heinze may fight to join Liverpool, despite Manchester United rejecting a bid from their rivals for the Argentine international, according to BBC Sport. Many newspapers are also reporting that he may take United to court if they refuse to allow the move.

West Ham are the latest team to express an interest in Roma winger Mancini according to the Daily Express.

Aldo Duscher has joined Racing Santander on a free transfer from Deportivo La Coruna, as reported by Sky Sports.

Despite previous reports that Carlos Vela would join Almeria on loan next season, it now seems that Osasuna is the more likely destination for the Mexican. Marca (Spanish link) report that Osasuna have all but sealed the deal, but will not make an official statement until all the details are completed.

Finally, Cristian Ledesma is "80%" certain of transferring from San Lorenzo to Olympiakos in Greece according to Ole (Spanish link). The fee to take 50% ownership of the player is currently the only contentious issue.

U-20 World Cup Semi - Argentina victorious

Chile conceded their first goals of the tournament at the most vital stage, going down 3-0 to Argentina in last nights semi-final.

Argentina took the lead in the twelfth minute; a brilliant through-ball from Ever Banega setting up Angel Di Maria to fire in off the post. The rest of the half was an even affair, despite Chile going down to ten-men when Medal was given his marching orders.

It was until after the break that Argentina cemented their place in the final; Maxi Moralez crossing the ball for Claudio Yacob to slot home. Chile then went down to nine men after Matias Cahais was sent off for a second bookable offence. Maxi Moralez added a third in stoppage time to guarantee Argentina's place in the final.

Argentina will be without Yacob for the final, after he picked up his second booking of the tournament. Di Maria also limped off early in the second half and looks highly doubtful to be fit in time.

The final takes place on Sunday, with Argentina and the Czech Republic battling it out for the U-20 World Cup trophy.

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, Arsenal are understood to have captured two young South American talents. Sky Sports report that Argentine midfielder Angel Di Maria and Brazilian forward Pedro Silva have agreed to join the North London club. Both will be loaned to Spanish side Salamanca for next season as they will not be able to obtain work permits to play in England.

Valencia have put a hold on their negotiations over the transfer of Lucho Gonzalez from FC Porto. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Spanish side believe the 18million Euros fee to be excessive and that issues with the players' ownership may make the move overly complicated.

Sky Sports report that Italian side Reggina have signed Paraguay international Edgar Barreto from NEC Nijimegan, despite late interest from Benfica.

Finally, River Plate are the latest team to express an interest in Roque Santa Cruz according to Ole (Spanish link). Their hopes could be scuppered if a bidding war ensues, but they seem confident that the player may favour a return to South America rather than continuing to ply his trade in Europe.

U-20 World Cup Semi Tonight

Just to remind everyone that the U-20 World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Chile is tonight.

The game is being shown on Eurosport 2, kicking off at 00:45 British time, 19:45 Canadian.

The winners will face the Czech Republic in the final on Sunday, with the losers squaring off against Austria in the third/fourth playoff earlier in the day.

Thursday Transfer Gossip

First off, Real Zaragoza have completed the signing of playmaker Matuzalem from Shakhtar Donetsk. Sky Sports report that the Brazilian has signed a three year deal with the Spanish side, with the transfer fee undisclosed.

Discussions between Real Betis and Club Nacional de Football are still continuing over the transfer of Pablo Cabellero to the Spanish side. Marca (Spanish link) report that the negotiations currently center around whether Betis will buy the player outright, or just part of the economic rights to the player. Betis boss Hector Cuper expects a deal to be completed within the next week.

Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is willing to spend up to £10million to bring Mexican striker Nery Castillo to the Eastlands, according to The Times.

Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Manchester United will not be selling Gabriel Heinze to arch rivals Liverpool. BBC Sport report that Liverpool made a £6million bid for the player on Monday, which was immediatly rejected by the Old Trafford club.

Finally, River Plate had struck a deal to sign Argentine midfielder Sixto Peralta on loan, according to Ole (Spanish link).

Wednesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Manchester City have snapped up Geovanni from under the noses of fellow Premier League side Portsmouth. BBC Sport report that the Brazilian has signed a one year deal at the Eastlands having previously trained for a week with Portsmouth.

It seems Arsenal are content to leave Carlos Vela in Spain until a European passport can be obtained at the end of the year. The Daily Mirror report that the Mexican will be loaned out to newly promoted Almeria in the Primera Division for the coming season.

It seems that it is not just Manchester City and West Ham who are after Roque Santa Cruz. The Daily Mail report that £5.5million bids from Sevilla and Galatasary have already been accepted for the Bayern Munich striker, leaving the two English clubs needing to at least match those bids to stay in the running for his signature.

Inter Milan confirmed the signing of two Latin Americans yesterday. Sky Sports report that Chilean Luis Jimenez has joined from fellow Serie A side Lazio, with Colombian defender Nelson Rivas joining from River Plate.

Sky also report that Brazilian Edu Dracena is keen on a move to England, with Everton and Bolton both thought to be keen on the Fenerbache defender.

Juan Riquelme's move to Atletico Madrid has been put on hold until after their Intertoto Cup campaign. Marca (Spanish link) report that a fee of £10million has been agreed with Villarreal but the Madrid side need to see if they qualify for the UEFA Cup before making any further big money transfers.

Finally, Lazio appear to have won the race to sign Juan Pablo Carrizo, with Ole (Spanish link) reporting that a $10million fee has been agreed with River Plate. The goalkeeper is expected to sign a five year contract with the Italian side upon arrival in Rome tomorrow according to the Gazetta Della Sport (Italian link).

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Sky Sports report that Manchester City have now made firm their interest in Olympiakos striker Nery Castillo. Ukrainian side Shahktar Donetsk are also interested in the Mexican.

Sky also report that Reading are interested in signing River Plate defender Danilo Gerlo, after he impressed in the Peace Cup meeting between the two sides. River seem open to a move, so expect further news in the coming days.

West Ham are to challenge Manchester City for the signing of Roque Santa Cruz after the Daily Mirror revealed they are ready to match City's bid for the Paraguay forward.

Real Zaragoza are have entered the bidding for River Plate goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo, according to Sky Sports. Lazio's inability to tie up a deal for the Argentine has opened the door for the Spanish club, with both Manchester United and Manchester City holding a watching brief over the negotiations.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Villarreal are interested in signing Diego Milito and Fabio Coloccini as replacements for Diego Forlan and Roberto Ayala. Villarreal are flush with cash having received 27million Euros from the sales of Forlan and Ayala and are expected to make major moves in the transfer market within the next couple of weeks.

Goal report that German sides Wolfsburg and Schalke are interested in signing Juan Riquelme. The player himself has stated a desire to stay in Argentina, but as it is unlikely Boca Juniors can afford to sign him on a permanent basis, a move back to Europe seems the likely course.

Finally, the Gazetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that AC Milan's sixth choice for a big summer signing is Carlos Tevez. If the Rossoneri are unable to sign Drogba, Eto'o, Pato, Ronaldinho or Svenchenko then Tevez is their man. With Tevez's transfer to Manchester United still dragging on, it could be that AC have a good chance to nip in and steal the Argentine from under United clutches.

Copa America Final

Brazil defeated Argentina 3-0 last night to retain the Copa America trophy.

The game was pretty much ruined as a spectacle within four minutes, as Julio Baptista turned inside Roberto Ayala and fired the ball into the far corner. Having taken the lead, the Brazilians piled men behind the ball, making it almost impossible for Argentina to play through them.

Despite this, the Argentines manage to fashion two chances for Juan Riquelme, the first of which came off the outside of the post, and the second of which was well saved by Doni in the Brazilian goal. In the closing minutes of the half, Brazil scored a second on the counter-attack, Daniel Alves' cross deflected into his own goal by Ayala.

The second half followed the same pattern, with Argentina often being caught on the break after pushing so many men forward. Free kick after free kick from Riquelme and Lionel Messi were cleared with ease by the Brazilian backline with PSV/Chelsea defender Alex colossal in the air.

The lack of width in the Argentine side was their downfall as they struggled to break through the resolute Brazilian midfield and defense, becoming more and more frustrated as the game wore on.

With Brazil looking ever more dangerous on the counter-attack, a third goal was inevitable. It came in the 69th minute as Wagner Love played in Daniel Alves to fire a sweet first time drive across the goalkeeper into the far corner.

Argentina never really looked like getting back into the game from three goals down and so it proved as Brazil held on to take their eighth Copa America title.

Argentina and Chile through to U-20 Semis

Both Argentina and Chile were victorious last night to setup a mouthwatering semi-final between the two sides.

Argentina overcame fellow Latin Americans Mexico 1-0 in Ottawa. A Maxi Moralez strike just before half time was enough for the holders to take the victory over the hotly tipped Mexicans.

Four goals in extra time took Chile to a 4-0 victory over Nigeria in Montreal. Chile had chances to win the game before extra time, with Mauricio Isla and Jaime Grondona both guilty of missing good opportunities. The misses didn't come back to haunt them though, as two goals from Isla, one for Grondona and one for Mathias Vidangossy in extra time sealed their place in the semi-finals.

Argentina and Chile will now square off in the semi-final, to be played on the 19th July in Toronto.

Monday Transfer Gossip

First off, The Sun report that Arsenal have had a £15million offer accepted for Boca Juniors forward Rodrigo Palacio. The player was to join Barcelona until they signed Thierry Henry and is apparently expected in England tomorrow for a medical.

Gabriel Heinze's agent has told Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson that he wishes to leave the club this summer, according to the BBC. Liverpool, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Juventus are all thought to be interested in the player, who will now take an extended holiday before deciding on his next move.

Stuggart are today expected to announce the signing of Brazilian forward Ewerthon on an initial year long loan from Real Zaragoza, according to Sky Sports.

Sky also report that Peru defender Alberto Rodriguez is keen on a move to the Premiership with Fulham. Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Boavista have all previously been linked with the player, but it seems he may have his heart set on a move to the Premiership.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Real Betis are in discussions to sign young Uruguayan Pablo Caballero from Club Nacional de Football, with a deal expected to be announced later today.

Marca (Spanish link) also report that Real Zaragoza are likely to make a return bid for Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem. Previous talks with Shakhtar Donetsk had broken off, but the player's refusal to play for the Ukrainian side has reinforced Zaragoza's belief that a deal can be done.

They won't be alone however, as the Gazetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that both Roma and Palermo hold an interest in the Brazilian, who has previously played in Italy for Napoli, Piacenza and Brescia.

Finally, Tribal Football report that Brazilian winger Geovanni, formerly of FC Barcelona, is expected to join Portsmouth on a free transfer after being released by Benfica.

River Plate defeat Reading

River Plate defeated Reading 1-0 in their opening Peace Cup game, thanks to a brilliantly struck free kick from Matias Abelairas in the 28th minute.

River looked impressive throughout, with captain Fernando Bellushi constantly finding space between the Reading midfield and back four. Their new forward line of Garcia Ruben and Mauro Rosales provided good movement up front, and Leonardo Ponzio struck the crossbar in an assured performance.

Daniel Pasarella seemed to have the team playing exactly as he wanted, which can only bode well for them after a disappointing Clausura campaign. Their next Peace Cup game is against Shimizu S-Pulse tomorrow night.

Bolton defeated Chivas 2-0 in the other weekend game involving a Latin American side, goals from Zoltan Harsanyi and Kevin Nolan enough for give the English side the victory. Chivas next face Korean side Seongnam Ilhwa Chumna on Tuesday.

Copa America Third Place Playoff

Mexico defeated Uruguay 3-1 last night to clinch third place in the Copa America.

Uruguay took the lead in the 22nd minute through Sebastian Abreu, but goals from Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Omar Bravo, and Andres Guardado sealed the win for the Mexicans.

All eyes now fall on the Estadio Jose Pachencho Romero stadium in Maracaibo, which hosts tonight's final between Brazil and A