Article Published by Atomic Sports Media - De Rússia con amor

To go from the sweltering hot sands of the Copacabana, to Moscow in the heart of a Russian winter may not seem to be the most attractive move for a footballer, but it is one that is becoming increasingly more common. As of this week, there are currently nineteen Brazilians, as well as six Argentines and one Colombian plying their trade in Russia’s top division. Add to that, a further twenty Brazilians in the Ukrainian first division and there is quite a community growing across the former USSR countries.

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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).

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.

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, Sky Sports understand that Carlos Tevez had agreed to join Manchester United on loan on an initial two year deal.

Deportiva La Coruna are waiting on written offers for Argentine centre-back Fabio Coloccini, after holding discussions with Olympiakos, Real Zaragoza and Tottenham Hotspur in respect of a possible move, according to Sky Sports.

Sky also report that Scottish club Hearts have agreed deals to bring two Argentines: Damien Giminez and Fernando Screpis to the club after they were both released by their sides in Argentina.

Parma have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Reginaldo from fellow Serie A side Fiorentina. Sky report the transfer fee as £3million.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Stuggart are in discussions with Real Zaragoza over a transfer for Brazilian forward Ewerthon to the German side. The fee being discussed is in the region of 8million Euros, with further negotiations expected Monday.

In the same article they also mention that Zaragoza have pulled out of any possible deal for Shakhtar Donetsk forward Matuzalem, despite the player refusing to train with the Russian side until he is sold.

Finally, The Daily Star report that Manchester City are to bid £8million for Bayern Munich's Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz.