Argentina: Real Madrid Eye Tevez and Di Maria

Real Madrid have identified Carlos Tevez and Angel Di Maria as two of their primary transfer targets according to reports in Argentina.

Tevez has been linked with Madrid ever since Ruud van Nistelrooy was ruled out for the season with a knee injury, but despite Spanish claims that he will join Los Blancos in January, it seems more likely that he will move to the Bernabeu at the end of the season.

Manchester United have until the 31st January to take up their €39million option on the 24 year old, but with Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney in front of him in the Old Trafford pecking order, Tevez could see a move to Madrid as an ideal opportunity to respark his European career.

His agent Adrián Ruocco is already sounding out Madrid and other potentially interested clubs, but a January move may be scuppered by the fact that Tevez would be cup-tied from playing in the Champions League by virtue of his appearances for United so far this season.

Such a reason would not block Di Maria's path to the Bernabeu at the turn of the year, although Benfica are thought to be keen to hold onto the highly-rated wide-man until the end of the season if possible.

Benfica's Spanish coach Quique Sanchez Flores is tracking Getafe trio Roberto Soldado, Juan Ángel Albín and Ikechukwu Uche, and would only let Di Maria leave if he was able to purchase one of them in January.

Di Maria's stock has risen since his move to Benfica at the start of last season, with excellent performances at club level and in Argentina's successful Olympic campaign solidifying his reputation as one of world football's most promising players.

Tevez: Five More Years Then I'll Return to Boca

Carlos Tevez has told The Sun that he intends to spend five more years in Europe - preferably with Manchester United - before returning to Boca Juniors when he is 28.

"At 28, I want to be in Boca. I have another year on my contract with Manchester and I could extend it for four years more then return.

"But I want to return to Boca at my peak not as some fatso. Imagine if you cannot move - they'd scream insults at you. If I return it will be to get stuck in and play."

Like many ex-Boca players, Tevez has the club close to his heart, having supported them since he was a child and would like to return and repay his debt to the club who raised him as a footballer.

Ballon D'Or Shortlist Announced by France Football

France Football have released a list of the fifty players in contention for the Ballon D'Or, otherwise known as the European Footballer of the year.

They seem to have relaxed the entry rules over previous years, as now players who do not ply their trade in Europe are also included in the list.

There are ten Latin American players included:

Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Brazil), Rogerio Ceni (Sao Paulo, Brazil), Diego (Werder Breman, Brazil), Kaka (Milan, Brazil), Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina), Guillermo Ochoa (America, Mexico), Juan Riquelme (Villarreal, Argentina), Robinho (Real Madrid, Brazil), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Brazil), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United, Argentina).

Basile: "Tevez is my Number Nine"

Alfio Basile has confirmed Carlos Tevez's position as his number one choice for the main striker role in the Argentine national team.

The press in Argentina felt that Tevez underperformed in the first two 2010 qualifiers, but Basile was quick to respond to suggestions that Tevez may be dropped in favour of a more typical target man such as German Denis:

"Tevez has the title of number nine. I am going it to say every day. I choose by him at the present time.

"I will always play those that I like. When I am mistaken, I am mistaken. And when I am successful, I am successful".

With Hernan Crespo expected to be back to full fitness for the next round of qualifiers, it will be interesting to see if Tevez does actually keep his place in the starting lineup.

Manchester United trial Miguel Tevez

Carlos Tevez's brother Miguel has just completed a two-week trial with Manchester United, who are said to have been impressed with the ability of the 17 year old midfielder.

United manager Alex Ferguson is thought to have identified Miguel as a player to watch, but expects the player to return to Argentina as he was apparently homesick during his time in England.

Miguel is currently part of the setup at Boca Juniors, the club where older brother Carlos initially made his name. He was part of the youth team which won the prestigious Efipan Cup in 2005, beating Gremio of Brazil in the final. He is yet to feature for the Boca first team.

Shortlist Announced for FIFA World Player of the Year

After Kaka scooped up the FIFPro award last week, he is now among the favourites to capture the FIFA World Player of the Year.

There were seven Latin American players nominated, listed below:

Juninho (Lyon, Brazil), Kaka (AC Milan, Brazil), Rafael Marquez (Barcelona, Mexico), Lionel Messi (Barcelona, Argentina), Juan Riquelme (Villarreal, Argentina), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Brazil), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United, Argentina).

Voting now begins, with the winner to be announced on the 17th December this year.

Saturday Transfer Gossip

First off, the transfer of Carlos Tevez to Manchester United has finally been completed, as reported by Sky Sports.

Sevilla have turned down two bids in excess of 20million Euros for full back Daniel Alves. Sky Sports report that Chelsea are still interested in the Brazilian, but Jose Mourinho says they won't make a "stupid offer" for the player.

Chelsea have completed the signing of another Brazilian though. BBC Sport report that Alex has joined from PSV on a three year deal.

Real Betis look to have finally agreed a deal with Villarreal for Leandro Somoza. Marca (Spanish link) report that a one year loan deal with an option to buy for 4.5million Euros and been verbally agreed and should be committed to paper within the next couple of days.

Peruvian winger Norberto Solano could be on his way to West Ham. The Northern Echo reports that Solano could be part of a double deal with teammate Kieron Dyer, with the winger stating his desire to move to London, where his family are based.

Finally, Juan Riquelme has suggested that he may have to stay with Villarreal for the next couple of seasons. Ole (Spanish link) report that the player has stated his desire to return to play for Boca Juniors when his Villarreal contract ends in 2009, but will return to Spain for the upcoming season.

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, it seems the Carlos Tevez transfer saga could finally be coming to an end. BBC Sport report that West Ham have agreed a settlement, believed to be £2million, to allow Tevez to join Manchester United. Tevez will return from his holidays this weekend to finalise the move on a two year contract.

Brazilian defender Alex has now received a work permit, allowing him to play in England. BBC Sport reports that the player will now return to England to undergo a medical and agree personal terms with Chelsea.

Manchester City completed the signing of Brazilian international Elano from Shakhtar Donetsk yesterday. BBC Sport report that the midfielder has signed a four year deal with the Premiership club, with the transfer fee thought to be £8million.

Newcastle are close to completing the free transfer signing of Lyon's Brazilian defender Claudio Capaca, according to The Independent.

Earlier this week, Shakhtar Donetsk completed the signings of two Latin Americans. Uefa,com report that Mexican striker Nery Castillo signed for £14million from Olympiakos, with Sao Paulo defender Ilsinho also joining the Ukrainian club for an undisclosed fee.

CA Osasuna have confirmed the loan signing of Arsenal's Carlos Vela for one year. Marca (Spanish link) report that the Mexican forward will be presented to the media on Saturday.

Marca (Spanish link) also report that Real Madrid tried to sign Angel Di Maria from Benfica, hours after he agreed to join the Portugese side. Benfica turned down Real's overtures and have slapped a 30million Euro release clause in the five year contract that the young Argentine has now signed with the club.

The Gazzetta Della Sport (Italian link) reports that Fiorentina are close to agreeing a deal to sign Barcelona midfielder Thiago Motta.

Finally, Gazzetta (Italian link) also report that Catania have agreed a fee with Nacional de Montevideo for the signing of Jorge Martinez. The striker is expected in Italy on Monday for a medical and to agree personal terms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Friday Transfer Gossip

First off, the Gazetta Della Sport (Italian link) report that Alexandre Pato's agent Gilmar Veloz was in Milan yesterday to discuss a move for the talented striker. AC are looking to strike a deal before fellow interested parties Chelsea and Real Madrid get in on the act.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Valencia are not going to be forced into a quick resolution of the transfer of Lucho Gonzalez from FC Porto. Although the player is their number one target for the attacking midfielder position, they are saying calm in the negotiations.

Atletico Madrid are believed to be close to agreeing a fee with Villarreal for Juan Riquelme, thought to be in the region of 10million Euros, according to Marca (Spanish link).

Riquelme's Boca Juniors teammate Martin Palermo has pleaded with the club to do all they can to keep the playmaker at the club in Ole (Spanish link).

Whereas Marca (Spanish link) also report that Real Madrid may turn to the talented Argentine after missing out on Cesc Fabregas. However, they are understood to have questions about his character and could turn instead to Werder Breman's Brazilian playmaker Diego.

Arsenal are weighing up whether to apply for a work permit for Mexican wonderkid Carlos Vela, as reported by the Daily Mirror. He can obtain an EU passport if he stays on loan in Spain until January, but Arsenal may feel that their situation means they need him in the squad sooner, rather than later.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Barcelona are also having nationalisation problems with their Mexican youngster Giovanni Dos Santos. The club currently have too many players without EU passports, which will limit the playing time they are able to give the talented eighteen year old, hence the need to get him a Spanish passport.

Finally, Sky Sports report that Carlos Tevez will be in England next Wednesday for his Manchester United medical. It will be interesting to see whether the other paperwork regarding the deal is also sorted by that time.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, Marca (Spanish link) report that Real Madrid have completed the signing of FC Porto's Brazilian defender Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira, better known as 'Pepe'. Real fought off competition from rivals Barcelona for Pepe, who has signed a five-year contract with Los Merengues. The transfer fee is thought to be in the region of 28million Euros.

The Daily Mirror report that Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is interested in bringing Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz to Ewood Park.

The Mirror also report that Newcastle have joined Liverpool in the race for Manchester United's Argentine defender Gabriel Heinze.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Deportiva La Coruna are still awaiting for an acceptable written offer from Real Zaragoza before they will open negotiations over the transfer of Fabio Coloccini. Tottenham Hotspur have already had a 4.5million Euro offer turned down, with Deportivo holding out for somewhere closer to 10million. The players agent Marcelo Lombilla is expected to meet with Deportivo officials shortly to discuss his client's options.

Ole (Spanish link) report that the arrival of Bernd Schuster as Real Madrid manager should now clear the path for Argentine forward Javier Saviola to join the club on a free transfer. Schuster has apparently spoken highly of the player, so a move seems imminent.

As mentioned yesterday, River Plate and Lazio officials will meet today to discuss the transfer fee for River's Argentine goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo. Ole (Spanish link) today add that Manchester United, AC Milan and West Ham were all interested in the keeper, but baulked when they saw the price tag that River attached to him.

Finally, the BBC report that the transfer of Carlos Tevez to Manchester United is likely to take a few weeks to be finalised by the Premier League, due to the uncertainty over the current ownership of the player.

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.

Friday Transfer Rumours

First off, Celto Vigo's Brazilian forward Nene seems to be keen on a move to the English Premiership, as reported by Sky Sports. Blackburn seem to be the side most heavily linked with the player, with a transfer expected to happen once Nene has received confirmation of his Spanish citizenship.

Another Brazilian linked with a move is Barcelona defender/midfielder Edmilson, who the Daily Star are linking with a free transfer move to Newcastle.

The BBC is reporting that Carlos Tevez has rejected a move to Inter Milan after they elected to put a time constraint on his decision whether to join them. Tevez's representive/owner Kia Joorabchian is quoted as saying that "Carlos' heart is really in the Premier League", which also seemingly rules out the possibility of a move to Real Madrid for the talented Argentine.

Valencia are reportably lining up Barcelona's Brazilian full back Juliano Beletti as a replacement for Miguel, who is expected to leave the club over the summer, as reported by Marca (Spanish link).

Following the Ole report on Monday that Mariano Pavone's move to Real Betis was close to completion, it appears that Betis are likely to announce the transfer today, according to Marca (Spanish link).

Finally, Marca report that Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has confirmed that the club are in discussions to sign Real Zaragoza's Argentine center-back Gabriel Milito. It seems there is currently a difference between their and Zaragoza's valuations for the player and Gigli doesn't expect the issue to be resolved easily.

Thursday Transfer Rumours

First off, it seems that dimuitive Brazilian midfielder Juninho Paulista could be making a return to Britain after Sky Sports reported that Championship club Hull are expected to hold talks with the player over the next 48 hours.

Marca (Spanish link) report that Diego Forlan is not interested in a move to Atletico Madrid to be a back-up for Fernando Torres. With Torres' own future at Madrid in doubt, one would assume that Forlan would be brought as a replacement for the Spaniard, but it is all purely speculation at the moment.

Marca (Spanish link) also report that Inter Milan and Real Madrid could be about to enter into a deal including players for the transfer of Brazilian forward Adriano to the Bernabeu. Mahamadou Diarra and Antonio Cassano are the two players mentioned as possible makeweights in the negotiations.

The Carlos Tevez tug of war continues today. Javier Mascherano has pleaded with his fellow countryman to join him at Liverpool according to the Daily Star, whereas the Daily Mail reports that West Ham are to offer Tevez £115,000 a week to continue with them for next season.

Finally, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has denied that the club are interested in Internacional striker Alexandre Pato, as reported on ClicRBS (Portugese link). This could clear the way for Chelsea to make a widely predicted move for the player.

Tuesday Transfer Gossip

First off, The Sun is reporting that AC Milan are contesting Chelsea for the signature of Alexandre Pato from Internacional. Pato's agent, Gilmar Veloz has suggested that any move cannot be completed until the player has reached the age of eighteen, thereby ruling out any chances of the player moving until January next year.

The Sun is also claiming that Carlos Tevez would be open to a move to Arsenal to replace Thierry Henry. He is quoted as saying "I know people are now talking about Arsenal and obviously that is something I am excited about. It’s another big club and the good thing is I wouldn’t have to move out of London. I also already know English football and I like it".

However, Spanish newspaper Marca (Spanish link) is reporting that Tevez, whilst flattered by interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid, has his heart set on a move to Italian side Inter Milan. With West Ham owner Eggert Magnusson recently stating that he expects Tevez to stay at the club next season, it will be interesting to see how this transfer tug of war develops.

Another ongoing transfer saga is that of Tevez's compatriot, Javier Saviola. It seemed Middlesborough were in pole position for his signature, but now Lionel Messi is saying in Marca (Spanish link) that he will be sad to see Saviola in the shirt of Real Madrid next season.

One transfer that has finally been concluded is that of Honduran forward David Suazo, who has completed his move from Cagliari to Inter Milan today. Sky Sports is reporting that he will be presented to the Italian media as an Inter player tomorrow.

Sao Paulo's Brazilian defender Alex Silva has received offers to join various European clubs, though to be from the German and Italian leagues, according to RBSclic (Portugese link). Having seen his first team opportunities limited this season, it seems Silva is going to use a clause in his contract to instigate a move to Europe for next season.

RBSclic (Portugese link) also report that Brazilian Thiago Motta is to leave FC Barcelona following their signing of Yaya Toure. There is no word yet of any interested parties, but I would expect to see many Spanish and Portugese teams interested in signing the versatile midfielder.

Greek club Olympiakos seem to be going Argentine crazy at the moment, having made a £2.4million offer for Deportivo's defender Fabio Coloccini according to Sky Sports. Coloccini seems destined to leave Depor over the summer, but having already turned down offers from clubs in Qatar and Russia, it will be interesting to see his reaction to this latest interest in his signature.

Finally, Sky Sports reports that Scottish club Gretna have confirmed the signing of Fabian Yantorno on a one year deal from Urguayan club Miramer Misiones, beating off competition from sides in Uruguay and Mexico for his signature.