Archives for "Transfers"
Reina Reaps New Deal
By Danny Wright
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina is set to land himself a new deal at the club, according to The Times.
The Spaniard’s current deal runs till 2012, but the club are ready to open talks to keep him at Anfield for a further two years.
The contract would come with an improved wage for the 27-year-old, who has established himself as Rafa Benitez’s first-choice stopper.
Reina has won the Golden Gloves award for three of the past four seasons for keeping the most clean sheets and has become of Europe’s top keepers since arriving on Merseyside from Villarreal in 2005.
Motherwell have signed Everton keeper Ruddy on loan
Motherwell have signed Everton goalkeeper John Ruddy on a six-month loan deal with the option of a permanent move.
The 22-year-old keeper will be eligible to play in the Steelmen’s third qualifying round Europa League encounter against Steaua Bucharest.
Ruddy will vie with Michael Fraser and Sebastian Kosiorowski for the number one jersey at Fir Park.
Well boss Jim Gannon signed the 6ft 4in keeper twice at Stockport.
Ruddy started his career with Cambridge United in 2004 and made 43 appearances before sealing a £250,000 move to Everton the following year.
He has also enjoyed loan spells at Rushden & Diamonds, Chester, Wrexham, Bristol City and Crewe.
Well have been active in the transfer market in the close season with the arrivals of Fraser, midfielders Steve Jennings and Giles Coke, and forward Chris Humphrey.
Chelsea Snap Up Turnbull
By Danny Wright
Chelsea have completed a surprise move for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Ross Turnbull.
Boro were relegated to the Championship last season, and it is understood the stopper turned down a new deal at the Riverside.
He has instead penned a four-year deal at Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and joins the club on a free transfer.
The 24-year-old will provide back-up to Petr Cech, but will have to battle Hilaro for a place on the bench, as it was announced the Portuguese keeper has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the club till 2011.
Wotte hoping Southampton can hold on to Kelvin Davis
Mark Wotte hasn’t given up all hope of keeping Kelvin Davis at the south coast club.
Wotte told the official saints web site “Davis, he has had a medical at West Ham but if a Saints takeover were to happen quickly then it is still possible that he could remain at St Mary’s”
Wotte went on to say: “I asked Kelvin about his situation and he has almost signed for West Ham”
“I hope the takeover will be done before Kelvin joins West Ham.”
Davis who is a Sells Goalkeeper Products endorse is set to wear the new Sells Wrap Axis Aqua 360 next season, the glove can now be pre ordered at great-save.com by clicking the link above.
Wotte was also speaking of his own position he added: “They offered me the chance to be manager, I slept on it and decided to accept it.
“We have to wait for the takeover to be completed and then I will continue to be manager like last season with Michael Svensson.
“I had an existing contract so we decided to change the job and I made some arrangements for this job and I am very happy to be in charge of the first team like it was in the last four or five months.
Flahavan A Step Nearer Selhurst Exit
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan is interesting neighbours Charlton Athletic.
Eagles boss Neil Warnock is set to let the former Southend stopper go and it seems that Addicks manger Phil Parkinson is now ready to make a move for the stopper.
Have released Nicky Weaver, it is believed that Parkinson wants to bring an experienced goalkeeper to The Valley to provide competition for young Darren Randolph and Rob Elliot.
Taylor-made Move For Keeper
By Danny Wright
Manchester City have made a surprise move for Aston Villa goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.
The former Arsenal stopper joins former Villa team mate Gareth Barry at Eastlands to provide cover for first-choice Shay Given.
The switch will come as a surprise given City’s financial clout, but boss Mark Hughes says the signing will add some experience to the squad.
He told the club’s official website: “Stuart is still a fairly young goalkeeper at 28 but he provides a wealth of experience and reliability,
“We are delighted to be able to add a goalkeeper of Stuart’s undoubted calibre to the squad.”
Taylor made a £1m move to Villa in 2005 where he spent most of his time providing back-up to first Thomas Sorensen, and then Brad Friedel.
The arrival of Brad Guzan to Villa Park sent the 28-year-old further down the pecking order, paving the way for a summer move to Manchester.
He spent a part of last season on loan at Championship side Cardiff, making ten appearances.
Taylor said the words of his Friedel had persuaded him to make the move, praising the club’s goalkeeper coach Kevin Hitchcock.
“I talked to Brad for some advice and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the manager and his goalkeeping coach,” he said.
“He has a high regard for Kevin as a person as well as a coach and I can’t wait to start. This is a fantastic club to be joining, a club that is going places with a great new owner and a manager I have a lot of respect for.”
Man Utd to make Real an offer they can’t refuse for Casillas
Manchester United are ready to give back some of the £80 million they will revceive from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo for Spain goalkeeeper Iker Casillas.
Hard choice: Clubs are like balls to Iker Casillas – which one does he pick?
Edwin van der Sar is 39 in October and Sir Alex Ferguson knows he must find a younger alternative for the Dutchman.
Apart from possibly Italy’s Gigi Buffon, Casillas is rated the world’s top goalkeeper by many observers though he has become a symbol of Real along with veteran forward Raul.
That would not deter Ferguson and despite a new era beginning at the Bernabeu with the arrival of Ronaldo and Kaka, the United manager hopes Casillas might be tempted by the challenge of playing for another one of European football’s leading clubs.
New Real president Florentino Perez would be reluctant to lose Casillas but the goalkeeper could feel that he will become a bit part player among the new galacticos.
Pollitt Pens New Deal
By Danny Wright
Wigan goalkeeper Mike Pollitt has decided to extend his stay at the club for another season.
The veteran stopper revealed he has signed a 12-month extension to his current deal.
Pollitt was out of contract in the summer and has rarely featured, finding himself third choice behind Chris Kirkland and Richard Kingson.
“I’ve agreed a contract, now it’s just a case of getting it signed. I’m hoping it can all be done before I go away on holiday,” Pollitt told the Evening Post.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision to make, it probably took all of 30 seconds. Of course I would have liked to have played a few more games but it’s still good to be involved in the squad.”
Schwarzer Linked With Switch
By Danny Wright
Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has once again been linked with a move away from his current club.
The Sun reports today that both Aston Villa and Tottenham are chasing the former Middlesbrough goalkeeper.
The 36-year-old has just one year left on his current deal at Craven Cottage, meaning a move would only cost either club a fee of around £500,000.
Schwarzer left Boro last summer after his deal at the Riverside expired, after 11-years service with the North East club.
Fulham are on the brink of qualifying for next season’s Europa League, a feat made possible by the performances of the veteran stopper.
Quinn Denies Gordon Bonus Claim
By Danny Wright
Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn has hit back at suggestions that goalkeeper Craig Gordon is not been picked to avoid paying out a bonus.
The Black Cats’ stopper has made 49 appearances for the club, but is currently sidelined with a knee problem.
A clause in Gordon’s contract states that Sunderland must pay former club Hearts a £330,000 bonus after 50 matches.
“It’s almost offensive to think after all the effort we’ve made and money we’ve poured into the club we’d consider not playing him in an important match because of a payment,” Quinn told The Sun.
