Soccer news,Ronaldo agrees six-year Real deal

Ronaldo agrees six-year Real deal

Ronaldo was heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid last summer

Cristiano Ronaldo will complete his world record £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid on 1 July after agreeing a six-year deal.

United, who accepted Real's offer for the 24-year-old winger on 11 June, confirmed on their website that the transfer had been finalised.

A statement on Real's website read: "The player will be tied to Real Madrid for the next six seasons.

"He will be presented on 6 July at the Santiago Bernabeu."

Ronaldo was on holiday in the United States at the time the offer was made by Real, on 10 June.

During that time, United stated that the decision came at the Portugal international's request after he "again expressed his desire to leave".

606: DEBATE What do you think about the length of the Ronaldo's deal with Real?

The Old Trafford club said the offer was unconditional and wanted the matter to be concluded by 30 June.

The addition of Ronaldo to the Real ranks is part of a remarkable spending spree by the Spanish giants since Florentino Perez returned as club president on 1 June.

He brought in Brazil playmaker Kaka for a then-world record £56m, then Ronaldo for £80m before signing centre-back Raul Albiol from Valencia for £12m, to bring Real's total summer spend, so far, to £148m.

Perez appointed Villarreal boss Manuel Pellegrini as Real's new coach, and had previously made it clear he would do "everything possible" to sign Ronaldo.

Reports have suggested that the midfielder will earn about £11m per year, which will make him the highest paid footballer in the world. He was on about £6.38m at Old Trafford.

The current top earner is understood to be Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is on about £10m per year.

Despite the vast outgoings, Madrid have also been linked with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, Valencia's David Villa and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford

Ronaldo joined United in 2003 from Sporting Lisbon for £12.2m, but was strongly linked with a move to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2008.

United lodged a complaint with world governing body Fifa last June over what they believed was a deliberate attempt by Real to unsettle the winger.

After a long, drawn-out saga that ran through the summer months, the Portugal international insisted he was happy at Old Trafford and remained at United for the 2008-2009 season.

And despite Ronaldo's claim that he wanted to remain at Old Trafford, he was the subject of constant speculation during the 2008-2009 season and often issued mixed messages about his future.

It took time for Ronaldo to find his best form after arriving in England but he became a pivotal player for United, who have won the last three Premier League titles.

In 2007-08, he scored 42 goals, which topped the previous club record for a midfielder held by George Best, and was on the score sheet as United defeated Chelsea in the Champions League final.

His form through 2008 saw him named Fifa World Player of the Year in January, just a month after he won the Ballon d'Or as the European Player of the Year.

Ronaldo was the top scorer for his club last season, with 26 goals, taking his total for United to 118 in 292 appearances.

Sports Soccer news,Man Utd set to move

Man Utd set to move for Valencia

The highly rated Valencia appears to be Old Trafford bound

Manchester United appear poised to make a formal offer for Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia, according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.

United, who are set to sell forward Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m, are keen to sign the 23-year-old.

"They have been in touch with us and we will be starting negotiations very shortly, I would imagine," said Whelan.

"If Antonio says he wants to go to Manchester United and we get the right fee, the deal will be done."

Some reports in the British media on Saturday claimed United had already submitted a £17.5m bid for the Ecuadorian, who would be a natural replacement for Ronaldo on the right wing.

"United have been in touch with us over Antonio for the last two or three months, expressing an interest and actually putting cash offers on the table," added Whelan.

"Those things have got to be picked up now. I think they were waiting to see if Ronaldo actually went to Real.

"Things will develop over the next seven to 14 days. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will make his move when he is ready. He is a shrewd operator and the finest manager the world has ever seen."

Whelan said he was not desperate to sell Valencia: "If I can keep the lad, I'm going to keep him. He is one brilliant player.

"So there is no pressure on me, or our football club, to sell him. If Manchester United don't want to make a written offer, I'll be delighted and we will have him in our team next season."

However, Whelan added on Sky Sports News that he would not stand in Valencia's way if he wanted to move to Old Trafford.

Sports Soccer news,Maldini linked to role at Chelsea

Maldini linked to role at Chelsea

Ancelotti and Maldini won a Serie A title and two European Cups at Milan

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini could be poised to join the backroom staff at Chelsea, BBC Sport understands.

A deal would mean the veteran Italian, who spent his 25-year career at the San Siro, teaming up again with coach Carlo Ancelotti, who left Milan for Chelsea.

The 40-year-old left-back, who only quit playing at the end of the 2008-09 season, won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies.

Talks are understood to be ongoing, although a role has not been specified.

Maldini, who made more than 900 appearances for Milan and a record 126 for Italy, speaks good English and is thought to be unhappy with the lack of opportunities at the San Siro since his retirement.

Ancelotti has agreed to work with current Chelsea coach Ray Wilkins, who speaks Italian, but he is also thought to want to bring in a fellow countryman.

And with Chelsea still looking to replace defensive coach specialist Steve Clarke, who joined Gianfranco Zola at West Ham earlier this year, Maldini could fit the bill.

Sports Soccer news,Who can replace Ronaldo?

Who can replace Ronaldo?

By Sam Lyon

Cristiano Ronaldo's proposed £80m transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid not only promises to rewrite the record books, but also potentially spark a buying frenzy from the Old Trafford giants that has not been seen for many a year.

While the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov have all moved for substantial fees in recent years, rarely has manager Sir Alex Ferguson had the opportunity - or desire - to bring in a collection of big-money signings in one transfer window.

The loss of one of the world's greatest players has prompted a mixed reaction among United fans - some bemoaning the departure of a player that has spearheaded the club's haul of nine trophies in three seasons, others happy to take the money for an unhappy player.

However one looks at it, though, United have a big gap to fill - and a huge sum of money with which to fill it.

Here, BBC Sport looks at some of the players who could be tasked with filling the void created by Ronaldo's switch to the Bernabeu.

Name: Antonio Valencia
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £16m
Club: Wigan Athletic

Long linked with a switch to Old Trafford, Antonio Valencia would appear to be an obvious like-for-like replacement for Ronaldo.

Aged 23, just a year younger than the Portugal international, Valencia has impressed during his three years at Wigan with his pace and trickery, though a return of just seven goals in 83 appearances suggest he lacks Ronaldo's prolificacy in front of goal.

Valencia is widely expected to leave Wigan this summer, and Latics chairman Dave Whelan admits: "Sir Alex Ferguson had him watched in every game last season and he holds Antonio in high regard. There is no question he is interested."

Sign or swerve? SIGN
Do you agree?

Name: Franck Ribery
Age: 26
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £30m
Club: Bayern Munich

The France winger would not come cheap, but he would bring to Old Trafford a proven ability to perform on the biggest stages.

With 37 caps and seven goals at international level, Ribery shook off a turbulent start to his career - when he represented five clubs in five years aged 17-22 - to become one of Europe's most consistent performers at club level.

Two impressive years at Marseille preceded a 25m euro move to Bayern Munich and his most productive years, with 20 goals in 53 appearances.

Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer has admitted Ribery could be sold if he does not extend his current deal at the Allianz Arena, but Manchester United sources have hinted the fee, combined with Ribery's age, could put Ferguson off making a bid.

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Karim Benzema
Age: 21
Position: Striker
Potential cost: £25m
Club: Lyon

Although not a direct replacement for Ronaldo, Lyon forward Karim Benzema could at least go some way to replacing one facet of Ronaldo's game that proved so valuable to United in recent years - goals.

Ronaldo's haul of 71 goals in the past two seasons underlines the goal presence United will be missing, and Benzema comes with a lofty reputation to match his price tag.

The 6ft frontman has scored 43 goals in 112 appearances for Lyon - and would also bring a familiarity with a three-man frontline often favoured by Ferguson, having played across the front three in Lyon's 4-3-3 formation this season.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has insisted Benzema will not leave the club before the 2010 World Cup, but money talks in football - as United know only too well.

Sign or swerve? SIGN
Do you agree?

Name: Sergio Aguero
Age: 21
Position: Forward
Potential cost: £45m
Club: Atletico Madrid

Another option if Ferguson is looking for a young, lethal forward, is Atletico Madrid's crown jewel Sergio Aguero.

The Argentine earned a move, aged just 17, to Atletico on the back of 23 goals in 54 appearances for Independiente and has followed that up with 42 goals in 112 appearances in Spain.

Now a regular member of the Argentina national squad, Aguero has been cutting his teeth alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano - and impressing all with his ability to create as well as score goals.

However, the darling of Madrid would not be cheap. Reports suggest it could take as much as £45m to lure him, while he will demand wages of over £11m a year BEFORE tax.

Too much to risk on a youngster still unproven in the Premier League, or a chance worth taking? Ferguson may feel he has safer bets in the pipeline...

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Arjen Robben
Age: 25
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £20m
Club: Real Madrid

The purchase of Cristiano Ronaldo, allied to that of Brazilian playmaker Kaka, has left Real Madrid with an abundance of attacking talent - and many expect something akin to a firesale at the Bernabeu as a result.

And Manchester United could do worse than consider the mercurial Arjen Robben, equal parts inspirational and frustrating during his time at Chelsea between 2004 and 2007.

When not on the injury table - an occurrence all too frequent for the Dutchman's liking - the 25-year-old has proven pacy, skilful and with an eye for a goal and a pass.

Whether Real would be willing to sell, and whether Ferguson would consider buying a player deemed surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese's time at Chelsea, remain to be seen.

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: David Silva
Age: 23
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £18m
Club: Valencia

An arguably less recognisable name, David Silva nonetheless has all the attributes Sir Alex Ferguson might be looking for in a forward.

The 23-year-old can play on either wing, or behind the frontman, and has developed into a key member of the Spain squad that won Euro 2008 and is ranked number one in the world.

Silva penned a new seven-year deal with Valencia last summer that ties him to Los Che until 2013, but the cash-strapped club could be forced to sell him.

There would also be the added bonus that Silva has long been a target of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez - and wouldn't Ferguson just love getting one over on his Premier League rival?

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Aaron Lennon
Age: 22
Position: Winger
Potential cost: £18m
Club: Tottenham

Although not yet the finished product, Aaron Lennon could provide an interesting option for United.

The winger is young, fast, increasingly effective going forward, and tore strips off left-back Patrice Evra time and again in the Carling Cup final at Wembley in February.

With Spurs boss Harry Redknapp reportedly keen to conduct a huge clearout at Tottenham, the ol' wheeler-dealer might be willing to accept a big-money offer in order to fund his rebuilding job at White Hart Lane.

However, Lennon was arguably Tottenham's player of the season last year and, having only penned a new contract this season, appears settled and keen to play a part in the London club's revival under Redknapp.

Sign or swerve? SWERVE
Do you agree?

Name: Carlos Tevez
Age: 25
Position: Forward
Potential cost: £25m
Club: Unattached

What list of potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo would be complete without the name of fans' favourite Carlos Tevez?

The Argentine has forged a sensational rapport with the United supporters with his full-throttle displays and knack of scoring important goals, and the Old Trafford faithful would love nothing more than to welcome him back to the club next season.

Although frustrated by a lack of starts in the 2008-2009 campaign, Cristiano Ronaldo's departure would surely make Tevez a key attacking force for United next season.

And the fact he is familiar with the way Ferguson - and the likes of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov - works, would ensure a smooth transition from loan star to big-money buy.

However, reports suggest ties between Tevez and the club have already been severed. Ferguson's apparent reluctance to pay the £25m being asked for by Tevez's representatives to make his stay at Old Trafford permanent has upset a player with no shortage of suitors.

One such admirer is United's local rivals Manchester City and it is thought negotiations to take Tevez across the city are already well under way.

Now flush with cash, is it too late for United to snatch Tevez back from under the noses of the blue half of Manchester?

Sports Soccer news,absolutely inevitable' - Ingham

Ronaldo move 'absolutely inevitable' - Ingham

BBC Radio 5 Live's chief football correspondent Mike Ingham believes it was a question of when, not if, Cristiano Ronaldo would move to Real Madrid.

Sports Soccer news,Ronaldo to bring success

Calderon expects Ronaldo to bring success

Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is delighted with the news that Manchester United's star player Cristiano Ronaldo is heading to the Bernabeu and believes he will win silverware in Spain.

Sports Soccer news,Ronaldo confident of Real switch

Ronaldo confident of Real switch

Ronaldo expects to successfully complete a medical before joining Real Madrid

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo says he expects his record £80m move from Manchester United to Real Madrid to go through, despite a minor hernia injury.

The 24-year-old winger told Fox Sports in the US: "I do not require surgery. The hernia is nothing to worry about.

"I learned about the deal on holiday and heard that United have accepted. Madrid want to have a medical team look at me, but that's as expected."

Emerging reports suggest a deal to take Ronaldo to Real has long been in place.

The Spanish giants conducted a long - and public - pursuit of the winger throughout last summer, only to see a potential deal fall through.

WORLD PRESS REACTION Spain's Marca: "The signing of the century." Spain's AS: "Praise is mixed with criticism for the price, a new world record." Spain's El Mundo: "Madrid pay for Ronaldo 57 times his weight in gold." Spain's El Pais: "Florentino Perez lives in another galaxy." Portugal's Record: "Real Madrid spend 94m euros for Ronaldo in times of crisis." Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport: "That's not fair. Mad Real. After Kaka, Real Madrid sign Cristiano Ronaldo." France's L'Equipe: ""Benzema's turn?" America's Los Angeles Times: "The hair-gel industry in north-west England suffered a catastrophic blow on Thursday." Friday's gossip column

Their conduct appeared to anger United, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson in particular, and the club even reported Real to Fifa over their approaches.

Ramon Calderon, Real president at the time, later attempted to smooth over the apparent rift, saying: "We don't want to get into trouble with them as they are one of the biggest clubs in the world."

However, Calderon - who resigned as Real president in January - has told BBC Radio 5 Live that it was agreed between all parties at the time that Ronaldo would move to the Bernabeu this summer.

"Last season, Manchester United decided not to do it because they thought it was too early," he said. "Everyone involved in the operation agreed to do it this season. That is what I can say."

And that view is supported by Juande Ramos, the former Tottenham boss who managed Real Madrid for six months from December last year.

"Am I surprised (that Ronaldo is joining Real Madrid)? No, because I knew it would happen at some stage," he told 5 Live.

"We already knew that Real Madrid had a pre-contract agreement with Cristiano Ronaldo and that it was only a matter of time.

"I don't know exactly when that agreement was made, but I do know it was in place."

Ronaldo gave little clue about any pre-contract agreement, though, when talking about the move from his holiday base in Los Angeles - to where Madrid officials will fly to conduct a medical before the transfer is completed.

FOOTBALL BLOG United's manager could not afford to spend huge swathes of every close season persuading a player - no matter how vital - to stay at Old Trafford BBC Sport's Phil McNulty

"It's flattering when two of the top teams in the world want you to play for them," said the 2008 Fifa Player of the Year, who has yet to finalise personal terms with Real.

"The deal is historic - £80m is quite a sum of money."

Should, as expected, the deal be concluded by 30 June, Ronaldo would report for training on 10 July ahead of a pre-season training camp in Dublin, Ireland, which will include a friendly.

The La Liga giants will then compete in the Peace Cup in Spain, where their opponents include Aston Villa and Celtic, before heading to Canada, where they will face Toronto FC, and Washington, for a game against DC United.

A United statement on Thursday revealed the record bid was accepted after Ronaldo had "again expressed his desire to leave".

And a spokesman for United's owners, the Glazer family, insisted that the decision to sell Ronaldo was taken solely by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The spokesman told the BBC: "It was purely a football decision and had nothing to do with the financial structure of the club."

Uefa president Michel Platini, however, has labelled the world record fee as "excessive", adding: "These transfers are a serious challenge to the idea of fairplay and the concept of financial balance in our competitions."

And chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, Gordon Taylor, believes football has to be mindful of such large transfer fees given the current financial climate.

"It sets a standard that so many clubs will be unable to compete with - and if you do try to compete (financially with Real Madrid) you are building massive volumes of debt," he said.

"Football isn't immune to the world's problems and, as such, is very vulnerable."

Madrid signed Brazilian Kaka for a reported £56m earlier this week, surpassing the previous world record fee in pounds sterling of £45.6m, which they paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001.

That deal was sealed by the ambition of returning Real president Florentino Perez, who previously led the Spanish club from 2000 to 2006 - during the famous galacticos era.

Sports Soccer news,Friday's gossip column

BREAKING GOSSIP

1408 BST: Gennaro Gattuso's agent has quashed reports his client will leave AC Milan this summer. Gattuso had been linked with a move to Chelsea. (Press Association)

1405 BST: Big-spending Real Madrid have set their sights on Arsenal defender Gael Clichy.
(Full story: The Independent)

1401 BST: Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun has played down reports linking him to a move to Champions League winners Barcelona. (Press Association)

1355 BST: Roma are hoping to land Chelsea misfit Andriy Shevchenko on a free transfer. (Daily Mail)

1352 BST: Sulley Muntari's agent says Tottenham have had a bid for the Inter Milan midfielder rejected. (Daily Mail)

1342 BST: Sheffield United are understood to have made an offer, believed to be in the region of £1.5m, for Manchester City striker Ched Evans. (The Sheffield Star)

1215 BST: Middlesbrough say they will not sell defender David Wheater unless they are made an offer they cannot refuse. (Press Association)

1121 BST: Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent insists Serie A club Napoli have received an offer from Liverpool for the Argentine striker. (Press Association)

1049 BST:Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness will only consider selling Franck Ribery if his club receive a "crazy" bid for the France midfielder. (German newspaper Tz)

1026 BST: Carlos Tevez's future may now be at Manchester United and not rivals City after Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer to Real Madrid. (Manchester Evening News)

1015 BST: Brazilian playmaker Kaka has expressed delight at Ronaldo's move from Manchester United to join him at Real Madrid. (Press Association)

1004 BST: Juventus are ready to offer David Trezeguet to Manchester City in exchange for Elano, according to reports in Italy. (Sky Sports)

1004 BST: Stoke City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has played down reports linking him with a transfer to Bayern Munich. (The Sentinel)

0955 BST: Burnley have denied speculation linking them to Newcastle winger Damien Duff. (Lancashire Telegraph)

0932 BST: Everton defender Joleon Lescott has played down reports linking him with a move to Manchester City. (Press Association)

RONALDO GOSSIP - WORLD REACTION

Spain's biggest-selling newspaper, Marca, has hailed the signing as "The signing of the century" on their front cover and "A signing from another galaxy" on page two.

Fellow Madrid-based sports daily, AS, claim Ronaldo will wear the number nine shirt at the Bernebau also saying that "Praise is mixed with criticism for the price, a new world record - 94m euros for the number one."

The El Mundo newspaper focused on Ronaldo's huge price tag, commenting: "Madrid pay for Ronaldo 57 times his weight in gold."

WORLD PRESS REACTION Spain's Marca: "The signing of the century." Spain's AS: "Praise is mixed with criticism for the price, a new world record." Spain's El Mundo: "Madrid pay for Ronaldo 57 times his weight in gold." Spain's El Pais: "Florentino Perez lives in another galaxy." Portugal's Record: "Real Madrid spend 94m euros for Ronaldo in times of crisis." Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport: "That's not fair. Mad Real. After Kaka, Real Madrid sign Cristiano Ronaldo." France's L'Equipe: ""Benzema's turn?" America's Los Angeles Times: "The hair-gel industry in north-west England suffered a catastrophic blow on Thursday." Ronaldo confident of Real switch

"Florentino Perez lives in another galaxy," slams Spanish newspaperEl Pais.

Barcelona-based sports newspaper El Mundo Deportivo's front-page headline, meanwhile, pulled no punches, reading:"CR94. Madness!"

Portuguese sports newspaper Record was equally as critical of the transfer fee, commenting: "Real Madrid spend 94m euros for Ronaldo in times of crisis. He will earn more in 24 hours than our president of the Republic in two months."

The Italian press were equally miffed, with Gazzetta dello Sport saying: "That's not fair. Mad Real. After Kaka, Real Madrid sign Cristiano Ronaldo."

French dailyL'Equipe believed the transfer could provide United with the funds to make a bid for Lyon forward Karim Benzema, with their headline reading: "Benzema's turn?"

America's Los Angeles Times took a more quirky look at the transfer by jokingly saying: "The hair-gel industry in north-west England suffered a catastrophic blow on Thursday in a world-record sports transaction after which the soccer marvel Cristiano Ronaldo seemed Spain-bound."

RONALDO GOSSIP - UK REACTION

Manchester United are fighting to halt an exodus after Cristiano Ronaldo's record £80m transfer to Real Madrid with Nemanja Vidic being targeted by Barcelona.
(Full story: The Times)

And Manchester City appear to have beaten United to the signature of Argentine striker Carlos Tevez.
(Full story: The Times)

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists it was his decision entirely to allow Ronaldo to leave for Madrid.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Ferguson only allowed Ronaldo to leave on the proviso that he would get to spend all of the world record £80m transfer fee on new players.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Or, Ferguson will be given £100m to spend on new players after Ronaldo's departure.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Ronaldo himself has labelled his dream move to Real as "historic".
(Full story: The Sun)

The 24-year-old celebrated his transfer by spending the night with heiress Paris Hilton in Los Angeles.
(Full story: The Sun)

Ferguson has targeted Lyon striker Karim Benzema, Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Wigan midfielder Antonio Valencia as replacements for Ronaldo.
(Full story: The Guardian)

Valencia is expected to cost United £23m in total.
(Full story: The Mirror)

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o could also be a surprise target for Manchester United. (The Guardian)

However, it would appear that Italian club Inter Milan are favourites to land the £25m-rated striker from the Nou Camp.
(Full story: The Sun)

Valencia winger David Silva is another player who could be wearing the red of United next season. (The Times)

Real Madrid winger Arjen Robben could also be a target for Ferguson. (Daily Star)

Ferguson could also go after Seville star Luis Fabiano.
(Full story: The Sun)

With doubts over the future of holding midfielder Owen Hargreaves, United may also pursue Barcelona's Yaya Toure.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Madrid are confident that Ronaldo could earn them over £500m in merchandising over the next 10 years.
(Full story: The Sun)

Out-of-favour Manchester United winger Nani says he is the man to replace World and European player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo.
(Full story: The Sun)

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti will make AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso his first signing as Blues boss.
(Full story: The Sun)

Chelsea meanwhile face a fight to hold onto right-back Jose Bosingwa who is wanted by German side Bayern Munich.
(Full story: The Sun)

Another player who could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge is midfielder Deco, who is eyeing up a move to Inter Milan.
(Full story: The Sun)

But Chelsea look to have failed in their attempts to sign AC Milan duo, forward Alexandre Pato and midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
(Full story: Daily Express)

Chelsea will also have to make an increased £20m bid to land Russian star Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow. (Daily Express)

Real Madrid also look set to beat Chelsea to the signature of Valencia forward David Villa.
(Full story: Guardian)

Madrid meanwhile will offer striker Javier Saviola to Liverpool as bait to land midfielder Xabi Alonso.
(Full story: The Sun)

Manchester City have offered Portsmouth £18m for right-back Glen Johnson.
(Full story: Daily Express)

City have also bid £15m bid for Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Manager Mark Hughes looks set to allow City keeper Joe Hart to join Birmingham on loan next season.
(Full story: The Sun)

Arsenal central defender Kolo Toure is pondering a £15m move to Manchester City.
(Full story: Daily Star)

Toure's arrival could signal the departure of Richard Dunne with new Sunderland manager Steve Bruce leading the chase to sign the centre-back. (Daily Star)

Bruce is also interested in Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole and Tottenham striker Darren Bent. (Daily Star)

Meanwhile, Arsenal will recall central defender Philippe Senderos after his year long loan deal at AC Milan. (Daily Star)

Chelsea have inquired about Portsmouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. (The Times)

Galatasary coach Frank Rijkaard is interested in signing Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos. (The Times)

David Beckham has opened the door to a potential return to the Premier League with Tottenham interested in taking the LA Galaxy midfielder on loan.
(Full story: The Sun)

Wolves and Blackburn are battling to sign Newcastle's Nicky Butt with Rovers preparing a £1.5m bid for the midfielder. (The Sun)

Rovers meanwhile are interested in Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda and Newcastle duo Nicky Butt and Alan Smith.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Aston Villa will use striker Marlon Harewood as bait to land Middlesbrough defender David Wheater.
(Full story: The Sun)

Hull are preparing a £2.5m bid for Newcastle midfielder Kevin Nolan.
(Full story: The Sun)

Everton are battling with Manchester United and Aston Villa for the signature of Sheffield United's highly rated full-back Kyle Naughton.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Toffees boss David Moyes is also keen on Leeds United midfielder Fabian Delph and is also considering a season-long loan deal for Manchester City's Brazilian striker Jo.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Barcelona have made an enquiry for Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun who is valued at £12m by the Reds.
(Full story: Daily Mail)

Liverpool left-back Andrea Dossena is set for £6.5m move to Italian Serie A side Juventus.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Liverpool are battling with Arsenal and Chelsea for Feyenoord striker Luc Castaignos. (The Times)

Fulham are battling with Everton for the signature of Reading winger Stephen Hunt. (The Times)

Wolves are set to beat Birmingham City in the race to sign Coventry defender Scott Dann for £4m. (Daily Mail)

Fulham, Hull and Stoke are keen on Sampdoria midfielder Gennaro Delvecchio. (Daily Mirror)

Bolton and Blackburn are both chasing Pretson winger Danny Mayor.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas is a £6m target for Aston Villa.
(Full story: Daily Mirror)

Kilmarnock defender David Lilley is set to depart Rugby Park after talks over a new deal collapsed. (The Star)

Spanish left-back Xabi Castillo is waiting on the outcome of the managerial position at Celtic to find out if he is able to pursue his preferred option of a move to Scotland in the summer. (Daily Mail)

Dundee are waiting on an answer from ex-Clyde striker Pat Clarke after offering the 24-year-old a contract at Dens Park. (Daily Mail)

OTHER GOSSIP

Liverpool are hopeful of securing a £350m refinancing loan after vowing to pump more money into the club. (The Sun)

Investment banker Keith Harris and former Newcastle chairman Freddie Shepherd have met to discuss the purchase of the Magpies. (Daily Express)

Or, a north-east businessman is planning a £150m takeover of the recently relegated club.
(Full story: The Times)

Chelsea have failed in their bid to tempt AC Milan legend Paulo Maldini to join the club in an undefined role.
(Full story: The Times)

Mark McGhee has dropped his wage demands for the Aberdeen job in a bid to push through his prolonged switch from Fir Park to Pittodrie. (The Star)

Meanwhile, the deal to secure McGhee as Aberdeen manager has stalled because the compensation package to Motherwell has been deemed unsuitable. (Daily Record)

Suspended Livingston manager Paul Hegarty claims he will not sit down with Livingston owner Angelo Massone until he is paid. (The Star)

Celtic have drawn up a radical plan to save the Scottish Premier League which involves reducing the number of teams to 10 and abandoning the split. (Daily Record)

Former top referee Hugh Dallas is to become the Saturday night judge and jury of controversial incidents and bring instant verdicts to the public in a new Scottish Football Association plan to bring clarity to the public. (Daily Record)

Hibernian manager John Hughes is ready to make out-of-contract Falkirk keeper Dani Mallo his first signing since taking over at Easter Road. (Daily Record)

Irish rising young management star Pat Fenlon has declared his interest in landing a job in Scotland's top-flight. (Daily Record)

AND FINALLY

David Beckham's pants brought London traffic to a halt on Bond Street after a 50ft billboard revealing him only wearing underwear was unveiled.

Sports Soccer news,world transfer record

History of the world transfer record

Just days after Real Madrid completed their chase for Kaka for a reported £56m, they look set to smash the world transfer record by paying £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo. Check out the players who have previously broken the world transfer record...

Sports Soccer news,Ronaldo for beginners

Ronaldo for beginners

By Finlo Rohrer

With an £80m transfer price, Cristiano Ronaldo has become the most expensive footballer ever. But for those who don't follow the game or the celebrity world which accompanies it, why is he so talked about?

Manchester United, Britain's biggest football club, is about to become £80m richer after agreeing to sell its star player Cristiano Ronaldo.

Since the Portuguese player came to these shores in 2003 he has been an object of constant fascination for the press, fans and celebrity watchers. Even those with more pressing things to occupy their time will have found it almost impossible to ignore his impact on British life. Here, for the footballing unfaithful, we explain five reasons why he has been so talked about.

THE SWERVING FREE KICK

Football fans are used to seeing prolific free kickers rippling the back of the net. But most free kick specialists score their goals either from curling the ball into a corner of the net, or opting for a straight blast from closer in.

It's the physics of chaos that determines Ronaldo's free kicks whereas David Beckham's are entirely deliberate Dr Ken Bray The science behind the swerve

Ronaldo on the other hand seems to be able to do something fairly rare with the ball. His best free kicks typically come a long way from goal, with the 24-year-old midfielder planting himself legs firmly akimbo, before blasting the ball.

From this distance he can achieve slight but unpredictable movements on the ball, left and then right, up and then down, leaving goalkeepers looking very foolish. Notable examples include his free kicks against Portsmouth last season and Arsenal in the recent Champions League semi-final.

But perhaps the best example, says physicist Dr Ken Bray, author of How To Score - Science And The Beautiful Game, was against Fulham in 2006.

"[Fulham goalkeeper Antti] Niemi is not a stupid goalkeeper, he moves to cover the ball when it's moving to his right. He is completely fooled when it moves and beats him to his left," says Dr Bray, from Bath University.

"It's the physics of chaos that determines Ronaldo's free kicks whereas David Beckham's are entirely deliberate."

Dr Bray has explained, in the Magazine, the physics of such a swerving kick in detail before. But heavily paraphrased, balls have peculiar aerodynamic qualities, and the modern ball can be particularly peculiar. Balls flying through the air have a "boundary layer", a layer of airflow around them that hugs the surface. Imperfections in the surface of the ball can affect this layer and cause a deviation in flight.

Older balls had more panels and raised stitching on them. These numerous imperfections on the surface made for more predictable flight. Modern balls have fewer panels and little in the way of raised stitching. The modern balls, when hit with minimal spin, can fly straight, then as one of the few imperfections slowly rotates in the air flow, a sudden deviation can occur.

Ronaldo is perhaps not the greatest user of this bit of physics. That title might be accorded to Brazilian midfielded Juninho Pernambucano, of French side Lyon. But Ronaldo is the only consistent practitioner in the Premiership.

"On all the replays I've looked at it will move two or possibly three times in flight," says Dr Bray.

And the result? Regularly embarrassed goalkeepers.

DIVING

Episodes like this did not endear Ronaldo to opposition fans

Diving or simulation is one area of football that regularly generates fan "ire". After his arrival in the UK in 2003, Ronaldo quickly came to be regarded as one of the worst culprits. Fans became used to seeing Ronaldo, face contorted with agony, back arched, limbs limp, as he fell to the ground, before rolling around and getting up to score the resultant penalty.

The criticism was twofold - that Ronaldo and other players simulated contact where there had been none, and that they exaggerated the effect of actual contact.

A viral animation did the rounds on e-mail. It showed a stick man Ronaldo repeatedly stepping over the ball, with an opposition stick man player in attendance. After a few stepovers, the opposition stick man kicks the ball away and the Ronaldo stick man falls to the ground and rolls around in agony.

Sport columnists raised their eyebrows at his "antics". He was described as "diving around more than Jacques Cousteau". Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate was one strident critic of the practice.

But there have also been many fans who have noted Ronaldo's reputation for diving has worked against him in a "boy who cries wolf" sort of way, and also that there were, and are, plenty of other Premier League players who also regularly dive. Robert Pires and Thierry Henry, as well as current stars Steven Gerrard and Didier Drogba have had their own brickbats.

THE RONALDO BRAND/LOOK

The Cristiano Ronaldo 'brand' is ready for development

As well as filling the back pages, Cristiano Ronaldo has also featured in the non-sport bits of our newspapers. He was far from the first famous preening footballer - see everyone from David Beckham all the way back to George Best - in the UK. But to some he represented the concept's apogee. The tabloids would picture him during the off season by the pool in some sunny resort, looking as though he'd been painted with an outdoor varnish. The Daily Mail has made repeated references to his "deep mahogany" tint.

And his every fashion move was analysed as he spent time in the US last summer while recovering from ankle surgery - his wearing of a rosary-style necklace, his aviator sunglasses, or his white suit at a premiere. Only recently the tabs expressed incredulity at Ronaldo's attire - pink flower in ear, matching pink cap with CR7 logo, aviators, super-tight white shorts and powder blue polo shirt.

But this distinctive appearance is part of why Real Madrid are paying £80m for him. Having acquired David Beckham in the past, they know the commercial value of a star that will earn sponsorships through his look as well as his play. A big part will be his female fanbase.

"Footballers are now celebrities in their own rights. They are a brand in the way Coke or Pepsi as a brand," says Cosmopolitan magazine's celebrity director Lizzi Hosking.

"The reason women fancy him, he has got this kind of arrogance about him. There's something that's so not British about him. He's not like any guy you would bump into the pub. He puts a lot of thought into what he wears."

RONALDO'S EXPRESSIVE FACE

The many expressive faces of Cristiano Ronaldo

For enemies of Manchester United, of which there are many, the greatest Schadenfreude to be found in a defeat for the team is usually to be located in Ronaldo's facial expressions. When the team is defeated, the images of his quivering bottom lip and red eyes tell more than a thousand words.

Ronaldo's face is extraordinarily expressive. He pouts, frowns, grimaces, grins, roars and cries like an actor hamming it up in an early silent film. And such vigour is put into both his celebrations and his tantrums, that other players' fist pumps, finger shushes and head-in-hands gestures do not seem to carry the same weight.

One occasion that his expressive face got him into trouble was after the 2006 World Cup, when his "wink" as Wayne Rooney was sent off caused uproar back in Blighty. The usually level-headed TV pundit Alan Shearer afterwards suggested that Rooney might "stick one on" Ronaldo training.

BIG GAME PLAYER?

Ronaldo has been accused in the past of not being a 'big-game player'

Remember the kids at school who wouldn't pass the ball to anyone as he laboured over imitating the fancy footwork of his footballing idols, only to end it with a limp shot at goal, and a round of groans from his team mates. That's Ronaldo, sort of.

Initial criticism of Ronaldo from fans of opposing teams tended to centre on his lack of "end product". It was suggested he would follow many mazy dribbles with a lacklustre pass to his potential goal scoring colleagues.

When this area of his game improved immensely, a new strand of criticism arose - that while a great player against humdrum teams, he was anonymous in big matches against teams of similar stature to Manchester United. When the team was badly beaten - as against AC Milan in 2007 - the pundits' criticism usually started with Ronaldo.

But with Ronaldo's goal in the 2008 final to decide the champion team of Europe, he was said by many to have proved his doubters wrong. And when he led his team to a crushing victory over Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final this year, the message was reinforced.

Now he will probably be playing his big game elsewhere.