Valencia is Ferguson's first signing since Ronaldo's departure
Manchester United have signed Wigan Athletic winger Antonio Valencia on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 23-year-old Ecuador international is manager Sir Alex Ferguson's first signing since Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in a £80m transfer.
"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," said Ferguson.
Valencia's transfer is reported to have cost United as much as £16m.
"I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team," added Ferguson.
How will Antonio Valencia do at Old Trafford
United have been in contact with Wigan over a deal for Valencia over the last "two to three months", according to Latics chairman Dave Whelan.
"I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honours in club football here," said Valencia, who scored three goals for Wigan last season.
"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."
Valencia has played 34 times for Ecuador, scoring four goals.
"I hope the fans at Wigan can understand that I am an ambitious guy and a chance like this might never come again for me," said Valencia, who will be 24 next month.
"I am happy that the club has benefited from the move financially because I owe them such a lot. I have had a great time here."
Valencia's transfer is a club record for Wigan, but his departure leaves new Latics manager Roberto Martinez with the task of finding a suitable replacement.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
Michael Owen completes move to united
Michael Owen completes shock move to Manchester United
Michael Owen leaves Bridgewater Hospital after undergoing his medical
James Ducker
There are no greater lovers of horseracing in the football fraternity than Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Owen, which seems fitting because a lot is being wagered on their unexpected coming together at Manchester United.
Having spent recent weeks wondering if a move to Hull City or Stoke City might constitute the glum sum of his options for next season, the dramatic upturn in Owen’s fortunes was complete last night when United announced the capture of the former Liverpool striker on a free transfer that, even by the standards of this extraordinary summer, is difficult to digest.
Owen, 29, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third year after passing a stringent medical at a south Manchester hospital yesterday afternoon, with United satisfied that the striker, despite being plagued by injury in recent seasons, can flourish at the highest level.
The breakdown of Owen’s salary was unclear last night, but it is understood that the player will receive a relatively low basic wage by United’s standards — and a fraction of the £120,000 a week he earned at Newcastle United — but with the option of significantly boosting his income through bonus payments, depending on his success at the club.
After a whirlwind 48 hours, when Owen went from being invited to breakfast with Ferguson to signing for the Barclays Premier League champions, the questions will begin in earnest.
Will he stay fit? Can he recapture his best form? Will Ferguson revitalise Owen’s career in much the same manner he did Eric Cantona’s? Can Owen play with Wayne Rooney? And all that before we ask what Fabio Capello, the England manager who appeared to have all but brought the curtain down on Owen’s international career, makes of it all.
Owen, though, is determined to prove the sceptics wrong and remind people why he was once crowned European Footballer of the Year.
“I had just begun to talk to other clubs when, out of the blue, Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning, during which he told me that he wanted to sign me,” Owen said. “I agreed without a moment’s thought.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.
“I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from Day One. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances.”
If Owen represents Ferguson’s only venture into the transfer market this summer for a striker, as appears likely, there can be little doubt that the United manager will have taken a gamble. If it is not a financial one, it is one that relies heavily on Owen staying fit and showing he can still perform at the highest level.
That will become all the more pressing if injury should befall one or both of Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, who are still expected to form Ferguson’s first-choice forward pairing after the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tévez.
Ferguson considered signing Owen in the summer of 2005 before the player’s move to Newcastle but balked at the £16.5 million fee demanded by Real Madrid, but he has finally got his man, even if some may say a touch too late in the player’s career.
The Scot, though, does not appear to see it that way. “Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question,” Ferguson said. “Coming to Manchester United, with the expectations that we have, is something that Michael will relish.”
So the football world waits eagerly to see how Owen fares, something that already promises to be one of next season’s intriguing subplots.
As an aficionado of the Sport of Kings, Ferguson will doubtless hope that Owen proves to be his Desert Orchid. A superstar in his heyday, “Dessie” was written off by many until he stormed to victory in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Time will tell whether Owen has a second coming.
Michael Owen leaves Bridgewater Hospital after undergoing his medical
James Ducker
There are no greater lovers of horseracing in the football fraternity than Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Owen, which seems fitting because a lot is being wagered on their unexpected coming together at Manchester United.
Having spent recent weeks wondering if a move to Hull City or Stoke City might constitute the glum sum of his options for next season, the dramatic upturn in Owen’s fortunes was complete last night when United announced the capture of the former Liverpool striker on a free transfer that, even by the standards of this extraordinary summer, is difficult to digest.
Owen, 29, has signed a two-year deal with the option of a third year after passing a stringent medical at a south Manchester hospital yesterday afternoon, with United satisfied that the striker, despite being plagued by injury in recent seasons, can flourish at the highest level.
The breakdown of Owen’s salary was unclear last night, but it is understood that the player will receive a relatively low basic wage by United’s standards — and a fraction of the £120,000 a week he earned at Newcastle United — but with the option of significantly boosting his income through bonus payments, depending on his success at the club.
After a whirlwind 48 hours, when Owen went from being invited to breakfast with Ferguson to signing for the Barclays Premier League champions, the questions will begin in earnest.
Will he stay fit? Can he recapture his best form? Will Ferguson revitalise Owen’s career in much the same manner he did Eric Cantona’s? Can Owen play with Wayne Rooney? And all that before we ask what Fabio Capello, the England manager who appeared to have all but brought the curtain down on Owen’s international career, makes of it all.
Owen, though, is determined to prove the sceptics wrong and remind people why he was once crowned European Footballer of the Year.
“I had just begun to talk to other clubs when, out of the blue, Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him the next morning, during which he told me that he wanted to sign me,” Owen said. “I agreed without a moment’s thought.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here.
“I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from Day One. I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances.”
If Owen represents Ferguson’s only venture into the transfer market this summer for a striker, as appears likely, there can be little doubt that the United manager will have taken a gamble. If it is not a financial one, it is one that relies heavily on Owen staying fit and showing he can still perform at the highest level.
That will become all the more pressing if injury should befall one or both of Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov, who are still expected to form Ferguson’s first-choice forward pairing after the departures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tévez.
Ferguson considered signing Owen in the summer of 2005 before the player’s move to Newcastle but balked at the £16.5 million fee demanded by Real Madrid, but he has finally got his man, even if some may say a touch too late in the player’s career.
The Scot, though, does not appear to see it that way. “Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question,” Ferguson said. “Coming to Manchester United, with the expectations that we have, is something that Michael will relish.”
So the football world waits eagerly to see how Owen fares, something that already promises to be one of next season’s intriguing subplots.
As an aficionado of the Sport of Kings, Ferguson will doubtless hope that Owen proves to be his Desert Orchid. A superstar in his heyday, “Dessie” was written off by many until he stormed to victory in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Time will tell whether Owen has a second coming.
Friday, 3 July 2009
Cesc wants to return
Fabregas: Wanted by Barca
Cesc is wanted by me, by the coach Pep Guardiola and by the sport director Txiki Begiristain
Cesc is wanted by me, by the coach Pep Guardiola and by the sport director Txiki Begiristain
Thursday, 2 July 2009
TRANSFER CENTRE
SMITH BID ACCEPTED
Watford have accepted a bid of £1.8million for striker Tommy Smith. Bet £30 Get £30 Free
JACK IN THE BAG FOR GUNNERS
Arsenal have tied up promising teenager Jack Wilshere on a new long-term contract.
VALENCIA DENY VILLA TALKS
Manuel Llorente has dismissed suggestions that Valencia are in negotiations with Barcelona over selling David Villa.
OWEN BOUND FOR OLD TRAFFORD?
Michael Owen has now been cut to evens to move to Manchester United this summer.
FANS DREW SANTA CRUZ TO CITY
Roque Santa Cruz's desire to join Manchester City was fuelled by listening to Blues fans.
MATERAZZI THRILLED WITH NEW DEAL
Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has expressed his delight at being handed a new contract.
FULHAM CONFIRM VOLZ DEPARTURE
Fulham have confirmed defender Moritz Volz has left the club at the end of his contract.
AGENT - LOPEZ IN SWANS TALKS
Swansea City have opened talks with midfielder Jordi Lopez, according to his agent.
HESSELINK AND HARTLEY LEAVE CELTIC
Jan Venegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley have left Celtic after their contracts ended.
MOWBRAY HOPES FORTUNE SMILES ON HOOPS
Tony Mowbray hopes to make Marc-Antoine Fortune his first Celtic signing in the next 48 hours.
VIEIRA WILL HAVE TO FIT PSG BUDGET
Paris St Germain coach Antoine Kombouare will not break the bank to sign Patrick Vieira.
UDINESE SET JUVE DEADLINE
Udinese have given Juventus a deadline of July 6 to buy midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino.
RAMS - NO APPROACH FOR COMMONS
Derby insist they have not received any approach from Celtic for winger Kris Commons.
DI MATTEO HAPPY TO PURSUE COX
New West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo says he is happy to press ahead with a deal for Simon Cox.
AARON READY TO RETURN TO RANGERS
Aaron Niguez will return to Rangers next season after rejecting the opportunity to return to Valencia.
VILLA REJECT BRAMBLE TALK
Aston Villa have dismissed speculation they are set to make a move for Wigan's Titus Bramble.
Foxes sign midfielder Ajdarevic
Championship newcomers Leicester have signed midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic from Premier League side Liverpool on a one-year contract.
Kane pens new deal with Cumbrians
Carlisle defender Tony Kane has committed his future to the League One club by signing a two-year contract at Brunton Park.
CARDIFF SEAL HUDSON DEAL
Cardiff have completed the signing of defender Mark Hudson from Charlton for just over £1million.
ALBIOL PASSES REAL MADRID MEDICAL
Raul Albiol has passed his medical with Real Madrid and will be presented to the media this evening.
WOLVES CLOSE IN ON HALFORD
Sunderland defender Greg Halford is poised to join Wolves for around £2million.
DONADONI COUNTING ON LAVEZZI
Napoli coach Roberto Donadoni expects Ezequiel Lavezzi to turn up for pre-season training.
PLATINI CONCERNED OVER TRANSFER FEES
UEFA president Michel Platini has reiterated his concern over the amount of money being spent.
BARCA WON'T PAY OVER ODDS FOR VILLA
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits he would love to take David Villa to the Nou Camp.
WOTTE WON'T GIVE UP ON DAVIS
Southampton boss Mark Wotte has not given up hope of keeping West Ham target Kelvin Davis.
Watford have accepted a bid of £1.8million for striker Tommy Smith. Bet £30 Get £30 Free
JACK IN THE BAG FOR GUNNERS
Arsenal have tied up promising teenager Jack Wilshere on a new long-term contract.
VALENCIA DENY VILLA TALKS
Manuel Llorente has dismissed suggestions that Valencia are in negotiations with Barcelona over selling David Villa.
OWEN BOUND FOR OLD TRAFFORD?
Michael Owen has now been cut to evens to move to Manchester United this summer.
FANS DREW SANTA CRUZ TO CITY
Roque Santa Cruz's desire to join Manchester City was fuelled by listening to Blues fans.
MATERAZZI THRILLED WITH NEW DEAL
Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi has expressed his delight at being handed a new contract.
FULHAM CONFIRM VOLZ DEPARTURE
Fulham have confirmed defender Moritz Volz has left the club at the end of his contract.
AGENT - LOPEZ IN SWANS TALKS
Swansea City have opened talks with midfielder Jordi Lopez, according to his agent.
HESSELINK AND HARTLEY LEAVE CELTIC
Jan Venegoor of Hesselink and Paul Hartley have left Celtic after their contracts ended.
MOWBRAY HOPES FORTUNE SMILES ON HOOPS
Tony Mowbray hopes to make Marc-Antoine Fortune his first Celtic signing in the next 48 hours.
VIEIRA WILL HAVE TO FIT PSG BUDGET
Paris St Germain coach Antoine Kombouare will not break the bank to sign Patrick Vieira.
UDINESE SET JUVE DEADLINE
Udinese have given Juventus a deadline of July 6 to buy midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino.
RAMS - NO APPROACH FOR COMMONS
Derby insist they have not received any approach from Celtic for winger Kris Commons.
DI MATTEO HAPPY TO PURSUE COX
New West Brom boss Roberto Di Matteo says he is happy to press ahead with a deal for Simon Cox.
AARON READY TO RETURN TO RANGERS
Aaron Niguez will return to Rangers next season after rejecting the opportunity to return to Valencia.
VILLA REJECT BRAMBLE TALK
Aston Villa have dismissed speculation they are set to make a move for Wigan's Titus Bramble.
Foxes sign midfielder Ajdarevic
Championship newcomers Leicester have signed midfielder Astrit Ajdarevic from Premier League side Liverpool on a one-year contract.
Kane pens new deal with Cumbrians
Carlisle defender Tony Kane has committed his future to the League One club by signing a two-year contract at Brunton Park.
CARDIFF SEAL HUDSON DEAL
Cardiff have completed the signing of defender Mark Hudson from Charlton for just over £1million.
ALBIOL PASSES REAL MADRID MEDICAL
Raul Albiol has passed his medical with Real Madrid and will be presented to the media this evening.
WOLVES CLOSE IN ON HALFORD
Sunderland defender Greg Halford is poised to join Wolves for around £2million.
DONADONI COUNTING ON LAVEZZI
Napoli coach Roberto Donadoni expects Ezequiel Lavezzi to turn up for pre-season training.
PLATINI CONCERNED OVER TRANSFER FEES
UEFA president Michel Platini has reiterated his concern over the amount of money being spent.
BARCA WON'T PAY OVER ODDS FOR VILLA
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits he would love to take David Villa to the Nou Camp.
WOTTE WON'T GIVE UP ON DAVIS
Southampton boss Mark Wotte has not given up hope of keeping West Ham target Kelvin Davis.
VIDIC READY TO GO
VIDIC AGENT PLAYS DOWN EXIT TALK
Nemanja Vidic's agent has quashed speculation the Manchester United defender will leave Old Trafford this summer.
The Serbia international has been linked with Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan amid reports his family are unsettled in Manchester.
However, the player is under contract at Old Trafford until 2012 and his agent Silvano Martina believes he will stay put.
"Even though Vidic has not spoken for the last three months, there have been false interviews published in the press," Martina told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I read that he wants to leave, that his wife is not happy at Manchester but all of these stories are false.
"He is very annoyed and saddened by these stories that give the wrong impression.
"In football you never know what can happen, but I believe he will remain at Manchester United, one of the strongest clubs in the world.
"If Vidic or I should have problems with the club (United), we will talk directly to Alex Ferguson and not to the newspapers."
Vidic joined United in January 2006 after two years at Spartak Moscow.
Nemanja Vidic's agent has quashed speculation the Manchester United defender will leave Old Trafford this summer.
The Serbia international has been linked with Barcelona, AC Milan and Inter Milan amid reports his family are unsettled in Manchester.
However, the player is under contract at Old Trafford until 2012 and his agent Silvano Martina believes he will stay put.
"Even though Vidic has not spoken for the last three months, there have been false interviews published in the press," Martina told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"I read that he wants to leave, that his wife is not happy at Manchester but all of these stories are false.
"He is very annoyed and saddened by these stories that give the wrong impression.
"In football you never know what can happen, but I believe he will remain at Manchester United, one of the strongest clubs in the world.
"If Vidic or I should have problems with the club (United), we will talk directly to Alex Ferguson and not to the newspapers."
Vidic joined United in January 2006 after two years at Spartak Moscow.
OWEN FOR OLD TRAFFORD?
Michael Owen has now been cut to evens to move to Manchester United this summer.
Sky Bet slashed Owen's odds of moving to Old Trafford to 7/4 from 20/1 on Thursday afternoon following sustained support for the England striker make the move.
And he was cut further on Thursday after more interest in the market.
Sky Bet's Mike Triffitt said: "With Real Madrid hoovering up several high profile targets, United are running out of options to fill the void left by the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez and Owen is a cheap option.
"We've had a steady stream of bets on free agent Owen joining United.
"A move to United should suit Owen, who wants to get back into the England squad and will feel he has a better chance with a higher profile club."
After Real Madrid seemingly beat United in the race to sign Karim Benzema on Wednesday, it seems as if Alex Ferguson's striking options are dwindling significantly.
Indeed, there was plenty of speculation in the Thursday papers that United might not sign a striker at all, and place faith in youngsters like Frederico Macheda and Danny Welbeck.
Given Owen's injury record and United's transfer kitty the move seems unlikely, but perhaps the punters know something we don't.
Sky Bet slashed Owen's odds of moving to Old Trafford to 7/4 from 20/1 on Thursday afternoon following sustained support for the England striker make the move.
And he was cut further on Thursday after more interest in the market.
Sky Bet's Mike Triffitt said: "With Real Madrid hoovering up several high profile targets, United are running out of options to fill the void left by the departure of Ronaldo and Tevez and Owen is a cheap option.
"We've had a steady stream of bets on free agent Owen joining United.
"A move to United should suit Owen, who wants to get back into the England squad and will feel he has a better chance with a higher profile club."
After Real Madrid seemingly beat United in the race to sign Karim Benzema on Wednesday, it seems as if Alex Ferguson's striking options are dwindling significantly.
Indeed, there was plenty of speculation in the Thursday papers that United might not sign a striker at all, and place faith in youngsters like Frederico Macheda and Danny Welbeck.
Given Owen's injury record and United's transfer kitty the move seems unlikely, but perhaps the punters know something we don't.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
MADRID SIGN BENZEMA
Spanish newspaper Marca has reported that Real Madrid have completed a deal with Lyons to sign Karim Benzema.
Just hours after it was claimed that Benzema was on the verge of joining Manchester United, the Spanish newspaper, considered to be the mouthpiece of the Bernabeu club, have claimed that the youngster is heading to Madrid instead.
According to Marca, a fee of 35million euros has been agreed and an official announcement will be forthcoming over the next 24 hours.
Benzema's agent, Karim Djaziri, has told French radio that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs and that only personal terms and a medical need to be completed to see the move go through.
If the striker makes the move to the Bernabeu he will become the Spanish giants' fourth big-money arrival of the summer.
Sky Sports News have since followed up the report by also announcing that the 22-year-old is moving to Spain, adding that the striker has been offered a six-year deal.
Just hours after it was claimed that Benzema was on the verge of joining Manchester United, the Spanish newspaper, considered to be the mouthpiece of the Bernabeu club, have claimed that the youngster is heading to Madrid instead.
According to Marca, a fee of 35million euros has been agreed and an official announcement will be forthcoming over the next 24 hours.
Benzema's agent, Karim Djaziri, has told French radio that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs and that only personal terms and a medical need to be completed to see the move go through.
If the striker makes the move to the Bernabeu he will become the Spanish giants' fourth big-money arrival of the summer.
Sky Sports News have since followed up the report by also announcing that the 22-year-old is moving to Spain, adding that the striker has been offered a six-year deal.
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