DAVID SILVA LIKES THE LOOK OF CHELSEA
SPANISH superstar David Silva has snubbed Manchester City admitting it would be a ‘‘pleasure’’ to play for Chelsea.
Valencia midfielder Silva, 24, is one of the hottest properties in football – and is being eyed by Real Madrid and Man United as well as Chelsea and Man City.
Silva is valued at £30million and is sure to quit debt-ridden Valencia in the summer – as did his former team-mate David
Villa, who joined Barcelona for £34m earlier this month.
Silva, who is set to play for Spain in their crucial World Cup clash against Honduras tomorrow night, is being tracked by
Roberto Mancini at City but will snub Manchester for a move to west London.
He said: ‘‘Chelsea have established themselves as one of the best clubs in Europe over the last five years.
‘‘They might not have the history of Real Madrid or AC Milan but the truth is they are creating their own history now. If they carry on in the way that they are, there is no reason why in the future that Chelsea can’t be as decorated as Real Madrid.
“Chelsea probably have, along with Barcelona, the best squad in football and if any player joins Chelsea he knows he is going to win things.
“In players like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba they have players who would get into any team in the world.
“And it would be a pleasure to play with them.”
Villa, with seven goals from 36 international appearances, is focusing solely on Spain’s involvement in the World Cup.
He said: ‘‘For now, my concentration has to be on Spain.
“But there is no doubt in my mind that Chelsea would be a great club to play for – and a club where I could fulfil my ambition of league titles and the European Cup.
‘‘The Premier League is still the place to be, no other league in the world has six or seven Champions League quality teams.”
Arsenal Consider Move for £12m Premier League Midfielder
Wenger Sets Sights on Manchester City Man Ireland
Arsenal are rumoured to be considering a move for Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland this summer. The Emirates outfit are looking for new additions as they attempt to end their five year run without silverware and Arsene Wenger has earmarked the Irish international as a potential signing.
The 23 year old Cork born attacking midfielder has been linked with a move away from Eastlands and has been the subject of speculative interest from the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa but now the Gunners are said to be a potential bid for the flair player.
Roberto Mancini doesn’t appear to value Ireland and could well be open to allowing him to leave as long as a decent offer is made. The former Cobh Rambler has himself made it clear that he is looking for an escape route from Eastlands after seeing his first team chances greatly limited following his recovery from niggling injuries last term.
The £12m rated midfielder would add yet more creativity to the Emirates midfield and his ability to play in a number of positions could well be ideal for Wenger as he looks to sign established players to give his side greater balance of youth and experience.
Manchester City will offer England midfielder Joe Cole a £110,000-a-week deal and pay £3m in agents' fees, but even that might not entice the former Chelsea man, with Arsenal and Tottenham both keen on the 28-year-old. (Sunday Express)
Vladimir Weiss is wanted by promoted Newcastle, Chris Hughton being confident he can sign the 20-year-old winger on a loan deal from Manchester City. (News of the World)
TRANSFER BOLLOX
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp wants to bring Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan to White Hart Lane. Sunday Mirror
But Spurs could miss out on Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar, who will be offered a new deal that would make him the highest-paid player at Goodison Park. The 28-year-old has been offered a four-year, £55,000-a-week deal by Toffees boss David Moyes. Sunday Mirror
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker will stay at Upton Park as he has been impressed by new manager Avram Grant's plans for the club. The 29-year-old, who made England's initial 30-man World Cup squad, is also looking forward to teaming up with new signing Thomas Hitzlsperger. News of the World
And Parker will perhaps also be pleased by the Hammers' attempts to sign Rennes winger Sylvain Marveaux, 24, for £3m. News of the World
Arsenal centre-back Sol Campbell is mulling over two offers - a one-year contract extension with the Gunners and a two-year deal with Celtic. (Sunday Express)
Bolton are set to sign £1m-rated 21-year-old Everton striker James Vaughan. News of the World
New Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill will make centre-back Steven Caldwell his first signing. Caldwell, 29, was released by Burnley last month following the Claret's relegation from the Premier League. (News of the World)
OTHER BOLLOX
Fabio Capello will resign if his England side fail to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup. One of Fulham's Roy Hodgson or Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would be his likely replacement. Sunday Mirror
Sven-Goran Eriksson could be on his way to Craven Cottage should Hodgson leave Fulham for Liverpool. Sunday Mirror
Or Mark Hughes, Eriksson's successor at Manchester City, will replace Hodgson at Fulham. News of the World
Liverpool's new manager could be named this week but whoever is in the hot seat will have to convince Kop legend Kenny Dalglish - who did not get the job - to stay with the club. Mail on Sunday
Alan Curbishley will be named as Hull City's manager this week. The 52-year-old has been out of football since leaving West Ham in 2008. Mail on Sunday
Prince William told brother Harry that England were "a mess" during the draw with Algeria, according to a lip-reader. Sunday Mirror
FA director of football Sir Trevor Brooking fears England may not have the players to replace the current 'golden generation'. Mail on Sunday
Brotherly love could be in short supply should Kevin-Prince Boateng's Ghana knock brother Jerome Boateng's Germany out of the World Cup on Wednesday. Mail on Sunday