Villas-Boas To Spend £150 Million in January Transfer Window

Andre Villas-Boas will be working overtime in the January market to overhaul his squad.

The Daily Express reported that the Chelsea boss has been given £150million by Roman Abramovich to transform Chelsea from title has-beens to recharged challengers.

Villas-Boas wants four players to revamp his ageing squad, and has already discussed his targets with owner Abramovich. He will kick off his spending with the £7m capture of Bolton central defender Gary Cahill when the January transfer window opens. He also wants a right-back, a midfield play-maker and a striker.

Villas-Boas knows he will probably have to wait until the summer to do the bulk of his business, but that will not stop him making a number of fresh enquiries next month.

He remains keen on Porto defender Alvaro Pereira, who he believes he can convert into a specialist right-back, while Chelsea officials have sounded out Everton over midfielder Jack Rodwell.

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FCBEscola Camp Kicks Off In New Delhi

FCBEscola, in association with Conscient Football, began the first of the two camps at The British School, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The second camp will take place at The Heritage School Gurgaon. With 180 participants, the camp has been divided in two batches of 90 each.

The first phase of the camp was held from December 30, 2011 to January 04, 2012 with January 01, 2012 being the day off. All participants received an official FCB Camp kit to wear during their 15 hours of FCBEscola training.

Ex-Barcelona player and now coach at FCBEscola Josep ‘Pep’ Moratalla is leading the training assisted by two Spanish coaches, six coaches from Conscient Football and six assistants. The participants are in following groups - Under 8, Under 10, Under 12, Under 14 and Under 17.

The camp is open to both boys and girls of all football playing abilities. During the intense sessions, participants will be trained in the same manner the FC Barcelona players undergo.

Anupama Jain, Director – Conscient Football, said, “This has been a great start as we have received phenomenal interest from players in Delhi as well as from other cities around the country. The participants represent over 80 schools and we have a number of girls who have registered for the camp which reflects the growth of football in India.”

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PL Wrap:Liverpool beat Newcastle UTD 3-1

Two goals from Craig Bellamy against his former club gave Liverpool a 3-1 win over Newcastle United on Friday.

As well as Bellamy's tireless efforts, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard continued his impressive return from injury, scoring a goal and providing some much-needed impetus as the Reds ran away with the match in the second half.

The Magpies had taken the lead at Anfield in the first half courtesy of Yohan Cabaye's deflected header, but Bellamy equalised just four minutes later and double his tally in the second half, before Gerrard put the icing on the cake with a late third.

Stuart Downing was the first to test Krul, cutting in from the right and hitting a low drive towards the bottom corner which the big Dutchman held well.

The hosts were bossing the possession, but they were unable to create any telling chances and on 25 minutes, the visitors struck first.

Ryan Taylor cut in from the left and angled a cross in towards Yohan Cabaye, whose flicked header took a nick off the arm of Agger and nestled in to the Liverpool net, with Reina helpless as he moved the other way.

The goal was the spark the hosts needed, however, and within four minutes they were level as Craig Bellamy rifled in a low drive from the middle of the box after Newcastle failed to clear their lines following good work from Charlie Adam.

The Reds continued to look dangerous down the wings, with Bellamy in particular looking lively, but they failed to significantly trouble a Newcastle defence which was brilliantly marshalled by

Fabricio Coloccini, who won almost every aerial duel against Andy Carroll.

Alan Pardew would have been keen for his side to retain better possession in the second half, and his team duly obliged as they frustrated Liverpool after the restart, who themselves were unable to pick up the tempo of the game.

Dalglish waited until the hour mark to introduce captain Gerrard, and the talismanic midfielder threatened immediately after his introduction, whipping an inviting cross towards Andy Carroll which flashed across the goal mouth.

The frustrated Carroll then spurned a glorious chance, as he latched on to another incisive Gerrard pass only to touch the ball in to the grateful gloves of Tim Krul.

Liverpool's frustration was not to last, however, as Bellamy rifled in a free kick from 25 yards which bounced between Krul and Danny Simpson to put the hosts in front.

Newcastle almost hit back immediately when Ba was played through by Cabaye, but his well-placed chip over Reina was brilliantly hooked off the line by Skrtel.

And a moment later, Carroll almost netted against his former club with a close-range header, but it cannoned back off the crossbar.

And with just over ten minutes to go, the captain made the points safe, slotting home between Krul’s legs from a tight angle after being played in by Jay Spearing.

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NBA star Garnett buys Roma stake

Roma have confirmed that Boston Celtics star Kevin Garnett has agreed to purchase a small stake in the Serie A club.

The 35-year-old baskteball player accepted the offer from James Pallotta, one of the four Boston-based executives who purchased the team in August.

Over the past few years, Garnett has been very vocal in his interest in football, revealing passion for English side Chelsea and star player Didier Drogba.

Garnett becomes the second NBA player to purchase a stake in a football club after Miami Heat star Lebron James invested in Liverpool earlier this year.

James attended his first game at Anfield to watch the club draw 1-1 against Manchester United in October.

The Garnett and James deals are tied together because Roma president Thomas DiBenedetto is also a limited partner in the Fenway group, which owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team and Liverpool.

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Donovan eager to help Everton

Everton loan signing Landon Donovan believes he is at the peak of his career as he prepares for his second stint at Goodison Park.

The United States international and Los Angeles Galaxy forward impressed in his loan spell at Everton in January 2010, netting twice in 13 games.

With the MLS season over, Donovan, 29, will return to Everton on a two-month loan as David Moyes looks to give his side spark in the attacking third.

Donovan said on Friday he felt he was in the best form of his career after improving since his last spell in the English Premier League.

"Confidence is always important as a football but I think more importantly, I'm more experienced and better player than I was two years ago and, before you hit the back end of your career physically, you get better (mentally)," he said.

"I feel like I've grown a lot over the last two years. I had a World Cup in between that helped a lot. I feel like these are the best years of my career."

Donovan is likely to feature for 10th-placed Everton against Bolton on January 4, while his last appearance in the two-month loan deal could be the Merseyside derby at Liverpool on February 25.

The former Bayer Leverkusen forward said he was ready for the pressure of needing to provide almost immediately in the front third.

"All athletes at this level have a responsibility and come under pressure and it's something you deal with," Donovan said.

"The beauty of this for me is that I want to enjoy myself. Last time I played best when I was enjoying myself."

New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry is set to return to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, and Donovan backed the Frenchman to have an impact.

"I played against him four times this year and he's a very good player," Donovan said.

"He doesn't look like he's lost much pace at all. He's a class guy and a very good player and there's no question he will help Arsenal if he goes."

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Ancelotti appointed PSG manager

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the club's new coach.

The 52-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half year contract and replaces Antoine Kombouare in the Parc des Princes hotseat.

He will also bring with him former Chelsea and France midfielder Claude Makelele and former AC Milan fitness coach Giovanni Mauri.

Speaking at a press conference alongside sporting director Leonardo on Friday, Ancelotti cited the lure of realising the potential of the French giants as his reasoning behind agreeing to take charge, despite numerous offers from England.

"I accepted the challenge because I think that I can do a good job and PSG can become a big club in Europe," said Ancelotti.

"I had plenty of calls regarding work in England and my experiences there were very good."

"However, everything is in place here to do very well and the club has great ambitions. I am attracted by the project."

PSG were recently given a significant cash injection by the Qatar Investment Authority, who purchased the club in May, and subsequently paved the way for heavy expenditure on new players.

However, while both parties have discussed the possibility of making more additions during January, Ancelotti revealed his priority is to bring attractive football to PSG, while discussing the chances of signing trio Alexandre Pato, Didier Drogba and Florent Malouda.

"I've not come here to change everything. PSG are top of Ligue 1. I want us to be dynamic, attractive but also efficient," he affirmed.

"I have good relationship with (Drogba and Malouda). But bringing them here is another thing. We've not spoken about them."

"Pato is a player with whom I've kept up great relations. It's that way with many of my old players," enthused Ancelotti. "But it pleased me when Pato spoke well of me."

"That said, he's a AC Milan player and for him to come, conditions must be met. Firstly, his club must want to sell him. Secondly it's necessary that there are conditions under which we can sign him."

Meanwhile, Leonardo offered an update on the situation of David Beckham, who has been linked with a move to PSG in recent weeks, and claimed that the decision lays with the Englishman.

"I believe that Beckham has an enormous impact among the media. But we've never said that it's done with him."

"We have a very good rapport, but I don’t know if that will work with David Beckham. For him, this is a familial choice. He is currently in LA, with his family."

"He must spend time there to reflect on his personal life, but nothing is done. I don't know what he'll do," he concluded.

Ancelotti's first match will be against former club AC Milan, in a glamour friendly clash in Dubai on January 4.

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Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea Keen On Kaka

Reports have emerged that Premier League clubs are queuing to speak to Real Madrid about Kaka’s availability.

El Confidencial says Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are all circling Real for talks over a deal for Kaka.

Real are prepared to sell the Brazilian international for €35 million in January – and his price will drop further should clubs wait until June to negotiate.

Kaka, who joined Real from AC Milan for €67 million in 2009, is currently in Brazil being kept up-to-date on developments.

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Acelotti can make PSG a European Superpower

Fifa agent Fabrizio Ferrari believes that Carlo Ancelotti is capable of establishing Paris Saint-Germain as one of the top clubs in European football.

Ancelotti is expected to be confirmed as the French club’s new coach in the coming days, with the two-time Champions League winner widely reported to have accepted a lucrative two-and-a-half-year contract to succeed Antoine Kombouare at the helm.

The 52-year-old Italian has been out of the game since being sacked by Chelsea in May but Ferrari expects Ancelotti to waste little time in establishing the newly-flush PSG as one of Europe’s elite.

"I'm sure that Ancelotti will do very well,” the agent told Goal.com. “He is one of the strongest Italian coaches and all of his teams play good football.

“In his career he has only had the misfortune to arrive at a disadvantageous time at Chelsea, who had a team with a high average age.

“His arrival will change everything in French football. Although I would have liked to see Kombouare leading the team until the end of season, I am sure that with Ancelotti at PSG they will be established as one of the top seven clubs in Europe.”

Speculation is rife that Ancelotti will soon be joined in the French capital by a player he is familiar with from his days with AC Milan, Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato, who is seemingly on the verge of leaving San Siro.

Ferrari is in no doubt that the arrival of Pato could prove just as significant as that of Ancelotti.

“It’s certain that Pato would be ideal for PSG,” he reasoned. “The Brazilian is much better than Kevin Gameiro, who is a good player but not in the highest bracket [of strikers].

"Pato could really make a big difference in Ligue 1.”

Ancelotti won two Champions Leagues during his time with Milan before leaving for Chelsea in 2010. He led the Blues to a league and cup double in his first season at Stamford Bridge but was then unceremoniously fired by owner Roman Abramovich at the end of last season.

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Doumbia named Russia's player of the year

CSKA Moscow forward Seydou Doumbia was named Russia's player of the year on Thursday.

The Ivory Coast international collected 591 points in an annual poll of the country's football journalists conducted by Football Weekly.

Doumbia bested Dynamo Moscow's Ukrainian international striker Andrei Voronin, who finished second in the poll with 505 points, as well as Zenit St Petersburg striker Alexander Kerzhakov, third with 129.

Doumbia is top scorer in the Russian Premier League with 24 goals from 32 matches.

His five goals in the group stage of this year's UEFA Champions League helped his side reach the last-16, where they will clash with Real Madrid for a quarter-final spot in February.

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Ajax fan jailed for ´keeper assault

The Ajax supporter who attacked AZ goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado during last week's KNVB Beker clash has been sentenced to six months in jail.

The 19-year-old assailant, known only as Wesley W. during the trial, entered the field of play 36 minutes into the game at the Amsterdam ArenA and aimed a kung-fu kick at Esteban.

The goalkeeper then retaliated and, after his attacker had been restrained by security, was dismissed by referee Bas Nijhuis, much to the disgust of AZ coach Gertjan Verbeek, who ordered his players off te field, thus forcing the abandonment of the game.

Wesley W. was found guilty of "aggravated assault with premeditated malice" at an Amsterdam court on Thursday and sentenced to ten months imprisonment, with the final four months of the term suspended.

Esteban's dismissal was rescinded last week by the KNVB, which also confirmed the tie will be replayed in full behind closed doors on January 19.

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Cassano faces a further six months on the sidelines

AC Milan forward Antonio Cassano has revealed he faces a further six months on the sidelines as he recovers from heart surgery.

The Italy international was forced to undergo an emergency procedure after falling ill following Milan's victory at Roma at the end of October.

It was hoped the striker might be fit to return to action before the end of the season and thus force his way into the reckoning for Euro 2012.

However, Cassano has revealed it will be June before he is kicking a ball in anger again.

"I have to wait six months to play," Cassano said. "Until then, walk, walk, walk."

Cassano said the support of his Milan team-mates has been overwhelming, and particularly that of strike partner Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"He's one of my best friends," Cassano said. "I have a great relationship with him and with all of Milan."

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Henry to join Arsenal on Loan

Frenchman Thierry Henry is set to be offered the chance to return to Arsenal on a two-month loan deal, according to reports.

The New York Red Bulls forward has been training at Emirates Stadium in a bid to maintain his fitness during the MLS off-season, and has reportedly impressed Arsene Wenger with his sharpness and attitude.

Wenger is believed to be targeting attacking reinforcements in January, both to cover the departures of Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh to the Africa Cup of Nations, and to ease the pressure on in-form captain Robin van Persie, who tops the English Premier League scoring charts.

Cologne striker Lukas Podolski has also been linked to a move to Arsenal, but Henry appears likely to be signed on a short-term deal, according to the Daily Mail.

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said on Thursday he would be delighted to have Henry in the squad after being impressed by the 34-year-old in training.

"I am very happy training with (Henry), very happy. He is playing very, very good. I am happy to play against him in training and it is a great experience," the German said.

"He is a great opportunity for us, but I'm not the manager, I couldn't find a decision or what is possible for him or for us."

"In training he shows his class and to have him with us is great because he shows his attitude, his experience. He still has the same attitude he showed in a lot of games at Arsenal."

Henry remains Arsenal's all-time record goalscorer with 226 goals to his name between 1999 and 2007, and his outstanding contribution was recently honoured with the unveiling of a statue outside Emirates Stadium.

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Nocerino keen to play with Tevez

AC Milan midfielder Antonio Nocerino has revealed he wants Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez to join the Serie A champions in January.

Roberto Mancini is keen to see Tevez leave Etihad Stadium on a permanent deal when the transfer window opens, but he may be forced to settle for a loan.

Speaking to Sky Sport 24 on Wednesday, Nocerino said he would welcome the out-of-favour Argentine to the San Siro.

"(Tevez) is a great player. I hope he can come to Milan," Nocerino said.

Midfielder Nocerino arrived at the club from Palermo on the last day of the transfer window on August 31, and has quickly developed into a key player for Massimiliano Allegri.

He is in the middle of a productive campaign, having netted six league goals this season.

However, Nocerino played down his achievements to date, claiming he is only doing his bit to contribute to AC Milan's cause at the top of the table.

"I scored six goals, and I consider myself to be quite a prolific scorer. I'm just a normal guy who plays with so many champions," he said.

Nocerino also expressed his gratitude to his first club Juventus, where he started his career, for nurturing his talent.

"I owe so much to Juventus because I had grown up there," he said.

"Now I am part of Milan, however, I am happy here and I hope we can celebrate at the end of the season."

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Barcelona Prepare Swap Deal For Torres

There are Catalan press claims of an amazing swap deal involving Chelsea striker Fernando Torres moving to Barcelona.

El Mundo Deportivo says Torres will join Barca in exchange for youngsters Sergi Roberto, Isaac Cuenca and Martin Montoya.

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas drove the deal, offering Torres to Barca with the European champs losing David Villa for the season and was initially demanding Pedro in part exchange.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola, in talks with Chelsea chief Michael Emenalo in Brescia, refused to release Pedro and instead offered three of their top youngsters.

Blues midfielder Oriol Romeu also had a big say in the deal, convincing his three former Barca B teammates about life in London and at Stamford Bridge. The young trio are expected in London on Saturday to finalise their switch.

Torres, meanwhile, is expected in Barcelona later today.

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Hulk may move to Chelsea

The agent of Porto star Hulk won’t rule out a move to Chelsea for the Brazilian.

Hulk played for Blues manager Andre Villas-Boas at Porto and has been linked to a reunion with his former coach.

“Hulk to Chelsea? Anything is possible,” said agent Theodoro Fonseca.

“But his buyout clause is €100 million so his future depends on an agreement between the clubs.”

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Chelsea Target Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has emerged as a target for Chelsea with the club seeking to get hold of the player’s representatives to see if he would be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.


According to The Times, Andre Villas-Boas will find out if the 24-year-old is available as he seeks to re-adjust his faltering forward line.

The Argentine has a phenomenal scoring record with the Spanish giants and averages a goal every 53 minutes this season, having netted 12 times in La Liga despite making just seven starts.

Daniel Sturridge has proved to be a real bonus on the wing for Villas-Boas with nine goals in the Premier League and Juan Mata has slotted well on the other flank in his debut season following his summer move from Valencia.

However, the Portuguese boss has problems in the forward line with star strikers Fernando Torres and Didier Drogba both having scored just two goals in the league apiece.

Drogba, who goes to the Africa Cup of Nations next month, has yet to agree a new deal with the club and is known to be a target for Shanghai Shenhua, who want to pair him with up current team-mate Nicolas Anelka as the Frenchman is due to join the Chinese side in the transfer window.

It is also reported that Chelsea would be willing to listen to offers for Florent Malouda - who recently threatened a move away - and Salomon Kalou as the Blues look to reignite their season.

The Londoners are expected to sign Bolton Wanderers defender Gary Cahill next month but with problems persisting up front they could make a move for Higuain, who has had to settle for a place behind Karim Benzema in the starting line-up as Jose Mourinho only plays one striker in his system.

However, any move would rely on the former Chelsea boss being willing to sell the 24-year-old to his protege while Madrid are top of La Liga and targeting success in three competitions as they seek to end the dominance of rivals Barcelona.

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Alex wants Santos move

Chelsea defender Alex has revealed his desire to return to Santos after handing in a transfer request at Stamford Bridge.

The 29-year-old began his career with the Brazilian outfit before moving to Europe in 2004.

The centre back has not hesitated in naming the club with which he won the 2002 Brazilian Serie A title with as his preferred destination, but admits a move may be problematic with his contract not set to expire until 2013.

"My first option will be Santos, but it depends on a lot of things. First, on a proposal from the club, it isn't just my decision," Alex told Terra.

"The biggest problem is that I still have a year-and-a-half on my Chelsea contract, it will be difficult to get released. If I had less time on the contract a return to Brazil would be easier."

Alex recognised that if he were to return to Santos he would face a substantial wage drop, but he insisted that he was not fazed by the prospect.

"I have been aware of it since I asked for the transfer. I know that if I go back to Brazil the salary will not be the same, it will be tough to keep it even close. But that is not an issue for me, players who go back know they will lose out financially," he stated.

Alex has appeared 14 times for the Brazil national team and was part of the side which lifted the 2007 Copa America in Venezuela.

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Arsenal not to bid for Gourcuff

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has ruled out a January move for France international Yoann Gourcuff.

The Lyon midfielder has been hampered by an ankle injury this Ligue 1 season but is slowly returning to match fitness, and rumours have suggested that the 25-year-old could be on his way to the English Premier League club in January's transfer window.

But while Wenger believes that Gourcuff, 25, will return to his best in the second half of the campaign, he has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move for the player.

"We have choices in midfield," he told the club's website.

"We have (Abou) Diaby and (Jack) Wilshere coming back from injury so we have lots of people in there."

"However, I see a positive future for Gourcuff. I think he will come back to his best level. He has been out for four or five months and what happens to him now is normal."

"He's played his first few games only on his desire and, after an injury, it's normal to have a dip."

"Between January and June will be the key moment for him but I think he will be back to his best."

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Pato,Inzaghi set to leave Milan

AC Milan forwards Alexandre Pato and Filippo Inzaghi have both been linked with moves away from the Serie A club.

Pato is the number one target of Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain and the French club are ready to table a big offer for the Brazilian when the January transfer window opens.

The 22-year-old striker is reported to be the subject of an offer of just above 41 million pounds as PSG look to bolster their forward options.

The reports surfaced in the Italian media after an apparent breakdown in relations between Pato and Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri.

Pato is said to have taken offence at Allegri's public comments that criticised him but Milan have insisted the player will stay at the San Siro.

Inzaghi is another player being linked with a move away from Italy, with Spanish outfit Espanyol said to be interested in signing the veteran.

The 38-year-old is also a reported target of two English Premier League sides.

The transfer window opens on January 1.

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Corluka linked with Roma

Serie A club Roma are attempting to sign Tottenham's Vedran Corluka, according to reports.

Corluka arrived at White Hart Lane from Manchester City three years ago and initially fought off competition from Alan Hutton, who moved to Aston Villa in the close season, for the right-back spot.

However, the Croat has been limited to just three appearances in the Premier League this season due to the emergence of Kyle Walker.

And with Euro 2012 coming up at the end of the season, he is worried about losing his spot in the national squad due to a lack of first-team football.

His agent Nikky Vuksan has said he would be happy to see Corluka playing in a Roma shirt, according to The Sun.

It is understood the Italian side have made an enquiry for the full-back and that the player himself is interested in a move to Italy.

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