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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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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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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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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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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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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Redknapp praises Bale as 'Unplayable'

Harry Redknapp heaped praise on an 'unplayable' Gareth Bale after the winger scored both goals in Tottenham's 2-0 victory over Norwich City.

Spurs were frustrated in the first half of their English Premier League clash on Tuesday, but Bale made the breakthrough shortly after the interval before adding another with a chipped finish after a brilliant run.

Redknapp was pleased to see the Wales international winger flourish in a free role afforded to him at Carrow Road.

"I freed him off today," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "We played a different system today, to be honest."

"I played with the three midfield players and let him and Rafa (van der Vaart) play spare."

"I said, 'Just go and play where you want to play basically and when we lose possession just get in a little slot. If you can get wide, do a job there, if you're out of the play one of the midfield players will slot over'."

"He gets in those holes and when he gets the ball and turns and runs at you, he's unplayable."

Redknapp was delighted with the performance on Tuesday, which leaves Spurs four points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.

"(It was a) good result today for us. When you're up there you have to keep picking up results," he said.

"I thought it would be a difficult game tonight and we kept the ball well, moved the ball and passed it great tonight. There was real quality about our play."

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