Football 4 All

Liverpool have today confirmed the capture of Italian international midfielder Alberto Aquilani from Roma, with the Reds' official website confirming that the player has signed a five-year contract.

The 25-year-old is currently recovering from an operation on an ankle injury, and is expected to be fit in around four to eight weeks time.

Roma defender John Arne Riise, a team-mate of the midfielder's in Rome as well as a former Anfield star, thinks that Aquilani will prove to be a success with Rafa Benitez's side.

This afternoon in Beijing, Inter coach Jose Mourinho held a long press conference in which he talked, among other things, about the Italian Supercup match on Saturday against Lazio.

"If we had more time to prepare for this match it would have been better," he said. "We are a new team and we have changed 40% of our starting XI. We need more time to work, but we have trained and we are in shape.

"We can win this type of match, but I hope we don't get to extra time because playing an extra 30 minutes would be heavy for us."

The coach also announced fresh signing Samuel Eto'o will start the match.

Xabi Alonso has been subject to arguably the longest-running transfer saga of this summer, and after a long period of chasing the Liverpool midfielder, Real Madrid are reportedly set to match the poaching price placed on the player's head.

Anfield officials met with the Galacticos executive director-general Jose Angel Sanchez before the Reds' pre-season game against Espanyol, in order to put to rest the speculation surrounding the future of the pass-master.

The Liverpool Daily Post claims that the 'White House' is willing to match the €35 million asking price, and add a further €2.5m based on the performances put out by the Spaniard during the first two years of his time at the Bernabeu.

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow spoke about the meeting between the officials of the two powerhouses,
and outlined the story so far.

Blackburn Rovers have this evening confirmed that they have signed striker Franco Di Santo from Chelsea on a loan deal that will last, initially at least, until the January transfer window.

However, Rovers' official website also states that the Lancastrians have "the first option of extending the deal until the end of the season in the event that Chelsea do not wish to recall him to their squad", which suggests a longer deal extending to the rest of the season is probable should the switch go well.

The 20-year-old has already played his part for the west London outfit during their pre-season schedule, scoring in the Blues' recent 2-1 win over Club America, and now looks set to make his Rovers debut in the club's friendly against Scottish side Hibernian on Wednesday at Ewood Park.

The Argentine made 16 appearances for Chelsea last season, all as substitute. Although largely untested at Premier League level, Rovers boss Sam Allardyce will be pleased to have secured the player's services.The departures of Roque Santa Cruz and Matt Derbyshire had left the Lancashire club thin in terms of their forward options, after a potential move for out-of-contract veteran Christian Vieri seemed to stall last week.

Philippe Senderos had recently returned to the North London club from a loan spell at AC Milan, where he figured just infrequently.

The Swiss Football Federation announced on its official website on Sunday that Senderos, who has one year to run on his contract with Arsenal, had signed for Everton for an undisclosed fee.It is understood that Senderos, who has been looking for regular first-team action ahead of the 2010 World Cup, will fill in for Manchester City-bound Joleon Lescott at Goodison Park.

Neither club have yet commented on this matter to date. The Swiss Football Federation has no details of the figure involved in the transfer or the duration of Senderos' contract with the Liverpool-based club.

Arsenal were worthy winners of the Emirates Cup, beating Rangers convincingly at the Emirates stadium.
Arsenal went into the game knowing a draw was enough to win the tournament, while Rangers needed to defeat the Gunners to secure the trophy.

Arsene Wenger's side weren't tempted to take a defensive approach and dominated the game from the offset, with Arsenal leading by two goals after ten minutes. They naturally eased up after this point but still monopolised possession, creating chances effortlessly in both halves.
Rangers showed more fight in the second half, creating a few good opportunities, but the Gunners were too strong and extended their lead further to roll out 3-0 winners.
Jack Wilshere opened the scoring after 90seconds as Arsenal tore through the packed Rangers defence.

Andrey Arshavin played the ball across the field, Wilshere left it for Cesc Fabregas who picked the ball in the right of the penalty area.
The Spaniard cut back into a pile of bodies but found Arshavin in the middle of the penalty area with a neat pass, who had made a run from deep.
Arshavin played it back towards the penalty spot first time, and the ball was picked up by Wilshere who struck the ball with his left foot. His shot spewed under the goal keeper and into the back of the net. 1-0 to the Gunners.

Arsenal were 2-0 up after 10minutes. Fabregas played the ball long and it was nodded back to Fran Merida by Arshavin, the young Spaniard then played a beautiful disguised pass to Eduardo who was attacking the right side of the penalty area.
The Croatian took a touch and cooly curled the ball into the far corner, with the ball going in off the post.
Rangers had their first real attack 18minutes into the game, Pedro Mendes swung in a corner from the right but it was dealt with comfortably by Alex Song and Arsenal cleared their lines.
Arsenal were caught napping in the 26th minute, Mendes was released down the right when a sloppy offside trap left Eboue lingering. The ex-Portsmouth midfielder crossed into the middle and Mickael Silvestre was uncomfortable as he turned the ball behind for a corner, nothing came of the chance.

Merida, who was having an excellent game, then tried his luck from 30 yards. His left footed strike was powerful but was watched comfortably wide by keeper Allan McGregor.
Rangers troubled Arsenal with a pair of set pieces just before the end of the half. The first came from the
Wilshere delighted with a piece of individual brilliance, moving across the edge of the 18 yard box lifting the ball over Mendes and controlling the ball onto his chest. He found himself outside the left of the box, and he attempted an audacious chip over McGregor in goal. The Scotsman managed to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Minutes later, Arshavin played an exquisite first time ball over the top of the defence from deep, releasing Eduardo for a one-on-one with the keeper. The Croatian lingered on the ball slightly and was closed by McGregor and the chance was gone.

Rangers were a little livelier in the second half, crafting an opportunity down the right with substitute Nanco Novo breaking into space. He squared the ball across the face of the goal, and Eboue challenged to deny Steven Naismith.
The ball fell to the back post and Song got across quickly and produced an excellent block to deny Rangers on the rebound.
At the other end Wilshere was involved again, laid off by Fabregas, the youngster showed quick feet in the box to engineer space, unleashing a flashing drive that just missed the top right-hand corner.
Rangers sprang on the counter attack on the 61st minute, Mendes released the Gers as they broke on the Gunners. Song slipped high up the pitch, as the last man, and allowed Steven Davis room to charge into.

The former Villian rolled the ball across the box to Naismith who was breaking into the left of the box, but the Scot wasted the chance and hit the ball straight at Manuel Almunia.
Substitute Herschel Sanchez Watt chased lost cause into the left hand side of the box, sliding in to win the ball back.

It fell to Aaron Ramsey who crossed to back post where Wilshere arrived, hitting the ball on the bounce and smashing it into the top left-hand corner. 3-0 to Arsenal.
Substitute Kenny Miller had a good opportunity to grab a consolation four minutes from time, being slid into the right of the box, but he sent his shot well wide of the far post.
Arsenal played the game out, holding onto possession, and were crowned winners of the third annual Emirates Cup.

Aston Villa were energetic and Juventus will rue missing a whole host of chances in regulation time, as the English side managed to win the Peace Cup 2009 edition in a penalty shoot-out.Winger Ashley Young had the first good opportunity of the match, cutting inside past Jonathan Zebina, but his powerful effort was straight at Gianluigi Buffon.Indeed, while Juventus were being fairly patient in attack, Aston Villa were using the wings to attack, forcing the Bianconeri goalkeeper to make a number of stops from shots from a tight angle.

Sebastian Giovinco and Mauro Camoranesi were causing the Villans defence problems with their crossing and through balls, but Vincenzo Iaquinta missed a golden chance when he could not direct his header on target after thirty minutes.John Carew had been largely anonymous, but his powerfully hit free-kick was turned around the post by Buffon. Juventus responded, but Iaquinta spurned yet another chance from his head after a set-piece by the 'Atomic Ant.

'The English side were doing most of the pressing, but the Bianconeri rearguard held up well until the half-time whistle blew.It was more of the same in the second half, as neither team could break the deadlock.The restart was largely uneventful until 60 minutes, when Zebina broke down the right and cut back for David Trezeguet, but the Frenchman shockingly hit it over the bar. It was a waste of the best opportunity of the match thus far.Eric Lichaj chased a promising through ball, but only caught a piece of Buffon while lunging for the ball.The Italians were taking more control in the match as it came to a close, looking for a winner, but were once again thwarted by poor finishing from both Trezeguet and Iaquinta.With extra-time approaching, Ciro Ferrara threw on Alessandro Del Piero, but despite some exciting dribbles no more real opportunities arose.Marc Albrighton, who has had an excellent tournament, nearly was one-on-one with the keeper, but Giorgio Chiellini made a crucial clearance.

The Italian international was involved again as he poked the ball off the foot of Nigel Reo-Coker in the area.The veteran Trezeguet nearly made up for an earlier mistake with a well-executed bicycle-kick, but it was straight at Guzan, who gathered the ball.As both teams tired, the match lost it's edge and there was an interesting incident as the referee blew the whistle early, at 116 minutes, rather than the customary 120 as penalties arrived.After Bannan scored, Iaquinta's poor night continued as his weak penalty was saved by Guzan. However, Sidwell lofted his effort over the cross bar.

Trezeguet, Lowry, Amauri, Young, Felipe Melo all converted before Buffon denied substitute Chris Herd. However, talisman Alessandro Del Piero shot right down the middle - but the American shot stopper was not fooled and also made the decisive stop on Nicola Legrottaglie for a precious shoot-out victory!

It's no secret that Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to bring Milan star Andrea Pirlo, a player he knows through and through from his time with the Rossoneri, to Stamford Bridge.

For a long time Milan have denied Pirlo is on the transfer market, but now transfer guru Adriano Galliani has indirectly admitted that the player is not unsellable under any circumstances, by deeming an offer made by the Blues to be insufficient.

"The offer of 8 million euros plus Claudio Pizarro is unsatisfying and at these conditions Pirlo is unsellable," he told Sky Sport 24.
Meanwhile, Milan are also said to be aiming to sign Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, after failing to bring in Luis Fabiano from Sevilla.
On this negotiation, Galliani revealed: "Soon I will meet with my friend [Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez."

The Rossoneri are yet to find a replacement for Kaka, who completed a blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid at the start of the summer transfer period.

Obafemi Martins has moved from Newcastle United to German champions VfL Wolfsburg today for a reported £9 million fee, signing a four-year contract, with the move confirmed on the Bundesliga club's official website.The deal was agreed between the clubs yesterday, with personal terms being ratified today.

Martins joined the Toon from Italian giants Inter three years ago for £10 million. He scored 35 goals in over 80 games for the Magpies in his time at St James' Park.Wolfsburg coach Armin Veh was pleased to gave snapped up a player whom he thinks will complement the forwards already at the club.

"This is exactly the type of player we were looking for to have at the club in addition to Grafite and Edin Dzeko," the coach said. "We now have the opportunity to use a two or three-pronged attack."

Alvaro Arbeloa's move to Real Madrid has moved a step closer after the defender passed a routine medical with the Spanish giants.
Liverpool have agreed a £3.5million fee with the capital club, as the 26-year-old finalises his move to Europe's heaviest summer spenders.
Arbeloa successfully completed various medical tests at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja and is now all set to put the final touches on a dream return to the club with whom he started his career.

Madrid's medical chief Carlos Diez told his club's website: "He (Arbeloa) has undergone a standard examination and the results of all the tests are very satisfactory.
"He is delighted to be able to play for Real Madrid, which has been his lifelong dream. He's looking forward to joining his team-mates."
After leaving the hospital, Arbeloa is to travel to the club's Bernabeu stadium to sign his five-year contract.
The Spain international, who was part of last summer's successful Euro 2008-winning squad, was on Madrid's books as a youngster before moving to Deportivo La Coruna in 2006, and then onto Liverpool six months later.

Martin Caceres is now just a simple medical away from officially completing his move from Barcelona to Juventus.The 22-year-old was aboard a plane that landed in Turin just a couple of hours ago, and despite not speaking upon his arrival, he looked to be in an extremely buoyant mood according to TMW.

The Uruguayan defender will undergo his medical at 11:00 CET, and if he manages to get through that without any complications, then it is expected that the transfer will be officially confirmed at its completion.

The latest reports go on to suggest that Caceres may sign on loan with the Bianconeri after all, with the option of purchasing him outright in 12 months' time.

If the talented defender does sign for the Old Lady, then he will become the club’s fourth significant signing of the summer, following Fabio Cannavaro, Diego and Felipe Melo.

The central defender is to return from the club's pre-season training camp in Austria to undergo talks with City officials and manager Mark Hughes.

City reportedly failed in a bid to sign the Ivory Coast international in January but appear to be close to landing their man this time around.
When quizzed on Toure's future on Monday, Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger said: "We'll see what's happening in the next 24 hours."

City boss Hughes is eager to add defensive reinforcements to his ranks having already pepped up his attack this summer, via the high profile additions of Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz.

Bids for Chelsea captain John Terry and Everton stopper Joleon Lescott have failed to bear fruit, with Toure seen as a viable alternative.

Robbie Keane is looking forward to playing alongside Peter Crouch and is not worried about competition for places.

England international Crouch completed a move from Portsmouth to Tottenham earlier this week in a deal reported to be worth £9million.
He has played under Harry Redknapp previously and could now renew his partnership with Jermain Defoe that was so successful at Fratton Park.

Keane's spot could therefore become vulnerable but he maintains that Crouch's arrival can only benefit Spurs and will help to motivate all the strikers at the club.

"I am looking forward to playing with him," said the Republic of Ireland captain. "He is a tremendous player and he is a good addition to a good squad that we already have.
"As a striker it is always good to be kept on your toes and we now have four good strikers and it is good to have that competition as it now means we all have to perform otherwise someone else is going to come in.

The Peter Crouch saga looks to have come to an end, with reports suggesting a deal has been agreed with Tottenham Hotspur. Crouch has been linked with a move away from Pompey all summer, with Sunderland and Fulham trying to land him.

However, according to The Mirror, Tottenham have won the race for his signature. They claim that Spurs have had a £10 million bid accepted, and Crouch will sign a five-year deal worth £70,000 per week. Indeed, Portsmouth manager Paul Hart appears resigned to losing Crouch, saying, "Obviously I'm disappointed to see Peter leave, but given the severe financial restraints in place here we had no choice but to accept an offer from Tottenham.

"I think people need to realise that Pompey have been punching way above their weight and could no longer sustain the level of spending that has gone on here over the past three years."And even though a new owner is poised to come in, our dealings in the market will be modest in comparison to the past."

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has confirmed that the club are on the brink of completing the capture of Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o.
The Cameroon international's agent has already stated the player has agreed personal terms with the Serie A champions.

Eto'o is now poised to seal his transfer from Barca, with Inter forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to head in the opposite direction in the near future.

Moratti said: "I repeat what I said this morning. I like everyone's interviews, but I prefer to wait until it's official."

When then asked if a deal had been done, he replied: "Almost, so let's wait.
"I don't know (when the deal will be completed). Hopefully today (Thursday). When it arrives, it arrives, but it's not as if it's a race against time."
Meanwhile, Ibrahimovic has left Inter's pre-season training camp in America ahead of his proposed move to Spain.

After snapping up holding midfielder Didier Zokora two weeks ago, Sevilla have added further defensive steel to the team by signing Sergio Sanchez from Espanyol.

The Andaluz outfit have confirmed on their official website that an agreement has been reached between both clubs for an undisclosed fee, but the 23-year-old will sign a four-year contract with a €25 million buy-out clause inserted into his terms.

Sanchez, who can play as a right-back or as a centre-back, said in his official press release, “I am very happy because Sevilla are the club that I wanted to join, for all the fanbase, for the team and the city.

While the football world is expecting Xabi Alonso to move to Real Madrid, Manchester City are plotting an audacious bid of their own.

The Alonso saga has dragged on all summer, with the player appearing keen to move to The Bernabeu. However, as that deal continues to fail to reach a conclusion, Man City are preparing a bid.

According to The Daily Express, The Citizens are now willing to match Alonso's £35million valuation, and could even increase their bid to fend off Los Merengues.

It is unlikely that Alonso would choose City over Madrid, but should Los Blancos pull out of the race, Mark Hughes' side are ready to pounce.

In a sensational twist, the Cameroonian international may join the Rossoneri according to Italian reports but over in Spain, he is expected to become an Inter player by Tuesday morning...

Club America and Inter kicked off the 2009 World Football Challenge with an entertaining match, in front of a strong crowd of over 30,000 fans. The result after 90 minutes was deadlocked at 1-1, meaning that penalties were required to separate the two sides on the night.The intense shoot-out ended in favour of the Mexican club 5-4, meaning that an extremely strong Nerazzurri line-up suffered yet another shock result, after their 2-2 draw with UCLA a few days prior.

The Italians were the stronger side in the early stages, especially through Sulley Muntari, a player who was keen to continue his impressive form this pre-season. It was he who was responsible for sending in the perfect cross for the new signing Diego Miltio, which was hit just wide of the target after two minutes of play.Ricardo Quaresma and Dejan Stankovic were causing havoc in the middle, whilst another new signing in Thiago Motta went close to opening his side’s account with a powerful drive from 30 yards on the half hour mark.From this point though the Mexicans worked themselves into the contest, as they struck the woodwork twice in the next ten minutes, to send a wave of shock through the Inter camp, however they failed to take full advantage of this, as the half ended 0-0.Jose Mourinho made a number of changes prior to the commencement of the second period, as Patrick Vieira and Nicolas Burdisso were amongst those who came on in the early stages of the half.

Despite this though, Club America took a shock lead on 51 minutes, when Pardo’s corner was met by Silva, and his left-foot drive was coolly smashed into the back of the net.Inter did all they could to immediately respond, as Mario Balotelli’s shot from distance just moments later, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s inclusion into the match, clearly signified their intentions to win the game. This switch eventually paid off, as on 60 minutes Cordoba levelled the score line with a header from a Balotelli corner, which was won by a determined Ibrahimovic.

America had a player sent off in the closing stages, as Esqueda was sent for an early shower following some rough and late contact on the opposing keeper Belec, whilst the referee’s whistle after 90 minutes meant that penalties were required to separate the two clubs.The shoot-out started positively for both sides, as the first six penalties were successfully converted by all of those who stepped up to take a shot. The seventh, taken by Patrick Vieira, was smashed over the crossbar, which eventually allowed Rojas to send home the winning kick from the spot, to give Club America a memorable victory.