alexis sanchez

The news hit hard last night & is doing the rounds across the Spanish Sports newspapers this morning. The signing by FC BARCELONA of Chilean 23 year old International & UDINESE player ALEXIS SANCHEZ is imminent with a full announcement in hours.

alexis sanchez 2011

alexis sanchez

The final transfer number dances from source to source but the most talked about figure is around 43M€ with Italian Club Udinese giving their OK ( 27M€ up front, with the 16M€ resting in quotes, friendly games, Champions League objectives & other formulas). The player receives a 5 year contract & I would believe an interesting salary that hasn´t been disclosed at this point.

Interesting to see how with very limited cash resources at Barcelona, the Club has put Sanchez as priority over Cesc Fabregas. Imagine how the player must be feeling & thinking after observing that he is a second dish. In fact, media observers have commented these last few days that President Sandro Rosell does not see Fabregas as a "do or die" objective & that the player would come after in "reasonable" conditions. Barca has offered around the 25 - 29M€ area while Arsenal wants to get paid 40M€.

Cesc Fabregas may be "blindly" in love with FC Barcelona but the Club follows other emotions far from matters of the soul. The current Arsenal player may realize this brutal fact if he finally manages to get to Camp Barça where he can contemplate the on the bench the higher questions of "Football love".

Jerry Meals' Bad Call (Video)

The Pirates - Braves game lasted 19 innings, ending on what's being called a "controversial call" at home plate.

In the bottom of the 19th inning of a 3-3 ballgame — just minutes before 2 a.m. EST — Pirates catcher Michael McKenry appeared to clearly swipe the leg of a sliding Julio Lugo at home plate. But umpire Jerry Meals ruled McKenry missed the tag, giving the Braves a 4-3 win and sparking a social media firestorm among those dedicated enough to stick the game out to its conclusion.

I don't think it's appropriate to deem it controversial. There's nothing controversial about it. There can be no disagreement about it.

Clearly, it was a shockingly bad call.

Worst MLB call ever?

Video.

Nick Barnett

Linebacker Nick Barnett is no longer a Packer.

From WBAY:

Among the first Packers to return to Lambeau Field Tuesday morning was Nick Barnett, but he might not be with the Packers for long.

Barnett was well aware that his fate in Green Bay would be determined shortly after the conclusion of the lockout. He and everybody else knew the handwriting was on the wall when both Desmond Bishop and Hawk received large, lucrative contract extensions in the last year.

Barnett did not wait long to find out what the team's plans were for him, being among the first to arrive when facilities opened at 9 A.M.

At that time he was keeping an open mind about his future in Green Bay.

"At this point, all I have heard has come from you guys and no one here. I'm sure they will talk to me or talk to my agent. I am just concentrating on being ready to play and not worry about rumors," he said before the meeting.

Less than an hour later, Barnett left. He did not stop to talk to reporters. He wrote on his Twitter account, "Just talked to Ted. Thanks for the great 8 years. Very blessed to be part of a great tradition and fans.

"Happy I was able to be here for the great (Super Bowl) XLV run. I will always keep a special place in my heart for this team and city."

Barnett says he was told the Packers will try to trade him, but if not, they will release him -- a move that will save the team about $5 million of salary cap space.

Nick Barnett is a class act, expressing thanks to the team and fans at what has to be a difficult time for him.

Packer fans owe Barnett thanks for his contributions to the team.

He won't be forgotten.

Best of luck in the next jungle!

Aaron Rodgers and Obama

Aaron Rodgers tweets:

Watching Obama on tv talking about the debt ceiling, hope he hasn't forgotten about the SB. Still waiting on the invite... #budgetcut??

Super Bowl champs - the Green Bay Packers!

I'm so happy the NFL mess is resolved.
______________________

Video of Charles Woodson's NFC Championship locker room speech here.

WHITE HOUSE!!!

Brett Favre: Philadelphia

He can't be serious!

Unretiring is a sickness with Brett Favre.

Someone stage an intervention. He needs to enter rehab for the affliction.



Eagles may want to sign Brett Favre; Vick would be ‘honored’

Folks, we're really sorry for this. We really are. But it's our duty to keep our Spidey-Senses up for NFL news, and we've caught wind of a … well, we're searching for the right word to describe it … rumor. Howard Eskin of 610 WIP Sports Radio in Philadelphia has it out there that the Eagles are interested in possibly procuring the services of ...

Br…

Bre…

Brett Fa…

Oh hell, we can't even write it.

...Right now, this is just Eskin's rumor, though he's fairly dialed in. The Eagles can't talk to free agents or draft picks, but there's nothing in the lockout rules we're aware of preventing them from talking to retired players. If Favre is interested in coming back to a team able to challenge for a Super Bowl, in a media hotbed, behind a vulnerable quarterback, which a staff he knows, and talented targets all over the place … well, there would be few better places for him to go.

Then, there's the intangible argument. The lockout has taken the attention of the NFL media through the spring and summer; very few people have made Favre the primary subject of their attention, and we all know how he reacts to that.

It's tempting to ask the owners and players to put some sort of "Anti-Favre" provision in the new CBA before the NFLPA signs off on it, but we suppose we'll have to see how this plays out.

...UPDATE: Here's Vick's take on the whole thing; he's pretty clearly setting the terms of such a deal by mentioning Favre as a 'backup.'

I can't wait for training camp to begin in Green Bay. I love the atmosphere.

I wonder if Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers would be "honored" to have Favre as his backup.

I crack myself up.

Aaron Rodgers: ESPY Award - Best NFL Player

Congratulations, Aaron Rodgers!

From the Green Bay Press-Gazette:

Rodgers was the lone Packer to win an award despite several players making the trip. Rodgers, Matthews, Greg Jennings, A.J. Hawk, Desmond Bishop and Tramon Williams were all filmed in the crowd.

Rodgers won the Best NFL Player award, but that was announced during the “pregame” show on the red carpet and was not shown on stage. The Super Bowl MVP was also nominated for Best Male Athlete, but was beaten by Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Rodgers made his lone televised appearance on stage when he and entertainer Justin Timberlake, who made another Favre reference, to present the Best Male Collegiate Athlete award to BYU point guard Jimmer Fredette.

The Packers were also nominated for the Best Team honor, but were beaten out by the NBA champion Dallas Mavericks.

Singer Justin Timberlake (R) and Green Bay Packers NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers present an award at the 2011 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles, California, July 13, 2011. (REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni)

Seth Meyers Monologue, ESPYs (Video)

SETH MEYERS: The biggest story in football was the Green Bay Packers beating the Steelers 31-25 in the Super Bowl. The Green Bay Packers became the first team since 1962 to go an entire season without trailing more than 7 points, proving once and for all that not every statistic is interesting.

And finally, give it up for Aaron Rodgers!



Aaron Rodgers, who won the Super Bowl and finally got out of the shadow of Brett Favre, which we learned, thanks to cell phone technology, is not as big a shadow as we originally thought.

David Feherty and Jay Leno

David Feherty of the Golf Channel talks with Jay Leno about Charles Barkley's swing.



Whenever I see Barkley golfing, I can't believe it.

I give Barkley credit for not quitting golf in spite of that horrible swing. His determination is admirable.

Brett Favre: Itch

I hoped we'd be spared the Brett Favre UN-retirement talk this year.

Alas, it was too much to hope for.

From NFL.com:

Almost time to fire up Favre Watch 2011? On one hand, says NFL.com’s Gil Brandt, yes. Then again, Brandt says, NFL teams might not be all that interested.

When asked about a possible return of Brett Favre to Minnesota during his live chat Tuesday, Brandt indicated that he believes the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns is indeed getting back that itch. The only catch is that, while the Vikings put on the full-court press to have Favre return last summer, Brandt doesn’t see Minnesota or any other team sending its private jet down to Hattiesburg, Miss., this summer.

“I do think Favre would be interested in talking to a team about returning,” Brandt said. “But I don’t see a team out there right now that would bring him back as a starter.”

Brandt noted that the Vikings need to get first-round draft pick Christian Ponder in the starting lineup as soon as possible, and Favre isn’t the right QB to be grooming — and giving way to — a young player.

“Brett is still a good quarterback, but I’d consider him a descending quarterback,” Brandt said. “It’s awfully hard for him to go to a team and be a backup. The Vikings must start Christian Ponder this season to get him some experience. And they’re not going to get Favre in there to babysit Ponder.”

After Favre's meltdown last year, on and off the field, wouldn't you think the guy would finally want to step out of the spotlight and stay out?

Favre is a joke.

The "itchy" Favre has made such awful choices.

I hope the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers retire Super Bowl XLV MVP Aaron Rodgers' jersey before Favre gets that honor.

Staff Sergeant Michael Kacer

Staff Sergeant Michael Kacer is a hero.

From the Wayne Independent, June 25, 2008:

Staff Sgt. Michael Kacer (Jr.), a native of Waymart, was seriously injured in a rocket battle in Afghanistan several days ago. Family members reported on Wednesday that Kacer was taken Sunday to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
A soldier with the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry, Pa. National Guard, Kacer is a member of Bravo Company in New Milford.

Several soldiers from the 109th Infantry were wounded in the same attack, although it could not be confirmed by deadline their identities or companies. Captain Corey Angell, a spokesman for the Pa. National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap, stated that there are 700 Pa. National Guard in Afghanistan and some have been wounded in attacks, but could not confirm any details.

An attempt to contact Bravo Company headquarters was unsuccessful.

Sgt. Kacer’s uncle, Frank Kacer, who runs a kielbasa business in Waymart, and his sister Mary Andzulis, of Pittstown, NJ, provided information that had been related to them, from the soldier’s father, Michael Kacer, Sr. of Waymart. The father went to Walter Reed to be near his son. Sgt. Kacer’s mother, Betsey, of Atlanta, Georgia, had also arrived at the hospital.

A message left for Michael Kacer Sr. was yet to be returned.

Apparently, on Wednesday or Thursday of last week, Sgt. Kacer was on a mission assisting another company, and was on foot patrol. He and the about 15 other soldiers had entered a concrete building. A barrage of shoulder-launched RPG missiles rained down on them. Mary related that her nephew pushed one soldier on the floor out of harm’s way and took the brunt of injuries.

He was airlifted to Germany, where his left arm was amputated six inches from the shoulder. The soldier also suffered a severed colon and multiple facial fractures. On Sunday he was flown to Washington, D.C., and admitted to Walter Reed. His Uncle Frank stated that he is expected to be at Walter Reed six to 12 months.

Frank said his nephew, who is 26, was born and raised in Waymart and graduated Western Wayne High School. He joined the National Guard right out of school. He is an assistant manager of Turkey Hill Minut Market in Scranton. In November, Michael married Lauren Marie Worozilcak, prior to Michael’s deployment at the end of the year. They reside in Olyphant.

Michael was on his third deployment, having served in Bosnia and Iraq.

Kacer sacrificed so much for his country.

Life has changed for him since that rocket attack in 2008, but life goes on.

Watch video of Kacer making an incredible catch at Yankee Stadium.

Fantastic!

NBC Cuts 'Under God' from Pledge of Allegiance - U.S. Open

UPDATE, June 21, 2011: NBC's Pledge Controversy Intensifies


____________________

Way to go, NBC!

Way to screw up your coverage of the U.S. Open!

Why remove the words "under God" from the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance?

Did NBC really think no one would notice the omission?

From NewsBusters:

NBC on Sunday decided to cut the words "under God" from the reading of the Pledge of Allegiance that accompanied the beginning of its coverage of the U.S. Open Golf Championship.

In fact, this happened twice during the show's introduction (video follows courtesy Mark Finkelstein with partial transcript):

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, with liberty and justice for all.

Seconds later, the Pledge was repeated with even more words omitted:

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, with liberty and justice for all.

According to the Washington Post, NBC responded to criticism for its shameful choice.

NBC apologized for cutting the words “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance in its leadup to coverage to the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club.

The move quickly drew criticism Dan Hicks said, during the broadcast of Open action:

“We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open Championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation’s capital for the third time. Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

What horrible judgment!

That taped segment was meant to be a dramatic, patriotic tribute to our nation's values.

"They are the virtues that have been passed down through generations, that live on in the great halls of this country."

Apparently, NBC decided it would be appropriate to edit "under God" out of those virtues passed down through generations.

TWICE, the Pledge of Allegiance was butchered.

"Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out."

Yeah. Regrettably. It was only regrettable because NBC had to deal with a lot of pissed off people.

"It was not done to upset anyone...."

I think it was done to make the "no God" Leftists at NBC happy.

It wasn't an accident. It was a choice made TWICE.

The liberal network is painfully out of touch with the country and its values.

NBC is certainly clueless when it comes to understanding the demographics of the U.S. Open audience.

Editing the Pledge of Allegiance to omit "under God" TWICE was an incredibly idiotic move!

Stunningly stupid!

In short, very NBC.

Packers: Super Bowl Rings

There has been so much bitterness and divisiveness and general weirdness in Wisconsin for months and months now.

Instead of politics and protests and recalls, it's nice to recall the Packers' Super Bowl victory.

Yesterday was a celebration of that tremendous accomplishment. The team received their Super Bowl XLV championship rings.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

"They wanted big and they wanted bling," Packers President Mark Murphy said. "We were successful in that."

Look, I don't know Tiffany the jeweler from Tiffany the singer, so I'll have to take Woodson's word for it when he said, "It's the best ring I've ever seen and I'm not saying it because it's our night. It's an incredible ring."

For the record, I'll quote from the Packers' official release on the monstrosity, even if it does read like a game-show announcer talking about what's behind Door No. 3.

"The crest of the ring features the Green Bay "G" logo crest in 18-karat yellow gold placed on a green stone tablet. Thirteen diamonds are embedded in the logo, each one representing the team's NFL-record 13 championships. The iconic logo is illuminated by round, brilliant-cut diamonds and four marquis-cut diamonds representing the Packers' four Super Bowl triumphs. Surrounding the crest are 92 diamonds which recognize the 92-year history of Green Bay Packers football."

...It's made of platinum, with 18-karat gold. It's got 3.35 carats of diamonds, for all you Kardashian followers out there.

As for the cost, the Packers are standing behind the company line: They say the NFL "pays for up to 150 rings at $5,000 per ring. Further information about the rings was not disclosed."

...[T]he players who got one had their names and numbers engraved. Their numbers were circled, just like on the Green Bay jerseys from the 1929 championship season. The ring also has an engraving of the Lombardi Trophy and Lambeau Field.

The ring has the scores of all four postseason games and the number "1" flanked by the words, "Mind, Goal, Purpose, Heart."

That's pretty cool, because those were Woodson's words to the team just before the Packers took the field against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game.

The Packers deserved to have those words inscribed as much as Woodson deserved to win his first championship.

"It's all about getting the ring," Woodson said. "This seals the deal."

Green Bay Packers' Donald Driver shows off his Super Bowl ring, Thursday, June. 16, 2011, after the Packers ring ceremony at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Super Bowl football championship game Feb. 6. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

Very nice.


Video.

Barca president slams Special One for "totally unfounded accusations"

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell today accused Real Madrid and their coach Jose Mourinho of going too far last season with their "totally unfounded accusations" against the Catalan giants.

Relations between the arch rivals plummeted during a run of four matches in just 18 days between the two Spanish giants in the Primera Division, Champions League semi-finals and Copa del Rey final.

Speaking at a press conference today, Rosell hit out at Madrid's conduct in a lengthy statement.

He said: "We feel that this season Real Madrid have gone beyond all the limits of necessary sporting rivalry, directing accusations towards our club, without any type of foundation."


Madrid boss Mourinho caused a huge controversy in his post-match press conference following April's Champions League semi-final first leg at the Bernabeu when he implied Barca receive favourable treatment from referees and claimed the Catalan club had yet to win a "clean" Champions League title under coach Pep Guardiola.

That ill-tempered encounter also saw both Spanish rivals lodge complaints against the other to UEFA afterwards, with Barca singling out Mourinho for his comments and Madrid responding by accusing the Catalan club's players of "feigning aggressions" during the clash.

Ahead of the second leg in Barcelona there were also allegations of racism against Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets towards Madrid defender Marcelo in the same game.

Rosell, whose club won the semi-final 3-1 on aggregate and went on to beat Manchester United in the final, said: "Comments by the protagonists have always served to enrich footballing debate.

"But this season a Real Madrid employee, their coach, went beyond all the limits of necessary sporting rivalry.

"He even went as far as to say that our coach should feel ashamed of some of our victories. The press conference given by the Real Madrid coach after the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals at the Bernabeu would certainly have made any sportsperson feel ashamed.

"He accused our club of having won titles thanks to some kind of national and international conspiracy, implicating in this conspiracy the good name of Unicef and the football authorities.

"We obviously defended ourselves, by presenting a formal complaint to UEFA, who finally decided to sanction him."

Mourinho was handed a five-match touchline ban by UEFA in relation to the semi-final first leg, which saw the Portuguese sent to the stands during the game prior to his post-match tirade.

Madrid have appealed against that ruling.

UEFA dismissed the allegations of racism due to "a lack of strong and convincing evidence," while European football's governing body also rejected Madrid's complaint about the supposed play-acting of Barca's players during the match.

Rosell also commented on a report on Spanish radio station Cadena COPE earlier this year regarding allegations linking Barca to doping practices.

"We defended ourselves, and went to court to deny the accusations made by Cadena COPE, who repeatedly gave the name of Real Madrid as the source and origin of the information," said Rosell.

"I can assure you that if anybody, in the name of Barcelona, had dared to make such an accusation, we would have acted firmly, denying this immediately and taking those responsible to court. We would have liked a similar response from Real Madrid, but sadly we never got one."

In concluding his statement, Rosell said: "The rivalry will continue next season, but we cannot allow the limits of fair play to be passed again.

"If the limits of fair play are passed once again, we shall be obliged to end our institutional relations, something we have absolutely no desire to do. We do not want to do that, but we are not afraid of doing it if we have to.

"A few days ago, the president of Real Madrid (Florentino Perez) said he will not stop until they win "the 10th" (European Cup title).

"We hope he tries to do that on the field of play, in a sportsmanlike fashion and returning to the methods that, we feel, many Madrid fans prefer. The president of Real Madrid has the opportunity to revive our relations, both on and off the field

"By means of this institutional statement, Barcelona wishes to put an end to this lamentable episode, which we hope will never be repeated again, for the good of football, of sport and of all of us that love it."

Canadians Riot, Stanley Cup Loss (Video)

I don't understand why some sports fans riot.

They riot in celebration.

They riot in defeat.

When the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI and Super Bowl XLV, I didn't riot. When the team lost Super Bowl XXXII, I didn't riot.

It makes absolutely no sense to me. Get a grip!

From the Canadian Press:

Parts of downtown Vancouver erupted in flames, explosive booms thundered through the air and looters smashed windows and ran amok inside department stores Wednesday after the city's Stanley Cup run ended in bitter defeat.

Weeks of well-behaved crowds watching the Vancouver Canucks march toward Game 7 of the NHL final ended abruptly in violence and vandalism that erupted even before the 4-0 loss to the Boston Bruins was officially over.

Police said they had reports of four stabbings, though spokeswoman Const. Jana McGuinness said she couldn't confirm them.

The riot shattered the wholesome legacy of the nightly parties hosted on the same streets during the 2010 Olympics — an experience that had the city's mayor and police chief confidently proclaiming Vancouver had "matured" since similar riots in 1994.

"It's terrible," said Canucks captain Henrik Sedin, shaking his head, in an interview after the game.

"This city and province has a lot to be proud of, the team we have and the guys we have in here. It's too bad."

Police officers from around the region flooded into downtown and Mayor Gregor Robertson said things were getting under control, but the images and atmosphere that lingered late into the night suggested otherwise.

Robertson said there had been no fatalities, though he had to be asked the question twice.

Fights broke out and people were seen falling on broken glass.

At the flagship Bay store, looters jumped inside and were seen grabbing T-shirts and anything else they could get their hands on. Young women were seen escaping with MAC cosmetics. One girl carried out part of a mannequin.

The landmark building was filling with smoke as rioters, their faces covered in bandannas, continued the violence. Almost none were wearing hockey jerseys.

The looters turned their attention next on a Future Shop a few blocks away, smashing windows and flooding up the stairs to the second-floor store, only to turn around quickly. One witness said police were at the top of the stairs.

Sears and Chapters stores were also looted, their glass fronts smashed.

For many, the ugly chaos made the Cup loss an afterthought.

"Tonight, what I've seen is a complete disgrace," said Beth Hope, 28, who is originally from England but has lived in Vancouver for the past two years.

"I'm a Canucks fan but my jersey's in my bag — I'm ashamed to be a fan right now."

She said she saw a parkade on fire, cars ablaze.

"It's insane, it's absolutely insane. What's the point? Our team lost — why destroy your own city? I'm afraid."

It is insane.

I don't believe this sort of rioting is tied to the outcome of the sporting event at all. The rioters are just thugs looking for an excuse to do damage.

Here's video of the insanity:

Tweeting Weiner Boxer Shorts

Do you remember when the St. Paul Saints gave away Larry Craig bobbleheads as a promotion?

Actually, it wasn't really a bobblehead. It was a bobblefoot.



Once again, the Saints are doing a topical promotion.

What has the country talking this summer? Anthony Weiner. Another day, another Weiner photo.

The St. Paul Saints have plans to celebrate National Hot Dog Day with a nod to the infamous Weiner.

I suppose it's fitting that the Saints are doing this promotion.

Following the latest scandal sometimes seems to rival baseball as America's pastime.

The best Wieners in the country are found at ballparks. They have the foot-long Wiener in Los Angeles, sausage race in Milwaukee and some of the juiciest dogs around are in Chicago. The St. Paul Saints will unveil perhaps the most famous Wiener this summer on National Hot Dog Day.

That was a nice shout-out to our Racing Sausages!

On Saturday, July 23 the first 1,501 fans 18 and over in attendance will receive a commemorative pair of Tweeting Wiener Boxer Shorts. The boxers will honor National Hot Dog Day with an image on the front of a blue bird taking a photo of a Wiener with his phone.



The state that has received the biggest coverage, of late, for its Wiener’s is New York. Photographic evidence (and police records) show they come in all shapes and sizes, and can be sent across the world via cell phones and the internet. Of course, we’re referring to the Annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest held annually on July 4. Two lucky fans will have a chance to win round trip tickets to the July 4, 2012 contest. In order to win, fans can tweet a photo of their best-looking Wieners (from the grill) to @StPaulSaints. Twitter accounts hacked into will be ineligible initially. On July 23, the photos will be shown on the Saints video board and fans will choose a contest Wiener.

During the evening, the Saints will have their very own Tweeting Wiener, as Master of Ceremonies Joe Wiener (seriously, that’s his name) will send out tweets and twit pics during the night from the top of the third base dugout. It is expected that following the game, Saints fans will encourage Wiener to resign.

The St. Paul Saints are an Independent Baseball Team in the American Association and are owned and operated by the Goldklang Group and Team President Mike Veeck. They are known for such promotions as Bud Selig Seat Cushion Giveaway (2002), Randy Moss Hood Ornament (2003), The Love Boat Giveaway (2006), Bobblefoot (2008) and Michael Vick Dog Chew Toy (2008).

It would be nice for the Saints to send DEMOCRAT Weiner a commemorative pair of the Tweeting Wiener Boxer Shorts, though based on the photos I've seen of Weiner, he's not a boxers kind of guy.

He prefers to wear something a bit more snug, or he wears nothing at all.

What does the future hold for Sneijder, Modric and Nasri?

The summer months can be arduous times for football fans, as we have to endure June, July and most of August without our doses of domestic football action. However it does bring another exciting element of the beautiful game into play, the buzz of the transfer market. The window officially opens on the 1st of July, but that hasn’t stopped deals taking place already, with the big money moves for Jordan Henderson and Phil Jones grabbing the headlines. The rumour mill is in full swing and plenty of players are being linked with moves away from their clubs, in what promises to be another summer of big spending in the Premier League.

There are three high profile players rumoured to be linked with moves away from their clubs this summer and all three have emerged as potential targets for Premier League big boys Manchester United and Chelsea. Luka Modric, Wesley Sneijder and Samir Nasri have all refused to rule out moves away from their current employers this summer. This has led to suggestions the players could be tempted by the prospect of joining either the English Champions or runners up from last season. So I wonder if there is a chance of any of these transfers materialising.

Samir Nasri has one year remaining on his current contract with the Gunners and while he stalls over the signing of a new deal the rumours linking him to Man United and more recently Bayern Munich are intensifying. Arsene Wenger will be doing all he can to ensure he keeps hold of his creative playmaker for next season. It may take a hefty new contract and some words of wisdom for Mr Wenger to reassure Nasri that the Emirates is where he should be playing his football.

It was only last month that Patrice Evra went public with his plea to his fellow compatriot to join him at Old Trafford and since then there has been talk of United readying a £10 million pound bid for the former Marseille man. In a recent interview Nasri didn’t rule out the possibility of playing for another English club and with Man United in need of a player of Nasri’s ilk, could the Arsenal man be set for a move north? Personally I think Nasri will sign a new deal with Arsenal, but until he commits to the club the rumours will persist.

On the white side of North London Tottenham’s exquisite Croatian midfielder, Luka Modric, has all the attributes to be the perfect signing for Man United or Chelsea. With both clubs issuing their interest in the player Tottenham have moved quickly to reaffirm their stance that the midfielder is not for sale at any price. However, the guarantee of Champions League football and a huge jump in wages is likely to be a real temptation for Modric. Although he is happy at Spurs if the bids started to come in they could well unsettle the player and we all know Spurs have bowed down to the financial power of Man United in the past with Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov. I however think Tottenham will remain defiant in their bid to stave off the advances of Man United and Chelsea and would be surprised if Modric is not running out for Spurs in August.

The third big hitter linked to both United and Chelsea is Inter Milan’s Dutch master Wesley Sneijder. Out of the players in question I think Sneijder is the most likely to make a move to one of the big two this summer. He recently committed himself to Inter, but has since spoken out about the uncertainty of his future. Sneijder would represent an excellent signing for either of these big hitters, but a stumbling block could be his huge wages, reported to be in excess of £7.5 million a year. This may rule Man United out of the chase but I’m sure wouldn’t deter Chelsea should they look to sign the £30 million plus rated midfield man.

Football being what it is means there is no way the potential transfers of either Nasri, Modric or Sneijder can be ruled out. No matter how adamant a manager may be his player isn’t leaving there is always likely to be a spanner in the works that can change the whole outlook. Although I think Nasri and Modric will remain in North London, when Chelsea and Manchester United are involved anything can happen. You can rest assured that the three players focused on in this article will get their fair share of column inches this summer. What do you think, will we see Nasri, Modric or Sneijder on the transfer merry-go-round this summer?

Cristiano Ronaldo: I never want to leave Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he would stay at Real Madrid for another 10 years if the opportunity arose.

The Portugal international scored an incredible 53 goals for Madrid in all competitions last season but Jose Mourinho's men only ended up with the Copa del Rey crown.

As good as Madrid were, they still found themselves playing second fiddle to Barcelona, who won both the Primera Division and Champions League - in which they beat Madrid in the semi-finals.

Ronaldo has recently been linked with a move to Manchester City, a club backed by wealthy Middle Eastern owners, but the former Manchester United man insists he has no immediate plans to return to the Premier League.

"I can't see myself leaving Madrid," he told the Cadena COPE radio station. "I'm very happy here, it has been phenomenal."

Ronaldo, who was reported to have been offered £400,000 a week to join City, says money is not a deciding factor in his future.

Ever since the inception of the Bosman ruling in 1995, clubs can no longer afford to focus only on the short term, and thus often open contract negotiations with their players long before their deals are set to expire. If the player in question refuses to sign an extension, teams must make a decision as to whether they want to cash in, or hold on to the individual for another year before watching them depart on a free transfer.

One of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the moment is the potential move of Arsenal's Samir Nasri to domestic rivals Manchester United. The France international has yet to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2012, and United are closely monitoring his situation.

Nasri is not the only player who will soon have an important decision to make, however. Clubs still have two-and-a-half months left to assemble their squads, but most want to wrap up their transfer dealings for the new campaign as soon as possible.

Playing Rooney on his own would provide England with greater balance

It’s a shame Adam Johnson didn’t get more than the handful of minutes he got in England’s 3-1 defeat of Mexico. Not because he almost made a sensational start when he came on but because England’s shape lacks a left side.

At the moment, England’s system is to have an inter-changing role down the left hand side occupied by Gerrard and Rooney. Both have a long list of strengths but find themselves performing these at their best inside. Naturally, more often than not when England are attacking you find them both inside.

Against Mexico it was Theo Walcott, but start Aaron Lennon there and the right hand side of midfield position has the same set of instructions, ‘get wide, stay wide, take on the full back’. Nothing wrong with that. Makes perfect sense actually when you think of the pace both players poses.

The final point of the argument is the full backs. First choice Cole and Johnson are, it’s fair to say, better at going forward than the other way.

This is all very well going forward but what about when you lose the ball? You have your left winger playing as an attacking midfielder. Right winger on the right touchline and both full backs on their heels. It puts an awful lot of pressure on the holding midfield players not to mention our centre backs who let’s not forget have either not had a particularly injure free season or one blessed with the greatest of form.

In the first half especially it’s alarming a team like Mexico had so much of the ball in our final third. It may be more alarming how many times we were caught on the break.

A 3-1 win against a team who normally averages a second round finish at a World Cup, isn’t a bad way to finish a World Cup warm up match. But, you can’t help think Capello will not be happy. You can’t also think a team of greater ability than Mexico would have walked of the pitch at half time with a better score line.

You can argue that we missed Lampard and Barry in midfield, Cole and Terry in defence but the exposure down the left hand side is something Egypt were able to expose only a few months ago too.

It’s not necessarily that ever wave of attack on England’s goal will be down the left hand side. If the balance is wrong then it puts the whole shape of the team out of joint.

Let’s say Walcott is down the right. He sticks to instructions and hogs the touchline. The opposition will just man mark him out the game. If he does well, double up on him. If he is out of the game and Gerrard over the other side of the pitch isn’t there and is instead inside, then it means England’s space to attack is limited in the final third as England loses the width of the pitch by about a third. Everything becomes too narrow and congested and players become easier to mark.

Exposure on the break is likely with the full backs, Cole and Johnson, trying to give England a bit of width. The same sort of confusion like what we saw with the breaks from Mexico will have the likes of Brazil and Spain drawling at the month!

Starting Adam Johnson, or even Joe Cole, who has played the left midfield position for England in the past and played it well, would bring a equal balance to the midfield and instantly widen the area in which England have at their exposal when plotting an attack. It would mean sacrificing a forward. Using the Mexico game as an example it would mean Crouch leaving Rooney up to on his own and Gerrard in the space behind him- roles both our use to for their clubs.

Instead of either Rooney or Gerrard having to bust a gut to fill in down the left hand side when England are under attack, it would mean there would be cover already to hand. Call it a 4-5-1 when defending and a 4-2-3-1 when attacking if you like.

We all know the strengths Rooney has at playing up top on his own. His season with United more than proves it. At times in an England shirt he and Gerrard have threatened to read each other’s minds when going forward. A slight shift in positions could unlock this threat.

Capello made a point, many moons ago when he first took on the job, players had to fit into the system rather than a system having to fit around players, well if England are to be successful in South Africa the up and coming friendly with Japan should be the time to test the double Player Of The Year in the position he won it in and a natural balance to the team behind him.

Wenger playing for keeps on Nasri

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has said the club will do everything to keep French star Samir Nasri at Emirates Stadium next season.With Arsenal enduring their sixth consecutive season without silverware, there had been speculation in British media that some of their big names – including Nasri and captain Cesc Fabregas – could seek a move away from London.

But with Nasri, 23, out of contract after the 2011/12 season and being linked with a move to champions Manchester United, Wenger has said he is a required player at Arsenal.

“We will do everything to keep Nasri at the club. My wish is that he stays here,” Wenger told The Sun.

“If he looks back he can see that he’s come quite a long way with us, and I think there is still a bit to do. It’s the club that makes the player’s career.”

Fabregas has been surrounded by rumours of a move home to Barcelona – where he was a product of their famed youth academy – for over a year now, but Wenger insisted he will be an Arsenal player for some time yet.

“I will be pretty clear about this. For me, Fabregas is with Arsenal for a long time and he will stay with Arsenal,” the Frenchman said.

“It sometimes happens that the rumour can make the transfer.”

“Next year will see the introduction of the financial fair play system, which will limit the big transfers.”

“I think this is the last year that the summer will be hot – very hot.”

Vince Lombardi: 98

Vince Lombardi was born 98 years ago today.