Real Madrid saw a cheeky bid for Sergio Agüero turned down by neighbours Atlético de Madrid for Sergio Agüero last week as they look to make one more signing before the transfer window closes.

Los Merengues' quest to add another star name to their ranks this summer reached desperate measures when they made an enuiry about the Argentinian, according to Sport.

Aüero has vowed never to play for Madrid due to their rivalry with Atlético and he is said to have been pleased that the club did not even entertain the offer.

The report states that Madrid were told that the player was not for sale by Atleti president Enrique Cerezo and announced that they could match his buy.out clause of €55m.

That is unlikely given Agüero's reluctance to move and Madrid not wanting to become embroiled in another transfer saga after a summer of failed attempts to sign new players.

Robinho added to the sense of a things having gone wrong at the club this summer due to the focus placed on chasing Cristiano Ronaldo when he stated that he wants to leave at a press conference.

Madrid now want to sell him to Chelsea after signing a replacement and they reported to be making enquiries about players with Valencia's Joaquín still very much on the agenda.

David Villa signed a new contract with Valencia as Madrid made their interest in him known and even news that Bernd Schuster still think he could join will not see a move go through.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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Valencia winger Joaquín will remain at the Mestalla at least for the remainder of the year after rejecting a last minute offer to move abroad.

Joaquín’s immediate future will remain in the white of Valencia after the 27 year old was believed to have turned down a possible move to another European club in the last hours of the transfer market.

Madrid-based sports daily Marca has speculated that one of those clubs may have been either Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan (who has since snapped up Ricardo Quaresma) or Juande Ramos’ Tottenham Hotspur.

The player’s agent has already contacted the Valencia board to let them know that no agreement has been reached with any potential suitors before the August 31^st transfer deadline and he will thus remain a Los Ché player.

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In perhaps the most audacious piece of speculation published all summer it appears Manchester City are preparing a midnight hour swoop for want-away Bulgarian, Dimitar Berbatov, according to various sources...

Sky Sports News have confirmed that Manchester City have tabled a bid in excess of £30million for the silky striker, if the transfer is to be pushed through it will smash the British record.

Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment are understood to have taken over ownership of Manchester City. A top four finish is an essential requirement for the incoming board, and the first piece of business they wish to complete is the steal of Berbatov from rivals Manchester United - a piece of news that was first reported by the Sofia Echo and the Manchester Evening News.

Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, the figure spearheading the City takeover, has been described as a headline maker in his native region and is ready to complete a 'Hollywood' signing before the close of business tonight.

It could, perhaps, lead to a bitter stand-off between City and United and to the first battle for City's quest for parochial dominance.

Spurs however are allegedly keen to now deal with United, despite their initial wariness of selling another asset to the League champions. The inclusion of Fraizer Campbell in a player plus cash swap deal is seen as a key component in the north London club's change of heart.

UPDATE (15:15): Latest reports suggest that Dimitar Berbatov has agreed a mega £150,000 per week deal to sign at Manchester City, although nothing is yet official...

Alan Dawson and Peter Staunton

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El Mundo Deportivo reports that Robinho's move to Chelsea from Real Madrid could yet be back on the agenda after it hit the rocks. Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón is apparently willing to accept €25m plus Didier Drogba for the winger...

With reports this morning indicating that Robinho's move to London had broken down due to Madrid's failure to find a suitable replacement, MD proposes a solution that could already be in the works.

With Madrid short on forward options but with plenty of wide talent, it could be the case that they seek a striker instead of a winger to compensate for the loss of the Brazilian.

Thus Didier Drogba, who had earlier entertained the notion of a move away from Stamford Bridge, could be on his way to the Spanish capital.

It is thought that Madrid will put to Chelsea the idea of the Blues' paying €25m and the Ivorian in exchange for Robinho, whom they annoucned was a major target on Wednesday.

Indeed, MD is confident that, even should Drogba stay put, Robinho will still make it to the Bridge before the transfer window slams shut after the weekend.

Drogba, 30, may provide competition to Ruud van Nistelrooy and Raúl in what would be an "old but gold" forward line.

Meanwhile Robinho is highly regarded by Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, as well as chief executive Peter Kenyon and midfielder Frank Lampard.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

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We’ve seen Jansen out, and Oddo in at the Allianz Arena, could Bayern Munich be set for a shock move for Spurs striker Dimitar Berbatov?

Reports in Germany claim that Bulgarian forward Dimitar Berbatov is high on the Bayern Munich wanted-list and a shock move for the Tottenham star could be on the cards.

There are also claims that the hunt for a defensive midfielder is not over with Zenit St.Petersburg’s Anatoli Tymoschuk a candidate for Bayern’s engine room.

The German Football League (DFL) extended the deadline for the closing of the transfer window until midnight on Monday, so that leaves Bayern with four days to bring in any more players.

Club manager Uli Hoeneß said yesterday: “It could be that we complete something in the next few days before the end of the transfer period.

“The transfer pot we have available has also changed and we’ll use it” he added.

Bayern have received a reported €9 million for full back Marcell Jansen from Hamburg. Massimo Oddo has arrived on a free loan deal from AC Milan

It was reported earlier in the summer that Bayern were prepared to offer €25 million for Mario Gomez, so a similar offer for Berbatov is not beyond the realms of possibility.

The Bulgarian joined Tottenham in 2006 for 16 million from Bayer Leverkusen and is under contract in north London until 2009.

Manchester United have recently seen a £30 million offer rebuffed by Spurs, but Juande Ramos’ side now have Roman Pavlyuchenko on their books after signing the 26-year-old from Spartak Moscow.

Mathew Burt

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According to the player's agent, Real Madrid forward Robinho is about to see his wish of moving to Chelsea granted...

The deal taking the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge is set to be completed imminently, according to Wagner Ribeiro. Media stories today have suggested that the transfer is already in place, and the agent's quotes serve to substantiate these reports.

Apparently, Chelsea are on the brink of offering €33million to capture the Brazil international, who is now desperate to leave the Bernabeu.

Robinho suffered the humiliation of being booed by his own supporters at the weekend, as Madrid clinched the Spanish Super Cup against Valencia.

As of today, Wagner Ribeiro expects the deal to go through before the transfer deadline, despite admitting that the opposite was true last week.

He told the press: "The deal is about to be reached. Robinho's cycle in Spain has come to an end and he is looking forward to a new project."

Should Robinho arrive at Luiz Felipe Scolari's side, Shaun Wright-Phillips may be forced through the exit door, most probably to former club Manchester City.

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Premier League side Portsmouth have revealed that they are close to agreeing a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Thiago Motta, but they have ruled out a bid for Freddie Ljungberg.

The ex-Barcelona star Motta has been on trial with the south coast club for about a week, and excelled in a closed-doors practice match which took place yesterday (Wednesday).

The one doubt that Harry Redknapp's side have over a possible deal for the 25-year-old is the state of his knee, having previously ruptured cruciate ligaments on two occasions.

Club executive Peter Storrie said of the Brazilian: “Motta is here at the moment and we are having at look at him. He's been having medicals to see how he is and we will take it from there.”

Although Portsmouth are currently light on cover in midfield, Storrie confirmed that the club would definitely not be making a bid for the services of ex-Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg.

The former Sweden captain has been without a club since being released by West Ham United last month, but Pompey have ruled out any interest in the free agent.

Storrie told The News: “Ljungberg will not be coming, definitely not. We have no interest in him.”

Peter Staunton

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Frédéric Kanouté has dismissed reports linking him with a return to Tottenham Hotspur to work with Juande Ramos once again and is instead intent on helping Sevilla cause a surprise.

The Mali international is just one name that the Premier League side has been associated with as they search for a new striker, but they have not made any bid to Sevilla.

Ramos bought Kanouté from Tottenham when he was in charge of Sevilla and could be tempted to re-sign him, but the player has insisted that nothing has been done.

"I can assure you that there has been no offers," he told AS.

Kanouté is looking forward to the start of the new campaign in Spain and believes that Sevilla have a very god squad that can upset the hierarchy in la Primera.

"We may not be the favourites for the league but I think that we can cause Real Madrid and Barcelona a surprise," he continued.

"I think this Sevilla squad is stronger than it has been in previous seasons and we always want to beat the teams that are going for the title."

It is exactly one year since Antonio Puerta died and left the city of Sevilla and Spanish football in shock and Kanouté admits that he has been remembering his friend.

"Antonio has never stopped being special to us and always will be, but on a day like this you do think about him even more," he added.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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Manchester City are on the verge of signing Pablo Zabaleta from Espanyol after tabling a bid that looks set to be accepted by the Catalan outfit.

Mark Hughes is keen to continue strengthening his squad before the transfer window closes on Monday and adding to his defence has been an aim all summer.

Zabaleta has also been linked with Juventus, but la Vecchia Signora officials stated last month that they would not be signings any more players.

Espanyol have admitted that every member of their squad has a price, but that nobody would be allowed to leave for less than the valuation that the club have stated.

Zabaleta's asking price is around €8m and Manchester City have matched that meaning that talks should begin over a deal before the end of the week.

The Argentinian defender's agent, Marcelo Arguello, would receive 50 per cent of any fee and that has also made a difference to the amount being demanded.

If City do complete a deal then that could pave the way for right-back Vedran Corluka to move to Tottenham for around €10m after the two clubs appeared to agree to the move two weeks ago.

While Spurs claim that they have signed the player, City claim that the registration never changed hands and that he is still their player, but Corluka himself is said to now want to go to White Hart Lane.

Lucas Brown, Goal.com

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Throughout a 34-year managerial career of unparalleled success, Sir Alex Ferguson has consistently preached the importance of his strikers in setting the tempo for the entire team.

From Mark McGhee and Eric Black at Aberdeen to Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy at Manchester United, Ferguson's trophy-winning teams have been styled as well as built on the foundations of his attacking options. Yet with riches in every other department – and Tottenham threatening to leave Dimitar Berbatov in the reserves for the season – the permutations up front most exercise his mind.

United won the Premier League and Champions League last season with virtually the same set of players, yet there were exceptional circumstances, notably Cristiano Ronaldo's 42 goals. Ronaldo has been unavailable so far this season, and the warning signs are already there.

Newcastle and Kevin Keegan are hardly synonymous with competent defending, but they still managed to frustrate United enough to grind out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season. United's 1-0 win was a significant result at such a difficult away venue as Fratton Park but, including the Community Shield, United have also scored just once in 180 minutes this season against a Portsmouth team that Chelsea demolished 4-0.

The difficulty is clear. Magnificent player that he is, Wayne Rooney does not naturally lead the line. The same can be said of Carlos Tevez. Indeed, with Louis Saha and Ronaldo sidelined, United lack not only a player who can naturally hold the ball up, but also any significant attacking aerial threat.

The wonderful intricate passing of the likes of Rooney, Tevez and Paul Scholes can still overcome most teams, yet there is the danger that they will become too predictable. As he watched over his team last night, Ferguson could only have imagined what possibilities Berbatov could bring.

In each of his first two seasons for Tottenham, he scored 23 goals, but he also provided the sort of physical presence and silky touch to extract the best from his partner up front.

Berbatov also seemed most likely to deliver in the biggest matches. Ferguson has often talked of a player's ability to cope with the Old Trafford stage. However distasteful, his recent behaviour also points to a self-belief that he belongs at one of Europe's biggest clubs.

Rooney, with his wonderful ability to roam into dangerous positions and make devastating runs, would surely also thrive in the company of a central player with Berbatov's skill.

Ferguson has admitted that he had been guilty of sacrificing Rooney's goal-scoring edge by asking him to play in different roles for the greater good of the team.

"We've played him wide and in other positions," Ferguson said. "He'd play centre-half if you asked him to. I think his best position is through the middle, either a front role or tucking in just behind."

In Berbatov, it would seem, Ferguson sees a player of quality in his own right and an answer to the Rooney conundrum.

Ultimately, it will come down to money. Tottenham believe United should match Chelsea's British record transfer fee of £30 million for Andrei Shevchenko. United are understandably wary, yet allowing the moment to pass could prove even more costly.

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Revisiting the Robinho transfer situation, Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón has stated that, while Robinho won't be held at the Bernabéu against his will, he still deemed his recent comments to the press to be inappropriate...

Robinho said last week that he wished to depart for Chelsea, and while he bore Madrid no ill will he felt it was time to move on.

Since then Calderón has come out swinging, saying that he will not be party to the sale of the Brazilian, and the only way that Robinho can leave will be if he pays a fee of around €45m to cover his wages and transfer valuation.

Tonight he spoke to Telecinco to clarify his position. Calderón said, "His statements were unwelcome, but ultimately nobody will be at this club against their will.

"Another thing is that the president must defend the interests of the club."

He appeared to backtrack slightly by declaring that the decision as to whether Robinho stays or goes "is down to the coach (Bernd Schuster) and the footballing manager (Pedja Mijatovic.)"

Robinho did not appear in the Supercopa for Real Madrid on Sunday evening.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

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Lazio coach Delio Rossi admitted he would love to see Hernan Crespo re-join the Biancocelesti.

It's no secret that Inter coach Jose Mourinho wants to get rid of at least one of his six strikers, which he considers to be an exaggerated amount for one team. One of the strikers whose position seems to be slightly uncertain is Hernan Crespo, and it's also no secret that his former club Lazio are interested in taking him back to Rome.

The Biancocelesti's coach Delio Rossi commented on these rumours, admitting he would sign the player immediately if it were up to him.

"If I have to give permission for the purchase of a player who is like filler or to do a favor to another team," he said, "I would say no. But if we talk about players of the level of Crespo, then it's another matter."

It seems that Valdanito's return to the Italian capital is not just a Lazio fan's dream, but a serious project. Certainly it would allow the 33-year-old Argentinean striker to have a guaranteed starting place, which he does not have at Inter, for whom he scored just 7 goals last season.

Danilo Pochini

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El Mundo Deportivo reports that Ajax star Klaas-Jan Huntelaar remains on the agenda at Manchester United, at least as a backup option. Should they fail to land Dimitar Berbatov then the Dutchman could be subject to an approach...

It is thought that Tottenham Hotspur have rejected a recent bid from United for Berbatov, who is commonly regarded as the Red Devils' number one target this summer.

With €32m apparently not being enough for the Lilywhites, United may soon take their interest elsewhere, and that could be in the direction of the Dutch capital.

Ajax, no stranger to selling their top talents, may accept a bid of slightly under €30m for their international striker, who has a great admirer in the form of United boss Alex Ferguson.

MD additionally reports that, should Ferguson make his interest concrete, a "war" could be on the cards. Real Madrid have made it clear in the past that they too are fans of Huntelaar, and if they do not make a move this summer certainly they would at least consider it next year.

As such if United make a formal offer, Madrid could potentially follow, reawakening the ugly scenes of "Ronaldogate." That said, Madrid are currently preoccupied with the fate of Robinho, to whom they are trying to offer a new contract.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

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According to the Corriere dello Sport, Milan have tabled a bid to sign Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos, and it is likely that the transfer will go through.

With just over a week to go until the closure of the transfer window, things are becoming desperate for Milan in their search for a centre back.

With key man Alessandro Nesta out injured, and with Dario Simic and Digao having recently been offloaded, the Rossoneri are terribly thin at the back going into the new season.

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic had seemed certain to join the club on loan, but the transfer fell through when the Londoners refused to insert an option.

The Corriere now claims that Milan have turned their attentions to another Premiership based player, in the form of Arsenal centre back Philippe Senderos.

Milan have made an offer to sign the Swiss international on a one-year loan, with the option to make the move permanent next year for €7-8m.

Senderos is down the pecking order at the Emirates following an error-prone season last term, and Arsene Wenger is prepared to let him leave, having just signed a replacement in the form of Manchester United’s Mickael Silvestre.

The 23-year-old Senderos has made 74 Premiership appearances, scoring four goals, since signing for Arsenal from Servette in December 2002.

Anthony Sormani

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Roma have agreed a deal with David Suazo in order to lure him away from Inter and to the Stadio Olimpico according to Calciomercato.

The Honduran hit-man has long been linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri as he has been a benchwarmer since signing for them last year.

A transfer to Benfica seemed on the cards but he now looks destined to stay in Serie A. Calciomercato claims the striker has already agreed personal terms with the Giallorossi and an announcement is expected by Monday.

The former Cagliari man almost joined the Olimpico-based club last term before Inter beat competition from Milan as well as Roma to sign him.

I Lupi coach Luciano Spalletti still hasn’t ruled out the possibility of further arrivals and he is certain to make a few more signings before the transfer window closes in ten days.

The coach did admit that Baptista was not the last player to arrive at Trigoria and it appears as if Suazo will be the next in line to walk through the door.

Salvatore Landolina

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Russia forward Andrei Arshavin sabotaged a possible move to Arsenal by demanding too much money, according to the player's agent.

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The Gunners were linked with the Zenit St Petersburg playmaker at the start of the summer as he impressed at Euro 2008.

Arshavin's agent Dennis Lachter claims his client wanted too high a salary to agree to a move to Emirates Stadium.

"Wenger was serious about buying Arshavin," said Lachter in the Daily Express.

"If Andrei could have tempered his financial appetite, it was quite possible he would be playing at the Emirates right now.

"Arsenal were prepared to pay about £15million for him.

"[Arsene] Wenger is indeed a cunning fox who always says one thing and does the other. He wanted Andrei, but Arsenal are the only top English club who do not pay large salaries."

London rivals Tottenham have since been mooted as the Premier League team most likely to sign Arshavin. Internazionale and Barcelona have also shown interest in the player.

Sporting Life / Eurosport

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Every Monday until the first week of September, Goal.com will list of the top twenty transfers of the summer. In this edition, we considered all moves officially concluded by midnight on Sunday, August 17, 2008.

The factors taken into account are

(a) form over the last 12 months,
(b) potential, and
(c) transfer fee involved.

The extension from ten to twenty was compiled by taking into account previous editions.

20. Mirko Vucinic (Roma/Lecce to Roma)
Last Week: 20

The Giallorossi have finally secured full ownership of the Montenegrin, purchasing the second half of his contract from Lecce for a meaty 12 million euros. Is he worth 24 million today? Probably not. However, he has improved massively over the last 12 months, and continues to get better by the week.

19. Martín Cáceres (Villarreal to Barcelona)
Last Week: 19

The 20-year-old Uruguayan is regarded as one of the best young defenders in La Liga, and Barcelona wasted little time snapping him up from Villarreal. A touch overpriced at around 16 million euros, but a great signing for the future nonetheless, particularly with Carles Puyol beginning to show his age.

18. Tomáš Ujfaluši (Fiorentina to Atlético Madrid)
Last Week: 18

At long last, Atleti have made a good defensive signing - for free, even. They were in denial last summer when they failed to take concrete steps, but have landed just the man to lead their defence upon their return to the Champions League after over a decade. That he comes for free makes it even better.

17. Giovani Dos Santos (Barcelona to Tottenham)
Last week: 17

A rather opportunistic and clever signing by Juande Ramos, but he is a gamble nonetheless. There is a good reason Barcelona got rid of him on the cheap. His attitude had been a subject of concern for eighteen months, which saw young Bojan Krkić leap ahead of him in the pecking order. His impact on the dressing room had not made positive news either. Spurs fans must hope that was the exception and not the rule.

16. Hatem Ben Arfa (Lyon to Marseille)
Last Week: 16

Marseille have lost Samir Nasri to Arsenal, but have managed to land the perfect replacement in the man Arsene Wenger had his sights on to start with. What is more, they can keep him for a year or two, and make a cool 8-10 million profit.

15. Alberto Gilardino (Milan to Fiorentina)
Last Week: 15

On the face of it, it looks like the Viola have signed an unhappy, out-of-form striker. However, that was just what Adrian Mutu's move from Juventus looked like not so long ago. The fans will help him forget Milan in a hurry, and rediscover the striker that wowed Calcio when at Parma. The partnership with Mutu can be backed to produce some special moments in the Champions League.

14. Seydou Keita (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Last Week: 14

At the time of his arrival he was the best signing Barcelona had made this season, particularly in light of the way their soft underbelly was exposed on the road last year. With him partnering Yaya Touré in the middle, it will ensure that the likes of Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi do not get bullied, and also get the full license to thrill. 15 million euros worth their value.

13. Ezequiel Garay (Racing Santander to Real Madrid)
Last Week: 13

What a capture! Barcelona seemed to have him in the bag, but hesitated a little too much as they waited for Frank Rijkaard to leave and a new coach to take charge. Madrid managed to snatch Sergio Ramos a few years ago, and what a signing that has turned out to be. This one may be no different.

12. Deco (Barcelona to Chelsea)
Last Week: 12

On the wrong side of 30, a first look suggests that he is past it, but nothing could be further from the truth. There is a fire that burns in him as we saw during Euro 2008, and he has a lot more to give to football. He is not what Frank Lampard is, as he will never score as many goals. But then, he is also everything Lampard is not. Superb creativity, a great eye for the game, and an ability to run the show that has seen him win the Champions League with two different clubs. Finally, Chelsea have a player who can orchestrate the pleasing football their owner wants. With Ballack and Essien set to play around him, it will be an ominous midfield.

11. Amantino Mancini (Roma to Inter)
Last Week: 11

Jose Mourinho does not quite promote exciting football, but he does like a fast, aggressive winger forward at least on one flank. That is just what he has found in Mancini, who will be handed the license to thrill just as Arjen Robben was during the glory years at Chelsea. Tends to blow hot and cold, though, as Roma found out last season. Lack of consistency will not go down well with the 'Special One', so he does need to focus a lot more.

10. David Bentley (Blackburn to Tottenham)
Last Week: 10

A great way for Spurs to show their ambition - by winning the race for the talented Blackburn winger, and in the process signing a former Arsenal youngster. Given what Juande Ramos did with Jesus Navas - a very similar player - this one has success written all over it. He has the potential form a formidable attacking midfield along with Giovani Dos Santos and Luka Modric.

9. Robbie Keane (Tottenham to Liverpool)
Last Week: 9

Make no mistake, I rate him very highly. That said, the Reds paid a few millions too many. He will still score the 15-20 goals needed to complement Fernando Torres' 25-30, so Rafa might just have splashed the extra cash with good reason. Their draw happy start to the season destroyed their title challenge last time around, so goals is what they need, and that is what they will get.

8. Amauri (Palermo to Juventus)
Last Week: 8

The Brazilian-Italian striker made it to number three after earning himself a long overdue move to a top four club, but now slips down to seven. He has already shown his potential with Palermo, and the prospect of him getting some top quality service from the Juve midfield is simply mouth-watering. Champions League, here he comes.

7. Daniel Alves (Sevilla to Barcelona)
Last Week: 7

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United – these are just some of the clubs that have queued up for him over the last 18 months or so. However, it is Barcelona who land him after some difficult negotiations with Sevilla. Perhaps a touch overpriced at 30 million euros (he would have been number one on this list at 20m), but then again, he is the best attacking full-back this world has seen since Roberto Carlos.

6. Samir Nasri (Marseille to Arsenal)
Last Week: 6

The highly rated French international is the latest to join the clan of young Gunners. Many view him as a replacement for Aliaksandr Hleb, while others go a step further and call him the next Zidane. He has had some problems with injuries, but let's hope those were exceptions as opposed to the rule. The prodigous playmaker is at number five.

5. Ronaldinho (Barcelona to Milan)
Last Week: 5

A gamble? Yes. But given the chance, would you sign one of the all time greats of football for a third of his market price last summer? You bet you would. At 28, he is far from over. Some diet planning and some tough training, and he will give at least three or four good years to the Rossoneri. A gamble nonetheless, or he would definitely have been number one. Number four for the Gaucho.

4. Luka Modric (Dinamo Zagreb to Tottenham)
Last Week: 4

The hottest young Croatian was snapped up by Spurs despite the interest of clubs such as Barcelona and Chelsea, and what a signing it has already turned out to be. Looks set to become the jewel in Juande Ramos' midfield next season. He remains at the sharp end of our list.

3. Aliaksandr Hleb (Arsenal to Barcelona)
Last Week: 3

A very shrewd buy, and what could very well turn out to be a stroke of genius from Barcelona. With Lionel Messi expected to run the show, what they needed was not a Ronaldinho, but a tireless, no-nosense attacking midfielder to offer support from the other flank - without hogging possession or the limelight. And they got him on the cheap too. A true critics' player in that while fans rave about others, he runs away with the technical plaudits.

2. Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal to Milan)
Last Week: 2

The underrated Frenchman was one of Arsenal's best players last season, and Milan's signing was nothing less than a coup. That it was a free transfer makes it even better. Has been the smartest transfer this summer for a while, now, but drops down to number two, finally.

1. Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg to Real Madrid)
Last Week: 1

A lifelong Barcelona fan and one of the best playmakers in the world today, how Madrid managed to sign him for nine million euros I don't know. What is even more baffling is how Hamburg let him go at that price (even if clauses could raise it to 13m). I would probably have put him up here even if he had cost 15 million. A downright steal, and just the kind of person who will add to Bernd Schuster's team without destroying it (get the hint?).

Abhishek Thakur

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Brazil international Robinho will not be making a switch from Madrid to London this season, his agent claimed.

Chelsea have earmarked the Brazilian as one of their main transfer target but have faced stern resistance from Real Madrid who insist Robinho is not for sale.

Reports suggest Chelsea would make one last attempt to persuade Real to do business for a player who has two years left on his contract.

But the player's agent Wagner Ribeiro has shot down Chelsea's hopes of buying the player - at least for this season. Ribeiro would only say the Champions league finalists can reopen negoiations in 12 months' time due to Real's stance.

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Spartak Moscow and Russia striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, a rumoured target of Tottenham Hotspur, has somewhat dampened speculation by suggesting he would prefer a move to city rivals Arsenal or Chelsea...


The Russian starred for his country in qualifying, in a memorable cameo coming off the bench that saw him net a brace and go a long way towards preventing England from qualifying for the Austria-Switzerland showpiece.

And when the tournament dawned, the imposing striker was his side's top scorer with three goals and impressed many clubs across Europe, including Barcelona, Milan and Tottenham.

"I love the Premier League and I would certainly like to play there. However, if I go to England, I would want to play for Arsenal or Chelsea," he revealed.

"Tottenham's offer is not the only one we have received. Some Spanish clubs have put down their interest and Italy also has a top-class league."

Chet Winter, Goal.com

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The 19-year-old midfielder has been catching the eye with some of his performances, and is of Algerian decent, like another great French midfielder Zinedine Zidane.

Feghouli plays for Grenoble Foot 38 in France's Ligue 1, but is linked with a host of top European clubs. He has attracted a lot of attention and was connected with a move to Ajax, Liverpool, Chelsea and Valencia during the 2007 summer transfer window.

However, now Juventus and Inter seemingly are looking at acquiring the young Frenchman as well, as they feel he has plenty of potential. But it is suspected they will have to fight off plenty of competition for his signature.

It is unknown if either team will table a bid for the youngster this year, as both Juve and Inter have insisted that they are done shopping in the transfer window. Juventus have been associated with Alberto Aquilani and Dejan Stankovic, but neither of their clubs seems willing to let them leave. Meanwhile, Inter currently have plenty of options in midfield with Patrick Vieira, Sulley Muntari, Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Olivier Dacourt, Vitor Hugo Pele, as well as Stankovic.

The player himself has stated he believes his type of playing is best suited to the English Premier League; however, he would likely a jump at any chance to join a top Serie A team.

See video of him here

Adam Scime

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