Ajax play down Huntelaar exit talks - Transfer Chat Today.
Who? - Pako Ayesteran - Speculation Where is he? - Benfica Who is he linked with? - Manchester United
Sir Alex Ferguson could appoint former Liverpool coach Pako Ayesteran as his new assistant. Current number two Carlos Queiroz is set to vacate the post for the Portugal job, and there are several candidates thought to be in the running to replace him. Many had tipped former United star and Academy director Brian McClair, while Laurent Blanc and Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez have also been linked. However, now it seems former Liverpool coach Ayesteran could be in the running. Ayesteran is currently a coach at Benfica after ending his partnership with Rafa Benitez last season.
Who? - Klaas-Jan Huntelaar - Speculation Where is he? - Ajax Who is he linked with? - Arsenal and Manchester United
Dutch giants Ajax have played down talk linking Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with a move away from the club. Arsenal and Manchester United are said to be interested in the Dutch international, and he himself confessed his admiration for the Old Trafford outfit over the weekend. However, Ajax have insisted they have had no contact from Arsenal and that they are keen to keep hold of the player who scored 33 goals last season. "We really don't want him to leave and we are going to do everything we can to make sure he doesn't," said acting managing director Henri van der Aat. "There has been no contact with Arsenal."
Who? - Andrew Johnson - Speculation Where is he? - Everton Who is he linked with? - Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic are understood to be in the race to sign Andrew Johnson from Everton. The 27-year-old striker has been linked with a Goodison Park exit throughout the summer, but David Moyes has insisted that he is staying put. However, the BBC is now reporting that Wigan boss Steve Bruce is preparing a bid that could be enough to sway Moyes. Sunderland, along with West Ham United, are also known to be interested in signing the former Crystal Palace man. Johnson began his career at Birmingham City in 1997, before moving onto Palace five years later. He joined Everton for 8.6million in May 2006.
Who? - Roberto Carlos - Speculation Where is he? - Fenerbahce Who is he linked with? - Chelsea
Brazil legend Roberto Carlos has claimed that Chelsea are interested in signing him. The 35-year-old former Real Madrid left-back currently plays his football at Feberbahce, but would be tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge. "I am content at Fenerbahce, but I am a man who likes challenges and a move to Chelsea would be very attractive," he told the Daily Star. "I understand that Felipe [Scolari] wants people with him who he has confidence in and who he knows. As yet I have not spoken to him since he has arrived at Chelsea." Carlos was part of the 2002 Brazilian World Cup winning side which was managed by new Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Who? - David Bentley - Speculation Where is he? - Blackburn Rovers Who is he linked with? - Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton
Blackburn Rovers are reportedly ready to sell wantaway forward David Bentley, but will only do so for 17million. A host of clubs, including Aston Villa, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton. They have already turned down a players-plus-cash deal from Tottenham, and are looking for cash only. It is thought they are trying to raise some funds to buy players of their own. Bentley began his career at Arsenal in 2001, but struggled to find regular football with the Gunners and joined Blackburn five years later.
Who? - Andrei Arshavin - Speculation Where is he? - Zenit St Petersburg Who is he linked with? - Arsenal and Chelsea
Arsenal and Chelsea have been given fresh hope of signing Andrei Arshavin after Zenit St Petersburg broke off negotiations with Barcelona over the transfer of the Russia playmaker. The two London clubs have both been strongly linked with moves for the 27-year-old star of Euro 2008 despite Barcelona being favourites to clinch his signature. Arshavin himself also suggested a move to the Camp Nou was the most likely occurrence, but the Russian side have now called off negotiations with the Spanish club. Zenit are unhappy that Barca failed to improve their original 12million offer in a second approach at the beginning of the week. Coach Dick Advocaat has already suggested his club is looking for something in the region of 20million for the talented midfielder. "Barcelona have failed to improve their original offer of 15million euros," read a club statement. "We decided to end our negotiations with the Spanish club. We have not received any offers for Arshavin from any other clubs, therefore there are no discussions going on about his transfer."
Who? - Rafael van der Vaart - Speculation Where is he? - Hamburg Who is he linked with? - Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of signing Rafael van der Vaart have been ended after the Netherlands winger ruled out a move to White Hart Lane. The 25-year-old Hamburg star is a transfer target for some of Europe's leading clubs this summer after another impressive season in the Bundesliga last year. But the former Ajax youngster does not see his future being with the north London club despite reports of a 15million offer being on the table. Van der Vaart has spent three seasons with Hamburg and is now coached at the HSH Nordbank Arena by former Spurs boss Martin Jol. "The interest has been there for some time already, but they are not the club I want to go to," he said, referring to a potential move to Spurs. "Tottenham are not a club I want to swap Hamburg for. The chance that I will stay at HSV is really big. As long as no team comes by which makes me immediately excited, I see no reason to leave. And so far none of those clubs have called us."
Who? - Xabi Alonso - Speculation Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - Juventus
Midfielder Xabi Alonso wants to stay at Liverpool and win the Premier League title despite reports suggesting he is wanted by Juventus. The Spain international had been expected to leave Anfield this summer after slipping down the pecking order last season. But the 26-year-old former Real Sociedad star, who has made over 110 appearances during his four seasons with the Reds, is hoping to persuade manager Rafael Benitez that his future remains with the Merseyside club. Juve are reported to be willing to pay up to 12million for Alonso, who has now spoken about his future for the first time since helping Spain triumph at Euro 2008. "Everyone treats me so well here," he said. "There are a few stories over a possible transfer but I would prefer not to talk about my future. I want to win the Premier League as that is the only trophy which is missing."
