Lampard linked with Inter - Transfer Rumour Mill Grinds On.
Who? - Cristiano Ronaldo - Speculation Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Real Madrid
Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon believes Manchester United should be "happy and proud" to let Cristiano Ronaldo leave in what he has called "the transfer of the century".The Portuguese midfielder has been at the centre of a long-running tug of war between United and Real and it still remains unclear as to where his future lies. Real are understood to be on the verge of a bid which could be as large as 70million, but Sir Alex Ferguson has remained adament that the player will stay. However, Calderon has now told Spanish newspaper AS: "I think that, first of all, it's the desire of the player [to move]. But, of course, Manchester shouldn't be angry and they should open up their stance. We can't be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid. If I was Manchester United I'd be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players. Everything would be a lot easier if United realised that they could pull off the transfer of the century."
Who? - Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea and Arsenal Who is he linked with? - AC Milan
AC Milan have confirmed that they are interested in signing Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor. The pair are both understood to be on the verge of leaving their respective clubs, and Milan are in need of a striker in time for the new season. "It's no secret we're interested in signing a forward and are studying candidates," technical director Leonardo told the BBC. "Drogba is a fine player and Adebayor is a player I really like. We are waiting for the right time to move." Both players have also been linked with Barcelona, while Drogba has attracted the attentions of Real Madrid as well.
Who? - Frank Lampard - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Internazionale
Inter Milan have begun negotiations over a move for Frank Lampard, the BBC is reporting. There have been rumours throughout the summer of a switch, and it is now understood Inter have faxed through an opening bid of around 6.5million. The England international is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and has yet to sign an extension. Chelsea recently signed midfielder Deco, and that suggests Lampard may not have a guaranteed place in the starting line-up next season. Jose Mourinho was last week coy on a possible move for Lampard, but it would seem he is at least going to try to sign his former player.
Who? - Darren Fletcher - Speculation Where is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Everton
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is being linked with a move to Everton. Fletcher is a long way down the Old Trafford midfield pecking order now and it seems a move away from United is the only way of him guaranteeing a regular first team place for next season. Everton could do with a ball-winner as both Lee Carsley and Thomas Gravesen left the club in the summer. And United may have to sell in order to finance any move for a new striker.
Who? - Kaka - Speculation Where is he? - AC Milan Who is he linked with? - Chelsea
Chelsea have played down rumours they have made an "astronomical" bid for Kaka, according to reports. AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani made the claim yesterday, revealing: "For Kaka, a really big offer has arrived from Chelsea. However, it now appears that the Blues are not interested in the Brazilian's signature, and that he will stay at the San Siro. Meanwhile, Luiz Felipe Scolari will begin his management of the club on Monday as the players return for pre-season training. "It is fantastic to finally be here," said the Brazilian. "The training ground is world class and I am very impressed by everything I have seen and heard from the staff. I am looking forward to welcoming the players back from their summer holidays so we can start working together."
Who? - Steve Davis - Speculation Where is he? - Fulham Who is he linked with? - Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers could make a move for Fulham star Steve Davis, if reports are to be believed. The 23-year-old midfielder spent last season on loan at Rangers. Gers boss Walter Smith is keen to make the move permanent, but it is though he has not yet met Fulham's 4million valuation. Rovers boss Paul Ince is also thought to rate the player, and may make a move if Rangers continue to stall. Davis began his career at Aston Villa in 2003, before moving to Fulham in 2007. However, his time at Craven Cottage ended when then-manager Lawrie Sanchez was sacked.
Who? - Roy Makaay - Speculation Where is he? - Feyenoord Who is he linked with? - Hull City
Hull City are reportedly in the running for former Bayern Munich star Roy Makaay. The 33-year-old currently plays his football at Feyenoord, but the Dutch side have recently changed manager and this means he could leave for just 1.5million. Manchester United star Frazier Campbell led the line for the Tigers last season, but he is set to return to Old Trafford after a season-long loan, leaving Phil Brown in need of a striker. Brown added to his ranks over the weekend by signing Geovanni from Manchester City.
Who? - Ruben de la Red - Speculation Where is he? - Real Madrid Who is he linked with? - Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa
Three Premier League teams lead the race for Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are all thought to be in the chase for the Spanish star. He was sold by Real last season to Getafe, but the Spanish giants used their option to sign him back shortly after. The player is now thought to be valued at around 15million. De la Red scored his first goal for Spain during their Euro 2008 clash with Greece.
Who? - Pascal Chimbonda - Speculation Where is he? - Tottenham Hotspur Who is he linked with? - Hamburg
Tottenham Hotspur defender Pascal Chimbonda is reportedly on the verge of leaving White Hart Lane for Hamburg. The 29-year-old right-back is being tracked by former Spurs boss Martin Jol, who is keen to bring him to the Bundesliga. Chimbonda's future at the north London club has been in doubt since his angry reaction to being substituted during the Carling Cup Final victory over Chelsea in February. The 9million arrival of Scotland full-back Alan Hutton from Rangers in January also led to a reduction in starting opportunities for the France defender. Chimbonda was brought to Spurs by Jol in a 4.5million deal from Wigan Athletic in August 2006. He has made almost 100 appearances in all competitions during two seasons at White Hart Lane.
