Thaksin money 'clean' says Harris

The man who brokered former Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra's £81.6m takeover bid for Manchester City insists the deal is completely above board.

Thailand authorities are set to investigate the source of the funds behind Thaksin's offer.

But Keith Harris, executive chairman of Seymour Pierce Investment Bank, told BBC Five Live's Sportsweek programme: "The money to buy Man City is clean.

"It has been legitimately and transparently transferred to the UK."

Thaksin, who lodged a formal offer for City on 21 June, is facing corruption charges in Thailand over a property deal and has had £830m of his assets frozen.

And Thailand's finance minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn says there is also a 'mystery' over how Thaksin has funded his bid for City.

While he was prime minister, Thaksin was required by law to declare all his assets and, according to Chalongphob, he did not declare any foreign assets.

"So this money which would be used for Manchester City is still a mystery to Thailand," Chalongphob said.

"I am sure Thailand's Asset Examination Commission will look at the source of these funds and try to see whether they are legal funds that were taken out or by other means.

"If the deal for City goes ahead and the money paid they will try to look at it. We don't know yet how he is going to finance it. We won't know until the deal is finalised."

Harris is adamant the charges facing Thaksin in Thailand will have no bearing on his bid for the Premier League club.

"The charges levelled against him are politically motivated by a military government that is unelected.

"He was the Prime Minister there and was exceptionally popular. He was also a successful businessman.

"A number of bank accounts in Thailand, some personal and some corporate, have been frozen.

"But the money that has been used to finance the takeover and which will then be used to invest in the club is in English bank accounts and beyond their reach."

CREDIT : news.bbc.co.uk

Emotional Henry salutes Gunners

Thierry Henry is confident Arsenal still have a bright future despite his impending move to Barcelona.

The 29-year-old France striker, who has been with the Gunners since 1999, is on the brink of completing a £16m switch to the Nou Camp.

Henry told Arsenal's website: "I don't believe what everybody is saying about the club collapsing, having a lack of players and everyone leaving.

"The team here is growing and there is some amazing talent."

Henry pointed to the emergence of young midfielder Cesc Fabregas since Patrick Vieira left for Juventus in 2005 as proof that Arsene Wenger's side can cope without him.

"I do think this is the right time for Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor and Nicklas Bendtner, who is coming back from Birmingham, to shine," Henry added.

"Hopefully they will do it. As soon as you know they can do it, they will forget about me, that's the way it is.

"When Patrick left everyone was devastated, including me and then after that a little guy came around called Cesc Fabregas and, although I didn't agree with it, everyone started saying 'who needs Patrick Vieira'?

"Cesc is a world-class player, Robin van Persie is a world-class player, hopefully Adebayor will become a world-class player, Tomas Rosicky is a world-class player, Jens Lehmann is a world-class player, Kolo Toure and William Gallas are world-class players. You can go through the whole squad like that.

"I will now become an Arsenal fan and will be looking at every result. I am sure the team will be successful."

Henry also gave a personal tribute to Gunners fans for their support during his eight years at the club.

"I would like say to you that you have been tremendous for me and I really do appreciate it," he explained.

"I am shaking as I say this. I will always remember you and I will have you in my head and my heart.

"I wanted to reassure you that I always gave 100% here. I hope you appreciate what I did here because I appreciate what you did for me.

"I grew as a man and became a better football player - I will always take that with me no matter what happens.

"Arsenal will be in my blood as well as my heart. I will always, always, always remember you guys. I said I was going to be a Gunner for life and I did not lie because when you are a Gunner you will always be a Gunner.

"The club is in my heart and will remain in my heart forever."

CREDIT : news.bbc.co.uk

NEWS 21/6/07

U21: Reds go head-to-head

Nani may face new United team-mate Giuseppe Rossi as Portugal and Italy do battle for a slot at next year's Olympic Games on Thursday night.

The flying winger, who has agreed to join United from Sporting Lisbon, suffered an ankle injury in Portugal's 4-0 win over Israel last Saturday, but is expected to be risked by Portuguese coach José Couceiro.

Rossi is expected to feature for Italy after catching the eye throughout the Azzurini's European U21 Championship campaign, scoring his maiden international goal against the Czech Republic in his last outing.

All four semi-finalists at the U21 Championship - Holland, Serbia, Belgium and England - are ensured a berth at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, England's confirmed absence from next year's Games has opened up a window of opportunity for both Portugal and Italy, who were eliminated at the group stage.

Stuart Pearce's side will not take up their slot in Beijing, as England will instead form part of a Great British side. As such, their berth will be awarded to the winner of Thursday's tie.

Reds get seeding boost

United have been named among the top eight seeds for next season's UEFA Champions League.

The Reds occupy the final berth in the elite octet, behind holders AC Milan, Barcelona, Liverpool, Internazionale, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

UEFA's seedings are based on clubs' European performances over the last five years as well as the ranking of their national association.

Thus United only occupy eighth spot due to relatively early exits in previous campaigns, barring last season's semi-final defeat at the hands of Milan.

This season's Champions League begins in earnest as the first of three qualifying rounds kick off on July 17, a full 10 months before the final in Moscow.

The diary date for United fans is August 30, when the draw for the group stages is made in Nyon.

Fergusons ready to do battle

United's pre-season friendly against Peterborough will hold special significance in the Ferguson household, as Sir Alex locks managerial horns with son Darren for the first time.

The Posh have a star-studded pre-season lined up, as they also host Celtic and Liverpool before the start of the new campaign, but it's United's visit on 4 August which holds the greater allure for Ferguson.

"It’s going to be a great game for the club and the fans," Darren told ManUtd.com. "We’ve got a good pre-season, with Celtic and Liverpool as well. United’s probably the biggest one, and we’re all looking forward to it.

"I think we’ve already sold 7,000 tickets so the fans are looking forward to it too. United are playing Doncaster the night before, but my dad said he’s going to bring as many as he can, and even if they’re not playing he’ll bring some of the big hitters along to show their faces.

"He’s got a huge squad and they’re all top quality players. Whoever they do play, we know it’s going to be a good game and we’ll have our work cut out for us, because obviously United keep the ball better than teams in our league."

Although the match is inconsequential in terms of points and prizes, Darren concedes that he and his father will both be keen to secure victory.

"Obviously it’s a friendly, but it’s a week before both teams start their season," he said. "So there’s going to be a serious element to it. United have the Community Shield the day after, but I’ve spoken to him and he’s going to be playing as strong a team as possible.

"It’ll be a good exercise and a lot of it at that stage of the season is about fitness. I don’t think it’ll be too serious, but there’s no doubt we’ll both want to win though, that’ll never change!"

Atletico: Torres going nowhere

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says his club's skipper and goalscoring talisman, Fernando Torres, is going nowhere.

United have been constantly linked with a move for the Spanish international striker in recent seasons, while Liverpool are also credited with a strong interest.

Cerezo, however, is tired of the annual bout of speculation surrounding his club's prized asset and has moved to clarify the situation.

"Torres is an Atletico Madrid player and I think he will stay here for many years to come," said Cerezo.

"This happens every year. Everyone talks about rumours and throws figures about but Atletico are clear. Anyway, even if we put him up for sale, would he really want to leave?"

United have been linked with a host of strikers since Chief Executive David Gill admitted that the club could be tempted to re-enter the transfer market if the right target became available.

The majority of the Reds' summer business seems done and dusted, with deals already in place to sign Owen Hargreaves, Nani and Anderson.

credit: www.manutd.com

NEWS 20/6/07

Rio covets a clean sweep

Having regained the Barclays Premier League title last term, Rio Ferdinand is adamant that United are intent on claiming all available silverware next season.

The England defender is eyeing a clean sweep as the Reds aim to build on last season's near misses in the Champions League and FA Cup and reclaim the Carling Cup.

"Next season we won't be talking about what happened last season," Ferdinand told Sky Sports News. "It's about what we want to win in the future.

"We want to win the league, the FA Cup, the Carling Cup and the Champions League. We know it's going to be difficult, but you've got to set your standards."

Integral to United's hopes of success are three close-season signings - Anderson, Nani and Owen Hargreaves - and Ferdinand is already excited about lining up with the trio.

Already well aware of Hargreaves' virtues from international duty with England, Rio concedes the younger new arrivals are a little more of an unknown quantity - although United did sample Brazilian playmaker Anderson's trickery last summer.

"We all know about Owen," said Ferdinand. "He's a fantastic footballer and is someone who will add another dimension to our midfield that's already great to play behind.

"We played against Porto in pre-season and Anderson played for them. He was someone a few of the lads were talking about anyway.

"I've not seen the other fella (Nani) play. A lot of people say he is very similar to Cristiano Ronaldo. If he is similar to him and he comes half as good as him, we've got a fantastic player on our hands, so it's exciting."

Kieran pushes for final berth

Kieran Richardson is expected to start Wednesday night's UEFA European U21 Championship semi-final as England face hosts Holland in Heerenveen.

The United winger has two starts and one substitute appearances to his name in England's opening three games, which have yielded draws against Czech Republic and Italy and a controversial victory over Serbia.

Stuart Pearce's side are without the suspended Tom Huddlestone, while doubts linger over the fitness of Wigan defender Leighton Baines. Should the Latics defender fail to feature, then Richardson could be deployed as an emergency left-back.

Ex-Manchester City boss Pearce expects an entertaining clash with the Dutch, who served up some scintillating football in their opening three group games.

"I think it will be a sensational game, a great advert for football and for this tournament," said Pearce. "We'll be playing in a great stadium - bigger than the ones we've played at so far. It will be a full house, and it is something we are looking forward to."

Anderson tipped for the top

Former Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has tipped new signing Anderson to make a big splash at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old playmaker arrives at United from Porto with the billing of one of football's leading young talents, having already been dubbed 'the new Ronaldinho' in some circles.

And Scolari, whose role as Portugal manager has exposed him to the Portuguese Superliga, feels Anderson can fulfill his massive potential at United.

"Anderson has joined a good English club," said Scolari. "He is one that, probably inside the next two years, will be one of the biggest names in Europe.

"He'll achieve that if he continues the progression that he had with Porto."

Anderson was the first arrival in a triple transfer swoop by United in May, alongside Sporting Lisbon winger Nani and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

Legend hopes Reds keep Rossi

United legend Paddy Crerand hopes that United keep hold of Italian striker Giuseppe Rossi, despite interest from a host of other clubs.

The 20-year-old forward caught the eye on loan at Parma last season, inspiring Claudio Ranieri's side to several vital victories as they managed to avoid relegation.

Rossi's fine Serie A form has continued into the European U21 Championships despite Italy's failure to reach the semi-finals, and he scored his maiden international goal against the Czech Republic.

There are fears that interest from clubs as diverse as Juventus and Sunderland could prove tempting for Rossi if United cannot guarantee him first team action.

"I'd like to see him stay," Crerand told MUTV. "He came here at a time when United had so many strikers, all experienced players as well.

"Maybe keeps you back a little bit because you don't get as many chances as you'd like. But he's great around the goal. Since I first saw him play as a kid, I always though he had a great chance."

Crerand revealed that his confidence in the youngster's ability is shared by Sir Alex Ferguson - a faith which may see Rossi retained as a first team squad member next term.

"I remember talking to the Manager about him," said Crerand. "And the Manager has his fullest confidence in him, he says he would have no problems about sticking him in the team at any time."

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NEWS 19/06/07

Reds interest flatters striker

Sampdoria striker Fabio Quagliarella says he would be happy to move to United, and claims that the Reds have made a bid for his services.

The Reds were strongly linked with the 23-year-old Italian last week, with the player's agent insisting that United were ready to bid £10million for his client.

Now Quagliarella has revealed that he would consider moving to the Premiership after an alleged offer from Old Trafford.

The striker told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It seems a serious offer, they have raised it and it is an important figure.

"Manchester United are a big deal and if it ended up going that way, I would gladly join the Premier League. It is a fascinating and beautiful competition."

However, having only recently broken into the Italian national team, Quagliarella admits his preference would be to continue plying his trade in Serie A.

"I am really happy at Sampdoria," he said. "I would prefer to remain in Italy, having continuity and having the trust of (Italy manager) Donadoni."

United have been linked with a host of attacking talent since Chief Executive David Gill revealed that the club could try to sign a striker this summer.

Nani 'can emulate Ronaldo'

New signing Nani is being tipped to follow in the footsteps of Portugal and United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ricardo Vaz Te, a colleague of Nani in Portugal's unsuccessful European U21 Championships campaign, says his compatriot has the wherewithal to emulate Ronaldo's sensational rise to prominence.

Fellow Portuguese youth international Manuel Fernandes last week sought to curtail comparisons between Nani and Ronaldo, but Vaz Te cannot resist drawing parallels.

"He (Nani) is an amazing player, he's an amazing kid as well, he works very hard and has got a big heart," the Bolton striker told Sky Sports News.

"He got a gift from god which is his talent obviously. I think he can follow in the footprints of Cristiano Ronaldo and I think he's doing it right now.

"If (Carlos) Queiroz deals with him like he did Cristiano he will be a very, very important player for Manchester United."

Just as Fernandes attempted to play down the inevitable expectations which accompany highly-rated youngsters, Vaz Te is adamant that Nani will need time to adapt to life in the Barclays Premier League.

"Nani is just beginning right now, Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago was just the kid with skills but looking to be big, now he's big," he said. "Now he is one of the best in the world, maybe the best in the world.

"Nani is just working that way, obviously he's not the best in the world but he's got all the talent to be the best."

SOLSKJAERXIV

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NEWS 18/6/07

Keane Wants Red Rossi

Roy Keane will follow up a bid for Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen by trying to sign Chelsea's Geremi and Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi. The Sunderland boss will table a £3.2million offer for Jaaskelainen, who has turned down a new contract at Bolton. He will join the race to sign Geremi, wanted by Middlesbrough, and has targeted Rossi, who was on loan at Newcastle and Parma last season. Keane watched him play for Italy against England in the European Under-21s Championship, but Rossi said: "My future is a bit confusing but I want to play for United."
Staff reporter, Daily Mail

Elsewhere, former United stars David Beckham and Ruud van Nistelrooy clinched title glory with Real Madrid as Fabio Capello's side won La Liga in dramatic fashion on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Mallorca 3-1.

Barca star would consider Reds

Former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohndsen admits he would consider a move to United if he decides to leave Barcelona.

The Icelandic international struggled for first team opportunities in Spain after swapping Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp last summer.

Although his father and agent played down rumours linking Gudjohsen with Old Trafford on Friday, the striker appears keen to encourage United's alleged interest.

He said: "I joined Barcelona to be part of the club’s triumphs but it is not easy for me when you look at the club’s forward line and see all the big names there.

"Each minute has been a special test for me but to sit on the bench is not the most desirable experience for a player."

Gudjohnsen, formerly of Bolton before Chelsea, would relish a move back to Britain and the chance to regularly compete at the top level.

"If I leave then my idea would be to return to British football," he said. "A perfect choice for me will be a club that plays in the Champions League. Obviously Manchester United fit that category."

Barcelona narrowly missed out on retaining the La Liga title on Sunday evening, a failure which is expected to prompt a flurry of transfer activity at the Nou Camp.

SOLSKJAER14

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Review: Ole Solskjaer

I find this column in Manutd's website. And this is a detail,

"I had nearly three seasons ruined by injury, so I feel really motivated. I want to look forward because I'm enjoying my football."
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

After scoring his first United goal in almost three years against Charlton in August, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: “I have been dreaming about this day and now it has finally arrived, I just feel relief.”

The injury-hit Norwegian striker had been out of regular action since injuring his knee in September 2003, but the benefits of a full pre-season calendar were on show as he could celebrate returning to his fine art of goalscoring.

“Maybe in an ideal world, I would have scored the goal at Old Trafford,” he added after netting at the Valley. That wish wasn’t long in coming as three weeks later he scored a vital Champions League winner against a plucky Celtic side. Although understandably a yard slower than before his injury woes, Ole continued to show that there are few other players as deadly with the ball at his feet inside the area.

A second start of the season yielded a poacher’s brace against Newcastle, although the second owed more to fortune than craft as the Norwegian’s heel deflected a Nemanja Vidic shot past Shay Given. Injury ruled Ole out of November and the first half of December, but two starts in the year’s final two games – against Wigan and Reading – bore a goal apiece.

The archetypal poacher, Ole summed up his style against Blackburn in March as he lashed a first-time shot past Brad Friedel to score with his first touch after his late introduction. Solskjaer remains a manager’s dream, a reliable, versatile starter or substitute who will bring goals and lashings of know-how to the attack whenever required. And so it proved in the latter stages of the season when Ole’s contribution to the team included coming on as a replacement in league encounter at Fratton Park as well as in the Old Trafford games against Middlesbrough and Sheffield United.

“You many find it difficult to believe that a player at 33 is getting better,” said Sir Alex. “But in terms of the standard of his game it’s an amazing turnaround for the boy.” From one who’s seen his fair share of talent over the years, it’s high praise indeed.


SOLSKJAERXIV

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