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Valencia are hoping to hear if Arsenal's Mathieu Flamini will join the club.

The Spanish giants have held talks with the unsettled Frenchman over a possible move to La Mestalla.

Flamini is looking to leave Arsenal after growing increasingly frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities at Emirates Stadium.

The former Marseille man is thought to be considering buying out the rest of his contract in order to escape the club.

Birmingham have been linked with the versatile performer, but Valencia are hoping to lure Flamini to Spain.

Valencia's sporting director Amedeo Carboni has called on Flamini to make a decision on the club's offer soon.

"We have spoken to him and we want an answer soon as we must make plans for the coming season," Carboni told The Mirror.

Sky Sports

Jerzy Dudek has issued a come-and-get-me plea to new Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson.

Polish international Dudek is available on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season.

Real Madrid and Bolton have both been credited with an interest in the former Feyenoord shot-stopper.

City are in the market for a new goalkeeper after Nicky Weaver left Eastlands for Charlton and Dudek would be interested in joining Eriksson's revolution at City.

"If I got an offer from City, then I would seriously consider it. It's a great club," Dudek told The Sun.

Sky Sports

Rangers have signed former West Ham and Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll on a one year contract.
The Northern Irishman started his career with Hull City in 1995 and moved on to Wigan Athletic, where he made 136 appearances for the Lancashire club.

The 29-year-old spent four seasons with Alex Ferguson's side from 2001-2005, before moving to Upton Park.

He will provide Allan McGregor and Graeme Smith with competition for the number one jersey at Ibrox.

BBC Sport

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed French striker [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Djibril_Ciss%C3%A9]Djibril Cisse[/url] has joined Marseille on a permanent basis for a fee of around £6m.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at the Stade Velodrome.

West Ham, Bolton and Portsmouth had also been chasing Cisse, who cost Liverpool £14m in July 2004.

Cisse will link up with former team-mate Boudewijn Zenden in the south of France after the Dutchman moved there on a two-year deal last week.

BBC Sport

Tomorrows qualifiers is going to be exciting .



Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari look in ominously good form ahead of Sunday's British Grand Prix.

The Finn, who won in France last weekend, was comfortably quicker than team-mate Felipe Massa and both McLarens in Friday's second practice.

Raikkonen's best lap of one minute 20.639 seconds was 0.449secs quicker than Massa. Lewis Hamilton was fourth fastest nearly 0.75secs behind.

Hamilton's McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso was down in sixth.

Hamilton, who leads the world championship by 14 points, had been fastest in the day's first 90-minute session, with Raikkonen and Massa just behind him.

Despite having a less successful afternoon, he was happy to take positives from his morning's display.

"The first session went well," he said.

"I don't know what fuel loads everyone was on in the afternoon, but we weren't focused on going out there to be fastest. We'll have to go back through the data, but I'm quite optimistic - I still think we'll be able to battle with the Ferraris."

Alonso had the edge on Hamilton early in the morning session, but failed to keep pace as the day progressed.

The world champion ended the session 0.575secs adrift of Hamilton, and was 0.317secs slower in the afternoon.

As often happens in Friday practice, slower cars appeared in among the Ferraris and McLarens at the top of the times as the teams went about their programmes evaluating different set-ups for the race.

And despite the Ferraris' apparent superiority, it is notoriously difficult to predict form from the Friday times as the teams do not reveal the specification in which they run their cars.

In the afternoon, Ralf Schumacher's Toyota - which will almost certainly struggle to make it into the top 10 on pace - was third fastest.

His team-mate Jarno Trulli, who was eighth on the grid in France, was fifth, ahead of Alonso.

Williams's Nico Rosberg was fifth fastest in the morning session, nearly a second behind Hamilton.

The BMW Saubers of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were next, followed by Rosberg's team-mate Alexander Wurz and the Toyota of Jarno Trulli and Englishman Anthony Davidson's Super Aguri.

Strong winds made conditions tricky for the drivers at the exposed Silverstone circuit, and several had spins.

Among them was Scot David Coulthard in the Red Bull, whose car is sporting a new livery for this weekend.

Coulthard ended the first session 18th. In the afternoon, after it had been announced that he would be staying at Red Bull for another season, Coulthard moved up to 14th.

Englishman Jenson Button had to sit out the afternoon session for treatment on a bad back. His compatriot Anthony Davidson was 10 th for Super Aguri, behind the Williams cars of Nico Rosberg and Alexander Wurz and Coulthard's team-mate Mark Webber.

Times from second practice session (Fri):

1 K Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari 1:20.639

2 F Massa (Brz) Ferrari 1:21.138

3 R Schumacher (Ger) Toyota 1:21.381

4 L Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.381

5 J Trulli (It) Toyota 1:21.467

6 F Alonso (Sp) McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.616

7 N Rosberg (Ger) Williams-Toyota 1:21.619

8 A Wurz (Aut) Williams-Toyota 1:21.650

9 M Webber (Aus) Red Bull-Renault 1:22.137

10 A Davidson (GB) Super Aguri-Honda 1:22.143

11 H Kovalainen (Fin) Renault 1:22.189

12 G Fisichella (It) Renault 1:22.257

13 R Kubica (Pol) BMW Sauber 1:22.372

14 D Coulthard (GB) Red Bull-Renault 1:22.428

15 N Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber 1:22.486

16 T Sato (Jpn) Super Aguri Honda 1:22.487

17 R Barrichello (Brz) Honda 1:22.511

18 C Klien (Aut) Honda 1:22.833

19 S Speed (US) Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:22.840

20 V Liuzzi (It) Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:23.105

21 C Albers (Ned) Spyker-Ferrari 1 1:23.113

22 A Sutil (Ger) Spyker-Ferrari 1 1:23.720


Times from first practice session (Fri):

1 L Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.100

2 K Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari 1:21.211

3 F Massa (Brz) Ferrari 1:21.285

4 F Alonso (Spn) McLaren-Mercedes 1:21.675

5 N Rosberg (Ger) Williams-Toyota 1:22.006

6 R Kubica (Pol) BMW-Sauber 1:22.107

7 N Heidfeld (Ger) BMW-Sauber 1:22.176

8 A Wurz (Aut) Williams-Toyota 1:22.216

9 R Schumacher (Ger) Toyota 1:22.878

10 R Barrichello (Brz) Honda 1:33.956

11 J Trulli (Ita) Toyota 1:23.030

12 A Davidson (GB) Super Aguri-Honda 1:23.037

13 H Kovalainen (Fin) Renault 1:23.099

14 G Fisichella (It) Renault 1:23.179

15 J Button (GB) Honda 1:23.517

16 T Sato (Jpn) Super Aguri-Honda 1:23.548

17 M Webber (Aus) Red Bull-Renault 1:23.564

18 D Coulthard (GB) Red Bull-Renault 1:23.618

19 S Speed (USA) Toro Rosso Ferrari 1:23.854

20 A Sutil (Ger) Spyker-Ferrari 1:23.954

21 V Liuzzi (It) Toro Rosso Ferrari 1:24.154

22 C Albers (Ned) Spyker-Ferrari 1:24.172

BBC Sport

Birmingham have completed the signing of [url=http://home.skysports.com/player.aspx?plid=10107&clid=41&cpid=8%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20&channel=premiership]Rafael Schmitz[/url] from Lille on a season-long loan deal.

Steve Bruce had confirmed the Brazilian-born defender was heading to St Andrews and he has now put pen-to-paper after passing a medical.

Schmitz, who is Bruce's seventh signing ahead of the Premier League season, has been a long-term target for the Blues boss.

"Rafael's got good experience, he's been at Lille for a while," Bruce told the club's official website.

"We saw Lille play in the league against Paris Saint Germain and Auxerre and Rafael impressed both times.

"He's left-sided and he's played in the Champions League so he knows what it's about.

"I'm sure he will do very, very well for us."

The 26-year-old's arrival at Birmingham may be delayed slightly while he waits to receive his French passport.

Schmitz was granted dual nationality in May, but could have to wait up to four weeks to join up with Bruce's squad.


Sky Sports

@mukina what ethnicity do you belong to Madinka, wolof, jola or serahule?

Striker Carlos Tevez has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, according to his representatives.
The Premier League says the transfer must be "done directly" with West Ham rather than his agent Kia Joorabchian.

And West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson insists the 23-year-old Argentina is a registered Hammers player and is expected to return for the new season.

But Joorabchian's lawyers say the deal has progressed with the "knowledge and permission" of the Upton Park outfit.

Tevez has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford, a proposed transfer he has described as a "dream", and it appears it has taken a step closer to being realised.

The statement from Joorabchian's lawyers read: "The circumstances surrounding Carlos Tevez's relationship with West Ham have been well documented in the media and footballing world.

"We confirm that Carlos Tevez has, with the knowledge and permission of West Ham, been in discussions with other clubs.

"Subsequently, personal terms have now been agreed with Manchester United.

"Carlos Tevez's representatives will work during the course of next week so that a move to Manchester United can be finalised as quickly as possible.

"The process for finalising the player's registration with Manchester United will be undertaken in accordance with appropriate procedures."

Tevez was involved in the saga that led to West Ham being fined £5m for breaching transfer rules, although they crucially escaped a points deduction.

The Premier League wants to ensure Joorabchian is not paid any of the fee after previous questions over the Argentina forward's "ownership".

And the waters are further muddied by the fact that West Ham, who insist they cut all ties with Joorabchian after they were fined in April, expect Tevez to return to east London after he concludes his international duties at the Copa America in Venezuela.

Magnusson said: "Carlos Tevez is a registered West Ham player, contracted to the club until June 2010.

"There is no agreement with West Ham for Carlos Tevez to leave the club and we expect him to return in time for next season's preparations.

"No decision on his future can be reached without the agreement of West Ham."

For their part, champions Man Utd are eager to distance themselves from any suggestion they have acted incorrectly, either in negotiating with the player or trying to push through a deal with Joorabchian.

"We have acted in good faith," said a club spokesman. "Carlos Tevez was given permission to speak to us and do a deal."

One possible avenue would be for West Ham to be paid a transfer fee and then agree a compensation figure with Joorabchian for breaching contracts with his company, Media Sports Investments (MSI), when the Hammers terminated third-party agreements following their fine.

It is understood though the League would want a substantial chunk of the transfer fee to remain at West Ham rather than it all be handed over to MSI in compensation, otherwise they could be accused of merely covering up the third-party agreements that have caused so much controversy.

Despite the confusion it is clear where Tevez sees his future.

He said: "I am a player who thrives on challenges. I went to England to triumph in the Premiership and with West Ham I have achieved that first stage.

"Now I'm ready to move on to the next stage. To be a member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad will be absolutely spectacular.

"My dream is to be an idol in English football and I can achieve this now."

BBC Sport

Gasquet wins to meet Federer in the semis

Gasquet leads 7-6, Roddick serving to stay in the match

6 games all in the fifth set btw Gasquet and Roddick, what a match

Everywhere Djoko, Djoko by the time Nadal finishes with him tmrw they'll need a stretcher to take him off the court.

@PDF, no way Nadal will lose tomorrow. I tell you with the way Gasquet is playing now I think he might have a chance against Federer tmrw, thats if he goes through today.

fantastic backhand from Gasquet, he wins the fourth set to setup a fifth.

Gasquet leads Roddick 5-1 in the tie break of the fourth set. He is playing some good tennis too. Roddick leads overall 2 sets to 1

Bartoli wins to meet Venus in the final tomorrow.

Splendid!!!! she leads 30-0

Bartoli serving for the match

Bartoli leads 5-0, lovely

Game Miss Bartoli, Bartoli leads 4-0

Bartoli leads 3-0 in the third, fantastic!!!

federer leads 4-2 fourth set

federer is losing his cool

break point for ferrero, who knows maybe he can win

Ferrero got a set off Federer.

Nadal leads 4-1 in the third set

Nadal leads 2 sets to love and has broken in the first game of the third set .

TABLOID TALK

Sheffield United's Claude Davis is heading to Derby - Daily Mirror

David Healy is still wanted at Fulham by Lawrie Sanchez - Daily Mirror

The Sun says Manchester City's new boss Sven Goran Eriksson will sign Johan Elmander, while the Daily Star claims Roque Santa Cruz will arrive from Bayern Munich.

Wigan will look to seal the signing of Marlon Harewood and Michael Brown - Guardian

Beitar Jerusalem believe they are close to agreeing a deal with Bolton's Idan Tal.

Bolton have given the Israeli club permission to talk to Tal, who has scored one goal in his seven starts at the Reebok Stadium.

"We do not have a date yet but I am certain Idan Tal will play for us," Beitar coach Itzhak Shum told Haaretz.

Tal, who has 58 caps and five goals for Israel, is expected to face competition for a place in the Bolton side next season following the arrival of Gavin McCann from Aston Villa.

The midfielder joined Bolton in 2006 in a free transfer from Maccabi Tel Aviv, but struggled to hold down a place in the side.

SkySports

Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras has attracted the interest of Rennes coach Pierre Dreossi, but the Frenchman doubts whether he will be able to prise the Greece international away from Eastlands this summer.


With Portsmouth target John Utaka seemingly on his way out of the Brittany club, Dreossi has turned his attention to bolstering his forward line.


Samaras, who has struggled for form since signing for City for £6million in January 2006, is among the many strikers he confesses his admiration for.

But with City currently waiting for former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to buy up a 75% stake and thus be able to confirm Sven-Goran Eriksson as their new manager, Dreossi fears Samaras may stay at Eastlands for the time being.

'I know him well,' said Dreossi.

'We have been following him for a long time. He is young, and is a player for the future.

'Unfortunately for us, the change in coaches at Manchester City means he will not be leaving them this summer.'

Utaka is believed to be close to securing a move to Portsmouth, but Dreossi revealed his club have not yet received a good enough offer for the Nigerian.

'John Utaka is susceptible to leave and is motivated to leave, so it will be difficult for him to return here,' added Dreossi.

'But the offers we have had are not sufficient.'

Portsmouth are thought to have lodged a bid of 10million euros (£6.75m) for Utaka.


ESPNsoccernet

Marseille are set to announce the signing of Boudewijn Zenden on a free transfer.


The former Holland midfielder, released by Liverpool this summer, is expected to sign a two-year contract at OM after completing a medical today.


A statement on the club's official website read: 'Boudewijn Zenden is at Marseille.

'He is currently taking medical exams as a pre-condition to him signing, and should then sign for two years at OM, before being presented to the press.'

Zenden, 30, has played for PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Liverpool in a distinguished career.

He plays on the left wing, but can also play in the centre of midfield or at left-back.

His last competitive appearance came in the Reds' 2-1 defeat to AC Milan in the final of last season's Champions League.

He has played 54 times for Holland but not since September 2004.

Marseille qualified for this season's Champions League after finishing second in Ligue 1 last term.

ESPNsoccernet

Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka admits he is tempted by the possibility of a move to Spanish side Valencia.

The French international has been linked this summer with a move away from the Reebok Stadium, with Arsenal and Valencia believed to be suitors.


But with Arsenal having signed Croatia international Eduardo da Silva earlier this week, Valencia appears to be the best option if Anelka decided to move on.

And the former Real Madrid and Manchester City striker is delighted to be linked with the Spanish club.

'The interest from the Spaniards is really touching,'' he told L'Equipe.

'Valencia are a great club. Going over there to try to win La Liga and help the club qualify for the Champions League is very tempting.''

Valencia finished fourth in the Primera Liga last season, and will enter the Champions League at the third stage of the qualifying rounds.

Anelka has already had a brief spell in Spain earlier in his career, when he played for Real Madrid in the 1999-2000 season.

ESPNsoccernet