Arsenal to sign Tevez?

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ARSENAL are trying to hijack Manchester United’s bid to grab Argentina superstar Carlos Tevez on loan.
Extra Time can reveal Gunners boss Arsene Wenger wants Tevez as a replacement for Thierry Henry who joined Barcelona last week.
And the Londoners are in deep talks with the Argentina frontman’s people to see if they can agree a loan deal. A source close to Tevez said: “Arsenal have emerged as serious contenders. If Tevez stays in England, it's between them and Manchester United now.”
Arsenal want Tevez on a year’s loan and are prepared to meet the £9million package that covers the star’s wages as well as his registration rights.
They would then have to pay an extra £28m to make the switch permanent but Arsenal’s over-stretched finances would not allow such a deal.
No decision will be made by the Tevez camp until he returns from the Copa America tournament in Venezuela. But the player hasn’t ruled out a move abroad, and last night siggested he would welcome a switch to Real Madrid. He said: “I’d like to play with Real Madrid. I definitely would like to. However, I haven’t been contacted by any Madrid representatives’ yet. I’m waiting for offers and I’ll go with which is the best for me.”

Gooners - is Carlos Tevez the man to replace Thierry Henry? And if he's not, who do YOU want to see brought in to replace your old captain?

Hammers to sign Bordeaux ace

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WEST HAM are this week set to complete the shock £6million transfer of French midfielder Julien Faubert from Bordeaux.
Faubert had agreed to join Rangers in a four-year deal — but the Hammers have offered an extra £2m for the 23-year-old international. The Frenchman had his heart set on moving to Scotland after agreeing a deal in principle to join the Ibrox side on a four-year contract ten days ago.

Prem clubs on Nakamura alert

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TOP Premiership clubs have been put on alert after learning Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura is involved in a contract dispute with the club. The Japanese midfielder’s advisors claim he has a £1million get-out clause written into his deal. Tottenham boss Martin Jol has already had a reported £6m for the Scottish Player of the Year knocked back while Liverpool and Aston Villa are also interested in the 29-year-old.

Roy keen on Samba star

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ROY KEANE will enter the race to sign Brazilian striker Alfonso Alves. The Sunderland boss hopes to have talks with the Heerenveen striker when he returns to Europe after competing in Copa America.
Alves has told representatives he is keen to ply his trade in England after banging 34 goals in 31 games in Holland last season. And Keane will join the hunt for him - proving how serious he is to compete with the best following the Black Cats promotion to the Premier League. Alves was tracked last season by Manchester United and Chelsea although neither side have made an official approach.

North London giants in for Davies

TOTTENHAM face fierce competition from Arsenal for West Brom central defender Curtis Davies.
So far the Baggies have insisted the ex-Luton man is going nowhere unless someone pays £8 million - £2m than Spurs have bid. But the player himself is becoming increasingly restless and has relinquished the WBA captaincy demanded a transfer. Tottenham may not be prepared to pay more, especially as they fancied him at £3m when he left Luton for the Hawthorns.  But Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has money to spend following the £16.4m sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona and is expected to make a move this week.

Is Curtis Davies the sort of signing Arsenal fans want to see at the Emirates next season? Or would Spurs fans prefer to see him battling out for a place in their youthful side with Ledley King and Michael Dawson? Let us know what you think...

Brum track ex-Gunner Quincy

Former Arsenal winger Quincy Owusu-Abeyie has been handed the chance of a Premiership return with Birmingham City.
Boss Steve Bruce is eager to land the Holland Under-21 international, who now plays for Spartak Moscow, and has made an approach for him.
And Owusu-Abeyie, 21, who left the Gunners to join the Russian club 18 months ago, hopes to play in England once again.
His agent, Brian Berkleef, said: “Quincy is very pleased that Birmingham are interested in him. He would gladly return to England.”
Ghana-born Owusu-Abeyie, 21, made just five Premiership appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side but also played several Champions League and Carling Cup games for them.
He is under contract with Spartak until 2009, but has failed to settle in the Russian capital since his £1.5million move 18 months ago.
Meanwhile Birmingham’s bid to sign another Dutch Under-21 ace, Daniel de Ridder, has received a boost.
The Celta Vigo winger, 23, has just bought out his contract with the relegated Spanish Primera Liga club - and is available for nothing. De Ridder set up three of Holland's goals as they beat Serbia 4-1 to win the European Under-21 Championships last weekend.

Addicks to bag Duke Ellington

CHARLTON are lining up a £4m swoop for West Bromwich Albion striker Nathan Ellington as a replacement for Darren Bent. Ellington, 25, struggled to make a major impact for Albion last season - starting just 22 games. But he still managed to score 12 goals. Albion were willing to sell him back to Wigan in January but the deal fell through when the two clubs could not agree on a fee. Ellington cost the Baggies £3m from Wigan two years ago and they will want to make a profit on any sale.

Could the Duke be the man to fire Charlton back into the Premiership? Have your say below...

Davis to join old pal Sanchez

FULHAM are set to land Aston Villa midfielder Steven Davis in a £4.5million deal this week.
Davis, 22, slipped out of the plans of Villa boss Martin O’Neill at the end of last season and will follow his Northern Ireland international team-mate Aaron Hughes to Craven Cottage. Versatile defender Hughes, 27, left Villa last week to join-up with ex-Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez in a £1m deal. Davis started only one of Villa’s final 17 games last season.

His first-team chances at Villa Park will become even more limited if O’Neill can seal an £8m deal for West Ham United’s Nigel Reo-Coker. Davis has admitted that he is ready to move to get his career back on track. “If I have to move to play regularly then that is what I will have to do,” said Davis.

Rafa knows the way to San Jose

RAFA BENITEZ is closing in on Atletico Bilbao wonderkid Mikel San Jose.
The central defender, 18, is one of Bilbao’s hottest prospects and has jumped at the chance to switch to the Premiership with Liverpool.

San Jose - who will lead Spain’s U-19’s at the Euro Championships next month - could be available for as little as £750,000. He said: “Liverpool’s interest was a massive surprise for me but I have decided to accept the opportunity to join such a big club. It’s a fantastic chance for me but I know how hard I will have to work if I want to get anywhere near the first team.”

A Bilbao source added: “This is bad news for us but it is impossible for the club to fight against a European giant like Liverpool.”

Fulham in for Healy

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Fulham are ready to step up in their bid for Leeds striker David Healey after not being able to meet the wage demands of want away Tottenham striker Mido.
Healey was originally happy to see out the final year of his contract at Elland road, but after interest from three Premeriship clubs he sees the chance to prove himself at the top level to good to turn down.
The 29 year old striker Hitman would been to link up with former Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez. Fulham struggled with goals last season in their bid for survival and know they need to add class this season according to a Fulham insider. "Mido was a player we had our eye on but we can't be held to ransom over wages. Lawrie knows David very well and I think we can expect to see a deal done within the next fortnight."
Healy, who is Northern Ireland's all-time leading goal scorer and the top scorer in the current European Championships, is expected to cost Fulham around £1million - check out the footage above to see him in action.

Rafa Kops Torres

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LIVERPOOL will this week smash their transfer record and complete the £25million signing of Atletico Madrid superstar Fernando Torres.
Sport of the World can reveal the two clubs have agreed a fee in principle and all that remains for Kop boss Rafa Benitez is to agree terms with Torres. The Spain ace is on a £5.1million a year contract with Atletico and will expect at least the same terms from Liverpool. Torres' people have been told that Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will open talks with them next week to conclude a deal.

A source close to 23-year-old Torres told Sport of the World: "We are expecting a call from Mr Parry next week to discuss personal terms. And although for Fernando it is heartbreaking to leave Atletico, the club he's loved all his life, the prospect of playing for Liverpool fills him with pride hope and great expectations."

Bring back the beards!

With all the hype surrounding David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy, one man has grabbed our attention more than Goldenballs himself.

Yes folks, ex-USA football star Alexi Lalas – LA Galaxy’s General Manager – was one of the iconic figures at the World Cup in 1994 – but the legendary defender has now cleaned up his looks and shaved off his beard.

It got us thinking that you just don’t see that many bearded footballers any more – way back when, stars like Socrates, George Best, Billy Bonds and Ricky Villa all had a shock of fuzzy facial hair – but their modern day counterparts are few and far between.

Here’s our ultimate bearded eleven from the last ten years – we’ve omitted players with dodgy facial hair and designer stubble – so there’s no place for Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Robert Pires or Ashley Cole – we want players who’ve grown proper beards that’d not look out of place in the 70’s.

Extra Time’s Bearded Eleven, in a 4-4-2 formation is: David James, Abel Xavier, Olof Mellberg, Steven Pressley, Gianluca Zambrotta, Jermaine Pennant, Genarro Gattuso, Sylvain Legwinski, Ryan Giggs, Nicolas Anelka, Djibril Cisse.

Have we missed anyone out? Who do you think are the best bearded players ever? Give us your thoughts below.

WIN tickets to see Becks' LA Galaxy debut

HERE’S your chance to win a stunning trip for two to Los Angeles to see David Beckham make his debut for LA Galaxy.

Your soccer-crazy Extra Time has teamed up with Fanbanta.com to offer one lucky reader the chance to see Becks in action against Chelsea on July 22.

Our winner will win flights to LAX airport, accommodation in a four-star hotel for four nights and tickets to see Beckham pit his wits against the likes of Didier Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard.

Fanbanta.com is the ultimate destination for football fans, featuring news, celebrity columnists, quizzes, exclusive comedy, podcasts and, more importantly, videos and articles produced and made by fans and will be launched in August. Click HERE ON THIS LINK to enter.

Competition closes at midnight, July 14 July. Usual News of the World Competition rules apply.

Farewell to a Premiership legend...

The Premier League has lost arguably it’s greatest-ever player with Thierry Henry leaving Arsenal to join Spanish giants Barcelona in a £16m move.

With an astonishing 226 in 364 games for the Gunners, the Frenchman has been one of the leading figures in Arsene Wenger’s glittering Arsenal side since his arrival from Juventus in 1999.

So Arsenal fans, who do YOU want to see the Club sign to replace your talismanic captain? What was his greatest ever goal? And is the French star the greatest player the Premiership has ever seen, and if he’s not, who is? Tell us below…

Beckham's best moment in football so far?

With David Beckham's reign in Spain now over, and Goldenballs set to ignite the MLS for LA Galaxy, we're asking for your thoughts on his best moment in football so far. We think this video will be hard to be beat of Beckham single handily sending England to the World Cup of 2002. But you might feel different! If you've got a video of the midfield legend playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid or England, send us the video or link to extratime@notw.co.uk and share your thoughts on the England star below.

Keane's Scott it...

SUNDERLAND boss Roy Keane is eyeing Liverpool keeper Scott Carson after Jussi Jaaskelainen’s decision to stick with Bolton. Jaaskelainen, wanted by the Black Cats and Aston Villa, told new Trotters boss Sammy Lee he will see out the final year of his contract. The 32-year-old Finn’s agent, Peter Harrison, said: “Sammy has just taken over the reins there and he’s delighted to have an experienced keeper like Jussi.” Harrsion denied reports that Manchester United had shown renewed interest in Jaaskelainen. Now former United skipper Keane could face another battle with Villa boss Martin O’Neill over England Under-21 international Carson.

Comedy ref compilation

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Now we've all had our problems with refs from Sunday league to the Premier League. But these pro refs are just having one of those days to forget... Have you got any clips captured on your mobile or seen any videos of a ref, if you have email us at extratime@notw.co.uk

Funny soccer moments...

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Here's another video showing some players wishing there wasn't a camera at games. Have you got any great videos of you or your mates you want to share with us? Send your clips or links to extratime@notw.co.uk and we'll put the best ones up here for the world to see.

Darren Bent set for Spurs move

Darren Bent is poised to shun Liverpool and join Tottenham as Martin Jol prepares for a £24million spending spree.
Boss Martin Jol is confident Charlton will accept a £12m bid for 23-year-old striker Darren Bent following his decision to turn down West Ham.
Spurs are also willing to pay West Bromwich £6m for long time target Curtis Davies - and include Anthony Gardner and Wayne Routledge in the deal for the central defender.
And they are intent on signing Dutch left back Royston Drenthe for £5m from Feyenoord and French midfielder Biaise Matuidi from Troyes, both under 21 internationals.
Bent is also wanted by Liverpool but Jol is pinning his hopes on the fact that the England man would prefer to stay in London and swap the Championship for UEFA Cup football.
Relegated Charlton persuaded the Hammers to pay £17m but Spurs insists they can nail their man for far less than that and are convinced the Valley board will eventually give in as they try to rebuild themselves for an instant return to the Premiership.

Prem duo in Kanoute battle

Sam Allardyce is preparing for life after Michael Owen by lining up a £7million swoop to bring Sevilla hitman Freddie Kanoute to Newcastle. The new Magpies boss has already made contact with Kanoute’s representatives. But he faces competition from Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp who also wants to snap up Kanoute.Kanoute’s agent Christophe Mongai said: “It’s true that Newcastle are interested in Frederic but so are Portsmouth. There is no concrete offer yet but the player is certainly interested.” It is understood the striker would rather go to Newcastle than Portsmouth because he wants to go to a big club.

Your Videos - Soccer Skills

Andy Francos Skills

GOLDENBALL! News of the World reader Andrew Francos shows off his amazing ball-juggling soccer skills in this incredible home video.

Now we want to see yours. Think you can do better? Then send in your football videos (juggling skills, Sunday morning match action, or anything that will make us laugh) by leaving a link in the comments box below or e-mail us at extratime@notw.co.uk

Benitez set for crunch talks

 

RAFA BENITEZ’S future at Liverpool could be decided in a showdown with the club’s new American owners this week.
We can reveal the Liverpool boss will crunch talks with co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks and will demand to know how much money he’s got to spend this summer.
There have been reports claiming that angry Benitez is ready to quit Liverpool as he’s incensed at the board’s inability to sanction big-name signings.
A source very close to Benitez said: “Rafa will meet the owners to discuss the transfer budget and finally get a clear idea much money there is to spend on new players. Although speculation about his future has not helped things it is true that he is desperate to find out what is available to him as it’s been several weeks since the end of the season and nothing has happened. While Manchester United have spent a huge amount to become better Liverpool have yet to do anything in the market and it is true Rafa is getting anxious.”

Babel dreaming of Arsenal move

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Ajax star Ryan Babel has admitted "it would be a dream" to train under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. The young Dutch striker is currently starring for Holland in the U-21 European Championships and has been dubbed the new Thierry Henry by national boss Marco Van Basten.

Fan site Arsenal Mania quote the starlet as saying: "From when I was young I supported Arsenal. I liked the style, the ambience, how they show themselves on the field - everything...I think it's maybe the best league, it's a very high level and there is good football," he said referring to the English Premier League."

So Arsenal fans, is Ryan Babel the type of player you want to see at the Emirates Stadium next season? Or do you need a more experienced frontman to work alongside Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie? Tell us your thoughts...

Man Utd in Klaas Hunt

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Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Dutch striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar. The Dutch star, who only joined Ajax back in January 2006 after a £6.5million move from SC Heerenveen, scored 32 goals in 44 games last term but could now be set to join the Red Devils.Juventus, Arsenal, Newcastle and Portsmouth are also reported to be interested in the £10 million rated hitman. Do you think Klaas is a Class Act, have your say below.

The dark side of football...

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Here's a compliation of footy scraps in the top leagues around the world, but have you seen worse, send them to us and we'll post the best ones... Email us at extratime@notw.co.uk

Camp Ref...

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Is this the campest ref ever? This classic video always makes us laugh, but we want to hear from you if your match has been refereed by another odd official. Leave us your tales of wacky ref stories in our comments box below.

Henry for Eto'o - could it happen?

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Barcelona are rumoured to be offering Arsenal £17m and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o for Thierry Henry. The Spanish giants failed in their attempts to sign the French superstar last summer, but president Joan Laporta is reported to be back in the hunt for the talismanic striker. Henry is three years older than Eto’o, and the Gunners could be tempted to cash in on their captain if a concrete offer comes in. Would it be a good idea? Let us know what you think by posting your comments below and see both strikers in action by clicking the video link above.