Cole: McClaren's freezing me out

JOE COLE fears Steve McClaren's lack of faith in him has put his England future in peril. The Chelsea star was bitterly frustrated at being substituted against Germany despite turning in what many critics believed was a man-of-the-match performance.  And he confided in friends after the match that he feels McClaren is looking for any excuse to leave him out. A close pal of Cole (left) said, "Joe felt sharp and fit and was pleased with his own performance at Wembley but reckons McClaren doesn't fully trust him. "He knows he had a good game but finds it difficult to understand why he was the one to make way for Shaun Wright-Phillips when it meant playing Shaun out of position on the left. "Suddenly there are doubts in Joe's mind. He doesn't really know where he stands with McClaren and doesn't think the manager has absolute faith in him." Most observers saw Cole, 25, as one of the few highlights on a gloomy

Bruce Fancies Faye

Birmingham City are poised to sign midfielder Amady Faye from Charlton - after the Championship club revealed they are willing to sell the player. Faye, who arrived in a £2m deal from Newcastle last summer, has failed to feature for Charlton so far this season as they look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt. And manager Alan Pardew has told Faye he is free to leave if the right offer comes along. “There are clubs interested in him. My view of Amady is that if his focus is somewhere else then we’ll take that opportunity to replace him with somebody else.”

Should Faye leave Charlton, is he destined to sit on the bench again at City?  What do you think, let us know below...

Bullard bulldozed till December

JIMMY BULLARD’S Fulham return has been delayed until December. Initial reports over the summer suggested that the midfielder could be ready for competitive action by October, following his year long absence with knee ligament damage. Bullard has not suffered a setback in his rehabilitation programme - but Fulham do not want to take any risks. Manager Lawrie Sanchez has revealed he will ensure Bullard is 100 percent ready before putting him in to the side. Captain Brian McBride is also out until Christmas with a dislocated knee. Sanchez said: “Jimmy is in a no contact situation at this moment and when he comes back he will be a terrific addition. “We think him and Brian might be back around the same time, coming into that Christmas window.”

Can Sanchez's Fulham last that long without Bullard, would it be wrong to play him early?  Let us know your thoughts below...

Paletta joins Boca Juniors

Liverpool defender Gabriel Paletta has signed for Boca Juniors – with the Reds firming up a deal for Emiliano Insua in return. Liverpool have made left-back Insua’s loan deal from the Argentine club permanent in lieu of a fee for Paletta. Argentine Paletta made eight appearances for the Reds after joining from Banfield in 2006. But his robust style did not suit the Premiership and Rafa Benitez has quickly moved him on. Insua, 18, has already made his first team debut for the Reds but is considered one for the future by Benitez.

Has Rafa Benitez made a mistake discarding a player of Paletta's quality, or is it a fair deal in exchange for the youngster Insua?  Tell us your thoughts below...

Sorensen set for battle

ASTON Villa goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has opened talks to thrash out his future at Villa Park. Danish international Sorensen has lost his place as the number one to on-loan Liverpool keeper Scott Carson and has less than a year left on his contract. Villa boss Martin O’Neill said: “I have spoken to Thomas and his agent and I understand he is fully determined to get stuck in once he has recovered from his torn hamstring. “Thomas has said he is not going to take the situation lying down.”

Can Sorensen compete with Carson, surely the fight for position will help the team.  Leave your views below...

Toon look to Luccin

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NEWCASTLE boss Sam Allardyce is looking to complete a deal for Atletico Madrid midfielder Peter Luccin within the next 48 hours. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who has also played for Marseille, Paris St Germain and Celta Vigo, is available on a free transfer. Allardyce has been looking for further options in midfield after summer signing Joey Barton fractured a metatarsal during a pre-season friendly at Hartlepool.

Is Luccin a quick fix or can he really challenge Barton for his position later in the year?  Share your thoughts below...

Euell do nicely

SUNDERLAND have been placed on red alert after learning that Middlesbrough are off-loading midfielder Jason Euell on a free transfer. Roy Keane is desperate to add players with Premiership experience to his squad and sees the former Wimbledon and Charlton man as the ideal candidate.

Will Euell's experience prove invaluable for Keane's black cats, or has he seen a bit too much to cope?  What do you think, tell us below...

Taylor OK's Morrisons century celebration

Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor has given Clinton Morrison permission to get booked if he scores his 100th goal for the Eagles against Ipswich today. Morrison plans to take off his jersey and display a T-shirt with the message ‘100 not out’ if he reaches his century against the Tractor Boys.

Mandaric will axe Allen

Milan Mandaric will axe manager Martin Allen this week after a series of rows. And ex-Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock is favourite to replace the controversial Foxes chief. Former West Brom manager Gary Megson and ex-Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder are also believed to be in the frame.

Spurs Riq trick

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Tottenham have launched a £10.5million bid for Argentina superstar Juan Roman Riquelme. The North Londoners have contacted Villareal in a bid to snatch the 29-year-old midfield wizard. Spurs boss Martin Jol desperately needs some inspiration in midfield and Riquelme could be precisely the type Spurs need.

Curtis frozen out

West Bromwich Albion’s £10m rated central defender Curtis Davies has been warned he could find himself frozen out if he doesn’t get a move before the transfer window closes. England under-21 international Davies, who is a target for Tottenham and Aston Villa, is desperate to leave Albion. He is currently out of the team after telling manager Tony Mowbray he is not in the right frame of mind to play.

Prem duo battle for Gravesen

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Struggling Middlesbrough and Bolton are barttling it out for Danish midfield player Thomas Gravesen.
Gravesen, 31, the former Everton and Real Madrid player who has found himself sidelined at Scottish champions Celtic.

So could he help your team? Whould he add a certain edge to your midfield? Tell us your thoughts below...

Roy goes for Arca

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Sunderland have failed with a £2.5million bid to take Julio Arca back - and Middlesbrough have told them not to bother raising the offer. Arca made a £1.75m move from Sunderland 12 months ago and has been a success after a switch to centre midfield but Roy Keane wanted him to solve a left-back problem.

Should the Black Cats raise their bid? Or is there someone else you'd like Keane to buy for that sort of money? Tell us and comment below...

Jewell job hunt

Paul Jewell could be on the verge of a shock return to management - just THREE MONTHS after he quit Wigan to take a much-needed rest. The former Latics chief was back at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday night to watch his old side in action against Middlesbrough as a television summariser. And the likeable scouser has indicated to close associates he may be ready to put his head back on the managerial chopping-block when the right job opportunity presents itself.

Shorey exit

Reading's England defender Nicky Shorey appeared to take a step closer to a Madjeski Stadium exit last night when boss Steve Coppell admitted:"We may have somebody going out this week." Despite speculation that Leroy Lita - wanted by Portsmouth - may be the target, Coppell spent some time discussing Shorey's position.

O'Neill wants Jose

Porto have placed a massive £12m price tag on right-back Jose Bosingwa (pictured with Van Persie) in a bid to ward off interest from Aston Villa. Villa manager Martin O’Neill has been keeping tabs on the 24-year-old all summer and was ready to try and tempt Porto into selling by offering £6m. But Porto are determined to hold on to Bosingwa and O’Neill is now looking at Fulham’s Liam Rosenior and Arsenal’s Justin Hoyte to fill the right-back berth.

Is that price totally ridculous? Should O'Neill go for some cheaper or british? Have your say now...

Bruce's raid on Wolves

Steve Bruce is poised to make a double swoop for Wolves duo Seyi Olofinjana and Darren Potter. The Birmingham boss is anxious to bolster his midfielder options after the summer departure of Stephen Clemence, the Hossam Ghaly fiasco and Damien Johnson’s latest injury set-back. And Bruce, who is a known admirer of both Olofinjana and Potter, is set to raid their Midlands rivals to land the midfield pair.

Mido backs players

Two Egypt internationals are hoping for a Premier League future with Middlesbrough - and they are backed by £6m Mido. Boro are handing a trial period starting tomorrow to striker Emad Moteab, 24, and 26-year-old midfielder Mohammed Shawkey.

Bye bye Bernie

Manchester City striker Bernardo Corradi wants to quit Sven Goran Eriksson’s Blues revolution and return to Italy. Corradi has failed to make a City squad this season and is now fourth choice hitman behind new signings Rolando Bianchi, Valeri Bojinov and Emile Mpenza.

Wenger's Fab fury

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Arsene Wenger last night threatened Real Madrid with legal action over an illegal approach to Cesc Fabregas. The Arsenal boss was fuming at the Spanish giants after Fabregas revealed to the Spanish media that he’d held a meeting with Madrid officials. He said: “I did not allow Fabregas to talk to anybody. He denies that he spoke to Real Madrid. So if you can get the statement that he’s done that and that Real Madrid, more than ever, has done that we will sue Real Madrid.

Greeks Lure Lua

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Lomana Lua Lua was last night on the verge of quitting Portsmouth to sign for Greek champions Olympiakos in a £3.5million switch.The Pompey hitman was in Athens having a medical and was expected to sign a three-year deal worth close to £20,000 a week. An Olympiakos source said: “It will be a great signing for us and one we hope will help us in the Champions League.

Yak on his way

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Middlesbrough striker Yakubu is set to get his move from The Riverside after all. Negotiations have been going on all week with the 24-year-old Nigerian international set to join Everton who have chased his signature all season. Manager David Moyes will take his spending soaring past the £20million mark with the capture of Manuel Fernandez, the 21-year-old Benfica player who played nine games on loan for them last season. Originally the Portuguese club wanted £12m but the agreed fee will be closer to £8m.

Will Yakubu leave Boro finally in this transfer window? Will he be missed or is the money good for Middlesbrough? Write a comment below...

Wandering Diouf

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Bolton boss Sammy Lee is willing to let El-Hadji Diouf and Stelios leave before the close of the transfer window. The duo were mainstays under former boss Sam Allardyce, but now face competition for places from new signings Daniel Braaten and Christian Wilhelmsson. And Lee does not plan to stand in their way if they want to quit the Reebok. Chairman Phil Gartside dismissed reports that Diouf is on his way to Lyon though. He said: `Diouf is under contract, but we are a trading club and if somebody came in with the right offer we'd have to consider it. But, to date we haven't received any offers.’

Would you want the fiery forward at your club? Is he worth the risk? Share your comments below...

Lita rejects Reading contract

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Leroy Lita has put Portsmouth on red alert by rejecting a new contract offer with Reading. The England under-21 ace held talks with Royals director of football Nicky Hammond over a new four-year deal worth £20,000-a-week. But Lita, 22, has decided to join team-mate Nicky Shorey - a target for West Ham - in keeping his options open.

Mido's moving

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Spurs striker Mido will decide this week whether to join Sunderland, Middlesbrough or Birmingham.
All three clubs have matched Spurs’ £6million valuation of the Egyptian striker and have been granted permission to speak with him. Boro boss Gareth Southgate confirmed: “We have made our interest in Mido known to Spurs and are awaiting developments.” While Sunderland made an improved offer on Friday after having a £4m bid rejected.

Sven revs up Ferrari bid

Manchester City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is trying to lure former Everton loan signing Matteo Ferrari to Eastlands. Ferrari helped Roma to second place In Serie A and the Copa Italia but is now down the pecking order behind Phillipe Mexes and Cristian Chivu. A source close to the player said: "Roma is close in Matteo's heart, but he needs to be playing first team football. He sees this as a possible chance to force his way into the international team. Everton want £4million for the player.

Will Ferrari be tempted by Svens revolution at City, where does Sven plan to use him?  Let us know your thoughts below...

Villa hi-jack Spurs bid for Curtis

Spurs are worried that Aston Villa could hi-jack their bid for Curtis Davies this week. Martin Jol is attempting to tie up a £8m deal for the want-away West Brom defender and had hoped his long-term interest would convince Davies to head to London. But he is now facing strong competition from Villa after Martin O’Neill joined the chase for Davies. O’Neill is ready to outline his big spending plans to Davies as soon as he can agree a fee with Albion. And that has left Spurs on a knife-edge as they wait to see if the former Luton defender decides to stay in the Midlands.

Will Davies finally leave the Hawthorns for a Premiership club? Which club will it be though? Would you want him at your club, have a your say now...

Moyes goes for Ezquerro

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Everton boss David Moyes is on the verge of tying up a deal for Barcelona winger Santi Ezquerro. The former Athletic Bilbao star has made little impact in two years at the Nou Camp and is available on a free transfer. The 30-year-old has offers on the table from Bilbao, Celtic and Osasuna, but Everton are in pole position as they are offering the most lucrative deal and the player wants to test himself in England.

Could this vetran winger be a good signing for the toffees? Or should David Moyes be buying younger players? Share your views below...

Lawrie hunts down Traore

Fulham are considering a £600,000 move for giant Paris St Germain centre-back Sammy Traore. Senior Craven Cottage officials are confirmed admirers of the 6ft 4in Mali defender, who would become Lawrie Sanchez’s ninth summer signing if he joined. Traore, 31, is chasing a move to the Premiership after Wigan boss Chris Hutchings called off his interest in the player last week. The African is known to have been watched by Premiership scouts when he played for PSG in the Emirates Cup a fortnight ago. Cottagers chief Sanchez has spent £25million already this summer but chairman Mohamed Al Fayed is not yet finished in the transfer market.

Could this 6ft 4in defender help Lawries defensive problems? Who else could Sanchez buy in that price bracket. Tell us your thoughts...

Kenny Dalglish: Premiership predictions

The Liverpool legend has given us his verdict on the Premier League. Agree? Disagree? Let us know by using the comments button at the bottom of this story.

And Sven... look away now!

"MARTIN JOL’S Tottenham will gatecrash the top-four party in the Premiership this season.

I’m sure the usual suspects will be leading the race - Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea - but the real interest centres on that fourth spot.

I’m sure the usual suspects will be leading the race - Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea - but the real interest centres on that fourth spot.

The capture of Darren Bent could well prove to prove to be £16.5million well spent. He grabbed 15 goals in a struggling Charlton side last season and his partnership with Bulgaria’s Dimitar Berbatov, who helped himself to 25, could be explosive.

The football in North London should be good to watch. We all know Arsenal, even without Thierry Henry, will play attractive football.

The arrival of Eduardo Da Silva to link up with his Brazilian team mate Gilberto could spark the Gunners into life. In the pre-season tournament at the Emirates, they at least had a go.

It's all Oba - Cash crisis for Sam

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Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce's cash crisis is so serious, he is under pressure to sell prize asset Obafemi Martins. The Toon boss is now preparing to reluctantly sell the Nigerian striker so he can raise the funds to bolster his under strength squad. Despite his strenuous denials over Martins last week, Allardyce has been forced into a corner by new owner Mike Ashley's reluctance to provide the transfer funds he needs to transform the club.

Cole mine says Roy

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Roy Keane will stun Sunderland fans by moving for former Manchester United pal Andy Cole in the next 48 hours. And the former Newcastle strike ace last night indicated to the Black Cats boss he’s willing to make the move to the Stadium of Light, which will also see him re-unite with Dwight Yorke. Keane contacted the 35-year-old hitman on a free transfer earlier this week. But the transfer was being held up because Cole was thrashing-out a six figure pay-off from Portsmouth.

Villa in late bid for Gordan

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Aston Villa are set to make a late swoop to sign Hearts goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Martin O'Neill is ready to sabotage Sunderland's hopes of signing the Scotland international by completing a £6 million deal this week. The Villa boss is keen to add to his goalkeeping strength with No 1 Thomas Sorensen in the final year of his contract. Sorensen will miss the start of the season with an injury and O'Neil hopes to have Gordon on board before the curtain raiser against Liverpool on Saturday. Gordon has been linked with a move to Sunderland most of the summer with Roy Keane reportedly ready to pay £9 million for the keeper but we understand that figure includes appearance related add-ons.

Will a move to Villa prove to be a better deal for Gordan over Sunderland, how will this affect Keanes premiership plans if he misses out on yet another big signing?  What do you think, tell us below...

Jose and Rafa go head to head for Brazilian wonder kid

Chelsea and Liverpool are in the race to buy new teenage Brazilian star Luiz Marcelo Morais dos Reis, known as Lulinha. Real Madrid are also thought to be tracking the £5 million-rated attacking midfielder is on the books of Corinthians and recently scored 12 times in seven games in the Pan American Games, earning his nickname which means “the president of goal”. He is also being billed as “the new Kaka” as English scouts rush to watch him in this month’s Under 17 World Cup. ”I want to be better that Kaka and Ronaldinho, and am totally convinced that my future will be in Europe. But it depends on Corinthians,” he said.

Will Lulinha be tempted by Mourinho's Blues or Benetez's Reds, whats the better move for the young Brazilian?  Let us know your thoughts below...

Fulham and Boro fight for DeMerit

Middlesbrough and Fulham will battle it out for Watford defender Jay DeMerit. The Cottagers are already set to sign Hameur Bouazza from the Hornets, and could cause Aidy Boothroyd more pre-season problems. American DeMerit is keen to stay in the Premiership and would welcome a move to Craven Cottage. However, Gareth Southgate has now entered the race. Boothroyd plans to put DeMerit amongst the club’s top earners when contract negotiations start next week. But DeMerit is keen to keep progressing and explained: “In three years I’ve gone from nothing to playing in the Premiership and Copa America. I still have a lot more to do. I’m very happy either way but am considering my options.”

How will DeMerit fit into the Boro or fulham squads, who will gain more by having him in their team?  Leave your comments below...

United may want Rossi back

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Manchester United insisted a clause was written-in to Giuseppe Rossi’s deal before joining Spanish outfit Villarreal. Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson only agreed to the £6m sale after the Old Trafford club were granted first refusal back on the New Jersey-born striker. Fergie revealed: “It was a difficult decision to let him leave so we have put a clause in his contract, so maybe he will come back to us as some stage.”

Maybe Ferguson has let Rossi go for experience but has the clause so he can get him back if he gains experience & bags goals! What do you think of this clause, godd or bad??? Have your say below...

Rams in raid for Jones

Derby are set to make a £5m swoop for Southampton striker Kenwyne Jones and make him their No.1 striker. Rams boss Billy Davies was impressed with the Trinidad international striker in the Championship, and believes his pace and power could be the missing ingredient in the Premiership newcomers' front line.
Saints are reluctant to sell, having also lost front-man Leon Best to Coventry on a free, but would find it hard to resist such a hefty bid for the 22-year-old, who netted 16 goals last season.

What sort of an impact will Jones have on Derby's season, how will the saints cope without him?  Share your ideas undeneath...

Beattie a Blade

Sheffield United have completed the double signing of James Beattie and David Carney. Striker Beattie has completed a £4million switch from Everton, while the Blades have paid £50,000 to Sydney FC for midfielder Carney. Both players have put pen to paper today after passing medicals at Bramall Lane.
Sheff Utd Former England international Beattie, 29, managed two goals in 15 games during an injury-plagued season at Goodison Park last term.

Soul dig at Addicks

Souleymane Diawara has fired a scathing parting shot at Charlton - insisting: My life at the Valley was sheer HELL. The Senegal international has joined Bordeaux, less than a year after former Addicks boss Iain Dowie paid Sochaux £3.7million for him. Diawara, 28, branded Charlton a bunch of mediocre long-ball merchants. And the centre-back lambasted the turmoil at the relegated club, which went through three managers in Dowie, Les Reed and current boss Alan Pardew.