Kaka and Ballamy Move to Man City

West Ham United have accepted a bid of about £14m from Manchester City for their Wales international striker Craig Bellamy who is believed to be travelling to Eastlands for a medical. The former Liverpool and Newcastle forward has been given permission to speak to the City manager, Mark Hughes, after the club's bid was accepted. A matching offer from Tottenham had been rejected.

Bellamy, 29, asked for a transfer to Spurs on Friday but West Ham were unwilling to sell to local rivals and have been angered about the publicity that preceded Tottenham's formal approach.

Bellamy was left out of the West Ham squad that defeated Fulham yesterday when, Gianfranco Zola said, the player was "not in the right frame of mind" to play.

On the other hand Kaka will also be joining Manchester City soon. With Manchester City making the record transfer bid for Brazilian Midfielder which is £108 million, AC milan gave him chance to open talks with Manchester CIty over the possible move. Milan will be using £40m of the £108m they expect to receive from City for Kaka to sign Arsenal pair Emmanuel Adebayor and Gael Clichy.

Zinedine Zidane's £46 million move from Juventus to Real Madrid in 2001 is the current world record for a transfer. But with this move this will become the biggest transfer of all times in terms of money.

Manchester City Raise Kaka Bid To £243 Million

Manchester City has reportedly raised their bid for Kaka to £243 million in the hopes of securing the Brazilian attacking midfielder from AC Milan, according to The Sun newspaper.

The £243 million deal breaks down to:

• £108 million for AC Milan.

• £108 million for the superstar’s wages including taxes. Kaka will be paid a NET salary of £13.28m a year which breaks down to £255,000 a week take-home.

• £27m in commission to brokers, middle-men and signing-on fees.

If AC Milan and Kaka can agree terms with Manchester City, the £13.28 million annual net salary will be close to Alex Rodriguez’s salary. The New York Yankees third baseman is paid £18.96 million gross per year.

The aggressive pursuit of Kaka by Manchester City owners Abu Dhabi United Group is sure to raise concerns at UEFA and FIFA headquarters. In the next few days expect Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini to publicly scorn the move by Manchester City, and how they’ll lament that City are ruining the game.

It seems that the only person who can stop Kaka from joining Manchester City is Kaka himself after AC Milan have given permission for Manchester City to speak with one of the world’s top footballers.

Despite the sickening salary offer, I would love to see Kaka join Manchester City. The player would add a much-needed flair to the Premier League as well as solidifying the league as the top in the world. It would also be a huge step to move City closer to breaking into the top four monopoly in the Premiership, and would add a ton of excitement to an already dramatic league.

For the Abu Dhabi United Group, it would be another trophy player to show the world they’re revolutionizing the game of football. By signing the Brazilian, the club is sending a message to the world that it means business and nothing is going to stop them from making their club the most entertaining team on the planet.

Sure, even if City acquires Kaka, the club has a long way to go and plenty of weakspots, especially in defense. Currently, the club sits just four points from the bottom of the Premier League and needs a massive influx of new players to resuscitate a dire team.

If Manchester City do pay £108 million to AC Milan, it’ll smash the most expensive transfer fee in football history when Zinedine Zidane joined Real Madrid from Juventus in 2001 for £46 million.

What are your thoughts regarding Kaka’s potential move to Manchester City? Click the comments link below and let us know.

Blackburn Rejects Man City Offer for Santa Cruz

Blackburn have rejected a bid "significantly higher than £12m" from Manchester City for Roque Santa Cruz, according to Mark Hughes.

The Manchester City manager is keen to add some firepower to his squad, with the club just two points above the relegation zone, but Blackburn are desperate to hang on to the former Bayern Munich striker — who has scored three goals in 13 games this season, but scored 19 for Rovers in 2007-08.

Rovers released a brief statement on their official website: "Blackburn Rovers can confirm receiving a bid from Manchester City for striker Roque Santa Cruz. The bid has been rejected."

Hughes has already spent around £8m this month to bring the Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge to Eastlands and has the backing of the club's owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was yesterday listed as the richest man in British football with an estimated personal fortune of £15bn.

EPL January Transfer Window Guide

With the transfer window opening, EPL clubs have the chance to bring in reinforcements to freshen up their squads.

Here we look at who needs what and the players they have been linked with.

ARSENAL

A central midfielder - or two - must be the priority with Cesc Fabregas out for up to four months. Manager Arsene Wenger would also like to inject some creativity to the side with Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky still injured and a centre-back would not go amiss.

Linked with: Andrei Arshavin (Zenit St Petersburg), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Matthew Upson (West Ham)

ASTON VILLA

With John Carew struggling with injuries manager Martin O'Neill needs to find support for striker Gabriel Agbonlahor. The Villa boss will have money to spend and so could also bolster midfield.

Linked with: Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Darren Bent (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Wigan)

BLACKBURN

New manager Sam Allardyce has had little time to assess the squad in the busy period over Christmas but needs to bring in new faces. A striker is a likely requirement because of continuing speculation over Roque Santa Cruz while the centre and right of midfield and right-back are other areas in need of attention.

Linked with: Kevin Davies (Bolton), Kevin Nolan (Bolton), El-Hadji Diouf (Sunderland)

BOLTON

Manager Gary Megson has been complaining about having the smallest squad in the Premier League so he is likely to bring in a few players. Centre-back and midfield are the areas he has to look at.

Linked with: Christophe Berra (Hearts), Mark Beevers (Sheff Wed), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham)

CHELSEA

Despite the form of Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba returning to fitness Luiz Felipe Scolari would like another forward. The defence has looked shaky recently and Scolari may look to tighten up at the back.

Linked with: Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow)

EVERTON

The Toffees' squad has been devastated by injuries in the first half of the season and they have been forced to play matches with no recognised striker. Reinforcing the forward line is a priority for David Moyes.

Linked with: Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), David Nugent (Portsmouth), Andy Driver (Hearts)

FULHAM

Much could depend on whether Roy Hodgson can hang on to centre-back Brede Hangeland and central midfielder Jimmy Bullard, who cannot tie the club down to a new contract.

Linked with: Kagiso Dikgacoi (Golden Arrows), Benjamin Huggel (FC Basel), Christophe Berra (Hearts)

HULL

Manager Phil Brown has to strengthen while the side are doing well and could do with reinforcements in all areas, although up front could be the priority with Marlon King only on loan from Wigan and chances for 39-year-old Dean Windass limited.

Linked with: Eljero Elia (FC Twente), Nacho Novo (Rangers), Hosni Abd-Rabou (Ismaily), Danny Webber (Sheff Utd)

LIVERPOOL

Rafael Benitez is still searching for a solution to his right wing problem while his lack of options in both full-back positions needs to be addressed. A striker to support Robbie Keane and Fernando Torres (when fit) would also be welcomed.

Linked with: Emile Heskey (Wigan), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)

MANCHESTER CITY

While numerous star-name flair players have been linked with City what manager Mark Hughes really needs to do is add some steel to his side. Crucial to that is a ball-winning central midfielder, with probably a new full-back, centre-half and a striker all likely additions.

Linked with: Marcos Senna (Villarreal), Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn), Wayne Bridge (Chelsea), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich)

MANCHESTER UNITED

Sir Alex Ferguson has probably assembled the strongest squad in the Premier League but that does not mean he will not strengthen if the opportunity arises. United are still to conclude a deal to permanently sign Carlos Tevez and Lyon striker Karim Benzema still remains a name linked with United.

Linked with: Karim Benzema (Lyon), Zoran Tosic (Partizan Belgrade), Axel Witsel (Standard Liege)

MIDDLESBROUGH

Gareth Southgate has a fairly settled squad but could probably do with strengthening his midfield. However, his plans may be affected by who - if anyone - leaves with forwards Tuncay and Mido and left-winger Stewart Downing linked with other clubs.

Linked with: Nemanja Matic (Kosice), Juraj Hovancik (Kosice), James Harper (Reading)

NEWCASTLE

Cover for both full-back positions are a necessity for Newcastle while another central defender would not go amiss. Central midfield also looks light and injuries to Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka and the uncertainty over Michael Owen's future means at least one forward is needed.

Linked with: David Suazo (Benfica), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Michael Kightly (Wolves), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Tal Ben Haim (Man City)

PORTSMOUTH

The loss of Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid means there is a big hole to fill in central midfield and manager Tony Adams will be keen not to lose any more players. A right-sided midfielder may also be an option but Adams is working to a budget despite receiving money from Diarra's move.

Linked with: Yohann Pele (Le Mans), Gary O'Neil (Middlesbrough)

STOKE

Despite a promising start Stoke have dropped down the table and Tony Pulis needs to strengthen for the relegation battle ahead. A striker, winger, central midfielder and centre-back would all help.

Linked with: Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Andrew Surman (Southampton), Miles Addison (Derby), Tommy Smith (Watford), Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Haminu Dramani (Lokomotiv Moscow)

SUNDERLAND

Midfield and defence are the priorities for Ricky Sbragia. Experience at the back is key while a ball-winner further forward are areas the new boss is looking at.

Linked with: Tal Ben Haim (Man City), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham), Matthew Upson (West Ham)

TOTTENHAM

The squad Harry Redknapp inherited is light on forwards with Darren Bent his main man with Roman Pavlyuchenko struggling with injury and on-loan Fraizer Campbell lacking in Premier League experience. A left-sided midfielder would prevent the team looking unbalanced while reinforcements in the centre would also be welcome.

Linked with: Jermain Defoe (Portsmouth), Craig Bellamy (West Ham), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough)

WEST BROM

Tony Mowbray probably has the least to spend of all the top-flight clubs and will have to get lucky if he is to change the destination of their season. Goals are a must to escape relegation but the difficulty will be finding someone good enough who is cheap enough.

Linked with: Marlon Harewood (Aston Villa), Oscar Trejo (Real Mallorca), Peguy Luyindula (Paris St Germain)

WEST HAM

Given the club's current financial plight there could be more departures than arrivals with the club desperately trying to hang on to their best players. Gianfranco Zola may have to use his Italian connections to bring anyone in.

Linked with: Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina)

WIGAN

Ongoing speculation about Emile Heskey and Amr Zaki only on loan until the end of the season means Steve Bruce will probably look to strengthen the forward line. Additions to midfield would also help.

Linked with: Hugo Rodallega (Necaxa), Kevin Doyle (Reading), Christian Benitez (Santos Laguna), Marko Pantelic (BSC Berlin)

Manchester United all set to loose Tevez

Manchester United are facing the real prospect of losing Carlos Tévez in this transfer window as the Red Devils continue to dither over his price tag.

The Argentine striker is three quarters of the way through a two year loan deal at Old Trafford, and yet still no permanent contract has been put on the table.

It was initially hoped that a deal would be sealed last summer, but Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to buy Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham scuppered those plans.

The Sun claims that both Real Madrid and Inter Milan are ready to make their move for Tévez at the end of the season.

United pre-agreed a fee of around £32 million with Kia Joorabchian, owner of Media Sports Investment which owns Tévez's rights, but now the club are reportedly uncomfortable with that valuation.

And now that the 24-year-old is unhappy at having to play second fiddle to Berbatov, there is a very real possibility that he could leave United once his loan expires.

Champions League Fixtures for Premier League Clubs

The draw for round of last 16 in the Champions League was announced this morning, and there are some massive matches in store featuring Premier League teams. Here’s the draw in full:
Chelsea v Juventus
Villarreal v Panathinaikos
Sporting Lisbon v Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid v FC Porto
Lyon v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Liverpool
Arsenal v Roma
Inter Milan v Manchester United
There are some mouthwatering matches in store. Liverpool against Real Madrid will be amazing with two of the biggest teams in Europe battling each other. Inter Milan versus Manchester United will be a very tricky tie for both clubs and will provide a chance for Fergie to match his wits against The Special One, Jose Mourinho, once again. Arsenal should have no problem against Roma, the way the Italian club has been playing in the Champions League lately. And Chelsea faces Juventus in another tricky tie.
The matches will be played on February 24/25 and March 10/11.
It makes you wonder what the point is of having a group stage in the Champions League. In many ways, especially this year, the group stage has been extremely boring. Now the true test and excitement begins in the Champions League.

EPL Reviews: Gameweek 17

There were lots of goals this weekend so far. Lots of action and lots of unexpected things. It was a weekend truly dedicated to the fans of EPL and EPL Lovers. There are a total of 20 goals that have been scored on Saturday and still Super Sunday to go. This is a week where everything happened. Lots of action took place, goals, cards everything that you an expect when you are watching EPL.

Middlesbrough

1 - 1

Arsenal

As already expected this was a game where anything could have happened. Two most unexpected teams of EPL took on each other and went on to play a draw that could have turned either way. Both the teams had great chances to score after going on to 1-1 but no one could take the lead and the match ended in a draw.Arsenal could have scored the winning goal in the last minutes but they were unable to do so and the game ended in a draw.

Aston Villa

4 - 2

Bolton

This was a game which was completely dominated by Aston Villa. They also conceded two goals but thy were in full control of the game. They never looked like loosing this game. In the first half itself they were leading the game by 2-1. And the final score was 4-2. After this win Aston Villa are back to fourth position knocking out Arsenal from the to four. Out of four goals, two were scored by their best forward- Agbonlahor. Other goals were scored by Ashley Young and one was an own goal from Davies.

Liverpool

2 - 2

Hull City

Hull Showed great skills and could have won against the league leaders. They were at one time leading the game by 2-0. But it was Gerrard who rescued Liverpool from the jail and put them back into their good position. Gerrard got both the goals for Liverpool and got a crucial point for their side. Paul McShane was the only goal scorer for Hull while Jamie Carragher scored an own goal.

Man City

0 - 1

Everton

Tim Cahill scored his third goal of the season and rescued his team from danger. It was the last minute goal from Cahill which earned his team a full quota of 3 points. Otherwise they would have to share one point each. It was a game which could have gone either way. There were not many chances for either team to score but Everton were able to convert one from the last minute corner and go three important points.

Stoke City

0 - 0

Fulham

This was the most boring game of the evening. It was a game where there were no goals no action. The game ended in a goalless draw and teams shared one point each. Stoke have been failed to impress so far and they were unable to do o this evening a well. On the other hand Fulham got one or two chances where they could have scored. They have been in a great form so would have wanted to continue their form. But in the end they had to satisfy for a draw and share one point each.

Sunderland

4 - 0

West Brom

Sunderland gave a see off gift to their former manager Kaene. They were superb in their game against West Brom. They won the game by 4-0 which they even themselves would not have predicted before the game. Jones was absolutely superb in the game scoring two goals while the other goals were scored by Andy Reid and Djibril Cisse(pen). West Brom were in the relegation zone and after this loss it seems that it is very difficult for them to survive the season.

Wigan

3 - 0

Blackburn

Again this was a game between two teams from the bottom half of the table and out of which one was in the relegation zone and the result is the same. Wigan thrashed Blackburn by 3-0. The game was quite even but Wigan were able to convert their shots into goals while Blackburn were not able to do so. Overall Blacckburn hit more shots than Wigan but still they lost the game by 3-0. Emile Heskey, Antonio Valencia, Lee Cattermole booked their names on the score sheet.

Tottenham

0 - 0

Man Utd

This was the most awaited goal of the evening where Tottenham faced Manchester United. The game which was expected to be the game of the week but it ended it disappointment as it ended in a goalless draw. There were lots and lots of chances for Man Utd to score a goal and get three points but they were unable to ut the ball behind the nets. Tottenham also got some chances to score a goal but they were also unable to do so. And it was a goalless draw for them nevertheless.