Giggs Will Lead Great Britain in Olympics

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs believes he can lead Great Britain to gold at the 2012 Olympics after being selected as captain for Stuart Pearce's side.

The 38-year-old, who was recently named Best Player in the Premier League's 20 Seasons Awards, has never played at a major international tournament but is one of the most decorated players in English football and is looking to add a gold medal to his glittering array of silverware.

"It is a tremendous honour to be part of the Olympics," said the former Wales captain, who retired from international football in 2007. "Stuart has given me the captaincy, which is even better so I am really looking forward to it. It is a unique experience and one from the start that I wanted to be part of when I got the opportunity.

"We hope we can get gold. That is what the players are hoping for. The players are winners and want to do well. You want that gold medal. It is going to be tough because a lot of the other nations have picked good players and have got good teams."

Glittering career

Giggs has played in every season of the Premier League, winning the title on 12 occasions with United along with two UEFA Champions League triumphs, four FA Cups, four League Cups and a host of other trophies, and was deemed to be the "standout captain" by Team GB coach Stuart Pearce.

"He's got the respect of all the members of the group," said Pearce, whose side face Senegal at Old Trafford in their opening game on 26 July. "I looked at the squad and I thought there are some good candidates there.

"It was the easiest decision of my managerial career. He has been one of the best professionals of the last 20 years."
- Stuart Pearce

"Aaron Ramsey captains Wales, Micah Richards has captained Manchester City at times, Craig Bellamy for the experience he's had and one or two others within the camp as well. But I think Ryan is the standout captain amongst the group.

"It was the easiest decision of my managerial career. He has been one of the best professionals of the last 20 years."

After taking on Senegal, Team GB meet United Arab Emirates at Wembley on July 29th and complete their group fixtures against Uruguay at the Millennium Stadium on August 1st.

'Best ever'

Giggs' Welsh compatriot Bellamy, also making his first major tournament appearance, believes the Manchester United legend is perfect for the captaincy after serving under him for their country.

"He is probably one of the best players who has ever played the game," he said. "It is fitting he is captain and also I have been very fortunate to play with him for my country as well, so I know Ryan quite well."

Along with Giggs and Micah Richards, Bellamy is one of three players over the age of 23 permitted to be selected for the Olympic football team.

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, who contracted viral meningitis recently, will be assessed in the coming days to see whether he will be fit to play a part in the tournament.

Full Team GB men's squad

Joe Allen (Swansea City) - born 14/3/1990, Carmarthen.
Craig Bellamy (Liverpool) - born 13/7/1979, Cardiff.
Ryan Bertrand (Chelsea) - born 5/8/1989, Southwark.
Jack Butland (Birmingham City) - born 10/3/1983, Bristol.
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United) - born 12/8/1989, Basingstoke.
Jack Cork (Southampton) - born 25/6/1989, Carshalton.
Steven Caulker (Tottenham Hotspur) - born 29/12/1991, Feltham.
Craig Dawson (West Bromwich Albion) - born 6/5/1990, Rochdale.
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United) - born 29/11/1973, Cardiff.
Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) - born 26/12/1990, Caerphilly
Micah Richards (Manchester City) - born 24/6/1988, Birmingham.
Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur ) - born 2/7/1990, Doncaster.
Scott Sinclair (Swansea City)- born 25/3/1989, Bath.
Marvin Sordell (Bolton Wanderers) - born 17/2/1991, Harrow.
Jason Steele (Middlesbrough) - born 18/8/1990, Bishop Auckland.
Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea) - born 1/9/1989, Birmingham.
Neil Taylor (Swansea City)- born 7/2/1989, St Asaph.
James Tomkins (West Ham United) - born 29/3/1989, Basildon.

Swansea sign Spanish midfielder Michu

Swansea City have sealed the signature of Spanish midfielder Michu from La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.

The 26-year-old has joined Michael Laudrup's side for a fee of around £2m and he has signed a three-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.

"I believe the Premier League is better than La Liga, so it's a chance to improve"
- Michu

Michu, whose full name is Miguel Perez Cuesta, will join up with his new team-mates on Sunday for the Swans' pre-season tour of America.

"I'm very happy," Michu told Swansea's official website. "I had other offers, but I really wanted to come to Swansea because of the coach, the style of play and the Premier League.

"I've always followed the Premier League from Spain and I watched a lot of Swansea games last season. They played good football and I liked their style.

"I also know how Michael Laudrup's teams play, so I'm looking forward to being part of that. The coach was fundamental to me joining Swansea. I remember watching him as a player - he was a machine.

"I'm a bit sad to leave Rayo because they gave me my chance in the first division in Spain. I will always be grateful to them for that.

"But the chance to play in the Premier League is a fantastic opportunity for me. I believe the Premier League is better than La Liga, so it's a chance for me to improve as a player."

Prolific goalscorer

Michu scored 15 goals in La Liga last season, the most for a midfielder in the competition, and he helped save Rayo from relegation.

He is looking forward to playing alonside fellow new signings Jonathan de Guzman and Chico, and says Swans right-back Angel Rangel helped him decide, with several other clubs interested in his signature.

"I know them both [Jonathan and Chico] from playing against them in La Liga," added Michu. "They are not only good players, but knowing them will also help my adaption to life over here.

"Angel and I know a mutual friend so we started texting recently. He told me he was very happy here and it was a great club.

"I've had a look at the stadium already and it is spectacular. Angel told me it was always full for every game and the fans are very passionate, so I'm really excited about the challenge ahead."

Everton in the Community wins prestigious award

Everton in the Community has won a prestigious award at the Sport and Recreation Alliance's Community Sport and Recreation Awards, backed by the Royal Family.

The Blues' official charity was named 'Professional Club Community Programme of the Year 2012' at the Alliance's Annual General Meeting at St James's Palace on Thursday.

Chief Executive Dr Denise Barrett-Baxendale was handed the club's award by HRH The Earl of Wessex.

"Judges were impressed with the wealth of programmes we have designed and delivered"
- Dr Barrett-Baxendale

"It was an absolute honour to be presented with this prestigious award by HRH The Earl of Wessex," Dr Barrett-Baxendale told the club's official website.

"This award recognises the significant and forward-thinking approach Everton in the Community has to supporting the local community.

"The judges were impressed with the wealth of programmes we have designed and delivered in particular to combat racism and improve the lives of people living with mental health issues and disabilities.

"The Alliance commended the club's ability to use the influence of its brand to motivate, educate and inspire diverse communities in the North West of England.

"Our time and effort to develop relationships with key voluntary sports clubs, community organisations and leaders to establishing respect and trust was also praised."

In addition to the prize, Everton in the Community was also given £1,000 of funding for winning the award.

The Sport and Recreation Alliance is the umbrella organisation for the governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in the UK. The Alliance represents more than 320 members, including The FA, the Rugby Football Union and UK Athletics.

The Alliance's Community Sport and Recreation Awards recognise sport and recreation organisations that have excelled in areas such as volunteer management, school links, green thinking and innovative projects.

Everton in the Community is a leading UK sports charity, which uses the power of the Everton brand, to help people across Merseyside, the North West and abroad to better their life chances, through innovative educational, employment, disability and social inclusion programmes.

Source

Liverpool owner hails 'inspirational' Rodgers

Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry has described the club's new manager Brendan Rodgers as "inspirational".

Former Swansea boss Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish in the Anfield hotseat during the summer and has set about a rebuilding of the Liverpool squad.

Henry met up with Rodgers on Liverpool's pre-season tour of north America, with their first friendly match taking place against FC Toronto in Canada on Saturday.

"He's charismatic, smart, knows what he wants to accomplish and is determined to accomplish it"
- John W Henry

"Brendan has a very structured approach and he plays the kind of football that we think Liverpool fans will love to see," Henry told the club's official website.

"You can see why he was appointed. He's an inspirational figure. He's very charismatic, he's smart, he knows what he wants to accomplish and he's determined to accomplish it.

"Everything I have heard so far in the way of feedback about him has been very positive."

Liverpool finished eighth in the Barclays Premier League last season, 37 points behind champions Manchester City and 17 behind Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

But Henry says the Reds do not want to put Rodgers under the immediate pressure of having to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in his first season in charge.

"We don't want to put any pressure on Brendan by saying you have got to make the Champions League this year," added Henry.

"Of course he wants to make the Champions League, we all do and so does every team in the Premier League.

"At this point we're just trying to get things stabilised - that should be one of our goals."

Important clubs

After Liverpool play FC Toronto they then face Italian side Roma at Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, who are also owned by Henry and Fenway Sports Group.

"It's heartening to have Liverpool here," said Henry. "I know Liverpool fans worry about the Red Sox and I know Red Sox fans worry about Liverpool but these are two very important clubs.

"We need to be in the US and we know this area well. (Chairman) Tom Werner is a Harvard grad and we knew this would be a great place for the team to train.

"Liverpool is such a global club. Last year we were in Asia, this year we're in North America. We have to try to get out and see the fans.

"This year what we're really concentrating on is to make sure we're ready for the first League game. That's our number one goal. We have a lot of work to do to instil a new system."

Guzan signs new deal at Villa

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan has agreed a new three-year deal with the club.

The contract will keep the 27-year-old USA international at the club until the end of the 2014/15 season.

New Villa boss Paul Lambert told the club's website that he expected Guzan to challenge first-choice keeper Shay Given.

"Brad played very well the time he was in and maybe he found himself a bit unlucky to be back out"
- Paul Lambert

"I've watched Brad and some of his games when he was in the team last year and he was excellent," said Lambert.

"I know he's always had that stigma of being the number two behind some really good goalkeepers here.

"But when you come back at the start of the season nobody knows what's going to happen and it depends on whoever does well.

"Brad played very well the time he was in and maybe he found himself a bit unlucky to be back out.

"The club needs two or three good goalkeepers, so when Shay comes back from the Euros it will be a big bonus and we'll see what happens."

Guzan, who joined Villa in 2008 from Major League Soccer side Chivas USA, made his Premier League debut as a substitute against Liverpool at Anfield in February 2009.

He played in eight consecutive games last term following an injury to Given.

Source

Arbeloa 'happy' for Modric link

Real Madrid players have revealed their admiration for Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Luka Modric amid reports that the Croatian is to join the club this summer.

Modric has been the subject of intense speculation over his future, with many expecting the 26-year-old to leave White Hart Lane this summer after four years at Spurs.

Even the London club's new head coach, Andre Villas-Boas, accepts that the player will leave if an acceptable deal is put on the table.

Chelsea and Manchester united are the two Premier League clubs most closely linked with a move for Modric, but La Liga champions Real Madrid appear to be leading the chase for the £30 million-rated midfielder.

When questioned about Modric's potential arrival while on a pre-season tour of Indonesia, Marca reported Real right-back Alvaro Arbeloa as saying: "Modric is a great player. I'm happy he could join Real Madrid. We have many good midfielders, so they have to compete for a spot."

Arbeloa's fellow Real defender, Pepe, simply added:  "I know he's a good player."

Real's players talking up a potential new signing is similar to what several Barcelona players did last summer when they repeatedly spoke of how well Cesc Fabregas would fit in if he returned to his boyhood club, something which caused ire among Arsenal fans and inside the club.

In the end, the deal was completed, though relations between the two clubs have suffered as a result.

Source

Rodgers: Borini can be Liverpool favorite

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says new signing Fabio Borini will be a great asset for the club in the future.

After the Italy international signed a long-term deal to move from Roma to Anfield, Rodgers said Borini's versatility would make him a fans' favorite.

"I was very keen to bring him here. Fabio fits the model of what we're trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future," he told Liverpool's website.

"He's a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game - and a big part of what you want from a player."

Borini previously worked with Rodgers in Chelsea's youth set-up and more recently when he was on loan at Swansea City in 2011.

"He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with"
- Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers added: "[Chelsea] took him in from Bologna when he was 16 and he progressed incredibly well as a young player to go on to play for the first team at Chelsea.

"It didn't work out in terms of he couldn't agree a contract, but before he left I took him on loan to Swansea and he made a big, big impression there and really helped us in our promotion charge that season.

"He left and went away (to Roma) and in the last season he's done incredibly well.

"I think the supporters will love him. As I said, he's a goalscorer, but he's a multifunctional player who can play in a number of positions - and someone I believe has got great growth."

Borini, 21, made four first-team appearances for Chelsea, before firing six goals in 12 appearances at Swansea.

Rodgers said: "He is arguably the best physical player I've worked with in terms of his pace, power and fitness.

"Mentally, he's very strong. We've got a player who is on the up and someone who I think Liverpool will benefit from."

Source

FA - Goal-line technology given go-ahead

International football's FA board (IFAB) has unanimously approved the use of goal-line technology after months of exhaustive tests were carried out on two systems - Hawk-Eye and GoalRef.

The Premier League reacted to the historic decision in Zurich by vowing to implement the technology "as soon as practically possible''. However, the introduction will not be immediate because each system will have to be licensed, installed and tested in each venue to ensure it is functioning properly.

"The Premier League has been a long term advocate of goal-line technology,'' read a statement from the organisation. "We welcome today's decision by IFAB and will engage in discussions with both Hawkeye and GoalRef in the near future with a view to introducing goal-line technology as soon as is practically possible .'"

The technology could be ready to go in the English top-flight as soon as the new year and FA general secretary Alex Horne said it could also be used for the latter stages of the FA Cup, as one of the goal-line technology systems is already installed at Wembley Stadium.

"It is perfectly possible to introduce it halfway through the season," Horne said. "We have already got Hawk-Eye at Wembley, it needs to be calibrated and make sure it's working properly and licensed so we are nearly there and we could turn Hawk-Eye on quite quickly.

"The FA Cup would be our decision and we could say for the semi-finals and finals of the FA Cup we could turn it on, I don't think that is a very controversial decision."

Meanwhile, FIFA intends to put Hawk-Eye and GoalRef to the test at the Club World Cup in Tokyo in 2013, with a view to using it at next year's Confederations Cup and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke said world football's governing body would pay for the systems - around £160,000 per Stadium - and leave them in place in the stadiums used during all three tournaments.

Momentum towards goal-line technology has increased since Frank Lampard was denied an equaliser for England against Germany in the 2010 World Cup when the ball hit the bar and bounced over the line but no goal was given.

That incident caused the FIFA president Sepp Blatter to publicly back technology for the first time, and the issue hit the headlines again when Ukraine were denied a goal when the ball crossed the line against England in Euro 2012.

Blatter said: "For me as FIFA president it became evident the moment what happened in South Africa in 2010. I have to say 'thank you Lampard'. I was completely down in South Africa when I saw that it really shocked me, it took me a day to react. It happened again in Ukraine, and Ukraine can still not believe it now.''

There will be no move towards bringing in other technology, such as video replays to judge offsides for example, said IFAB in a statement.

"This approval is subject to a final installation test at each stadium before the systems can be used in 'real' football matches,'' said the statement. "The IFAB was keen to stress that technology will only be utilised for the goal-line and for no other areas of the game.''

Tests on the Hawk-Eye and GoalRef systems were carried out by the Swiss Federal Laboratory for Materials Science and Technology, with the results evaluated by IFAB members at a meeting earlier this month.

Hawk-Eye, developed by a British company, is based on cameras, while GoalRef, a Danish-German development, uses magnetic fields.

Source

Ashton Villa sign youngster Lowton

Aston Villa have completed the signing of young Sheffield United right-back Matt Lowton on a four-year deal.

Villa are believed to have paid around £3 million for Lowton, who becomes manager Paul Lambert's second signing following the acquisition of Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord.

Lowton, 23, made nearly 100 appearances for the Blades during his time at the club.

"It's every boy's childhood dream to play in the Premier League and it was one of mine," Lowton said. "This opportunity is fantastic and I thank the manager for giving it to me. Hopefully I can repay the faith that's he's shown in me and keep going at a higher level.

"Just from driving up to the training ground you can see the difference in the quality of things. The training ground looks spectacular and the pitches look phenomenal.

"It's a massive club in the Premier League with a big fan base and I'm looking forward to getting to work as soon as I can."

Lambert is pleased to add the versatile and attack-minded youngster to his options.

Lambert said: "Matthew is a really talented young player who brings a lot of things that can really benefit the club.

"He's a good player already and he's only young so he has the potential to be a really good player for us.

"He's hungry to succeed and to go further in the game, both of which are attributes that we want at this football club and that we are looking for.

"We won't put any pressure on him, we just want him to go out and enjoy playing.

"What he's done so far at Sheffield United has been great so hopefully we can progress him a bit and he'll do very well for us."

Park set for QPR switch - report

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung is set to complete a £5 million switch to Queens Park Rangers reports suggest, although figures vary.

Park, 31, played a reduced role for Manchester United last season, but has been an influential figure in the club's recent history, often being called upon on the biggest occasions.

Formerly captain of South Korea, Park joined the Red Devils for £4 million in 2005 from PSV Eindhoven and has gone on to make 205 first-team appearances for the Old Trafford side.

QPR have announced that a press conference for local and international media will take place on Monday, with chairman Tony Fernandes, vice-chairman Amit Bhatia and manager Mark Hughes all set to attend. The announcement will reportedly "put the QPR brand on a global scale".

The press conference could be related to the club's ongoing look for a new stadium, although reports on Friday morning also suggested that the club were closing in on a South Korean signing.

"The announcement will put the QPR brand on a global scale and is further demonstration of the board's continuing efforts to move the club forward and become established in the Premier League," the release to the media said.

"QPR chairman Tony Fernandes, vice-chairman Amit Bhatia, manager Mark Hughes and CEO Philip Beard will all be in attendance. Please note, the club is in no position to make any further comment on the announcement of this press conference."

Should he sign, Park would become the fifth player to arrive at Loftus Road this summer - following the captures of Robert Green, Andy Johnson, Ryan Nelsen and the permanent signing of midfielder Samba Diakite.

Chairman Fernandes is also heavily involved in the club's search for a new stadium, updating the fans on progress via Twitter early on Friday.

"Excellent stadium meeting," Fernandes said. "Looks great. Going to make big announcement. Hopefully see Amit [Bhatia] in a few hours to brief him. Wow.

"Stadium will be in west London. Will not lose overall atmosphere. Lots to do and many pitfalls but great first step."

Source

MU Updates - Rooney eyeing rebound season with Manchester United

Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney is hoping that the Red Devils can learn from last season’s mistakes and avoid a trophyless campaign in 2012-13.

The 26-year-old England international returned to top form last season, baggin 37 goals and six assists in 53 appearances for club and country.

His 37-goal tally was 20 more than he netted in United’s 2010-11 campaign. With that said, the Red Devils did win the English Premier League title that season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were eight points clear of noisy neighbors Manchester City with six league games remaining, but failed to hold onto their lead.

Subsequently, United finished as the runners-up, with City claiming their first league title since 1968.

“I think we all learned a lot,” Rooney told the club’s official website. “There have been a lot of games where you get a feeling afterwards that you never want to have again. Hopefully we can get hold of that feeling and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“Just look at all the young players in the squad – they’ve played a lot of games, had a lot of ups and downs, and most of them are already getting selected for their national teams.

“That’s all going to help them. The next two or three years will be a big test for them, and I’m sure we’ll all pull through it.”

The Red Devils have already agreed to sign Japan international Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund; is Kagawa the answer for Manchester United?

The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker is part of the answer, without a shadow of a doubt. However, United are still relatively weak in the heart of the midfield.

Michael Carrick is not the player he once was, 18-year-old starlet Paul Pogba has joined Serie A giants Juve and Paul Scholes is 37 years of age.

The aforementioned premises underline United’s  need for a world-class defensive midfielder. Now then, what are Sir Alex Ferguson’s options?

Roma holding midfielder Daniele De Rossi just recently revealed his love for English football, according to the Manchester Evening News, but City are fare more likely to land the Italian.

A more likely solution would be Real Madrid’s Lassana Diarra.

The Frenchman only appeared in 17 La Liga games for the champions, playing second fiddle to the likes of Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira.

The move would make a lot of sense, but no reports have suggested any move thus far.

In addition, Spurs’ midfielder Sandro seems a good fit for United.

The 23-year-old Brazilian made 30 appearances for club and country in 2011-12, netting one goal and one assist, and has been previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford.

FC Porto reject £30 million bid for James Rodriguez

As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester United had a sensational £30 million bid for 20-year-old FC Porto star James Rodriguez rejected, and have subsequently increased their interest in the Colombia international.

Rodriguez enjoyed a breakout season in 2011-12, bagging 13 goals in 20 league appearances for the Dragões.

He also represented Colombia in the Under-20 World Cup, starting five games and tallying three goals and two assists.

The former Club Atlético Banfield starlet is extremely versatile, and can play on either flank, as a support-striker or as the main front-man.

Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a few pretty good players from the Primeira Liga in Portugal, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

Will Rodriguez be the next Primeira Liga star to end up in Manchester? At the moment, I would say so but a lot can change.

Blues eye Piszczek to fill right-back vacancy

Having already cut ties with Jose Bosingwa and placed Paulo Ferreira on the transfer list, Chelsea are in desperate need to fill their vacancy at right-back.

At the moment, Poland international Łukasz Piszczek appears to be on the Blues’ shortlist for the position, with the European champions willing to spend £15 million for the right man.

According to Metro, Chelsea are looking at four different options at right-back, including the likes of Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille OSC) and Rafael da Silva (Manchester United).

Jovetic nears Chelsea move

Stevan Jovetic is close to agreeing a deal for European champions Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.

The Blues reportedly had a  £20 million bid for the Montenegro international rejected earlier this summer, but La Gazetta dello Sport, an Italian publication, believes that £25 million, which is thought to be the buy-out clause in the forward’s contract, would be enough to lure Jovetic to west London.

Serie A champions Juventus are also reportedly keen on the former FK Mladost Podgorica youth star, with Napoli also thought to be interested in the Viola talisman.

Jovetic totaled 14 goals and three assists in 27 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season, his best goal-scoring campaign since the 2007-08 season with Serbian SuperLiga giants Partizan Belgrade.

In addition, the 22-year-old has netted nine times in 20 international caps for Montenegro.

Chelsea already have an embarrassment of riches in attacking options, and Jovetic would surely add to that.

If this deal goes through, expect the Blues to abandon their interest in FC Porto standout Hulk.