Monthly Archives: August 2012

Arsenal Sahin switch on hold as Wenger considers option of permanent deal

By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Nuri Sahin’s move to Arsenal from Real Madrid is being held up following a change of heart from Arsene Wenger.

The Premier League club had reached a breakthrough in their pursuit of the Turkey international by agreeing a season-long loan for the midfielder, including the loan fee and the player’s wages.

But the deal has stagnated for the second time this week as Wenger deliberates over whether to push for a permanent transfer.

This has prompted reports in Spain that Sahin’s agent Reza Fazeli has met with senior Liverpool officials in an attempt to revive the possibility of a loan move to Anfield.

It is understood that Liverpool withdrew their interest in signing the former Borussia Dortmund player last Saturday after learning that he wanted to join Arsenal.

However, the London club deny that they had planned a photo shoot on Monday ahead of his unveiling, which then had to be cancelled at the last minute.

Arsenal are confident they are still in the driving seat to capture the 23-year-old, who has been identified by Wenger as a versatile midfielder capable of adapting to his team’s playing style.

Sahin’s destination is also understood to have been a discussion point in the Luka Modric talks between Real and Tottenham amid rumours that Spurs would prefer the player not to join their north London rivals.

It is uncertain whether Real are willing to sanction the permanent sale of Sahin even though Jose Mourinho has made it clear that the player will benefit from a season in the Premier League.

Sahin would strengthen the midfield options of Wenger, who sanctioned the sale of Alex Song to Barcelona for £15 million on Monday and is also likely to be without Jack Wilshere for the first three months of the season through injury.

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Rodgers plays down reports linking Adam with move away from Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has played down reports linking midfielder Charlie Adam with a move away from Anfield.

The Scotland international joined the Reds for £6.75 million from Blackpool last summer and made 28 Premier League appearances last season, scoring two goals.

He has frequently been mentioned in connection with a departure since Rodgers took over as manager but the Northern Irishman has revealed that he tried to sign Adam during his time at Reading.

“Charlie was brought in for a lot of money after a terrific time at Blackpool,” Rodgers told reporters.

“Last season was a wee bit broken in terms of injury but he has trained well in pre-season and will play against Hearts. He’s a talent – everyone knows that – and he played well in the last Scotland game.

“You never forecast anyone’s career and all I can talk about is the here and now. At the minute he’s working hard and looking to fight for a place.

“I actually tried to buy Charlie when I was manager of Reading so where these stories come from, I don’t know.”

Manchester United register ‘official interest’ in Liverpool target Hector Herrera

Manchester United have registered “official interest” in Pachuca midfielder Hector Herrera, who is also a target for Liverpool, according to the Mexican club’s sporting director.

Pachuca chairman Jesus Martinez Patino claimed in May that both Premier League teams had shown interest in the player’s signature.

Now, Fassi has revealed that the club have received a written approach from the Red Devils but did not elaborate on how far talks had progressed.

“There is an official interest,” Fassi told ESPN. “We have the document [from Manchester United], but there’s nothing else to add at this time.”

Fassi was keen to keep Herrera at the Estadio Hidalgo but insisted that the Liga MX club would not hold the playmaker back if the right move presented itself, predicting that he would eventually move to England.

“We want him to continue in Pachuca,” Fassi added. “We know he’s going to emigrate to England, though. Manchester United and Liverpool have talked to us.”

“At whatever moment he wants, he can leave Pachuca and the club will give him the opportunity to do so.”