FFC Towers News Desk's Recent Posts

Rovers await striker bid

FFC Towers News Desk — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:51:54 +0000

Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams has confirmed that his club have yet to field an official bid for striker Roque Santa Cruz.

The 27-year-old Paraguay international continues to be linked with a big-money move to Manchester City, but Williams insists that the Citizens have yet to make their move.

He told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "The Santa Cruz situation continues to hang over our heads, but as I keep saying we have had no bids at the moment so there is nothing to discuss.

"Our focus has to be our next game at Fulham and the 17 games after that. We know we are in a fight, but our immediate focus is on getting people fit.

"There is one player we have moved on. I would say we are very close to making a bid for one player, but I would again stress there is no emergency.

"Sam Allardyce has had a very considered look at what we have got and we think it would take a good player to improve on what we already have at the club.

"He is not taking a scatter-gun approach to the transfer window and I would stress at the moment there have been no bids made or received."

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Villa boss keen on defensive duo

FFC Towers News Desk — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:50:06 +0000

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill is hopeful that his side will soon be boosted by the return from injury of defensive pair Martin Laursen and Carlos Cuellar.

Laursen has not featured since the 1-0 win at West Ham due to knee problems, while Cuellar has been sidelined since the same game by a hamstring strain.

However, O'Neill has hopes that both players could yet recover in time for the derby clash with West Bromwich Albion this weekend.

He told the Birmingham Mail: "I don't know whether Saturday is too early for them, but they are certainly making progress in that direction.

"I'm hopeful that if there is no reaction to a little bit of running that they did on Monday, that they could maybe do a little bit towards the end of the week.

"Maybe then there would be a possibility of them joining in with the group tomorrow or Friday.

"That might not be a possibility, but if not, then Sunderland would become a strong possibility if they could put themselves in contention. It is obviously very encouraging.

"The expected time-frame for Carlos with a tweaked hamstring was proved right. As for Martin, we are now very hopeful, but more importantly Martin is hopeful."

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Everton boss backs defender

FFC Towers News Desk — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:46:54 +0000

Everton left-back Leighton Baines has been praised by boss David Moyes for continuing to battle for a regular starting spot at Goodison Park.

The 24-year-old former Wigan Athletic defender has made only 27 starts for the Toffees since his arrival in the summer of 2007, but Moyes still believes that Baines is a valuable member of his squad.

He told the club's official website: "Leighton has done well in the games he has played. He's doing fine.

"There is a good player in there and we know that, but the competition is stiff.

"That's what happens when you come to big clubs - the competition will always be tough. We have that at the back with Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Joseph Yobo.

"I don't think he accepts the situation and nor do I want him to accept it. He wants to play, which is good.

"But, in the same breath, Joleon probably became as good a left-back as there was in the country last year.

"We didn't buy him to make him a left-back. We just found him playing there because of what happened with injuries and suspensions.

"Joleon has ended up developing and been capped for England due to his form at left-back. That is where the competition has come from."

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Portuguese star to stay at Chelsea

FFC Towers News Desk — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:38:49 +0000

Chelsea midfielder Deco says he will end his time in European football at the end of his current Blues contract.

The 31-year-old Portugal international has taken time to settle at Stamford Bridge since his summer arrival from Barcelona, but insists that he intends to see out the remaining three years of his deal.

The Brazil-born playmaker then hopes to return to the country of his birth having proved his class in English football.

He told RTP: "I've been thinking of returning to Brazil for a while now, but I've realised I can still achieve good things in Europe.

"I don't want to return for the sake of it. I'm under contract at the moment and I want to be happy to play my football.

"I still have three years left on my contract with Chelsea. If I remain there until the end, it will be my last contract in Europe."

Deco made his name in Europe with Portuguese side FC Porto, helping them win the Champions League in 2004, before repeating that success at Barca two years later.

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Stoke lead hunt for Villa striker

FFC Towers News Desk — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:19:02 +0000

Stoke City are one of a number of clubs trailing Aston Villa's out-of-favour striker Marlon Harewood.

The 29-year-old has made just nine starts for Villa since moving to the Midlands in the summer of 2007 from West Ham United and is keen to secure more regular first-team action.

Harewood's agent Phil Sproson told The Sentinel: "Stoke are showing an interest in the player, but they will have to buy because Villa won't loan him.

"They are looking to sell him in this window if they can, or in the summer if not, but Marlon's contract runs until the end of next season.

"Villa will listen to realistic offers, but if someone tries to nick him it will not happen. It's a case of whoever strikes a deal with Villa first will probably get him.

"He's not in a fantastic rush to leave Villa, but he is missing not playing regularly and is at that stage of his career where he wants to be playing.

"But he understands the situation at Villa. They are a top-five club now and the standard there is unbelievably high. There are England players in front of him in the team."

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