Today we have lots of news coming from jolly old England, which is fitting as this is the first week of Premier League action.  Find out who is going (and not going!) where.  That and more in Tuesday’s Daily Kick Around!

EPL

Tottenham Hotspur announced today that they have completed the transfer of Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor from Manchester City.  Ade had been on loan with Spurs during the past season and finished as their top goalscorer.

Swansea, on the other hand, has confirmed that they are in the process of preparing to sell winger Scott Sinclair to Man City.

Despite also being linked with City, Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi has made it clear that he will not be leaving Roma any time soon.

Alright, enough about Manchester City!  Let’s talk about United already!  Billionaire George Soros has taken a piece of the pie, disclosing Monday that he owns 7.85 percent of Manchester United’s Class A shares.  Not sure exactly what that means, but I am pretty sure it’s worth quite a chunk of change!

Finally, who can forget the somewhat comical shoving of the assistant referee by Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew during Saturday’s match against Tottenham?  Clearly the FA was not entertained, charging him with misconduct for his actions.  To his credit, he admitted that what he had done was “absolutely ridiculous.”

Image courtesy of TheOriginalWinger.com

Hey footy fans! It’s been a crazy Friday and if you’re like us, you’re catching up on the headlines for calling it a night or going out to party. Luckily for you, we’ve got all your big headlines of the day right here! It’s your Friday late night Daily Kick Around!

MLS

If you follow MLS, then you probably know that Brek Shea hasn’t had such a good season. That’s an understatement. Last year, people were saying that Shea was the next big thing in American soccer. What has happened since? Maybe there was too many high expectations for him. The fact that he’s missed 76 training sessions this year doesn’t help. One thing that might help is a change of scenery. Looking on twitter, it seems there is a lot of  fans who would like to see Shea go to LA Galaxy, including myself.

New York Red Bulls will be missing key players on Saturday against Philadelphia Union.  Heath Pearce, Rafa Marquez, and Ryan Meara will all miss tomorrow’s games due to injuries.

Vancouver Whitecaps have traded Eric Hassli to Toronto FC in exchange for a first round pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Vancouver will also have a spot open for a DP and for an international roster spot.

La Liga

Last year, Sergio Canales went on loan to Valencia from Real Madrid. It looks like Valencia has decided to buy Canales for this upcoming season. Joining him will be Fernando Gago, a Real Madrid player who was on loan with Roma last season.

EPL

The Robin Van Persie transfer drama continues.  I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t wait for all this to be over. Three clubs are after him- Manchester City, Manchester United, and Juventus. I’d rather see him go to Juventus, I don’t think City needs him and I don’t want to see him joining United.

Euo 2012

UEFA has fined Italy’s Antonio Cassano for using what they consider a slur during a press conference during the Euro games this past June.

MLS

It’s a busy weekend for the MLS and last night was no exception. Today’s big match ia between the NY Red Bulls – Seattle Sounders but first here’s the scores from yesterday!

Crew 0-2 Sporting KC

Rapids 1-2 FC Dallas

SJ Quakes 5-0 RSL

Timbers 3-5 Galaxy

Union 2-1 Impact

New England 0-1 Toronto FC

 FIFA

FIFA is corrupted, who knew!! Today, FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested that Germany was given the 2006 World Cup through bribery. Blatter stated that during the voting process, someone got up and left the room and that an unnamed football association attempted to bribe him in 1986.

Serie A

Roma have confirmed the signing of Michael Bradley (son of former USMNT coach Bob Bradley) from Chievo  for €3.75 million with a contract good until 2016.

World Football

Ever wonder who made it to the Top 10 Most Expensive Defenders of all time? Goal.com put out their list (which you can read here) of who they think are the most over-paid men standing in the backline.

Robin van Persie says arrivederci to Arsenal

Happy Soccer Saturday! Check out today’s headlines from the sport!

English Premier League

After announcing that he will not resign with Arsenal, Robin van Persie’s next destination has been the subject of much speculation. Per a report from FOX Soccer today, Serie A’s Juventus appears to be in the lead for the Dutch forward, though the two Manchester clubs are also in the running:

Both City and United are set to offer him the chance to remain in England, should he leave the Emirates, but Juve are pushing hard with Italian sources claiming their offer would make him one of the highest players in Europe.

Van Persie has made it clear that silverware is the most important thing to him at this point – although all three clubs would be well in contention next season to challenge for every honor.

ESPN’s James Martin weighs in with three thoughts on the latest episode of the Arsenal soap opera, and what Van Persie’s departure means for the Gunners’ future.

Serie A

With the Michael Bradley move to Roma nearly complete, ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle writes that it’s “a risk well worth taking” for Bradley:

The temptation is to think that Bradley will slide seamlessly into the starting XI, but that was the thinking when he moved to Villa. Rather, it amounts to a difficult, but by no means impossible, assignment for the American midfielder. U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann has stated more than once the importance of players getting steady time with their clubs. But he’s also challenged them to play at the highest possible level, and this move will certainly do that.

U.S. Women’s National Team

If you missed the U.S. win over Canada in the Olympic sendoff match last weekend, Equalizer Soccer has a gorgeous photo essay from all the action, courtesy of photographer Patti Giobetti.

Major League Soccer

After rattling off a 7-game unbeaten streak, Real Salt Lake has now gone winless in their last four. What’s gone wrong, and what does RSL have to do to get back on track against Portland without Fabián Espíndola? Stop making excuses and just finish, writes MLSSoccer.com’s Michael Black.

Breaking News: F.C. Dallas’s Brek Shea has been officially confirmed to be adorable. Check out this video of the goofy midfielder’s pop-n-lock moves during post-production of an MLS Out of Focus interview. 

Will you be watching tonight’s MLS matches? Comment and let us know who you’re rooting for!

We’re on the downhill slide of the week, soccer fans! Of course we have some interesting news for you today, from Fabio Capello throwing in the towel with England, to scientists studying Messi to Fox Americanizing the EPL, plus tons more! Here’s your Thursday DKA!

La Liga

It’s a question many players, coaches and fans have asked over the last few years – what in the world makes Lionel Messi so damn good? Well, a few scientists took it upon themselves to find out. The conclusion? Messi is a brilliant player because he can gather more information in one quick gaze than others. Huh, who knew?

Here’s some surprising info … not! Real Madrid and Barcelona topped the soccer’s rich list for the third straight year. Really, are any of us that surprised?

It’s been rough in England for Manchester United keeper David De Gea. But despite his rocky start, he insists he’s going to be at Old Trafford for a long time, debunking rumors of a return to former La Liga club Atletico Madrid.

Major League Soccer

Boy, is MLS buzzing today. Especially since most teams are kicking off their preseason games – including Montreal Impact and Houston Dynamo. If you didn’t follow the drama of the Expansion Draft, you might not know why this game had a little tension building up. It was the first time Impact acquisition Brian Ching faced off with his former team, Dynamo, who basically dumped him because they didn’t want to spend the money to keep him on the roster. Ching threatened to retire if the Impact picked him up, Montreal called his bluff and the Dynamo, well … they ended up not looking so squeaky clean to fans or Ching. However, the smoke has cleared, Ching admits to being hot-headed at first but now is settling in with his new teammates. The most interesting thing about this preseason game? The apology Dynamo manager Dom Kinnear gave to Montreal and Brian:

“I think in the beginning, we were a little bit liberal with what we were saying,” Kinnear said. “I think it was a little bit rude, and I apologize for that, back when Brian first got selected by Montreal in the Expansion Draft.”

Oh, and P.S. – rumors are now flying that Dynamo are backtracking and trying to get Brian BACK to Houston by March. Such is the trading rumor mill!

Here’s one for you from WAY out in left field. We know the big name move rumors are usually linked to Los Angeles and New York–the most recent talks said to involve Michael Ballack and Rolandinho–but here’s another one for you to add to the list. The New York Post is reporting the Red Bulls are very interested in signing former Real Madrid star Raul, who very well could take them up on their offer – if current club Shalke04 offer him anything less than a two year contract.

English Premier League

So, remember the drama when Chelsea cut Carlo Ancelotti’s contract early and hired in current boss Andre Villas-Boas. How much do you think that cost the ol’ Blues? Does $45 million sound about right? With the way the team is performing this season, do you think it cost them more than that?

Are the big networks that are snatching up EPL coverage for the states Americanizing the league too much? It may seem silly – if you watch games now on ESPN and Fox, they seem to follow the broadcasting steps of Sky Sports and others – there are no cheerleaders or crazy antics in pre-game shows. Or is there? There’s a growing fear that Fox could be doing just that; the first blow? Bringing in Piers Morgan as a “soccer analyst.” Some of us are scared for what the next step could be.

International Soccer

It seems like things are going from problematic to worse for England’s national team. After a meeting yesterday with the Football Association, Three Lions boss Fabio Capello turned in his resignation papers. This is more than likely over the continuing John Terry drama. Rumors are abound about his replacement, the most prevalent on Twitter? Harry Redknapp.

Serie A

Did you miss our Midweek Muscles post yesterday? If you’re a fan of Serie A, or have an interest in Serie A, you might want to check out this week’s pick – Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi.

Anybody catch that Arsenal score? Talk about finally making a statement! And it’s not just the English Premier League that’s hopping this Soccer Saturday. We’ve got headlines from all over the footy world! Check out your Saturday edition of the Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

While it might not make any sense to those of us in America, the EPL won a big case in U.K. against pub owners who use non UK decoder cards to show EPL matches in their pubs. Basically, the EPL has a lock on who can broadcast their matches – a lot of games are not even broadcasted in England to get people to go to matches, rather than sit at home and watch them. What pub owners are doing is using European Union cards to broadcast copyrighted material in their pubs without permission. And pub owners could face criminal chargers for these actions. Yeah, it’s pretty complicated. If you can read the article and understand it more, I applaud you.

After his busy week – and by busy, I mean being in the news for the wrong reasons – it seems John Terry won’t be playing this weekend against Manchester United. Suffering a knee injury, Terry won’t be named in the starting line up for the Blues.

Speaking of  Chelsea, it seems like Real Madrid’s manager, Jose Mourinho wants a spectacular comeback to the Blues. A source close to the “Special One” is claiming the rumors of Mourinho quitting the Spanish giants in the summer is true, and that he will come straight back to England and Chelsea.

Also, did anyone else see that Arsenal game? The Gunners wiped the floor with the Blackburn. Our own Toni stone has the recap here!

Serie A

Mother nature apparently has something against Italian football. Two MORE matches were canceled today due to bitter winter conditions in the country. The Roma v. Inter Milan game will hopefully take place tomorrow, if the conditions hold up.

La Liga

Villareal fans probably won’t be happy to hear this news. The yellow submarine striker Giuseppe Rossi might be making an exit this summer, according to his agent.

Major League Soccer

It seems like foreign players are really starting to make their statement in the American league. The Armchair Analyst at mlsoccer.com breaks down how foreign players are upping their minutes in MLS. 

Hey did you catch that 14-0 USWNT game last night? Did you hear about Danny Cruz heading to D.C. United? Or that Roma is holding off on talks with Daniele De Rossi? Never fear, we got the headlines here in your Saturday Daily Kick Around!

U.S. Women’s National Team

You might still be rubbing your eyes if you caught the USWNT’s game against the Dominican Republic last night. You might still be rubbing them if you saw the score this morning. You aren’t dreaming. The score really was 14-0. Check out my run down of all the goals here!

English Premier League

Soccer is taking another step in the U.S. as Fox Sports will broadcast the Arsenal v. Manchester United match tomorrow on their main channel, which reaches 114.7 million viewers.

After a barrage of criticisms on Twitter from Joey Barton, former Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock says he’s disappointed in the player, but he won’t get into a “war of words” with him. Apparently things are in a bit of turmoil at QPR.

Tons of games wrapped up this morning in the EPL; Fulham had a massive score of 5-2 over Newcastle and Bolton will face off with Liverpool this afternoon. But it’s the scoreline of 0-0 between Chelsea and Norwich City that has many fans talking this morning.

Major League Soccer

The Houston Dynamo are still moving and switching up their roster for the next season. Yesterday they announced a deal between them and D.C. United that would see young Danny Cruz making a moving to D.C.

A month or so ago, D.C. United’s Santino Quaranta said he was hanging up his boots. Apparently, he didn’t like retirement too much. Reports are coming in that he will now be heading to India to a new six-team league that’s started up in the country. Hmmm.

Serie A

AC Milan have let go of left back Taye Taiwo on loan to EPL side Queens Park Rangers. The defensive player has fought to get in the starting line up for Milan, and this loan could be a precursor for a more permanent move out of Italy.

After the past few months of talks and speculation, Roma boss Luis Enrique said he’s going to put contract talks with Italian midfielder Daniele De Rossi on hold, seeing as Roma still has him for 18 months. De Rossi was doubtful for the team’s game against Cesena today.

Today’s can’t miss story: David Beckham is set to resign with the LA Galaxy! Also, don’t miss today’s legendary match up between Real Madrid and Barcelona (ESPN Deportes at 4pm) in La Liga’s Copa del Rey tournament, as well as all the rest of today’s world soccer news in Wednesday’s Daily Kick Around.

Major League Soccer

Alert the masses: David Beckham will be returning to the LA Galaxy for the 2012 MLS season. Soccer By Ives reporter Adam Serrano got the scoop this morning, with sources confirming the English star would be resigning with LA for at least one more season. The announcement will be made at a press conference set for tomorrow. LA fans can rest easy, knowing the midfield has will have Beckham holding down the fort–well, at least in games that don’t take place during the summer Olympics.

English Premier League

It looks as though PSG may be adding themselves to the bidding war over Carlos Tevez.  Reports of a contract agreement have been reached, however a Manchester City spokesman denied any involvement with PSG.

Fenway Park may host a summer match-up between Liverpool FC and Italian club, AS Roma.  Read all about the details here.

FA Cup

Check out yesterday’s scores, including a QPR win over MK Dons, as well as today’s fixtures. Our own Sophie Bowen has a match recap of QPR’s win over MK Dons.

La Liga Copa del Rey Quarterfinals

Espanyol displayed a remarkable comeback yesterday when they scored three goals in the last five minutes of a match against Mirandes, winning 3-2.

Today, tune in to ESPN Deportes at 4pm as Real Madrid host Barcelona.  Other tournament fixtures can be found here.

Serie A

AC Milan midfielder Kevin Prince-Boateng picked up a thigh injury over the weekend and will be sidelined for four weeks.

Serie A Copa Italia

AC Milan, who lost their first match of the season over the weekend, must put the loss behind them as they face Novara tonight in the tournament’s last-16.

Hey soccer fanatics! It’s been a crazy month so far, hasn’t it? And it’s only just beginning! Today’s headlines are turning with news of two star defenders checking out of the USMNT camp, more transfer and deals rumors from all over the world, the release of the MLS 2012 schedule and highlights of the 2011 year for USMNT. Here’s your Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

Are you a big fan of Apple and a football watcher? Well, then we’ve got some news for you! Rumor has it that Apple is looking to make a deal with the English Premier League on rights to broadcast matches live. It could be a move to bring in more customers to their latest tech marvel, iTV.

Looks like the door on Carlos Tevez’s time in Manchester is starting to shut. Updated reports are coming in that talks between the striker, AC Milan and Manchester City are coming to a head. The player could be in Italy before the month is out, if the price and deal is right for all parties.

Major League Soccer

Is it March yet? In a little less than 80 days, the 2012 season of MLS – it’s longest season to date – will kick off. The league announced it’s full schedule today, with games starting on March 10. The season is so long, the MLS Cup will be held in December!  Don’t know who your team will play first? Check out the league’s Web site here!!

It could be a Freddy-Adu like situation all over again as reports are coming that MLS is attempting to sign U-17 break out star Junior Flores. The 15-year-old helped led his high school in Virginia to a championship last year as a freshman and has a goal and three assists for the USMNT U-17 squad.

Some US fans and a lot of LA Galaxy and FC Dallas fans were stunned late last night as news came that defenders Omar Gonzalez and George John pulled themselves from the roster of the upcoming USMNT camp in Phoenix. Gonzalez, it turns out, will be headed to the Nurnberg in the Bundesliga for an off-season loan.

La Liga

Fans of the Yellow Submarine will be happy to know that striker Nilmar has rejected claims that he will return to Brazil after his lack-luster season at the Spanish club. He said he is committed to Villarreal and hopes to make up for his lost time due to injury in 2012.

Serie A

Roma fans, are you still breathing? Will all the talks of moves and the injuries to the team, a little reprieve might come in the announcement from Daniele De Rossi that he is committed to making a deal with the Italian club.

As for A.C. Milan fans, rumors have been circulating that 35-year-old  Alessandro Nesta could hang up his boots at the end of this season. However, the defender has stressed he has not even thought about retiring and would like to continue to play for the Milan team.

U.S. Men’s National Team

2011 was quite a year for the USMNT wasn’t it? Check out the highlights of the campaign here!

It’s the first Monday of 2012, and we’ve got tons to talk about today! Rumors are swirling that Eto’o could come to MLS, Wayne Rooney is set to return to the pitch Wednesday after being left off Sunday, and we’ve got the coolest foosball table you’ll ever see. All that and more, here’s your Daily Kick Around!

Major League Soccer

The LA Galaxy rumor mill is churning hard and fast as the MLS Champions try to figure out who will fill their third DP spot should David Beckham sign elsewhere. Names like Frank Lampard have been thrown around, but the newest to be added to the mix: Samuel Eto’o. No, seriously.

The MLS Moment of the Year for 2011 — as voted on by fans — was a fitting one. Kasey Keller’s tribute game in Seattle, that drew a crowd of more than 64,000 fans. Keller retired after 23 years on the soccer pitch. He had an incredible career and will certainly be missed on the soccer pitch.

As NBC Sports Network gets ready for its launch, they have been pumping out MLS promos. Their latest one has me giddy with excitement for their coverage of the upcoming season. Is it March yet?

English Premier League

After a weekend of shocking results, the EPL action continued today with a whole slew of matches. A round-up of all the action can be found here!

One of the shock results of the weekend was Manchester United falling to Blackburn at Old Trafford, a game in which Wayne Rooney didn’t even dress. The English media reported that Rooney was sidelined because of a night out, which resulted in lethargic training the next morning. And Sir Alex isn’t a fan of lethargic training. Despite the setback, Rooney is set to return to the team on Wednesday.

Serie A

Roma forward Marco Borriello is set to go on loan to Juventus for the rest of the season, as long as he passes a medical exam. Juventus will pay Roma $650k to keep the striker until the season ends, with an option to buy his contract outright for $9.7 million after the season is over.

La Liga

Jose Mourihno has made it clear that he doesn’t want any of his Real Madrid players to go on loan during the January transfer window. He hasn’t asked for any signings, and wants to start and finish the season with the same team of players. So far, Real has had a pretty fantastic season, so I can certainly understand his sentiments.

 World Soccer

And finally, what I know you’ve all been waiting for: the most kick-ass foosball table I have ever seen. This thing is on another level.