DKA: Rumors, Rumors And More Rumors

A busy Sunday in the footy world as news pours in from all the major leagues. With the new month of June, summer becomes a time where footy fans begin to worry as the transfer window is officially open. Dun, dun, dunnnn!

Transfer Rumors

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini wants Robin van Persie, claiming the Gunner would be a more ‘realistic’ target than Edinson Cavani. RvP’s contract expires in the summer of 2013 but rumors have it the Dutchman is looking at other options.

Ronaldinho was granted an injunction by the Brazilian club, Flamengo and given permission to leave the club, breaking contract due to unpaid wages. Claiming he is owed more than 16 million Euros, the Brazilian international is now a free agent with other clubs looking to sign the 32-year-old. Perhaps a move to the MLS as a designated player could be in his future?

Rumor has it (cue the Adele music) that Chelsea FC is close to signing Porto striker Hulk for a whopping £38 million even after spending £32 for Eden Hazard just a few days ago. If the deal goes through, Hulk would fill the rolde of Didier Drogba who confirmed his departure from the Blues.

Looks like MLS’ Montreal Impact could land a big name in the footy world – Alessandro Del Piero, who is apparently in talks with the French-Canadian club. But not so fast! Impact president, Joey Saputo is denying the rumors saying that Del Piero ‘was more interested in New York or Los Angeles.’

International Friendlies

We have some major matches today before the start of the 2012 Euros.

Mexico face Brazil at Cowboys Stadium at 3pm ET.

It’s a North American rivalry as Canada faces the USMNT at BMO Field at 7 pm ET. Before the game, check out our own Trista Lutgring’s thoughts on the USMNT performance against Brazil last Wednesday.

Lastly, 2010 World Cup & 2008 Euro Champions, Spain will face off against China at Sevilla FC’s home stadium, Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán at 4pm ET which will be broadcasted on ESPN3.com.

Also, England was dealt another serious injury blow yesterday as Gary Cahill broke his jaw after a collision with his own goalkeeper Joe Hart. Cahill was pulled off after the incident and the FA released a statement today he would be ruled out of the Euros. Martin Kelly of Liverpool will be in to replace him.

Check back later for full recaps of all the friendlies and remember, only 6 days until the start of the 2012 Euros!

Keep up with @AerysSoccer on Twitter for more news from this weekend’s international friendlies!

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Daily Kick Around: Thursday Edition

The New Year is getting closer, soccer fans. We have a bunch of headlines for you today. From Ronaldinho possibly going to a MLS team (that’s not LA), to a woman that made her own Manchester City wedding dress. Here’s your Daily Kick Around!

English Premier League

As the January transfer window looms near, and it’s pretty certain that Carlos Tevez is going to be skirting out of Manchester City, even Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp said he would definitely love to sign the Argentinian striker, adding that despite what is said about the player, he’s “top class.” Hmm, well top class or not, I think Tevez is the kind of player we could use less of in the football world.

And it’s no wonder Redknapp would be talking about Tevez, when his midfielder Luka Modric has stated he wishes to leave and sign for Chelsea. However, that won’t be happening according to Tottenham’s head honchos, who said they refuse to sell the player.

Chelsea are definitely not in tip-top shape so far this season, but could the acquisition of FC Porto’s Hulk give them the help they need? Rumors have been swirling since Hulk’s former manager Andre Villas-Boas took charge of the Blues, but the striker’s agent is staying mum on the subject, saying only if it happened, Chelsea would be paying a lot of money for Hulk.

True love of your team comes in all shapes and forms. For Manchester City die-hard Karen Bell, it came in the form of her wedding dress. Yup, that’s right. When the 38-year-old married recently, she made her dress out of old City jerseys her husband-to-be had. I have to say, it’s a clever idea, but City? Ewwww.

Major League Soccer

So, it’s been going around that Brazilian star Ronaldinho could be the next big name to come to Major League Soccer. Naturally, the connection was made with L.A. Galaxy, who could be losing their big-name DP David Beckham. However, Ronaldinho’s reps are saying the deal that’s being offered is NOT from the Galaxy. But who could it be? New York? Only time will tell.

This season, Freddy Adu came back home and did a stint with the Philadelphia Union. Now, he’s added to the list of young American players spending the off-season training in Europe. Freddy is currently in Madird to train with Rayo Vallecano.

Serie A

Serie A could be losing one of their stars and mark the January transfer window with one of the biggest moves. Media in Italy and France are reporting that Brazilian Pato will be making a huge move from AC Milan to Paris Saint-German for 50 million Euro. That would explain why the Italian giants are hard up for Carlos Tevez.

More news about the betting scandal in the league: former Piacenza defender Carlo Gervasoni reportedly testified to Roberto di Martino, the prosecutor carrying out an investigation into allegations of match fixing in Italy, Tuesday and Wednesday.

La Liga

Cristiano Ronaldo has been a bright star in Real Madrid’s line up since his record move from Manchester United. When asked about the two leagues, Ronaldo freely admitted he preferred La Liga to EPL, citing that individuals can shine in the Spanish league. He’s definitely proved that point, I guess.

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Daily Kick Around: Thursday Edition

Happy Thursday footy fans! Today we have more Galaxy rumors, the battle for Neymar in La Liga and Jurgen Klinsmann’s roster picks for the USMNT January camp! Here’s your Daily Kick Around!

Major League Soccer

So, the Becks camp is still staying mum on the subject of the L.A. DP’s decision on the move, but that doesn’t mean that the speculation game of his replacement hasn’t started. MLS reported this morning that talks are Brazil’s Ronaldinho could be the replacement the Galaxy are looking for. Apparently the soccer superstar known for a unique and entertaining style of play hasn’t been paid in a while and is eying a new home at the Home Depot Center.

MLS just wrapped up their season last month, and they have a few months before First Kick in March, but several teams are already plotting their pres-season training. Two more teams announced yesterday where they will be whipping players into shape for MLS pre-season. Sporting Kansas City and the San Jose Earthquakes will compete in the Desert Diamond Cup in Tucson, Ariz. It’s a return trip for Sporting KC, but San Jose will be heading to the competition for the first time.

English Premier League

Liverpool’s Luis Suarez is clearly upset by his 8-game ban over racists remarks he allegedly made to Manchester United player Patrica Evra. After handed his verdict, his lawyer said Wednesday:

“He is deeply upset but he has told us that he’s going to redouble his efforts to continue to play the best way possible not only for his English club but also for the Uruguay national team.”

 

Speaking of Suarez and Liverpool, the Reds are getting slammed after teammates donned Suarez T-shirts before Liverpool’s game against Wigan-Athletic yesterday. Many prominent players apparently made their sentiments and disappointment about the T-shirts known on Twitter. What do you think; were Reds players going too far offering support to a teammate being punished for racists remarks?

Rumors have been swirling as rumors often do, that Blackburn Rovers boss Steve Kean will be out of a job soon, since the club now are sitting at the very bottom of the Premier League. However, Kean seemed confident that he would still be in charge coming Boxing Day, when the Rovers take on Liverpool.

La Liga

 Steve Kean might be holding on to his job, but Villarreal boss Juan Carlos Garrido wasn’t so lucky. After the team found themselves out of the Copa del Rey after a 3-1 aggregate loss, and the fact the Yellow Submarine are 17th in La Liga standings, pushed the club to decide to say ‘adios!’ to Garrido.

Competition is heating up to secure 19-year-old Brazilian Neymar. Barcelona and Real Madrid seem to be in a fight for the player, but according to Neymar’s father, it’s the Catalans that have always have a “special option” for the young attacker.

Serie A

Juventus may be level with AC Milan right now at the top of the table, but they hold the title of being unbeaten after they drew with Udinese this week. So far, Juventus have been undefeated this season. Congrats to them!

U.S. Men’s National Team

Former USMNT and Seattle Sounders keeper Kasey Keller may be retired, but he’s still keeping up with all things soccer and MLS. He recently had an interesting interview with ESPN and when asked about Jurgen Klinsmann’s direction with the team so far, this is what he had to say:

That is the big question — where is the direction going? There’s a difference between wanting to play a particular way and having the players capable of playing that way.

It’s a pretty interesting read from a pro who’s been there. I suggest giving it a look!

The annual USMNT January camp is fast upon us. Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann released a 20-man roster this morning, highlighting the camp with players like Heath Pearce, Brek Shea and first call ups for defender Omar Gonzalez and midfielder Benny Feilhaber. See the full roster here!!

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