The Sports Pages
With just one day to go before kick-off for the 2010/2011 Premier League season, expect plenty of signings in the coming hours, and plenty of rampant speculation too. The Daily Mirror reports this morning that James Milner’s long-mooted move to Manchester City is currently being held up by Stephen Ireland, who will not join Aston Villa as part of the player-plus-cash exchange until he receives a £2m ‘loyalty’ payment from Eastlands.
Reigning Premier League champions Chelsea have been accused of harassing Brazilian club Santos over harassing the £23m-rated teen Neymar (Daily Mirror). Santos have apparently threatened to report the side to FIFA unless the Blues back off. In other Chelsea news, their £27m-rated target, Brazilian defender David Luiz, is also being chased by Manchester City.
After scoring twice against Laurent Blanc’s experimental French side during this week’s international friendlies, Blackburn Rovers have now re-ignited their interested in Norwegian forward Erik Huseklepp (Daily Mirror). The 25-year-old currently plies his trade for FC Brann in the Norwegian Premier League.
Finally, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has identified Ghana star Asamoah Gyan as an immediate replacement for departed striker Kenwyne Jones, who joined Stoke earlier this week (Daily Mail). Rennes striker Gyan was a formidable figure in the Black Star’s impressive World Cup campaign, and could cost the club £8m.
