Roma Eyeing Free Freddie?

fount : goal.com



The winger, who took part in Euro 2008 for Sweden, has left West Ham via mutual consent to become a free agent. He still had 3 years left on his contract, but the player and club decided to go their separate ways.
"I gave the best of myself at West Ham and I enjoyed it, but the decision is best for both sides," said Ljungberg, who spent nine years at Arsenal, but managed just one at West Ham. The midfielder's season was constantly disrupted by injuries and he only took part in 22 games for West Ham, who finished 10th in the Premier League last season.
Roma are thought to be seeking two wide players and may wish to act on the news as they continue their search to replace Amantino Mancini (now at Inter) and Ludovic Giuly (now at PSG), especially as they have done little to reinforce the squad so far in the transfer market.
Ljungberg would certainly fit Roma's style of play and system, as well as be closer in line with Roma's financial resources than some of the other names that have been associated with the club lately. Roma, who finished just three points behind Inter last season, have been trying to make deals for Chelsea's Florent Malouda and Real Madrid's Julio Baptista but neither player seems any closer to joining the capitol club. They also had a substantial bid for Romanian star Adrian Mutu turned down by Fiorentina in advanced stages of negotiations. Roma would only have to worry about negotiating salary as Ljungberg is available on a free transfer.
31-year-old Ljungberg would likely be looking for a new challenge and could find the prospect of joining an attacking side like Roma very interesting as he nears the end of his playing career.

Adam Scime

Pradé In Madrid To Seal Baptista Deal

fount : goal.com



Julio Baptista and Roma have never been this close. According to Spanish daily Marca the negotiations are currently underway and there could be interesting developments in the next few hours.

Sporting director Daniele Pradé did not join the team on the trip for Cairo specifically to go to Madrid and reach an agreement with his Real Madrid counterpart Predrag Mijatovic. The Blancos' request is of 12 million euros, but an agreement could be reached for 10 million, which is close to the Giallorossi's original offer of 9 million.

Real Madrid allegedly decided to let the player go after learning that Wesley Sneijder's injury isn't as bad as first thought, and after recently signing Rafael Van Der Vaart.

According to Baptista's agent Herminio Menéndez, the Brazilian would favor a move to the Italian capital: "Julio isn't happy about his situation in Madrid because he doesn't want to continue staying on the bench. He wants a team where he can play and he would be perfectly happy to join Roma."

Danilo Pochini

Roma Eyeing Dutch Duo - Report

fount : goal.com



Huntelaar has been linked with Roma before, but the Roma side never made a concrete offer. At the moment the Italian giants only have Francesco Totti and Mirko Vucinic for their attack.

They’re also thinking about Julio Baptista, but the Brazilian attacker is probably too expensive. However, Huntelaar isn’t a very cheap alternative. Ajax are thinking about holding on to their prolific striker until the end of his contract. Meaning purchasing him is going to be expensive too.

For the position of left winger they have also targeted Chelsea starlet Florent Malouda. Nevertheless, signing him won’t be an easy assignment.

Therefore they are thinking about Royston Drenthe as an alternative. The Holland u-21 international is happy in Madrid, despite his failure to secure a regular starting spot. Il Romanista isn’t very sure about Drenthe’s happiness and claims that an offer of €10 million will be enough to sign him.

Stefan Coerts

Roma Tempt Real With €12m Baptista Offer

fount : goal.com



The Giallorossi have been after the Brazilian with Luciano Spalletti admitting his penchant for the player.

Menendez admits that the Italian side have in fact made an offer but it doesn’t seem as if the Spanish club are interested.

“Roma have contacted Real Madrid and the figures are those which appeared in the Italian press,” Menendez told Il Romanista.

“I can reveal that Roma’s offer is around €12m but the Spanish club have not seen that sum as adequate.

“I don’t know how much the Italian side were willing to offer the player as I have not been contacted officially or directly.

“We know the club are interested but neither myself nor Julio have been approached.

“There have been other offers but none of them were deemed good enough as he is a Brazil international and he has value.

“We will not have any problems in negotiating with Roma should the right offer arrive.

“Julio is always talking about Roma with Doni and he is enthusiastic about moving to the Italian capital for the club and for the fans.

“Based on this and with Roma’s will, a signature will arrive very soon.”

Positive news from the agent, Roma have been desperate to sign a decent striker and it seems as if Baptista is on the way.

Salvatore Landolina

Official: Genoa Sign Ferrari

fount : goal.com



The Rossoblu have been wheeling and dealing for the defender since he failed to renew his deal with the Giallorossi.

Genoa managed to beat off competition from a host of top sides including Inter, Juventus as well as interest from abroad.

A statement on the club’s official website reads:

“Another precious move. Matteo Ferrari has signed for the Rossoblu today.

“It was a decisive meeting with the player who was also present just a few hours ago at Villa Rostan where he signed a new contract.

“The player will be presented at 19:00 at the Grand Hotel Nouve Terme.

“His signing means Genoa has now closed the market for defenders.”

The former Italy international will be hoping to hold down a regular place at Marassi after spending much of his time on the bench with Roma.

Ferrari played for Genoa during the 1997/98 season before moving to Lecce.

Salvatore Landolina

Lotito Scoffs At Pandev To Roma Rumours

fount : goal.com



Reports in Italy have claimed that the Giallorossi were eyeing the prolific goal scorer as they look to bolster their attacking line-up.
Pandev’s future at the Olimpico looked unsecure but Lotito insists he would never sell his prized assets to his main rivals.

“Roma would never make such a request,” the chief told Radio Radio.

“It’s a hypothesis which will not become reality, it would almost be like a provocation.

“Pandev is our asset and we need to protect him. It would be an offence with regards to our fans that make sacrifices to follow their beloved team.

“Other signings? First we have to look at who is leaving. We are looking to ship players out and we are trying to create a good working environment.

“If there is a possibility we will evaluate our options.”

The player's agent Carlo Pallavicino also rubbished the talk surrounding the striker's exit.

“Honestly I don’t know anything and I would really say it isn’t true,” Pallavicino told Radio Radio TV.

“Things are just impractical because Lazio see Pandev as not for sale at any price.

“I can say that when Adrian Mutu was close to joining Roma, Fiorentina considered Pandev as a replacement for the Romanian.

“But now he will sign a contract extension without any problems. He still has two years left on his current deal and we will meet the directors when the transfer window closes.”

The Biancocelesti are looking to get rid of Guglielmo Stendardo and Cristian Ledesma as both players don’t seem a part of the club’s plans any longer.

Ledesma is believed to be leaving because Lazio were reluctant to offer him a pay rise.

Salvatore Landolina

Official: Ljungberg No Longer A Hammer

fount : goal.com

The Hammers have made it a priority to drastically reduce their wage bill over the summer and the veteran Swede's reported £80,000+ a week was deemed to big a burden by the powers that beat at Upton Park - especially considering that he struggled to recapture his Arsenal form when he wasn't sidelined with injury.

"We respect Freddie Ljungberg's position and are pleased we could reach agreement and wish him all the best in the future," West Ham United cheif Scott Duxbury told the club's official website. "This deal is mutually acceptable to both parties."

As for the player, Ljungberg gave no indication that he was at all upset by the big money send-off.

"I gave my all at West Ham and enjoyed my time there but the decision is the best for the both of us," said the 31-year-old. " Now I will take my time to consider my football future."

The ex-Arsenal ‘double’ winner has been linked with Roma during the course of the summer, but there are big questions about whether the Italian capital club can afford his remarkable wage demands.

Derek Wanner, Goal.com

Giuly Attacks Roma

fount : goal.com



The speedy winger recently transferred from the Italian capital to that of his native France, joining Paris Saint Germain for a fee of around 2.5 million euros.

In the interview Giuly made it known that he did not enjoy his time with the Giallorossi and was relieved to be back at home. The attack minded speedster was quick to let readers know how happy he is now that he is at a new club saying, “In footballing terms I feel well, as though I have life again.

“I made up my mind that I would leave Roma at the end of the season, with anything concrete in mind, but PSG came and sorted everything out very quickly.”

To the Frenchman's delight, he did not have to fulfill the last two years on his contract with the Giallorossi. “I wasn't well in Roma, I wanted to live this challenge with PSG,” said Giuly.

The former Lyon and Monaco player concluded the interview with his most damning statement: “When I arrived in Paris, Monaco and Barcelona I quickly felt the respect of the club and fans, but in Rome I never felt the same way.”

With the Alps now dividing Ludovic Giuly from his former club, those words will do little to gain the sympathy of Romanisti who were disappointed to see him leave.

Peter Pedroncelli

Totti Not Keen On Rushing Return

fount : goal.com



The Giallorossi number 10 has been steadily recovering from the injury he sustained against Livorno in May.

He has returned to full training with the rest of his team as he progresses towards match fitness ahead of the new season.

Totti has explained that he is in no rush to get back in shape and he is looking forward to the new campaign.

“Everything is going well. I have good feelings but sometimes it’s a little painful,” the captain told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“Sometimes I am a little afraid of getting injured again but it’s part of the game. The mini-matches in training will help me overcome this.

“I will try and get ready for the Supercoppa but I won’t be losing any sleep over it.

“If I’m ready then good, if not I will have to wait a little longer.

“As for new signings, I’m sure some players will arrive but it has nothing to do with me.”

Roma will clash against Egyptian side Al-Ahly on Wednesday night in a friendly as they continue preparations ahead of the new season.

Salvatore Landolina

Roma To Sign Dutch Duo?

fount : goal.com



The Giallorossi have shown plenty of interest in the Real striker and Chelsea winger, with Luciano Spalletti admitting his like of both players.

However, the duo will not arrive cheaply, and thus Roma are looking elsewhere to try and strengthen their side with bargains compared to their original targets.

Il Romanista claims the Olimpico-based side are ready to make a move for Drenthe if Malouda stays at Chelsea.

The Dutchman didn’t have the best of times at the Bernabeu last term and he could find himself swapping La Liga for Serie A.

It is believed a €10m bid from the Giallorossi should be enough to convince Los Merengues to part-company with their player.

The Italian club are also looking to make a surprise swoop for Huntelaar. The prolific Ajax man seems to want a new adventure away from the Erdivisie, and Roma are standing by and ready to pounce for him if the price is right.

Baptista seems too expensive for Spalletti and Huntelaar would be the perfect alternative for I Lupi.

Salvatore Landolina

Roma Step Up Benayoun Chase

fount : goal.com



Speculation surrounding Benayoun’s future has been rife for most of the summer with Roma, Manchester City and former club West Ham all rumoured to be interested in the midfielder.

Benayoun reportedly told the press earlier this week that he wanted to stay at Anfield, despite the speculation, and he was in the starting line up for this evening’s 4-1 win over Valerenga, scoring a great third goal for his side.

However, speaking to the Gazzetta dello Sport Roma coach Luciano Spalletti has insisted that his club will be bringing in two new players, and that Benayoun will be one of them

“There will be two new signings,” he said before adding, “The names? They're the names you've heard. Menez and Benayoun are both top class players.”

Despite Benayoun’s earlier insistence that he wants to stay at Anfield, Liverpool’s financial situation has been well-documented and it may be the case that he could be sacrificed in order to fund further transfers.

Benayoun joined Liverpool from West Ham in a deal thought to be worth £5 million. He managed 15 league starts for the club last season and scored 4 league goals as Liverpool finished the season in fourth place.

Gill Clark

Silva's Future In Question After Inconclusive Meeting

fount : goal.com



Agent Julio Llorente stated last night that in-demand Silva's first choice is to remain at the Mestalla, but today's meeting, designed to secure Silva's long-term permanence with Los Che, did not end satisfactorily.

Vice-president of sports Fernando Gómez said this evening that more talks are required, although he did try to accentuate the positive.

He said, "We talked about amounts, of desires, but these are matters solely between the player and ourselves.

"The player wishes to remain in Valencia and we want him to stay.

"An improved contract? If we're talking about numbers it's because we're trying to discover the relevant positions. We're closer than before the meeting because we want his remaining in Valencia and his being happy."

Think It Over

Llorente, meanwhile, stated that he anticipates the next round of talks going better, but there is a definite timescale involved.

"For both club and player the desire is for David to continue, and we've called for this to be settled within eight days," he revealed.

"Next week I think we'll have a solution to the issue."

Llorente would not disclose the Canarian's contractual demands, and nor was he quite as upbeat as Gómez over these parts of the negotiations.

"We are where we are," he shrugged.

"We can't say much, but we now have more time to think it over."

Silva is currently under contract at the Mestalla until 2014, having signed a mammoth seven-year deal in the summer of 2007.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com

Spalletti Admits Baptista Desire

fount : goal.com



As the Giallorossi boarded their flight for Egypt, where they will face Al Ahly, the coach had a few words on his side.

Spalletti is well aware of the need for players, but he admits his club cannot make the headlines by signing big stars.

“Baptista? Malouda? I think everyone likes them,” said the coach.

“We are not in the conditions to go and buy any player, but we can move for players who will complete our squad.

“We need to find the right balance, be wise and understanding. We cannot go for the forced situations which would create problems for the club.

“I want to start the championship where we left off in order to re-start in the right way.

“We will be aiming high because we do not want to go backwards as we have done so much to get to this level.”

The Giallorossi have not managed to secure any major signings so far.

It seems as if Spalletti wants to make ends meet with the players he has already.

Meanwhile, Baptista’s agent, Herminio Menendez, is pushing his client towards Roma but it remains to be seen whether the club make their move.

Salvatore Landolina

Milan Want Panucci - Agent

fount : goal.com



Milan have had somewhat of an injury crisis during this pre-season period and may yet be forced back into the transfer market due to certain gaps remaining in the squad.

One of the positions that seems most unstable at the moment is that of the centre back role. The club is sorely missing the qualities of injury prone Alessandro Nesta and suffering to a certain degree from the lack of a true centre back, with full backs often having to deputise in the heart of defence.

This has lead to speculation that the Rossoneri may be scouting the market for a defender that can potentially fill this role. The names of Thiago Silva and Christian Panucci have done the media rounds. Now, Panucci's agent has revealed that Milan have made their interest known.

The Roma player is not naturally a centre back as he plays right-back for the Giallorossi. During Euro 2008, though, he impressed in a solid central partnership with Giorgio Chiellini.

However, this particular transfer target may be too far out of reach for Il Diavolo. Milan could be forced to look elsewhere, with the agent revealing that Panucci is keen on finishing his career in Rome.

Peter Pedroncelli

Roma Good For Unhappy Baptista

fount : goal.com



The ‘Beast’ has been on Luciano Spalletti’s radar as the coach tries to bring in some much needed fire power up front.

However, Roma have not swooped for the Brazilian but they might just do after Menendez reveals that he welcomes such a move.
“Julio is not happy about the situation in Madrid,” the agent told Radio Centro Suono Sport.

“He is a Brazilian international and he wants to find a team which will make him play regular football.

“The possibilities of him wearing a Roma jersey? Roma have to talk with Real Madrid first and then we will look at the situation.

“Once both clubs reach an agreement, we will then come in to intervene.

“Roma are a prestigious club and they play in the Champions League, every player’s ambition is to join a club like that.”

Good Conclusion

Menendez knows there's still some way to go, though, admitting: “However, it’s not just about the player, it also depends on the clubs.

“I don’t know if Roma will be able to pay what Real are asking for but I am hoping for a good conclusion nevertheless.”

Clearly, it’s now down to the Giallorossi to act fast and come in for the hit-man.

Spalletti will need to ensure he adds some strength to his squad if his team are to challenge for major honours next term.

Salvatore Landolina