Lotito Scoffs At Pandev To Roma Rumours

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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