Deadline Day Done Deals, Gist and Rumours

The January transfer window is winding up but some leagues would still have their windows for a few more days while some its “transfer deadline day” tomorrow but are are some of the latest transfer gist spiced with some AFCON Updates and other titbits as compiled by our man Paul Ayorinde.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going

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Done Deals:

– Roma have completed the signing of Seydou Doumbia from CSKA Moscow for a fee of €14.4million.

Seydou Doumbia, photo credit spiritual.de

– Palermo have signed Paraguayan defender Danilo Ortiz from Cerro Porteno.

– Sampdoria have confirmed the signing of Alfred Duncan from Inter Milan

– AS Monaco have completed the loan signing of forward Matheus Thiago De Carvalho from Brazilian side Fluminense.

– Levante have announced the signing of Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz on loan for the remainder of the season

– Malaga have completed the signing of Chidebere Nwakali from Manchester City on a two and a half year loan deal.

– Monaco have completed the signing of Burkina Faso international Alain Traore on loan from Lorient, with an option to buy the striker permanently at the end of the season.

– Genoa have sent Ioannis Fetfatzidis on loan to Chievo for the rest of the season

Today’s football reports and transfer rumours:

Brown Ideye, photo credit fifa.com

– According to reports, West Brom have rejected a bid from Qatar’s Al Gharafa for Ideye Brown

– West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has said the club’s move to sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher appears to be off, the Man Utd player is now being linked with West Brom.

– According to reports, West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is attracting interest from Queens Park Rangers

– Parma are hoping to conclude a deal to sign Marko Livaja from Rubin Kazan in Russia.

– According to reports in France, Arsenal are interested in signing Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris

– Valencia are set to offer defender Nicolas Otamendi a deal that would see his wages double after confirming that they received a 27 million pound bid for the defender.

– According to reports, West Brom striker Georgios Samaras is free to leave the Hawthorns this month

– Al Gharafa and Al Nasr are both interested in QPR forward Adel Taarabt.

– According to reports, Manchester United’s defender Marnick Vermijl is closing in on a move to Lokeren

– Hull are in talks to sign Aaron Lennon on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.

– According to reports in Italy, QPR have made an offer to sign veteran Roma striker Marco Borriello

– West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Valenciennes forward Opa Nguette

– Queens Park Rangers boss Harry Redknapp is hoping to push through a £3million deal for Wolves winger Bakary Sako before the transfer window closes.

– Roma have reportedly agreed terms with Vlad Chiriches and are close to a loan deal with Tottenham.

– AC Milan Channel confirmed Genoa winger Luca Antonelli will undergo a medical tomorrow morning.

Wilfred Zaha

– Crystal Palace striker Fraizer Campbell has told boss Alan Pardew he does not want to leave the club in the transfer window and plans to fight for his place. Palace also look set to seal the permanent signing of Man Utd Loanee Wilfred Zaha.

– Roberto Mancini insists Inter “never discussed” Antonio Cassano, but did not close the door to signing him.

– Liverpool and Arsenal are set to go head-to-head over the signing of Marseille striker Andre-Pierre Gignac.

– Pablo Armero’s agent says there is ‘no deal’ yet for the Milan player’s transfer to Genoa

– Liverpool are monitoring Hannover midfielder Lars Stindl as they seek a replacement for Steven Gerrard

– Manchester United target Aleksandar Dragovic is in talks with Inter Milan

– According to reports, Manchester City are ready to table a world-record bid to sign Cristiano Ronaldo if he decides to return to England.

– PSG defender Marquinhos is rumoured to be on Louis Van Gaal’s raider despite the Man Utd boss claiming he wasn’t doing any business this winter window

Football tit bits:

– West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he has been advised not to play Diafra Sakho until a row with Senegal is resolved. “It is not conducive for us to be putting him on the field until it is resolved, sadly. We have covered all the rules and regulations but at this moment in time it is sensible to do the right thing and not get involved any more – that is what I was told yesterday.” Allardyce said

Frank Lampard, photo credit nycfc.com

– Frank Lampard enjoyed the opportunity to say farewell to Chelsea’s supporters after he featured in Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. “I was excited about the day but obviously a bit nervous,I enjoyed it. I was delighted with the reception from both [sets of] fans.” Lampard said

– Manuel Pellegrini criticised Chelsea’s style after their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. “Both teams have a clear style of play. Everyone wants to play in the way they think is better. He has a style. You analyse the style of Chelsea. I analyse just the style of my team. Our team tried to win the game from the first minute till the end. I’m very proud about that.” Pellegrini said

AFCON 2015 Quarter final results:

Congo 2-4 DR Congo

Tunisia 1-2 Equatorial Guinea

AFCON 2015 Quarter final fixtures:

Ghana V Guinea

Cote d’Ivoire V Algeria

Latest Football Transfer Rumours Done Deals And Titbits…

The January transfer window is yet to pick up steam but like every other window its not devoid of the drama and rumours our man Paul Ayorinde serves you a complete dish of transfer gist spiced with some AFCON Updates and other titbits.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going

Done Deals:

– Hamburg have completed the signing of Ivica Olic from Wolfsburg on an 18-month contract.

– Valencia have announced on their official website that they have released Portugal international Joao Pereira and he has signed for Bundesliga club Hannover.

– Swansea have completed the signing of Jack cork from Southampton on a three-and-a-half year deal

– Bordeaux have officially announced the signing of French midfielder Clément Chantôme from PSG on a three-and-a-half year deal

– Crystal Palace signs left-back Pape Souare from Lille

Today’s football reports and transfer rumours:

– According to Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella, Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado will be joining Chelsea.

Aaron Lennon-photo credit TottenhamFan
https://www.flickr.com/photos/49514223@N04/4543200424/in/photolist-69RkL7-gkdHu-96tv7P-7Vt6cN-7VpQN2-fSR61-8nm4iV-8npcqS-e8eoHU-e8eoLC-e88HCa-e8eoNW-e8eoRo-6ACU7n-6AH3em-6W6LmZ-7T2sMt-oSmS2D

– According to reports, Hull City are in talks with Tottenham Hotspur over a possible loan deal for Aaron Lennon

– Burnley have ruled out selling reported Liverpool target Danny Ings during the January transfer window.

– Louis van Gaal has ruled out any further signings for Manchester United in the January transfer window, while Darren Fletcher looks set to exit the club for West Ham.

– Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has said Roma’s offer for Luiz Adriano is “not satisfactory,”

– Reports indicate that Milan have reached a deal for Genoa’s Luca Antonelli.

– Juventus have confirmed that Paolo De Ceglie has ended his loan spell with Parma and that he will return to training in Turin tomorrow.

– According to reports, Fiorentina are interested in Barcelona defender Martin Montoya.

– Roma Coach Rudi Garcia reveals Roma will bring in a striker before the deadline day.

– Manchester United are ready to bid €40million for Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, according to reports in Italy.

– Luca Marrone’s loan move from Juventus to Cordoba appears to have fallen through, after the player reportedly failed a medical.

– Manchester City midfielder Bruno Zuculini will head back to the Etihad Stadium after Valencia decided to end his season-long loan.

– According to reports in France, AS Monaco have opened talks with Tottenham over the possible transfer of Aaron Lennon.

– Arsene Wenger claims Arsenal are unlikely to make any further signings this month after completing the capture of defender Gabriel Paulista from Villarreal and teenage midfielder Krystian Bielik.

– Harry Redknapp admitted QPR have enquired about Wolves winger Bakary Sako

– Swansea City are working on a summer deal for Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to reports in Belgium.

– Tottenham are reportedly the favourites to sign Yehven Konoplyanka from Dnipro

Ronald Koeman, Southampton Manager-photo credit Ronnie Macdonald
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ronmacphotos/15339571756/in/photolist-dvZqQC-dvTKCP-dvTKzv-dvTPkP-dvTKme-dRdHsY-dR875x-dR8926-dvZmkq-dvTMCr-7YU1Ng-7YXeM3-pnvjg7-3915yv-dvTQTF-hFadrt

– Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has identified Feyenoord’s Tonny Vilhena as his first-choice replacement for Jack Cork plenty of attacking options.

– Reports suggest Bayern are no longer eager to sign Marco Reus as they have plenty of attacking options.

– Milan’s joint-CEO Adriano Galliani will reportedly meet full-back Pablo Armero to discuss the player’s possible transfer to Genoa.

– Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle is edging closing to signing for Wolfsburg, with the Bundesliga side’s director of sport saying only signatures are missing.

– Turkish club Trabzonspor are favourites to sign Real Madrid’s Germany international midfielder Sami Khedira.

– West Brom have been offered the chance to sign former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan on loan from Japanese club Cerezo Osaka.

– Juventus have reportedly reached an agreement with Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto. He will sign on a free in the summer.

– QPR are targeting a move for West Ham midfielder Mark Noble.

– Arsenal are ready to launch a last-gasp bid for Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic.

Football tit bits:

– Algeria forward Islam Slimani will miss the rest of the tournament due to a muscle injury that kept him out of their last group match against Senegal.

– Guinea striker Mohamed Yattara believes luck played a big role as they managed to advance to the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations after playing draws in all three group matches. “It is a huge joy. We didn’t have our fate into our own hands anymore. Thanks God, luck was on our side. Now, we are all happy.” Yattara said

– Midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is not allowed to play for Nice this season, after FIFA ruled a Newcastle Under-21 game counted as a competitive match.

– David Ginola has withdrawn his controversial candidacy in the race to be the next FIFA president.

– Chelsea striker Diego Costa should change his game after picking up a three-match ban for stamping, says Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini. “It will be a good thing for him to change a little bit in the future. He doesn’t need to play in that way because he’s a very good player.” Pellegrini said

– Louis van Gaal has confirmed that Michael Carrick will miss up to a month of action for Manchester United after rupturing a muscle.

Football Transfer Rumours Done Deals And Titbits…

Here are the top transfer rumours, done deals and football transfer gist and some results making the rounds as compiled by our man Paul Ayorinde.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going

Done Deals:

– Peter Crouch have signed a two-year contract extension with Stoke City

– Scott Sinclair has completed a loan move to Aston Villa from Manchester City.

– Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Shola Ameobi on a free transfer.

– Striker Mattia Destro has moved to AC Milan on loan from Roma in a move that could become permanent in the summer.

– Caen have completed the signing of Emiliano Sala from Bordeaux on loan until the end of the season.

– Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Jordan Mutch from QPR on a four-and-a-half year deal for a fee of £4.75 million.

– Levante have completed the signing of Nigerian forward Kalu Uche on a free transfer.

Shola Ameobi, photo credit John Blenkinsopp
https://www.flickr.com/photos/47861036@N00/2683695026/in/photolist-569D2U-5AfRbX

Today’s football reports and transfer rumours:

– According to reports in Germany, Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle’s move to Wolfsburg is “imminent.”

– Chelsea are set to complete the transfer of Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado “within the next 48 hours,” with Mohamed Salah potentially going the other way on loan

– Swansea are closing on a move for Southampton’s Jack Cork, according to the BBC.

– According to Skysports, Stoke have given Leicester City permission to speak to Robert Huth about a possible loan move.

– Ivica Olic says he is happy to stay at Wolfsburg after the Bundesliga side blocked his return to Hamburg.

– Roberto Mancini has said he wants to sign Yaya Toure to help turn Inter Milan into a Scudetto-winning side.

– Borussia Monchengladbach are reportedly interested in signing QPR midfielder Junior Hoilett.

Chicharito o Nino per il Milan, Destro legato a Benatia http://www.diggita.it:v.php?id=1388790

– Lazio are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez in this winter window.

– Juventus midfielder Luca Marrone is on the verge of securing a loan move to Spanish side Cordoba.

– AC Milan are reportedly close to signing Ezequiel Munoz from Palermo, with just a €500,000 difference between offer and asking price.

– According to reports in Germany, Manchester United are readying a £37.5 million bid for Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels.

– Hull City manager Steve Bruce is considering a move for Manchester United midfielder Nick Powell.

– West Ham are keen on a move for Swansea City striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

– Alan Pardew confirmed Lille’s left-back Papa Souare is travelling to London for a medical at Crystal Palace.

– Manchester United youngster Andreas Pereira’s agent has denied any contact with PSG over a possible move.

– West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he could still sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher in this transfer window.

– According to reports, Roma open talks to sign CSKA Moscow striker Seydou Doumbia, with Coach Rudi Garcia apparently calling the player in person.

Football tit bits:

– England Football Association has formally nominated Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein as a candidate to stand against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency.

– Diego Costa will contest his FA violent conduct charge with the full support of Chelsea.

– Guinea have reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals at the expense of Mali after the drawing of lots.

– Sheffield Wednesday have been taken over by a Thai consortium led by businessman Dejphon Chansiri.

– Sam Allardyce does not expect Diafra Sakho to be banned for playing for West Ham after withdrawing from Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations squad. “I’m not worried that Sakho will face a ban whatsoever. We have stuck by every rule and regulation in the book.”

Football Transfer Rumours Done Deals And Titbits…

Here are the top transfer rumours, done deals and football transfer gist and some results making the rounds as compiled by our man Paul Ayorinde.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going

Done Deals:

– Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa has made permanent his loan move from Newcastle to Roma.

– Valencia have confirmed that striker Paco Alcacer has signed a contract extension until 2020.

– Werder Bremen have confirmed the signing of Jannik Vestergaard from Hoffenheim.

– Everton striker Samuel Eto’o has joined Italian Serie A side Sampdoria, signing a deal with the club until 2018.

– Villarreal have completed the signing of Joel Campbell from Arsenal on loan

Today’s football reports and transfer rumours:

– According to reports,Hamburg want to sign Ivica Olic before Saturday’s Bundesliga match at Cologne, with Wolfsburg already searching for a replacement for the 35-year-old.

– According to reports,Roma are set to launch a late bid for Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches

– According to reports, the hierarchy at Old Trafford have informed manager Louis van Gaal that, if they cannot get the club’s main targets immediately, they now intend to wait until the summer rather than going for stop-gaps.

– Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke has rubbished speculation linking him with a move away from the Spanish champions to the Premier League.

– Mark Hughes has played down speculation he will be making a bid for Barcelona starlet Adama Traore after travelling to Spain to watch Barca’s B team.

Borussia Dortmund

– Mats Hummels has once again dismissed rumours linking him with a switch away from Borussia Dortmund, and said that they will not distract him from the task of helping BVB stay in the Bundesliga.

– According to reports, Manchester United have told Darren Fletcher he can leave on a free transfer

– Wolfsburg sporting executive Klaus Allofs, asked whether his club were interested in the Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle. “A very clear no. We’ll have more on that one in a little while.”

– According to reports, Nathaniel Clyne is stalling on signing a new deal at Southampton amid interest from Manchester United.

– Arsenal are reportedly interested in Valencia right-back Joel Pereira and AC Milan centre-back Adil Rami

– Salvatore Bocchetti is believed to be on the verge of joining the AC Milan from Spartak Moscow, with an initial loan deal to be followed up by a permanent move in the summer.

– Sampdoria have reportedly agreed to sign Italy defender Gabriel Paletta from Parma.

– Brazilian forward Douglas Costa, has asked his Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk not to price him out of a move to Chelsea this January.

– Southampton are considering making a move for Netherlands midfielder Jordy Clasie from Feyenoord

– According to reports, AC Milan are in advanced talks with Palermo for Ezequiel Munoz.

– Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, 33, has revealed he would like to move to the United States and play in Major League Soccer.

– Reports in Ukraine suggest Dnipro midfielder Yevhen Konoplaynka will fly out for a Roma medical tomorrow.

– Andrea Pirlo believes that Paul Pogba will never return to Manchester United and that the English club have missed their chance to have the player.

– Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko has refused to rule out a departure during this transfer window, but admitted that there has been no contact with clubs.

– Partizan Belgrade youngster Danilo Pantic claims he will join Chelsea before the end of the January transfer window.

– According to reports, Liverpool are close to agreeing a £14 million deal with Paris Saint-Germain for Ezequiel Lavezzi.

– West Ham are hoping to complete a deal for Hamilton left-back Stephen Hendrie.

– Crystal Palace are reportedly on the verge of completing a £4 million deal for QPR midfielder Jordan Mutch.

– Athletic Bilbao will only allowed defender Aymeric Laporte to leave the club if his full buy-out clause of £32million is met.

– According to reports, Everton are in talks to sign Brazil international Alexandre Pato.

Football tit bits:

– Stoke City have confirmed that Bojan will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee ligament injury in the FA Cup win over Rochdale.

– Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says he does not want to see Real Madrid punished in the same way as his club over allegations of irregular dealings in the transfer market.

– Mino Raiola has decided to pull out of the race for the Fifa presidency after Dutch FA (KNVB) chief Michael Van Praag announced that he will challenge Sepp Blatter for the position. “Running for the Fifa presidency was not about me, but about having a good candidate to challenge Blatter. We have a good candidate now. Van Praag is someone with a better network, with more patience and who is a bit more of a natural when it comes to politics.” Raiola said

– According to reports, England Football Association will back Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein’s bid to become FIFA president.

– Coach of the DR Congo national team Florent Ibenge says facing Congo in the Afcon 2015 quarterfinals is more than just a derby. “We want to act first. It will be more than a derby, it will be a family match which is going to be very tight, and we hope that it will be even tighter for them.” Ibenge said

AFCON 2015 Group C Results:

Ghana 2-1 South Africa

Senegal 0-2 Algeria

AFCON 2015 Group D fixtures:

Cote d’Ivoire V Cameroon

Mali V Guinea

Latest Football Transfer Rumours Done Deals And Titbits…

The January transfer window is yet to pick up steam but like every other window its not devoid of the drama and rumours our man Paul Ayorinde serves you a complete dish of transfer gist spiced with some AFCON Updates and other titbits.

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going

Today’s Football Reports And Transfer Rumours:

– According to reports, Manchester United scouting delegation watched Nathaniel Clyne in southampton’s match at Newcastle last weekend with a view to a 20-million-pound January move.

– The Press Association is reporting that Newcastle forward Shola Ameobi has agreed a deal with West Bromwich Albion.

– Swansea have not agreed a deal with Norwich for defender Martin Olsson, says Canaries boss Alex Neil.

– Callum McManaman is reportedly close to completing a move from Wigan Athletic to West Bromwich Albion.

Shola And Sammy Ameobi. photo credit chruniclelive.co.uk

– Sam Allardyce has told reporters he is “not sure” whether West Ham’s move for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will come off

– Tottenham are planning to make an offer of around seven million pounds for Burnley striker Danny Ings.

– Lucas Silva has told Marca he waived his right to 10 percent of his transfer fee to secure his move from Cruzeiro to Real Madrid.

– According to reports, Manchester United will go head to head with Tottenham over a 15-million-pound deal for PSV winger Memphis Depay

– According to reports,Southampton boss Ronald Koeman will launch a double raid on Feyenoord this summer for defensive duo Terence Kongolo and Sven van Beek.

– According to reports, Everton have opened talks with Molde’s Norway international goalkeeper Orjan Nyland

Dimitar Berbatov, photo credit SID, https://www.flickr.com/photos/sidknee23/3225357997/in/photolist-4jJXz4-bAaM43-L9DKr-9W2MFH-8mndiK-8mneoB-cPB9XS-cPB6R7-9LYmKW-dbdVy5-bAaMb1-bAaMeq-bP5qQB-bAaLT5-bAaLVq-bP5qFx-cPC7KG-cPBjKq-cPBgUo-9LYmZC-bP5qHv-dbdZMw-9Nw7zF-dbdSUb-a8dnUE-4SRyvn-62HUoZ-9Nw7pc-9Li9Av-8mqkaf-8mndAx-9Nw6fe-rbXdb-5V1NyD-a8dnJS-a8dnLY-a8dnNj-a8dnTN-4SRrD8-4SVvvh-4SVC3o-4SVyRy-ikqoa-ihtH3-ihtT7-ihtV9-ihtWP-ihtYC-ihtNC-ihtQw

– Queens Park Rangers are keen to bring in Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov in the January transfer window amid rumours the 33-year-old wants a return to London from AS Monaco.

– Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis has been looking at property in London as rumours of a £9m move to Crystal Palace continue

– According to reports,England international Raheem Sterling has rejected a second contract offer from Liverpool to extend his current deal, which still has more than two years to run.

– Swansea boss Garry Monk has dismissed speculation that he wants to sign Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Rhodes

Mario Balotelli, photo credit liverpoolfc.com

– According to reports, Liverpool would sell the Mario Balotelli this month if they can find a buyer.

– Real Sociedad are closing in on the signing of Everton forward Steven Pienaar.

– According to reports, Wigan are set to make a move for Burnley’s Lukas Jutkiewicz

– Liverpool defender Glen Johnson is set to commit his future to Liverpool and turn down a move to Serie A side Roma.

Football Tit Bits:

– Zambia’s striker Emmanuel Mayuka is set to return to Southampton this week after a double groin injury effectively ruled him out of the African Nations Cup.

– Ghana defender Harrison Afful expects a tough battle against Bafana Bafana. “This game is going to be an interesting game and it is not going to be easy for us,they also play good football, just like us, so they will be a very tough side.” Afful said

– An appeal launched by Iran to overturn their Asian Cup quarter-final defeat to Iraq has been rejected. Iran launched an appeal with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), claiming that Iraqi midfielder Alaa Abdul Zahrah Khashen Al-Azzawi was ineligible for selection. An AFC Disciplinary Committee subsequently decided that the evidence put forward by Iranian officials was unfounded.

FA Cup results:

Bristol City 0-1 West Ham United

Aston Villa 2-1 Bournemouth

Brighton & Hove Albion 2-3 Arsenal

AFCON Group A results:

Gabon 0-2 Equatorial Guinea

Congo 2-1 Burkina Faso

AFCON 2015 Group B fixtures:

Tunisia V DR Congo

Zambia V Cape Verde

SAMMY AMEOBI FACES EXIT DOOR AT NEWCASTLE

Shola And Sammy Ameobi. photo credit chruniclelive.co.uk

Samuel Ameobi, the 22-year old brother of former Toon favorite Shola Ameobi would be standing firmly on both feet if he was by any chance in a slumber.

Newcastle Coach, Alan Pardew who has had the hangman’s noose hanging precariously over his head for a while now revealed after the 2-2 draw against Hull City that,

“Sammy is a player who has unbelievable talent and we have been waiting and waiting for him to deliver something on the football pitch” he also said;

“I warned him last week that I am running out of time with him and he is running out of chances”. Sammy has been in the main squad for three years but has suffered from ankle and foot injuries.

Sammy Ameobi signing his Newcastle contract. photo credit nufc.co.uk

There was no mincing of words from the gaffer and few will differ with that stance as top flight football needs a requisite level of consistency.

Sammy will look to build on his useful cameo against Hull to force himself into the managers plans if he wants to salvage his Newcastle career and achieve his dream of playing International football with Nigeria, which he has represented twice at the U-20 level and has seemingly opted to pledge his allegiance to after he revealed to BBC in August “It wasn’t a difficult decision because I decided to follow my heart and I think it’s the right thing to do”.

Joel Musa

for comments or feedback you can tweet @slysage and @NewFanzone also follow both handles and we will follow you right back

Latest Football Transfer Rumours, Done Deals And Titbits

Its hot, Its Fresh, Its today’s Hottest football gist from our man Paul Ayorinde

you can follow Paul on twitter: @El_Pauleta on twitter and also follow @NewFanzone and we will follow you right back, lets keep the discussion going.

Anton Ferdinand photo credit bursaspor.org.tr

Done Deals:

– Manchester city have completed the signing of France international defender Eliaquim Mangala from Porto on a five-year deal.

– Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez has joined Croatian side Dinamo Zagreb on a season-long loan deal.

– Nigeria international Shola Ameobi has signed a one-year contract with second division Turkish club Gaziantep BB.

– Reading have completed the signing of former West ham defender Anton Ferdinand on a two-year contract.

– AC Milan have completed the signing of Pablo Armero from Udinese on a season-long loan deal

– FC Porto have completed the signing of defender Ivan Marcano from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal.

– Hannover 96 have completed the signing of Lituania captain Marius Stankevicius on a free transfer

-Valencia have completed the signing of Argentina left back Lucas Obran from Bordeaux

– Bursaspor have completed the signing of Portugal international midfielder Josue from Porto on a season-long loan deal

– Celtic have announced the loan signing of Aleksander Tonev from Aston Villa

Eliaquim Mangala

Today’s report and rumours:

– Ajax star Daley Blind has issued a come-and-get-me plea to Manchester United,admitting that he would relish the opportunity to link up with Louis van Gaal again.

– Chelsea midfielder Marco Marin have arrived in Florence to complete a loan deal to Fiorentina

– Arsenal midfielder Santi Carzola has cooled speculation linking him with a return to Spain this summer with Atletico Madrid

– According to reports,Steaua Bucharest defender Florin Gardos has undergone a medical at Southampton and looks set to become Ronald Koeman’s sixth summer signing

– Marseille have released a statement on their official website,denying that they have been in contact with Chile international midfielder Jorge Valdivia

– Feyenoord are keen on completing a deal for Manchester City striker John Guidetti for £4million

– Barcelona are keen on signing a right-back and Juan Cuadrado heads Luis Enrique’s shortlist with Atletico Madrid’s Juanfran and Borussia Dortmund’s Lukasz Piszchek as back-up targets

– According to reports, Swansea city will wrap up a deal for Napoli defender Federico Fernadez within the next 48 hours

-According to reports,Wesh ham bid for Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has been rejected

– According to their sport director,Andoni Zubizarreta,Barcelona have not received any offers for Dani Alves.

– Radamel Falcao will not leave Monaco this summer,according to club vice-president Vadim Vasilyev

-According to reports, Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is ready to axe Rafael,Nani,Maroaune Fellaini,Anderson and Javier Hernandez from his team.

– Manchester United is reportedly set to submit a final bid of £30million for German international defender Mats Hummels

– Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool have not received any offer for defender Daniel Agger

– Swansea city have been linked with a move for Nice right-back Timothee Kolodziejczak

-Ajax sporting director Marc Overmars have confirmed that they are in advanced talks with Samuel Eto’o

– Cardiff city are closing in on loan deal for Manchester United defender Micheal Keane

Football tit bits:

– Germany world cup winning striker Miroslav Klose has announced his retirement from international football

– Cristiano Ronaldo has been named in Real Madrid’s 22-man squad for the UEFA Super cup against Sevilla in Cardiff on Tuesday.

– Carlo Tavecchio was elected as the new president of the Italian FA(FIGC) on Monday,despite the racism row that overshadowed his bid to succed Giancarlo Abete.

NFF RELEASES PROVISIONAL LIST OF SUPER EAGLES FOR 2014 WORLD CUP

After weeks of speculation and intrigue, the Nigeria Football Federation today in Abuja released of provisional list of 30 players likely to make it to Brazil for the FIFA Brazil 2014 World Cup.

There are no real surprises on this list, save for the exclusion of Ike Uche, the other major talking point is the return of Captain Joseph Yobo and Osaze Odewingie.

While its a given that Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide will get the first two goalkeeper’s slot, the battle for the third keeper’s position will now be between Chigozie Agbim and Daniel Akpeyi.

Also missing from this list is new boy Leon Balogun Brown Ideye and Portugal based John Ogu amongst others.

Now that the dust as settled it is hoped that all hands will be on deck as Stephen Keshi and his wards head to Brazil.

GOALKEEPERS: Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, Chigozie Agbim, Daniel Akpeyi

DEFENDERS: Elderson Echiejile, Juwon Oshaniwa, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Kenneth Omeruo, Joseph Yobo, Kunle Odunlami, Efe Ambrose

MIDFIELDERS: John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Ramon Azeez, Joel Obi, Nosa Igiebor, Michael Uchebo, Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba, Reuben Gabriel

FORWARDS: Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Emmanuel Emenike, Obinna Nsofor, Osaze Odemwingie, Babatunde Michael, Victor Moses, Uche Nwofor, Nnamdi Oduamadi

Balogun For Surgery In Germany…Vows To Bounce Back For Mundial 2014

Newly invited Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany right back, Leon Balogun, will undergo surgery in Germany, when he returns to his base by this weekend after he suffered a fractured foot in the highly explosive international friendly between Nigeria and Mexico on Wednesday in Atlanta Georgia, United States.

Super Eagles doctor , Ibrahim Gyaran told Head Coach Stephen Keshi, that it was the best option open to the young defender and the surgery will effectively rule him out for up to 8weeks. That may give him enough time to quickly bounce back and rejoin the national team ahead of preparation for the World Cup in May if invited.

The medics explained that they if he does not carry out any surgery, it will take him a longer time to return to action (up to 4months) hence the surgery option. His club medics have already been briefed about the development even as Keshi says his immediate concern for the player is about his health.

Balogun was involved in a horrific fall with a Mexican striker near the dug house of the El Tri midway into the second half of the encounter and hit his legs against objects in the technical area, forcing the Nigerian bench to replace him even when he came on only in the second half of the game.

The player himself said it was painful that he copped the injury but added that he has no regret making a decision to play for Nigeria. “I am a Nigerian, my father is from Ijebu Ode and my mother is half Italian and half German so I chose to play for my fatherland and I am enjoying it so far. The only thing at the moment is that I don’t understand Pidgin English, which many speak in camp but I will soon catch up because I like the atmosphere in the Eagles camp”.

The players who bonded faster with Balogun in camp include John Mikel Obi, Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses and Shola Ameobi. “But am in tune with all my teammates and I’m happy the way I was received as if I have been with them for a very long time meanwhile I never met any of them till now. I pray my injury heals on time so that I can return to playing football for my club and country”.

Eagles Get Conduct Code Booklet …Team Returns Friday

The Nigeria Football Federation is taken nothing to chance as it seeks a decent performance at this year’s World Cup in Brazil and better conduct by players and officials of all national team in the future.

Towards this end the federation during the week in faraway, Atlanta Georgia, United States handed out the much-hyped hand book on code of conduct while in the national team to players and officials of the Super Eagles. The 18page document clearly outlines what is expected of players, officials and even the federation during camping and major tournaments.

NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, in the company of Chairman, Technical Committee Barr Chris Green and NFF Director, Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme came with the documents and handed them over to the team through Team Adminstrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, who has since distributed them to the players and officials of the team. “The document is done in good faith and to ensure that players and officials know their obligations and how to properly conduct themselves, while the NFF will ensure that it also fulfils its own part of the bargain during major tournaments”, Maigari said.

The Nigerian delegation to the United States is expected back in Nigeria on Friday evening after playing a goalless draw against the El Tri of Mexico in an international friendly preparatory to Mundial 2014 in Brazil. The team will arrive through the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

Keshi picks Yobo, 22 others for Mexico friendly

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Stephen Keshi, has listed Skipper Joseph Yobo in his squad of 23 for the international friendly against Mexico in Atlanta, USA on Wednesday, 5th March.

Yobo, who is back in the keenly-followed English Premiership, this time with Norwich City, on loan from Fenerbahce FC of Turkey, last played for the African champions at the 29th Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, which Nigeria won.

Also returning are Israel-based defender Juwon Oshaniwa, 2014 African Nations Championship Most Valuable Player Ejike Uzoenyi and Canada-based striker Bright Dike.

New faces include former junior internationals Ramon Azeez and Shehu Abdullahi, and Belgium-based strikers Imoh Ezekiel and Michael Uchebo. Centre – back Kunle Odunlami, who made CAF’s list of Best Eleven at the recent African Nations Championship in South Africa, is also called.

Usual suspects like goalkeepers Vincent Enyeama and Austin Ejide, defenders Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders John Mikel Obi and Ogenyi Onazi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Obinna Nsofor will also fly to America.

THE FULL SQUAD OF 23

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille FC, France); Austin Ejide (Hapoel
Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (Monaco FC, France); Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC, Israel); Joseph Yobo (Norwich City, England) Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Ramon Azeez (Almeria FC, Spain); Shehu Abdullahi (Kano Pillars); Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England); Victor Moses (Liverpool FC, England); Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce FC. Turkey); Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy);
Bright Dike (Toronto FC, Canada), Imoh Ezekiel (Standard Liege, Belgium); Michel Uchebo (Cercle Brugge, Belgium)