Manchester City not United after Nasri!

Manchester City have emerged as being the actual "Manchester" team in the race for French attacking midfielder Samir Nasri. It was ealier reported that Untied were tabling a bid, but this ridicule was quickly trashed instead being replaced by the idea that City have been getting their  funds together to try and lure Nasri.

Nasri scored 10 goals in his Arsenal campaign this year, however they amounted to nothing as Arsenal failed to win a trophy for the sixth successive year. City on the other hand collected a trophy in the form of the FA Cup in the 2010/2011 season, possibly sparking them onto bigger and better things next year.


City are also guaranteed a Champions League spot next year, finishing third in the EPL.

Eastlands is also on the hunt for yet another striker, possibly Neymar or Sergio Aguero. There are also rumours that they may hi-jack the Fabregas and Barcelona talks and sign Fab. What is for certain though is that Arsenal will need to start turning over trophys to hold onto their players!

Will Messi fire at the Copa America?

Lionel Messi has, for a long time now, established himself as one of the best players in the world.At Barcelona he decimates opposition, weaving through them, gaining assists and scoring goals. Yet it would seem, when Messi puts on the Argentinian jersey, this ability to get goals just fades away.

Many have criticised Messi's ability to play without his spectacular Barcelona team. Surrounded my Xavi, Iniesta, Villa and a whole other host of big names, Messi looks faultless - untouchable. Rewind back to the 2010 World Cup, Messi had just come off another amazing season with Barca, winning the Ballon d'or. However during the World Cup he failed to score, and, although impressive in the group stage, Argentina failed to make their mark on the competition.

It is true to say that perhaps Maradonna could've put together a better squad, nevertheless, one could not question the forward line of Argentina - Higuain, Milito, Aguero and Messi just to name a few.

Argentina kick off their Copa America campaign on the 1st of July against Bolivia. Messi will play a marquee role in the squad and is confident he can establish himself over his opposition. Brazil as always will pose the greatest threat, especially with the new blood coming through the ranks!

A-League 2011/2012 Promo

Check it out, a video made by PTA with 100 days to go until the kickoff of the A-League! If you are looking forward to the season, share it with your friends, help to promote the Australian Football Brand!

David de Gea signs for Manchester United!

Young Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea has penned a 5 year deal with Manchester United. The 20 year old will join up with United from Athletico Madrid, replacing Edwin van der Sar between the sticks at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson is very plesed with the deal, even though it takes his total summer spending to over 50 million pounds. SAF has reportedly been tracking the youngster since van der Sar announced that 2010/2011 would be his last at United.

de Gea plays for the under 21's national Spanish team, and looks to be taking the reins from Iker Casillas, when the veteran shot stopper calls it quits. David de Gea flew to United a few days back to undergo a medical and agree to personal terms with the club. The signing has once again triggered rumours that long time United back up keeper Tomasz Kuszczak will be allowed to leave United, after once again being shunned in favour of another keeper. Unless de Gea makes a meal of his opportunity at United, Anders Lindegaard the other United back up will find himself warming the bench for a much longer time than he originally expected.


The exact figure of the sum was not yet released by United, although the agreed fee with Athletico was in the range of 20 million pounds. This proves to be the most expensive signing for United this window. Looks as though the posts at United will be well guarded for a long time to come!

Alexis Sanchez on the verge of a Barcelona move

Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez could be leaving the Serie A, moving to the La Liga to further his career. The speedy winger could complete a move to Barcelona as early as next week. The move will trigger the sale of Bojan who is rumoured to be leaving the Catalans, due to a lack of playing time.

Barcelona are reportedly paying 40 million euros for the services of the Udinese player. The Italian club are willing to let go of the 22 year old, owner Giampaolo is allowing Sanchez to make his own decision, acknowledging the fact that he will become a superstar in the years to come.

The Chilean man performed very well in the World Cup, and backed up this showing with a dazzling performance in the Serie A, leading Udinese to a top four finish. His contract runs until 2014, but a sum to the value of 40million plus will surely change this.

Udinese have a number of targets lined up if Sanchez chooses to leave.

Various Mokum Mancs pics

Stuff United sent to fans in the early 90's.

From David Blatt's 'Manchester United ruined my wife'


Ajax fans' farewell to Edwin van der Sar in 1999.

Some people say they've seen angels, I've seen United. That's enough.


One of Ajax' youthteams that were champions this year. Note the shirt of the lad on the front row (click on the pics to enlarge them).

Under 17's World Cup - Spectacular Goal!

At any level the goal you are about to see would make the headlines. But what makes this goal even more spectacular is the fact that it was scored by a 16 year old at the Under 17's World Cup. Goalkeeper..... yes goalkeeper Quillan Roberts scored a spectacular goal from beyond the halfway line to secure a draw with England.

Canada as a result registered their first ever point at an Under 17 World Cup. Believe it or not, but Quillan isn't even their first choice keeper.



Check out the goal below!

Turan to Chelsea and Drogba the other way?

Didier Drogba's time at Chelsea may be up, as the Blues look to bring in the midfielding prowess of Arda Turan. The Turkish midfielder was recommended to the club by former manager Guus Hiddink. Hiddink coaches Turan in the Turkish national team.

 What is most astounding however, is the asking price Galatasaray are asking for Turan. They have suggested to Chelsea that 8 million euros plus Didier Drogba would be sufficient to meet the needs of the Turkish club. Considering that an outright bid for Turan would amount to a 20 million euro fee, this places a valuation on Drogba of about 12 million euro - not even close to his true valuation.

It is no secret that Drogba is looking to either oust an under-performing Torres from Chelsea, or move to a club who could appreciate his true worth. New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas may just offload the Ivorian in the hope that he can re surge Torres to his brilliant best.

Chelsea have been linked with Aguero in recent weeks as well as Falcao from Porto. With Drogba gone either player could be brought to the bridge. But truth be told, Chelsea desperately need to find Torres' true ability - like that at Liverpool. The addition of Arda Turan may just provide the crucial link between the forwards and midfield at Chelsea.

From a neutral perspective one would argue that Drogba doesn't deserve such treatment from a club which he has been so much a part of. Could it be that Guus Hiddink, the same man who reinvigorated Drogba's career will also be the one to end it, by recommended Turan to Chelsea?

The scuba celebration!

The MLS is known for porvided us with some football virals. Check out this celebration from a player who made a keeper look very ordinary. The goal and celebration come courtesy of a match played between Seattle and New York.

Check it out!

How The Mighty Can Fall: Argentinean Powerhouse River Plate Are Relegated

The most successful club of Argentinean football, Club Atlético River Plate, commonly known as River Plate have been relegated to the second division of Argentinean football Nacional B for the first time in their 110 year history.

This comes as little shock to those who have been following Los Millonario, as their poor form has been evident for quite some time. These poor results culminated in a relegation/promotion playoff between Belgrano de Córdoba, to which over a two legged affair saw Belgrano take a two-nil lead into the second leg. River Plate were unable to mount a comeback at their home stadium at El Monumental and succumbed to a 1 - 1 in the second as Belgrano secured promotion to the top flight.


As it came to pass, perhaps one of the most prestigious and well-known clubs of Argentinean (and South American) football saw themselves relegated to the second division, a league that they had not ever tread into in their vast and glorious history.

The emotion displayed from the players is evident as they must now confront their fans



After the 1-1 draw at El Monumental, fans of Los Millionario began rioting throughout the streets and were greeted by a heavy police enforcement.



Should one be feeling empathetic? Or perhaps apathetic?

There is only one way to find out, to see how Los Millionarios react from their relegation and how they must now dominate Nacional B to regain their status amongst the footballing heavyweights of South American football.

By Marcel Abboud

Play the Advantage - Disability Awareness Day

In the past football has proven to be a way in which people can be brought together. In August, Play the Advantage will run its first ever Disability Awareness Day for children in the Sydney area. PTA hopes that this day will bring children with a range of disabilities together in one place to get out and get active.

We would ask that if you are interested in supporting the day (volunteer or equipment) to contact me at juveseria@ptafootball.com. Also if you know of any children or schools which would attend a day please also contact me.

As well as this Play the Advantage is aiming to get a barbecue up and running for the children who attend the day, although this can only be run on donations as we do not make a profit from running the site! If you are interested in donating please contact us at disabilityawareness@ptafootball.com

Place - St Patricks College Strathfield -

Date + Times - We understand that your clubs play weekend fixtures and that during the week children attend school. So we am willing to negotiate the dates.

What to bring - Boots or Sandshoes and a pair of shin pads. We will supply all the balls and equipment for the day. I will be supported in coaching by fellow students volunteering their time. You may bring food to eat as we will have regular rests, but currently we are looking at organising a few snacks and perhaps a sausage sizzle - the only issue at the moment is being able to fund a barbecue. Don't forget water, but we will have bubblers and water on site for anyone who runs out or needs more.

How Many Spots Available: If we apply the ratio of 1 coach per every 2 or 3 children attending we can cater for 30-45 at any one time. If it so happens that there are more than 30-45 who are willing to come, We am more than happy to run either two separate days, or more than one session on one day (different times)


We would appreciate if you could get back to us regarding your stance on the day. We appreciate the fact that many of the children live a fair way away from Strathfield, but I don't want to limit who can attend. For those of you interested feel free to ask questions, I will get back to you asap!

Contact - disabilityawareness@ptafootball.com

Manchester United call Nasri to Old Trafford

Samir Nasri has probably established himself as one of the best foreign Premier League players after a brilliant showing in 2010/2011. However such a great stint with Arsenal has still amounted to nothing and it may just prove to be time up for Nasri, as he looks to move to a club who could possibly guarantee a trophy to the Frenchman.

Of the many clubs to show interest Manchester United have seemingly come out ontop in the hunt for Nasri. After signing Ashley Young, Nasri would prove to be the perfect addition alongside the Villa wingman. United are reportedly tabling a 20 million dollar bid for his services. A culmination of poor results from Arsenal, as well as a reluctance to sign a 5 year contract have lead to the establishment of rumours regarding his future.

Nasri began the season in electric form scoring nearly every match on Arsenals climb to the top. However an injury lead to a reduced amount of playing time for the number 8. Ultimately Arsenal finished fourth in the EPL and will have to fight for a place in European competitions.

United will formerly make a bid to Arsenal next week. But don't expect the price tag to stay the same, especially because Arsenal will be unwilling to let their starman go to an arch rival club. Nasri was on the verge of signing a contract extention with Arsenal, but may reconsider his options.

Latest Football Highlights - Updated Daily!

Below you can find all the highlights and news from football matches around the world. Enjoy!

Please let us know if we havent included your favourite team, we will strive to include them!

Gian Piero Gasperini takes charge at Inter

After a season which failed to meet expectations, Inter have decided to part ways with temporary replacement Leonardo instead signing former Genoa manafer Gian Piero Gasperini. Inter won two trophies in the 2010/2011 European campaign (Club World Cup, Coppa Nazionale). After failing to regain their league title, and mount a successful Champions League campaign, Massimo Moratti is looking at signing a host of players.

Attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder as well as Maicon have been heavily reported as leaving Inter. But Interisti would hope that the signing of a new manager will result in such key players remaining in the capital, rather than jetting off abroad (Manchester United and Real Madrid the most likely destinations).

Gasperini will sign a two year contract with the Italian giants. It will prove to be the first of many signings for the club who are hungry to regain the title they forfeited to Milan in 2010/2011.

So my question is, 80% of nothing, is nothing right?

By Paul Frederickson



There is a term that is often used by lateral thinkers, to ‘think outside the box’. With the A-League competing against other codes and sometimes itself, the FFA, the A-League and the clubs have had to try and adapt to this very concept. In the past few weeks the talk of the A-League has centered on Harry Kewell and some of the possible clauses in his contract are definitely different to what we have seen in any Australian sport and possibly world football. Whilst Kewell would most certainly be a marquee player it is the terms of his contract that separate his marquee status from any that have come before him.

The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines marquee as:

Marquee adj: having or associated with the name recognition and attraction of one whose name appears on a marquee: big-name, star & marquee athletes & marquee events; (1)

A-League marquees allow clubs to have one marquee player, one Australian marquee player and one junior marquee valued at $150,000.

Currently, most clubs have no marquee players, the Brisbane Roar is a prime example whilst others such as Adelaide United have Sergio Van Djik as their marquee and Perth Glory has Shane Smeltz. Fine players in the A-League but hardly what would be considered marquees for the competition. True marquees, it could be argued, should generate interest in the competition

Harry Kewell at the age of 32 fits the marquee bill perfectly. Since the age of 16 Harry Kewell has been one of the biggest stars of not only Australian football but also Australian sport. He is a big name, big star, and star athlete. In my previous article we discussed the need for Australian footballers to return to the A-League and the possible benefits that would ensue. A fit and hungry Harry Kewell would undoubtedly create media interest, see extra supporters attend games and sell Kewell branded merchandise. This is precisely what Kewell and his manager are suggesting should be included in his contract.

It is suggested that if Melbourne Victory sign Harry that he will not be paid a traditional salary. Instead of being paid a marquee salary Kewell would be paid 80% of the new revenue that his signing generates for Melbourne Victory. Whilst the finer points of this contract have not been published the initial idea is quite revolutionary. There are so many questions that this type of contract presents: who determines what is considered new revenue? Why would Melbourne Victory agree to such a high percentage? Will the FFA sanction the contract? Will other clubs follow the trend? More importantly will Harry honor the contract if he does not make the money that he and his manager must think that they will make?

So my question is, 80% of nothing, is nothing right? That is the risk that Harry and his manager will be taking. If no new business is generated, which is unlikely, then he will not be paid by the Victory.

Melbourne must be confident that they have their man. Sam Lienert from Fox Sports Australia reported that; "It's the first time we've admitted to negotiating with a player. That in itself tells you the significance of a signing like Harry Kewell," Victory chairman Anthony Di Pietro said.

Good promotion for the A-League and Melbourne Victory in this extended pre-season, and not a bad shop window for Harry Kewell if he is still intending to play away from Australia.

Whoever Harry Kewell signs with will be venturing into waters barely thought of in Australian sport. No matter what happens with Harry the box has been opened, and everyone is peaking out of it!

(1) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marquee?show=1&t=1308521616

(2) Sam Lienert, “Melbourne Victory convinced they hold the aces as A-League battle for Harry Kewell's services hots up”, Fox Sports, June 21, 2011. http://www.foxsports.com.au/football/a-league/melbourne-victory-convinced-they-hold-the-aces-as-a-league-battle-for-harry-kewells-services-hots-up/story-e6frf4gl-1226079433398

Fabregas, a 30 million dollar joke!

Another transfer season, sees another audacious bid by Barcelona to try and land Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas. But it would seem that last seasons flat out rejection of 50 million dollars for Fabregas was not enough to deter the Catalan giants from pursuing the Spanish midfielder. However, instead of upping the anti, they have tried an approach far cheaper, and far less appealing for any Arsenal supporter.

Barcelona have apprarantly made a 30 million dollar approach for the number 4 attacking midfielder. Arsenal have rejected the bid, stating that they are not prepared to sell their captain under any circumstances. With the Londoners failing to win any trophies yet again, one would wonder when enough is enough for the Spanish man. It may prove to be the case that the 24 year old asks for a release to his former club.

If there's anything for certain now, its that Fabregas will still be at the Emirates next year!..... well at least untl Barca come calling again.

Ashley Young completes Manchester United Transfer

Aston Villa winger Ashley Young has completed his much hyped move to Manchester United. The English international signed a five year contract at Old Trafford reportedly worth 19 million Euros. Young proved to be a crucial player at Villa, scoring 38 goals in his some 190 appearances.

Villa boss Alex McLeish was amongst the many people to praise Young for being picked up by such a big club. The new United man plays similar to Nani and Valencia, and will most likely play between them in an attacking midfield role, although thats not to say we won't see him feature on the wing some time or another. This season, injury proved to be a major setback for United, especially for Valencia, who was sidelined for most of the season. The addition f Young will provide some much needed relief for United in this situation, if it arises.

Young proves to be the second signing in United's transfer campaign. The Devils signed young defender Phil Jones from Balckburn earlier on, supplementing and already rock solid defence. The future looks bright for United!

In's and Out's of the Transfer Season thus far! 20/6 - 23/6

Sergio Aguero still hasn't confirmed where he will play next year, partly because of a 45million dollar price tag. Elsewhere Fabregas has talked himself back into Barcelona's books and Alexes Sanchez - Is he in Spain or England. Meanwhile there are those brave souls who have ventured to other clubs. Here's who:

» Date	Player Name	Country	To	From	Type
6/23/11	Halil Altintop Striker		Trabzonspor	Eintracht	Free Transfer
6/22/11	Ayoze Defender		Deportivo	Mallorca	Free Transfer
6/22/11	Nicolao Dumitru Striker		Napoli	Empoli	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Francesco Lodi Midfielder		Catania	Empoli	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Marco Borriello Striker		Roma	AC Milan	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Simone Missiroli Midfielder		Reggina	Cagliari	End of Loan
6/22/11	Simon Laner Midfielder		Albinoleffe	Cagliari	End of Loan
6/22/11	Robert Acquafresca Striker		Genoa	Cagliari	End of Loan
6/22/11	Mamadou Doumbia Defender		Le Mans UC 72	Istres	Free Transfer
6/22/11	Julien Féret Midfielder		Stade Rennais FC	AS Nancy-Lorraine	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Sebastian Giovinco Midfielder		Parma	Juventus	Co-Ownership
6/22/11	Sebastian Larsson Midfielder		Sunderland	Birmingham	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Keiren Westwood Goalkeeper		Sunderland	Coventry	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Abdennour Aymen Defender		Toulouse FC	Etoile Sportive du Sahel	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Abdennour Aymen Defender		Toulouse FC	Etoile Sportive du Sahel	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Enrico Alfonso Goalkeeper		Chievo	Inter Milan	Co-Ownership
6/22/11	Rincon Defender		Chievo	Inter Milan	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Marco Silvestri Goalkeeper		Chievo	Modena	Co-Ownership
6/22/11	Francesco Bolzoni Midfielder		Siena	Genoa	Co-Ownership
6/22/11	Davide Astori Defender		Cagliari	AC Milan	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Alberto Paloschi Striker		AC Milan	Genoa	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Adrian Mierzejewski Midfielder		Trabzonspor	KSP Polonia Warszawa	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Kevin-Prince Boateng Midfielder		AC Milan	Genoa	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Massimiliano Marsili Midfielder		Nocerina	Varese	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Marco Parolo Midfielder		Cesena	Verona	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Bart Biemans Defender		Roda	Willem II	Free Transfer
6/22/11	Trejo Midfielder		Sporting de Gijon	Rayo Vallecano	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Dorus De Vries Goalkeeper		Wolves	Swansea	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Andrea Bertolacci Midfielder		Lecce	Roma	Co-Ownership
6/22/11	Simone Pepe Striker		Juventus	Udinese	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Marco Motta Defender		Juventus	Udinese	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Alessandro Matri Striker		Juventus	Cagliari	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Fabio Quagliarella Striker		Juventus	Napoli	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Héctor Alfredo Moreno Defender		Espanyol	Alkmaar	Full Ownership
6/22/11	Abdennour Aymen Defender		Toulouse FC	Etoile Sportive du Sahel	Full Ownership
6/21/11	Robert Acquafresca Striker		Genoa	Cagliari	End of Loan
6/21/11	Ulaş Güler Goalkeeper		TKİ Tavşanlı Linyitspor	Gençlerbirliği SK	Free Transfer
6/21/11	Ahmet Cebe Striker		Kardemir Karabük	Denizlispor	Free Transfer
6/21/11	Manu Torres Midfielder		F.C. Cartagena	Malaga	Full Ownership
6/21/11	Alberto Lopo Defender		Getafe	Deportivo	Free Transfer
6/21/11	Francisco Farinós Midfielder		Levante	Hercules	Free Transfer
6/21/11	Mohamed Diallo Midfielder		FC Nantes Atlantique	FC Nantes Atlantique	Full Ownership
6/21/11	Florian Raspentino Striker		FC Nantes Atlantique	FC Nantes Atlantique	Full Ownership
6/21/11	Oumar N'Diaye Midfielder		FC Metz	Toulouse FC	Full Ownership
6/21/11	Vincent Bessat Midfielder		FC Nantes Atlantique	US Boulogne	Full Ownership
6/20/11	Federico Moretti Midfielder		Catania	Ascoli	Full Ownership
6/20/11	Jérémy Morel Defender		Marseille	FC Lorient	Full Ownership
6/20/11	Zakaria Diallo Defender		Dijon FCO	Charleroi	Full Ownership
6/20/11	Mathieu Coutadeur Midfielder		FC Lorient	AS Monaco FC	Full Ownership
6/20/11	Nicolas Pallois Midfielder		Stade Lavallois MFC	Valenciennes FC	Loan

Information courtesy of Goal.com