(20-04-2010, 04:15 PM)Phil-M.U.F.C. Wrote: Pienaar wants future resolved - Clubs chase Everton star

Steven Pienaar wants his future resolving before the World Cup finals, skysports.com understands.

Everton midfielder Pienaar is currently being tracked by a host of clubs with Tottenham linked with a bid over the weekend.

However, it is also believed that Manchester United and Liverpool are both monitoring the South African's situation at Goodison Park.

Pienaar has just over 12 months left on his current deal and Everton are anxious for him to sign an extension.

"I think Steven would like to know what he is doing next season before the World Cup," his agent Ivan Mudia said.

"I don't think playing in the World Cup will have much bearing on his future."

Everton boss David Moyes is hoping he can persuade Pienaar to sign a new deal, but if he is unable to do so, then the Toffees would be left with the dilemma of whether to sell this summer or allow him to leave for nothing in 12 months' time.

source: skysports.com

(20-04-2010, 04:20 PM)Phil-M.U.F.C. Wrote: Milner talk irks O'Neill - Villa boss insists in-form winger is staying in the Midlands

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has admitted his irritation at rumours which have surfaced regarding Manchester City's purported interest in James Milner.

The in-form England winger, primarily employed in a more central position for Villa, is currently enjoying his most consistent season to date and a number of eye-catching displays have led to talk of a £24million summer switch to Eastlands.

City's neighbours Manchester United have also been mooted as strong suitors but O'Neill is adamant his player is going nowhere.

On the contrary, the Ulsterman insists he plans to open contract talks with him at the end of the season.

Commenting on the Milner rumours, O'Neill said: "It is irksome at this stage of the season.

"It doesn't do anyone any favours particularly because the player has had a fantastic time and is enjoying his football immensely here.

"He has had a really brilliant time, particularly since moving into the middle of midfield and I am delighted for him.

"James is still under contract with us and it's a case of dampening fires that weren't there in the first place.

"We want the best players to stay here at Aston Villa so we can keep the momentum going.

"But I have kind of accepted it now.

"If it is not James it will be Ashley Young and if it is not Ashley it might be Richard Dunne and then someone else the following week."

O'Neill also denied he knew of any contact from City about the prospect of Milner moving to Manchester in the summer.

"It has got ridiculous now and I can categorically say that I have not heard anything from Manchester City," he said.

"I spoke to my chief executive late yesterday evening and he never mentioned it so I assume they have not been in touch with him either.

"You almost get the impression that stories are put in there to kind of upset you at this stage of the season.

"It was interesting to hear Arsene Wenger talking about Barcelona and having to rebuff stories about someone who was under contract at Arsenal.

"They are having to get Barcelona to make statements about them not coming after a player."

source: skysports.com

(30-03-2010, 01:26 PM)Phil-M.U.F.C. Wrote: Atletico Madrid starlet David De Gea has confirmed he turned down the chance to join Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic last summer.

The teenage keeper had been all set to link up with the Latics before deciding he wanted to remain in La Liga for at least another season.

De Gea reportedly rejected Wigan as his long-term ambition remains replacing Edwin van der Sar as Manchester United's number one.

While the 19-year-old has confirmed his interest in playing in the Premier League, he is in no rush to make the move to English football.

"I was about to go to Wigan but wanted to stay at Atletico and take my opportunity another time," confirmed the Spaniard.

"The Premier League would be enjoyable and is an option I would like a bit later in life.

"Now is not the time to move. For me, Van der Sar has been one of the best in the world."

source: skysports.com

Quote:United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a known admirer of Modric and praised the player's recent performances in his programme notes ahead of Saturday's victory over Spurs at Old Trafford.

Ferguson apparently sees the 24-year-old as a natural replacement for Paul Scholes.

The interest in Modric also casts doubts over the future of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

The former Spurs midfielder has not enjoyed his best form this season, and with Harry Redknapp a known admirer could possibly end up as a makeweight in any deal to bring Modric to Old Trafford.

Modric joined Tottenham in 2008 from Dinamo Zagreb for £16.5m, signing a six-year contract.

Quote:Manchester United chief executive David Gill has reiterated that manager Sir Alex Ferguson will have money to spend this summer to strengthen his squad.

Gill has moved to dismiss suggestions that the crippling debts run-up at Old Trafford will prevent them from any transfer activity when the market reopens.

He also moved to allay fans' fears that they will see a repeat of last year, where despite the £80 million sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, United failed to spend a penny.

Having already agreed deals to bring Chris Smalling from Fulham and Javier Hernandez from Chivas next season, Gill has confirmed the club will also look to add more players but refused to reveal any names.

"I can look you in the eye and tell you straight that we have the transfer funds available to the manager," Gill told the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association magazine 'Rollin' Reds'.

"Targets have been discussed already, as you'd expect, but it's not our style to talk about names and it never will be."

Gill also gave his opinion on the on-going protests by United fans, who are now adorned in the infamous green and gold scarves at both home and away games.

Despite preferring to see the red and white of Manchester United in the stands, he recognised the right supporters have to show their feelings and make their voices heard.

"I've asked the players and they say they are not distracted, but if your question is 'Would I prefer all red and white instead of gold and green when you have a full stadium and you are playing host to famous opposition', of course I would," he added.

"If the question is 'Would I prefer not to look out of my office and see the scarves they are selling on the street', of course I'd prefer that. But as Alex [Sir Alex Ferguson] has said, people have a right to protest.

"Nobody is going to stop that, and in the ground itself we are not going to stop that, but I do object to the obstruction of peoples' view by some banner when they have paid good money for their seats."