Ganso going nowhere; Sevilla closing in on Bielsa

Ganso going nowhere

Milan and Santos have refuted claims that Paulo Henrique Ganso will join the Rossoneri at the end of the season.

The Serie A giants have been heavily linked with a move for the highly rated Brazilian after meeting with the player’s representatives recently.

Nevertheless, Milan sporting director Ariedo Braida has revealed that Ganso won’t be joining the Rossoneri at the end of the season.

“At this moment in time it is all fantasy,” Braida told reporters.

“He may arrive one day in the future, but he won’t be with us next season.”

Santos have also moved to deny speculations that Ganso will leave the club when this season ends.

“I will repeat what we have said in recent months,” sporting director Pedro Luis Nunes Conceicao was quoted as saying.

“We have received no official offer from an Italian club for Ganso.

“And even if one is made in the future then we are not even going to take it into consideration. The boy is our leading player and he is not available for transfer.”

The 21-year-old has a release clause inserted in his contract which is said to be around €50 million.

Sevilla closing in on Bielsa

Sevilla have singled out former Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa as the man to replace Gregorio Manzano at the end of the season.

Sevilla’s disappointing season is drawing to a close and the club chiefs are planning big personnel changes in the summer.

Los Rojiblancos have realized that they have made a mistake in appointing Gregorio Manzano, with the experienced coach set to be relieved of his duties when the season ends.

Sevilla have already started search for a new boss and former Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa is currently seen as the hot favourite for the place in the bench.

The Argentine coach impressed the club chiefs at a meeting held some month and a half ago and he has persuaded the Sevilla officials that he is the man for the job.

Bielsa has been causing a lot of controversy during his coaching career, but he has enjoyed success everywhere he worked and as such is seen as the perfect solution to Sevilla’s problems.

Bielsa’s tactics focuses on the wings and he acts as a great teacher to younger players, and that is why Sevilla chiefs believe the experienced coach is someone who can help the club return to old glory days.

The Argentine proved his credentials by not only guiding Chile national team to the World Cup but also leading La Furia Roja to the tournament quarter-finals, with his side’s style of play impressing pundits and football fans all over the globe.

All things considered, it is more than clear that Sevilla officials have found a perfect coach in Marcelo Bielsa and they will be looking to close the deal immediately after the season is over.

[Source: AS]

Gilardino wants to stay at Fiorentina

Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino has revealed that he would like to remain at the club despite speculation linking him with a move away from Artemio Franchi.

The recent reports from Italy suggest that Juventus are keen on the Italy international and the Bianconeri are reportedly ready to offer Momo Sissoko or Amauri as part of the deal.

With Viola chiefs planning a major squad overhaul in the summer, Gilardino would probably be allowed to leave if the right offer comes along.

However, the player whose contract with Fiorentina does not expire before June 2013 says he is happy to stay in Florence.

“I don’t know what my future will be,” Gilardino said.

“I’ve been hearing rumours for some time which have actually become bothersome.

“I have another two years left on my contract and, as I’ve already said, I’m happy in Florence and I want to stay.

“At the end of the season I will meet with the club about the situation.”

Fiorentina value Gilardino at €15 million and it appears that the club chiefs have already decided to sell him to the highest bidder, even if the player himself would have no problems staying at Artemio Franchi.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2010/11 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.