Liverpool target wants first team football; Ajax star rejects transfer talk

Liverpool target wants first team football

Celtic midfielder Paddy McCourt says he is happy at Celtic even though he would like to be playing on more regular basis.

The Northern Irish midfielder was linked with a summer move to Liverpool, with the Reds reportedly attempting a deadline day move for the 27-year-old.

However, he has now moved to deny speculations that he was close to making a switch to Anfield.

“It’s rare something would happen to you on transfer deadline day without you knowing so I wasn’t going anywhere,” McCourt told Daily Record.

“Of course signing for Celtic was my dream but, at the end of the day, I want to play more football.

“That has been at the back of my mind a couple of times but I’ve spoken to the boss and I’m very much part of his plans.

The player hinted that he could soon leave in search for first team football.

“I’ve enjoyed my three years at Celtic but, as much as I love the club and being part of the club, I want to play.

“If I was to leave it would be with a heavy heart but it isn’t going to happen so I’m fully focused on playing for Celtic.”

Ajax star rejects transfer talk

Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen has moved to deny reports that he will be leaving the club in January.

The Belgian defender has attracted a lot of attention from abroad with his scintillating performances for Ajax over the last few seasons.

The 24-year-old reportedly rejected an offer from Valencia on transfer deadline day, because of his desire to remain at Amsterdam ArenA.

Inter and few other European giants are also keen, but it looks as though the interested clubs will have to wait at least until next summer.

“I have really had enough of all the questions about whether I’m leaving Ajax,” Vertonghen told Dutch TV station AT5.

“Nobody has to ask me whether I’m on the move in January, because I will not leave the club this season.”

The Belgium international has two years left on his deal at Amsterdam ArenA.

Malbranque hints at England return

France midfielder Steed Malbranque has admitted he could return to England after canceling his contract at Saint Etienne.

The 31-year-old only joined les Verts from Sunderland at the beginning of August, but soon decided to cut his stay at Stade Geoffroy Guichard short.

The Ligue 1 outfit confirmed Malbranque’s contract had been terminated by mutual agreement, while implying that the player would be retiring from football.

“I never said that,” he told L’Equipe, speaking about speculation that he was retiring.

“The club said that. I am still hesitant. I cannot put myself in the future.”

Malbranque gave short explanation of his decision to leave Saint Etienne.

“I did not take pleasure in training. I tried to be happy but I could not,”

He then failed to rule out a return to the English Premier League.

“England probably suited me better.”

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.