Milan issue hands off warning over El Shaarawy; Mikael Silvestre set for Old Trafford return

Milan issue hands off warning over El Shaarawy

Serie A giants Milan have rejected speculation linking talented forward Stephan El Shaarawy with a January exit from San Siro.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a bright start to the season, scoring 4 goals in 6 Serie A games, and has attracted attention from top European clubs in the process.

Manchester United are being mentioned as one of the suitors, but Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani was quick to point out that the young forward is not for sale.

“El Shaarawy is an investment for this club and we are very happy with him,” Galliani told Sky Sport Italia.

“Manchester United have fallen in love with him? Our policy is to focus on youngsters and he won’t be moving from here.”

Stephan El Shaarawy has been the only bright spot in a pretty disappointing start to the season for the Rossoneri.

After 6 Serie A rounds Milan occupy the 11th place in the overall standings, 9 points behind leaders Juventus.

Mikael Silvestre set for Old Trafford return

Daily Mail has revealed that Manchester United could make a shock move for French defender Mikael Silvestre.

The 35-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Werder in the summer and has trained with Manchester United before the squad left for Romania, where they will face CFR Cluj in the Champions League group stage.

Daily Mail suggests that Sir Alex Ferguson is thinking about signing the veteran defender as a short-term solution for the major defensive crisis.

Given that Nemanja Vidic, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are all set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the Scottish manager could certainly use the Frenchman as a back to starting centre-back pairing of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans.

Mikael Silvestre spent nine seasons at Old Trafford between 1999 and 2008, making 249 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils.

The player has since featured for Arsenal and Werder Bremen, and he only made one league appearance for the Bundesliga side last term.

Jimmy Bullard retires from football

English midfielder Jimmy Bullard has decided to call it quits on his playing career at the age of 33.

The former Fulham midfielder has been plagued with a knee injury over the last few years and has, therefore, decided to announce his retirement just two months after joining MK Dons.

“My old knee injury has never allowed me to get back to where I want to be as a football player; it’s always hindered me,” Bullard said to club’s official website.

“There are a lot of games in this League and I now know my knee won’t allow me to play Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday, it’s not built for that now.”

The skilful midfielder began his career at Peterborough, but his talent was quickly spotted by then League One side Wigan.

Bullard enjoyed a lot of success with the Latics, helping the club make it to the Premier League in 2005.

The player struggled with numerous injuries during his time at Fulham, Hull City and Ipswich and only made two substitute appearances for Milton Keynes Dons this season.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.