Sampdoria confirm Cassano on the verge of Milan move; Barca hotshot signs new deal

Sampdoria confirm Cassano on the verge of Milan move

Sampdoria officials have confirmed Antonio Cassano is one step away from joining AC Milan.

There were reports that the deal between the two clubs could be reached as early as tomorrow and now Sampdoria sporting director, Doriano Tosi has confirmed the speculations.

“We have been working on this deal for some time and we are very close to a conclusion,” Tosi said.

“All you have to do is listen to the rumours that are being circulated.”

Despite selling their best player, it is thought Sampdoria will lose over €1.6 million on this transfer as they agreed to pay €5 million to Real Madrid should the player be sold.

Sampdoria, Milan and the player himself will all pay a third of the amount owed to Real so that the transfer could go through.

Without wanting to question Ricardo Garrone’s decision to try and get rid of Cassano, I am pretty sure this is not the best way for Samp to sell their best player as they could have earned much more if they had just placed him on the transfer list.

[Source: Sampdoria]

Barca hotshot signs new deal

Barca youngster Bojan Krkic has signed a new deal with the club amidst speculations linking him with a move away from Camp Nou.

The 20-year-old forward agreed to a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2015, with the €100 million release clause inserted in the deal.

The club thus showed their confidence in Bojan, while boss Pep Guardiola confirmed the player has a bright future at Camp Nou.

“It is good news for the club, we have great confidence in him. He is one of the youngest in the squad.”

Bojan Krkic has started just three La Liga games this season, but still managed to score three goals, although he is yet to prove he is good enough to command a starting place in Pep Guardiola’s side.

[Source: El Mundo Deportivo]

Pardew hopes for Carroll stay

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is desperate to keep star player Andy Carroll at St James Park amidst interest from Chelsea and Tottenham.

Both Chelsea and Tottenham are pondering January bids for the highly coveted striker, and Pardew is aware the transfer speculations are not going to stop.

“It does get boring but it is not going to stop – it will never stop.

“It won’t stop because he’s a talent and that’s what happens at big clubs. We have to have a big-club mentality and hold on to our best player.”

“Andy just has to keep working hard and doing what he does best. His career path is here. He has already proved that playing for Newcastle United will not hinder his international career.

“So why does he need to go? He loves it here and loves the fans – long may it continue.”

Despite Pardew’s desire to keep the towering striker in the squad, it looks highly unlikely owner Mike Ashley will resist temptation to cash in on the England international, so January transfer still cannot be ruled out.

[Source: Newcastle Chronicle]

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.