Transfers 8/7-9/7

Núñez: No problem if Figo goes

In his last press conference as FC Barcelona’s president, Josep Lluís Núñez assured one more time on Friday that he is not willing to renegotiate a new contract with Luis Figo in spite of an agreement between the Portuguese player and Real Madrid’s presidency candidate Florentino Pérez.

“Schuster, Laudrup and Milla left and nothing happened. We will not re-mortgage the club for him,” assured the President.

“Figo is Barça’s best payed player by far. But if we give him what he demands, Rivaldo will be next and then another and another. Barcelona will not be held to ransom,” he added.

For Núñez, the worst thing is Figo’s denial that he has had public contact with Florentino Pérez.

“I told his agent, José Veiga, it was bad for the player’s image. He told me Figo had not signed any papers,” he said.

Núñez also attacked the four candidates who will succeed him: Joan Gaspart, Joan Castells, Lluís Bassat and Jaume Llauradó.

“If they wanted, they could resolve Figo’s transfer with a meeting and an agreemet to be fulfilled by the winner in the next election,” he said.

Barcelona set sights on Petit

Emmanuel Petit could be close to a shock move to Barcelona, according to informed sources at the Spanish club.

But details of the transfer will not be made public until the club presidency race is decided at the end of the month.

Petit is currently on his honeymoon and cannot be contacted to comment on the proposed deal but he has not hidden the fact that he has always been interested in the Spanish and Italian championships.

Now 29, Petit could be looking at one final challenge at the very highest level before calling it a day and Barcelona could prove a good opportunity to win a big title such as the Champions League.

Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in off-loading Petit and replacing him with Flavio Conceicao.

A deal, possibly in the region of £6-9 million (€10-15 m), should be finalised in the next few days when Petit returns from his holidays.

Figo made to pay

Luis Figo has promised to make a huge payment to presidential candidate Florentino Pérez if he goes back on an alleged deal which would take him to Real Madrid, according to a Spanish newspaper.

The Madrid daily “As” reported on Friday that the contract allegedly signed by Figo’s agent Jose Veiga and Pérez contains a clause which stipulates that the Barcelona forward will pay Pérez 3,000 million pesetas (€18m) if he defaults following a Pérez electoral victory over Lorenzo Sanz on July 16.

The newspaper added that Pérez would soon be making an official announcement to this effect and also said that he had deposited 500 million pesetas (€3m) into a bank account in Figo’s name as an initial payment.

Wednesday’s sensational revelation that Pérez had signed an agreement with Veiga in which the candidate undertook to pay Figo’s astronomical 10,000 million peseta (€60m) buy-out clause has rocked the club’s electoral campaign.

“Pérez got in contact with us and that’s it. He is a responsible person and there have been no problems. Barcelona have not been in touch with me but nothing has been discarded. Anyone that wants can talk to me,” Veiga told “As” on Friday.

Figo, who would become the most expensive signing in football history if the deal went through, was tracked down by another Madrid daily “Marca” to the Algarve in Portugal where he is on holiday. On being asked about the truth of the agreement, all the 27-year-old would say was: “I’m not saying yes and I’m not saying no.”

Seaman could be replaced by Prats

Arsenal are looking for a substitute for aged David Seaman, and the man could be Spaniard Toni Prats, according to “Marca” sportspaper on Saturday. Betis are prepared to sell Prats for 1100 million pesetas (€6.6m).

Spanish papers have revealed that Javier Ispizúa, Prats’ agent, met in London on Friday with several English clubs from the Premier League including Aston Villa and Arsenal.

Arsene Wénger wants to renew his squad and has given his consent to the transfer of veteran players like Martin Keown, Lee Dixon and David Seaman.

The England goalkeepr seems to be close to his farewell at Highbury and Wenger needs a keeper to replace him. Though he is not an international player, Toni Prats is considered one of Spain’s best keepers.

Prats, 29, was discovered by Llorenç Serra Ferrer when coaching Mallorca. Serra brought Prats to Betis and, after replacing Louis van Gaal at Barcelona, demanded the then president Josep Lluís Núñez allow him to sign the player.

But Barcelona have many options in goal with Ruud Hesp staying, the return of Vitor Baía and the arrival of Richard Dutruel.

Ispizúa has already talked with Arsenal representatives, and told them Betis demand 1100 million pesetas (€6.6m) for Prats. But the Spanish club, relegated to the Segunda División last season, could reduce their price to 700 million pesetas (€4.2m).

If not Arsenal, Prats looks certain to be playing in the Premier League next season. Aston Villa are also interested in him but the Birmingham club trust in David James in spite of his failure in the last English FA Cup final against Chelsea.

Redknapp guns down Rio speculation

Seething West Ham boss Harry Redknapp last night launched a bitter attack on speculation that Rio Ferdinand was joining Leeds United.

And he raged: "Leeds have already talked to us at about a £15 million (€24m) move so why the bloody hell would I sell him for the £10 million (€16m) being quoted.

Speaking exclusively to eurofootball.com he added:"I won't even put a price on Rio Ferdinand because he is quite simply not for sale at any figure.

"I'm absolutely furious and disappointed that after answering truthfully all the questions I've been asked some people are ready to go away and write the story anyway, he added.

"They make themselves look stupid and why should I talk like this if there is anything in it.

"The only person who is going to look a complete and total berk if he clears off to Elland Road on Monday or Tuesday is Harry Redknapp."

And he stormed: "It shows how little people know about how this game works.

"If I'd done a deal with Leeds don't you think I'd already have brought in a couple of big names?

"There's people I'd like to have here but they are out of our range. However, had I got money for Rio they'd already be on the staff. That's how it happens."

One of those would have been Belgian international striker Emile Mpenza of whom the Hammers boss said: "I would love to have him but there's no cash."

He declared "This Rio rubbish is a complete pile of the unmentionables. The biggest load of fiction so far this summer.

"Where anywhere in these stories is anybody quoted as saying that Leeds will buy Rio Ferdinand - they don't!

"They could be buying Ugo Ehiogu or Gareth Southgate but of course they always pick on a West Ham player.

"Leeds approached us about Rio two months ago and the figures being discussed were £15 million (€24m) upwards because we have no intention of selling!

"My chairman isn't quoted, Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale isn't and I'm telling you they aren't buying Rio Ferdinand."

"I've got no idea who they are after but I honestly believe that if the day ever comes when we sell Rio it will be to a top foreign club - certainly not Leeds."

Reports had declared that West Ham would be offered a straight £10 million (€16m) or Michael Duberry and Danny Mills plus cash.

The deal was linked to the redevelopment of Upton Park and revealed that the Hammers needed the cash to carry out their plans.

But a sarcastic Redknapp snorted: "Oh yeah I'm going to have some of that aren't I?

"Lovely new stadium with a First Division football team - I wouldn't want to be involved in that thanks very much."

"West Ham United's aim this season is to make the top half of the Premiership - Rio's a part of it.

"He's been very happy in training and is looking forward to the new season,” Redknapp concluded.

Amoruso confirms Ibrox departure

Gers captain Lorenzo Amoruso has been linked with a possible move to Sunderland for the majority of last season, but has finally confirmed his imminent departure.

Contrary to reports about his dressing room fights with his colleagues, Amoruso says he will leave the Ibrox club with a heavy heart. “I have always said I would prefer to stay and play for Rangers but it has reached the stage that I have to forget about Rangers now because they have done nothing to keep me and have brought in a player for my position.

“If I decide to sign, I want to come back to Glasgow to say my goodbyes. I have so many friends and people to speak to, but also I would like the chance to say goodbye to the fans. I think I will do that because they deserve it from me,” he added.

The 29 year-old has been offered a five-year old contract by the Premiership outfit and says it’s time for him to himself first.

“It's a difficult situation for me to understand because my intention was always to stay. But now I have to think about what is best for Lorenzo.”

In two years with the Glasgow club, Amoruso won five Scottish titles.

Thatcher set for Spurs move

Impressive Wimbledon defender Ben Thatcher will join Spurs in a £5 million (€7m) deal this weekend ....despite a medical scare.

The North London outfit have agreed terms with the Dons but unconfirmed reports that he had failed his medical immediately surfaced.

It was feared that the deal was being held up by an old ankle injury but club insiders quickly rubbished the claim.

And director of football David Pleat said: "Ben will be wearing a Spurs training top on Monday morning.

"He will be joining the first team squad on the trip to Sweden and we are delighted to have him.

"The club desperately needed an orthodox left-back and we were determined to get him."

Brescia in safe hands with Srnicek

Czech Pavel Srnicek, one of the best goalkeepers at Euro 2000, is the latest signing of Serie A newcomers Brescia. The 32 year-old keeper was a free-agent after Sheffield Wednesday failed to stay in the Premier League last season and he immediately attracted interest from clubs in Italy and France.

His excellent performance at Euro 2000, despite the Czechs cruel failure to qualify for the quarter-finals, was another vital point in his favour.

Napoli were favourites in the race for the goalkeeper, having appointed Czech Zdenek Zeman as head coach, but the goalkeeper opted for Brescia signing a three-year contract.

“I was very surprised by the way Brescia and the president conducted the negotiations. I felt they really wanted me and it all happened very fast. Me and my Fifa agent Zdenek Nehoda are very proud to have made this deal with Brescia,” the Czech international said.

“I know the club is now aiming to break the usual pattern of the past five seasons and stay in Serie A for more than year. I am sure we can do it, and I am ready to do my all to achieve it,” he added.

“Of course, it will a big change for me to leave England after almost ten years with Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday, but I am looking forward to another challenge. I had a great time in England and I know I still have many friends and fans there,” the keeper closed.

Wiltord one step from Arsenal

Sylvain Wiltord, the French super-sub, will sign for Arsenal next week. Despite the claims of Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud and Wiltord’s agent Ghislaine Duguépéroux, it seems that the striker is just one step away from signing for the Gunners.

Wiltord has already agreed the terms of his contract with Arsenal but the negotiations are currently being blocked by Bordeaux who will not release the star.

Arsène Wenger, who is currently on holiday, is desperate to sign the Bordeaux striker. He is banking on the partnership of Wiltord and Henry to lead Arsenal’s attack next season. But Bordeaux are trying to cash in on Wiltord after his European Championship triumph at the highest possible price.

When Bordeaux bought Wiltord from Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna, they agreed to give La Coruna 35% of Wiltord’s next transfer.

Arsenal are prepared to pay 130 million francs (€19.8m) but Bordeaux want 150 million francs (€23m).

But Bordeaux are running out of time. For over two months, the relationship between the club and Wiltord have been deteriorating and Wiltord is prepared to spend a whole season on the bench rather than bow to Bordeaux’s will to keep him.

Bordeaux’s board have yet to understand that they cannot change the player’s mind. Wiltord will be able to join his friends of Thierry Henry and Robert Pirès in London. With Henry, Vieira, Petit, Pirès, and Wiltord, Arsenal will have five European Championship winners within its ranks.

Arsène Wenger will hope that it will be enough to win the Premier League and most importantly, the Champions League.

Marseille dance the samba

Marseille have signed the two Brazilians Oseas and Adriano. They will join Marseille’s new Brazilian coach Abel Braga.

Oseas is the powerful striker of Brazilian club Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte. With three international caps, he is considered one of the most dangerous strikers in Brazil.

The 29 year-old player is more than familiar with his new coach Braga. He had his best season in 1997 under Braga’s management at Atletico Parana.

Adriano is a 22 year-old offensive midfielder. Swift and technically skillful, Adriano will be Marseille’s next playmaker.

Marseille are also still trying to appeal to Junhino (Athletico Madrid) and Denilson (Real Betis). The arrival of Oseas now puts an end to the rumoured purchase of Swedish international Kennet Andersson.

Marseille have already signed Camara (Inter), N’Gotty (AC Milan), and Ingesson (Bologna).