English Premiership Football News

[SteveH]

Mutu ordered to pay Chelsea £9.6m 
 
Mutu rebuilt his career in Italy
Romania striker Adrian Mutu has been ordered to pay his former club Chelsea £9.6m for testing positive for cocaine, according to his lawyer.

Chelsea sacked Mutu in October 2004 and he was subsequently handed a seven-month worldwide football ban.

His lawyer Cristian Sarbu said Fifa's decision was not final and that Mutu would contest the ruling.

"This is a decision taken by a sporting tribunal. After this is final, this can be taken to a civil court," he said.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled last May that the world football body would decide Mutu's fine.

In 2005, Mutu, who has since rebuilt his career first with Juventus and now Fiorentina, lost an appeal to CAS against his sacking by Chelsea.

Chelsea had asked for £8m in compensation for a player they bought for £15m from Parma in 2003.

The Premier League club felt Mutu had brought about his own downfall and wanted to recover the money they had lost on his transfer fee and wages.

Neither Fifa nor Chelsea would confirm Sarbu's claims.
 

[SteveH]

Chelsea players welcome Scolari 
 
Scolari has been backed by Carvalho and Ferreira
Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho has led the welcoming committee for new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will take over at Stamford Bridge on 1 July.

Carvalho is part of the Portugal team showing impressive form under Scolari, with two successive wins in Euro 2008.

The 30-year-old said: "He is a great manager and a big personality. He's the kind of guy that players respond to and I think we can go forward with him."

Fellow Portugal and Blues star Paulo Ferreira said: "He can do a good job."

Chelsea announced on Wednesday that Scolari will become their new manager two days after the Euro 2008 final.

News of the end of Chelsea's search for a successor to the sacked Avram Grant came as a surprise as it was believed no formal announcement would be made until after Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign was over.

Carvalho added: "We were all shocked by the news. We heard the rumours but didn't guess he would be going to Chelsea after the Euros."  606: COMMENT
There is a lingering feeling that Chelsea have taken a big gamble

BBC Sport's Phil McNulty

After the announcement, Chelsea said no further comment would be made "out of respect for his current role and to ensure minimum disruption to this work".

And on Thursday, Portugal cancelled a scheduled media conference in which Scolari would undoubtedly have faced questions about his new role.

However, the Portuguese football federation (FPF) released a statement on Thursday afternoon that confirmed Scolari's move to Chelsea.

The statement read: "The FPF understands it is an opportunity not to be refused and he cannot let it pass by.

"The FPF would like to thank the work and commitment of Luiz Felipe Scolari over the years and for elevating Portuguese football to the top of the international game."

It is already clear that Scolari's move has gone down well with the Portuguese contingent at Chelsea.

And it seems Carvalho may now be persuaded to stay with the Blues after questions had been raised over his future at the club.

Carvalho had admitted he would like to work again with former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who has just taken over at Inter Milan.

Ferreira, another of Portugal's Euro 2008 squad, has also been buoyed by the news he will work under Scolari at club level next season.

He told BBC Sport: "I think Scolari is a good manager and it will be good for the club."

Scolari, who won the World Cup with his native Brazil in 2002, is likely to be unveiled during the first week of July, at which time the details of his contract will also be revealed.

The 59-year-old Brazilian, who has no experience of managing at club level in Europe, famously turned down the chance to manage England after Sven-Goran Eriksson's departure in 2006.

Before becoming an international manager, Scolari enjoyed success at club level in Brazil, winning South America's equivalent of the Champions League - the Copa Libertadores - with two different clubs.
 

[SteveH]

Liverpool bid for Barry rejected 
 
Barry's future at Villa has been the subject of speculation
Aston Villa have confirmed that they have rejected an improved offer from Liverpool for midfielder Gareth Barry.

Liverpool have been chasing the Villa captain for some time and were thought to be close to agreeing a deal for the 27-year-old England international.

"The offer we received was a slight improvement on a previous bid," said an Aston Villa spokesman.

"But our position on the issue remains unchanged and Liverpool have been informed."

Barry's agent Alex Black told BBC Radio 5 Live that the player has told Villa manager Martin O'Neill of his desire to play Champions League football next season.

However, O'Neill has been critical of Liverpool's pursuit of Barry, who captained England for the first time and scored his first international goal during the recent friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

Liverpool are keen to partner Barry in midfield with his England colleague Steven Gerrard and have declared their interest publicly, much to O'Neill's fury.

Last month Barry said he was putting off all talks over his club future as he concentrated on his international duties with England.

The Reds are reported to have had an initial bid of £12m rejected for the player, who has been at the club for more than 10 years.

The latest bid is thought to be £13m, but Villa are said to be holding out for £18m, which could pose a problem for Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

The Anfield boss has admitted he is expecting to have a reduced transfer budget as a result of the feud between American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

"If we had a lot of money to spend it would obviously be better," Benitez said on the club website. "But if we don't, it doesn't matter.

"It is not about buying the most expensive players, it is about buying the right players and we can sell some players to get the others we need. We have the spine of the team and we just need others in other positions."

But former Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis says the club should hold out for the £15m they believe Barry is worth.

"If Gareth goes, and I fear he will as Steven Gerrard has been begging him to do so - then right now I wouldn't sell him for less than £15m," said Ellis.

"If I was advising Liverpool, I would say 'dig deep' because he is such a good asset.' It will be a big loss to Villa and I would fight like hell to keep him - but of course I am no longer there."

 

[SteveH]

Evra signs four-year Man Utd deal 
 
Evra is part of the France squad at Euro 2008
Defender Patrice Evra has signed a contract extension with Manchester United which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2012.

The France international signed from Monaco in 2006 and has been a key figure in United's success this season.

He follows Rio Ferdinand, Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick, who have all signed new deals.

"Patrice has been a key part of the club's success in the last two seasons," said boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He has developed into one of the best full-backs in world football and his infectious personality has helped to build the incredible team spirit that exists at Old Trafford."

Evra is part of France's squad at Euro 2008, although he did not feature in the 0-0 draw with Romania, Barcelona's Eric Abidal being preferred at left-back.

The 27-year-old initially struggled to make an impression at Old Trafford when he arrived for £4m from the south of France, with Gabriel Heinze first choice in his position.

But he has since become an integral part of United's defence, making 49 appearances as Manchester United won the Premier League and Champions League last season.

"The last two-and-a-half seasons have been the start of a dream for me," said Evra.

"It is a pleasure and an honour to be part of this fantastic side and to be coached by Sir Alex Ferguson and his staff.

 It is a privilege to play in front of our fantastic fans

Patrice Evra

"I declared when arrived that I was coming here not just to play but to win and United is the ideal place to realise such a dream.

"It is a privilege to play in front of our fantastic fans and I am sure that the success we have earned in the last two seasons confirms the history of this club and will be the start of something even more special."
 

[SteveH]

Eduardo may return in pre-season 
 
The striker has been doing extensive rehabilitation work in his native Brazil
Arsenal striker Eduardo could be involved in pre-season training after making good progress in his recovery from a career-threatening injury.

The 25-year-old suffered a fractured left fibula and an open dislocation of his left ankle after a tackle by Birmingham's Martin Taylor in February.

Arsenal physiotherapist Gary Lewin said: "Hopefully, he will be back doing training during pre-season.

"We're setting no timescales. We don't want to put him under any pressure."

Lewin, who is to leave the Gunners to take up a role as head of physiotherapy with the England senior team next month, added: "We are confident Eduardo will make a full recovery."

 Tomas Rosicky has had surgery on his knee and we expect him to be flying by pre-season

Gary Lewin
The Croatia forward had been expected to be out of the game for nine months, but the former Dynamo Zagreb player has been doing extensive rehabilitation work in his native Brazil.

Meanwhile, midfielder Tomas Rosicky, who, like Eduardo, has been forced to miss Euro 2008 through injury, is making a good recovery after undergoing knee surgery.

Lewin told the club's official website: "Tomas has had surgery on his knee and we expect him to be flying by pre-season.

"We have had some real nasty injuries and I think that is part and parcel of the game.

"Look back at the years, we have been successful and we have had luck with injuries and not picked up many nasty injuries. Hopefully that will be the case next season."
 

[SteveH]

Chelsea warned off Milan's Kaka 
By Simon Austin 


 
Scolari and Abramovich are reported to be keen to sign Kaka

AC Milan technical director Leonardo has warned new Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari that he has no hope of bringing Kaka to Stamford Bridge.

Scolari is expected to be handed a huge transfer kitty and the 26-year-old Kaka is said to be top of his wanted list.

"It's normal for a Brazilian coach to try to bring in Brazilian players," Leonardo told BBC Sport.

"But signing Kaka is impossible, because he is here at AC Milan and will be here until the end of his career."

Scolari takes over as Chelsea boss on 1 July and Leonardo, who played under him when he was Brazil coach, has backed the 59-year-old to be a big success.

 Scolari is a very, very enthusiastic coach and the relationships he has with his players are always good

Leonardo
"Chelsea need an important victory - they are looking to the Champions League," said Leonardo.

"Scolari won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and then took Portugal to the finals of the European Championships two years later. So I think he is a good appointment.

"Chelsea were the nearly team of European football last season. They came so close to the Champions League and Premiership.

"I think Scolari can bring something more to them, so they arrive at the right result next time."

Leonardo, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994, has backed Scolari to quickly get the players behind him at Stamford Bridge.

"He is a very, very enthusiastic coach and the relationships he has with his players are always very good," he said.

"If you talk with his players, they all like him, which is very important.

 
Leonardo played under Scolari during his time with Brazil
"He has a big personality, but at the same time tries to understand the players, how they want to play and how to put them in the best condition.

"We call his teams 'the family Scolari' because he always tries to create this relationship with his players.

"This will be very difficult at Chelsea, because of the different nationalities and different mentalities of football, but I think he has the qualities to bring this kind of feel to the club."

Scolari has developed a reputation as a hothead during his coaching career, but Leonardo says the Brazilian has learnt how to control his temper.

"As a top coach, you need temper and personality, but you have to learn how to control that. Scolari has now done very well in this sense," added Leonardo. 

"He has also enjoyed a lot of success, which has made him more patient.

"If you are Chelsea's coach, you have to deal with not only the English press but the international press and he has grown up so much in the way he deals with the press.

"In the beginning he had a lot of problems, because he says what he thinks.

"But he tries now to understand how to deal with the press, which is very important."
 

[SteveH]

Deco 'to join Scolari's Chelsea' 
 
Deco has won both the European and Uefa Cup in his career
Barcelona midfielder Deco will join his Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea, BBC Sport understands.

Reports in Portugal that Deco had met with Blues owner Roman Abramovich on Thursday were denied by the player in Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo.

But Mike Sewell, BBC Five Live's man with the Portugal squad, said sources were tipping him to move to Chelsea.

"They believe Deco will go with Scolari rather than join up with old boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan," he said.

Barca confirmed recently that Deco was free to talk to other teams. Scolari takes over at Stamford Bridge on 1 July after overseeing Portugal's Euro 2008 campaign.

The Brazil-born star joined Barcelona from Porto in 2004 after helping the Portuguese side win the Uefa Cup, Champions League and domestic league titles under Mourinho.

He won two league championships with the Catalan giants, and was part of the team that beat Arsenal in the Champions League final in Paris in 2006.

However, a series of injuries have hampered his season, and he made just 14 starts in Barcelona's La Liga campaign.

Sewell added that Deco had left the Portugal camp on Thursday after being granted 24 hours' leave by Scolari.

"He flew to Barcelona to sort out a personal matter, believed to be the finalising of his divorce," he said.
 

[SteveH]

Liverpool issue warning on Torres 

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer 



 
Liverpool insist Fernando Torres will not be leaving Anfield
Liverpool have dismissed claims that Fernando Torres could be tempted away from Anfield by a massive bid from new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.

The 24-year-old Spain striker was at the centre of speculation that he was a top target for Scolari, along with AC Milan's Brazil superstar Kaka.

But Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told BBC Sport: "Fernando Torres is just not for sale to anyone.

"It is as simple as that, really - he is not going anywhere."

Torres took the Premier League by storm last season, scoring 33 goals after his move to Liverpool from his boyhood club Atletico Madrid.

And he has already delivered an impressive performance for Spain in their 4-1 win against Russia in their opening game of Euro 2008.
 
Scolari has been handed a huge transfer budget by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, and Torres was among a number of names listed as players he will attempt to sign once he arrives at Stamford Bridge on 1 July.

But Parry has made it clear even Abramovich's millions will not prise Torres away from Liverpool after only one season on Merseyside.

 

[SteveH]

Chelsea challenge excites Scolari 
 
Scolari is eagerly anticipating a fresh challenge at Stamford Bridge
Luiz Felipe Scolari says a new challenge and financial security were two reasons why he agreed to become the new manager of Chelsea on 1 July.

The current Portugal coach said: "Five and a half years is a record for me in a job. It's good to change."

The Brazilian conceded that there was some financial motivation behind his decision because the 59-year-old wants to retire before he is 70.

"Yes, that is one of the reasons," added Scolari.

He was speaking at a media conference ahead of Portugal's final group A match, which is against Switzerland in Basel on Sunday.

He confirmed: "It was not only because they (the Portuguese Football Federation) did not get the appropriate sums. I am 59 and I don't want to work as a coach until I'm 70.

"I want to retire in four or five more years, so money was an issue but not the only one."


Scolari won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, led Portugal to the final of Euro 2004 and also won nine domestic trophies in Brazil.

And he believes he can overcome any potential difficulties in his new role - his first in European club management.

"I think I'm a good manager, relatively good," he explained.

"The results of the squads I've coached speak for themselves. I have got my weak points but can't tell you my pluses or minuses. Ask the players I have worked with.

"I spent 20 years as a club manager, so I think I know the ins and outs of club management.

"When I work with my players, I speak English, Portuguese, German, Italian because football is one language.

"I feel comfortable anywhere in the world as I'm someone who always has good relations with people around me."  I spent 20 years as a club manager, so I think I know the ins and outs of club management

Luiz Felipe Scolari

Former Middlesbrough midfielder Juninho, who played under Scolari for Brazil, believes that the Chelsea players will find that their new manager is very much his own man.

"He is very strict. He gives respect to the players and he wants respect back," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"(John) Terry or (Frank) Lampard - they don't get to do different things. At the World Cup, I had to do the same as Ronaldinho. It's the best way.

"(As Brazil manager) he had to cope with pressure from supporters and journalists and he did very well.

"For example, everyone wanted Romario in the national team, but Scolari preferred to play in his own way. He keeps his own opinions and in the end he shows that he is right." 

"You have to ask my wife," Scolari said. "She is the one who knows best. I am what you see: I like to play, I like to joke, I like a good atmosphere, to play with my players.

"I'm not someone who likes to go to parties, I am shy."

Despite his high-profile switch to the Premier League, Scolari says he is totally focused on the challenge of trying to guide Portugal to what would be their first European Championship triumph.

"It is not going to change anything at the moment," he insisted.

"I am here with my body and soul, completely involved to the end and I hope we can get to another final."
 

[SteveH]

Lampard heads Inter target list 
 
Lampard postponed negotiations over a new deal until the end of the season 
Italian champions Inter Milan have revealed that signing Chelsea's Frank Lampard is their priority this summer.

New Inter manager Jose Mourinho is keen to capture the England midfielder from his former club, with whom Lampard has yet to sign a new contract extension.

Inter president Massimo Moratti told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport: "He's our number one objective. Mourinho likes Lampard a lot."

Moratti hinted Inter may have already started negotiations with the Blues.
 
He added: "Has there been contact with Chelsea? I think there has but I don't know yet."

Lampard's current deal expires next summer and both the 29-year-old and the London club said last month that they were confident of striking a deal.

 

[SteveH]

Hicks laughs off Torres sale talk 
 
Torres scored 33 goals in his first season for Liverpool
Liverpool will not allow striker Fernando Torres to leave at any price, says the club's co-owner Tom Hicks.

Chelsea are said to be considering a £50m offer for the 24-year-old but Hicks made it clear Torres would not be joining Chelsea or anyone else.

"There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres," said Hicks. "The Chelsea rumours in the media are total rubbish."

Torres recently said: "I'm very happy at Liverpool and want to carry on."

The Spain striker was at the centre of speculation that he was a top target for new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, along with AC Milan's Brazil superstar Kaka.

But Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told BBC Sport last week: "Fernando Torres is just not for sale to anyone. It is as simple as that, really - he is not going anywhere."

Torres took the Premier League by storm last season, scoring 33 goals after his £20m move to Liverpool from boyhood club Atletico Madrid.

And he is currently delivering impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2008, where he said last week: "I have no intention of leaving. We have to focus our energies to give the little step we need to get to the top teams."
 

[SteveH]

Ramsey completes Arsenal switch 
 
Ramsey has been hailed as a Wales superstar of the future
Cardiff City teenager Aaron Ramsey has completed his £5m move to Arsenal.

Champions League winners Manchester United and Premier League giants Everton were also in the hunt for the 17-year-old Welsh prodigy.

But Ramsey has signed a long-term deal at Arsenal after they flew him to Switzerland for face-to-face talks with boss Arsene Wenger at Euro 2008.

"He was a big factor in my decision to join Arsenal," said Ramsey. "I'm so happy to have signed for Arsenal."

Known as "Rambo", Ramsey progressed through the youth ranks at Cardiff City.

In April 2007, he became the youngest player to represent the Bluebirds aged 16 years and 124 days when he replaced Paul Parry in a 1-0 home defeat to Hull City.

Since then, Ramsey went on to make a total of 22 appearances for the Welsh side, including a substitute appearance in last season's FA Cup Final against Portsmouth at Wembley Stadium.

 AARON RAMSEY
 
Born: December 26, 1990 in Caerphilly
Position: Midfielder
Club: Cardiff City (22 games, 2 goals)
Height: 5ft 10ins
Weight: 12st
Did you know?: Ramsey was an excellent rugby player and played on the wing for Caerphilly
Cardiff striker Steve Thompson on "Rambo": We call him Marge Simpson because his hair is a proper thatch - and his first car is a luminous, lime green Ford Fiesta with a black and white checkerboard roof. If he goes to the Premier League, the car will have to go!

He also became the youngest player to represent his country at Under-21 level in August 2007.

Ramsey spoke to Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson on the telephone as initially Premier League champions United looked favourite to sign him.

Cardiff made no secret of the fact they wanted him to join United to take advantage of the loan-back agreement.

He also met Everton manager David Moyes before being flown out on a private jet to Basel last Saturday to meet with Wenger.

"Arsene talked to me for a long time about the club and the plans for the future, which really excites me," said Ramsey.

"Arsenal is a club which always gives young players an opportunity at the highest level of the game and I am going to work my hardest to be part of future successes here.

"It was a really difficult decision to leave Cardiff City, they are my local club with great supporters and I would just like thank everyone at Cardiff City for their support and help in my early career.

"I will still look out for their results and there will always be a place in my heart for the Bluebirds."

Ramsey caught Arsenal's eye when the young midfielder shone in a goal-scoring display during Cardiff's FA Youth Cup quarter-final defeat to the Gunners in February 2007.

"We're delighted to have signed Aaron Ramsey," said Wenger.

"He is a young player who has shown huge potential with his performances for both Cardiff City and Wales at Under-17 and Under-21 levels.

"He is still only 17, but has already shown that he is a very intelligent and mature player with great quality.

"Although he mainly plays in midfield, Aaron is a versatile player and can also play across the defence.

"We are all looking forward to welcoming Aaron to the Club for our pre-season preparations." Ramsey - hailed as "sensational" by Wales youth guru Brian Flynn - is one of a crop of promising Welsh youngsters tipped for the big-time.

Cardiff boss Dave Jones has hailed Ramsey's versatility as the teenager has played in his favoured central midfield role, on each flank, at full-back and also in a free role behind the striker this season.

Ramsey, his former Cardiff colleague Joe Ledley, Tottenham's Gareth Bale, Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey and West Ham midfielder Jack Collison have been earmarked as Wales' stars of the future by Wales boss Toshack.

The Caerphilly-born playmaker is the latest off the Cardiff production line of players to move to the Premier League following Chris Gunter, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Rob Earnshaw into the top league.

He will join up with his new team mates at Arsenal for pre-season training in early July.

A Cardiff City statement said: "We would like to wish Aaron every success in the top-flight."
 

[SteveH]

Footballers charged with burglary 
 
Nathan Dyer and Bradley Wright-Phillips attended a police station
Two Championship footballers have been charged with burglary in connection with the theft of items from a Portsmouth nightclub.

Southampton Football Club striker Bradley Wright-Phillips, 23, and winger Nathan Dyer, 20, will appear before Portsmouth magistrates on 8 July.

They were arrested in March over claims that items were taken from Bar Bluu nightclub, Southsea, on 28 February.

Southampton FC has declined to comment on the case.

Bradley Wright-Phillips, of Briton Street, Southampton, is the son of former Arsenal and England player Ian Wright and the half-brother of Chelsea and England player Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Nathan Dyer, also of Briton Street, was a member of Southampton's youth team before playing for the Championship club.

Staff members at the nightclub claim three mobile phones, £145 in cash, student cards and cigarettes went missing from three handbags.

Police launched an investigation when a group of men were filmed on CCTV entering the unlocked staff room.

The pair were charged after answering police bail at Portsmouth central police station.
 

[SteveH]

Defender Riise in talks with Roma  
 
Riise could be on his way to Serie A
Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise is in Italy's capital to discuss a possible 6m euros (£4.75m) move to Serie A side AS Roma.

According to the AS Roma website, the club had been given permission by the Reds to discuss personal terms with the 27-year-old Norway international.

Riise signed for Liverpool in 2001 and helped them to the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League titles.

Liverpool told BBC Sport they would not comment on transfer speculation.

The Norwegian has been a long-time target for AS Roma and both La Gazzetta dello Sport and La Repubblica report that the clubs are close to finalising a deal.

 606: DEBATE
Will you miss Riise?

Riise played second fiddle to Brazilian Fabio Aurelio last season who had established himself as the club's first choice left-back.

When Aurelio came off injured during last season's Champions semi-final first leg against Chelsea, Riise replaced him only to score an own goal in stoppage time.

Last year, Riise was involved in an infamous spat with former team-mate Craig Bellamy after a karaoke night on a team bonding trip to Portugal.

Bellamy was fined £80,000 by the club for his involvement and stated he had "lost control".
 

[SteveH]

Jo transfer hits ownership snag 
 
Jo could be joined at City by fellow Brazilian Ronaldinho 
Manchester City hopes of signing CSKA Moscow striker Jo have been complicated by the issue of third-party ownership.

The 25-year-old Brazilian's advisor is Kia Joorabchian, the man at the centre of the Carlos Tevez controversy.

Premier League clubs have ratified a new rule outlawing third-party ownership of players to avoid future controversies such as the Tevez saga.

In future, clubs will have to buy out all third-party owners so that they own players' registrations completely.

"Kia is aware of the change of rules with regard to third-party ownership," said Joorabchian spokesman.

"He is working on a solution suitable to the Premier League and the club."

City's executive chairman Gary Cook has spoken to Premier League chairman Dave Richards for clarification on the proposed £20m transfer of Jo.

"Jo is a player who interests us and we're currently in discussions with CSKA Moscow and his representatives," Cook told the City website.

"We're hopeful of progress and are keeping in contact with the Premier League on the issue.

"Manchester City is fully aware of the rules regarding third party ownership of players and any transfers will be completed to Premier League regulations."

The Tevez saga began in April 2007 when his former club West Ham were fined for breaching Premier League rules over the signing of the striker and his Argentine team-mate Javier Mascherano in August 2006.

West Ham's response was to tear up an agreement they had with Joorabchian, who claimed to own the striker's economic rights.

But when it emerged Tevez wanted to join Manchester United, the Hammers, backed by the Premier League, insisted they should receive the transfer fee, prompting Joorabchian to take legal action.

Joorabchian eventually agreed to pay West Ham £2m to release Tevez from his contract, allowing the Argentine to join United on a similar deal to the one that took Mascherano to Liverpool in January 2007.
 

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