Official: Manchester United confirm signing of goalkeeper David de Gea from Atletico Madrid

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea.

De Gea spoke to the club’s official television station about his delight with the move: “I feel very proud and I can’t wait to start playing here,

“When a club the size of Manchester United comes in for you it obviously makes you very, very happy.
"I saw their interest as an extra motivation to work even harder to show off my ability.
"It’s a great privilege to be part of a club like United and I'm keen to do my best and show what I can do.”
A fee has not been announced but the fee is believed to be worth £18m which would make De Gea the most expensive keeper in English football, he has also committed to a 5 year contract with the club.
De Gea has been watched by Manchester United for a while, since making his first team debut in a Champions League game against Porto in 2009.
Since then he has progressed to become the regular No. 1 at Atletico Madrid and also playing a big part in Spain’s success at European Under-21’s Championship, conceding only two goals in the tournament.
The Spaniard is the third arrival to Old Trafford this summer after the signings of Phil Jones and Ashley Young, as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to bring in fresh faces to replace the ageing members of his squad.
Ferguson also seems to be trying to conclude his dealings in the transfer market as soon as possible, trying to assemble his squad before the start of their American tour.

Soccer Talk: Official:Manchester United complete signing of Ash...

Soccer Talk: Official:Manchester United complete signing of Ash...: "Manchester United have completed the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa. The club confirmed on their official website that the Englan..."

Official:Manchester United complete signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa

Manchester United have completed the signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa.
The club confirmed on their official website that the England international has signed a five-year contract after passing a medical.

Young had been at Villa Park since January 2007 following a move from Watford and made 190 appearances in his time at the club, scoring 38 goals.

Defender Rio Ferdinand has lauded the signing, saying via his Twitter account: "Welcoming Ashley Young to Manchester United, another top, hungry and young player joins the ranks."

Meanwhile, new Villa boss Alex McLeish has praised his outgoing player, telling his club's official website: "Ashley has made a terrific contribution for Villa over the past four-and-a-half seasons and everyone at the club wishes him the best for the future.
"He has become an important player in the England team during that time and I'm sure he will be looking forward to this new challenge."
The winger is the club's second signing of the summer after the transfer of young defender Phil Jones from Blackburn Rovers.

Andre Villas-Boas factfile

Daily Soccer Talk takes a closer look at Andre Villas-Boas, who has been handed a three-year contract to manage Chelsea.

1977: Born in Porto on October 17.
1993: Invited to work as a trainee with FC Porto's youth-team coaches by manager Sir Bobby Robson.
1994: Achieves UEFA C coaching licence in Scotland.
2000: Takes charge of the British Virgin Islands for two international matches. Both end in defeat.
2002: Becomes part of Jose Mourinho's backroom staff at Porto.
2004: Follows Mourinho to Chelsea.
2008: Moves with Mourinho to Inter Milan.
2009: Appointed manager of Academica in October, with club bottom of the table and without a win. Villas-Boas guides them to an 11th-place finish and a Portuguese League Cup semi-final.
2010: June 2 - Appointed manager of boyhood club Porto.
August 7 - Wins Portuguese Supercup with 2-0 victory over Benfica.
2011: April 3 - Leads Porto to their 25th league title, finishing with the biggest ever winning margin over second place (21 points).
May 18 - Porto win Europa League with a 1-0 triumph over fellow Portuguese side Braga.
May 22 - Guides Porto to a trophy treble with a comprehensive 6-2 win over Vitoria de Guimaraes in Portuguese Cup final.
June 21 - Porto confirm Villas-Boas has tendered his resignation and his contract will be terminated once his 15million euros release clause has been paid.
Porto later announce they have received the required compensation, with Chelsea releasing a short statement confirming their interest in Villas-Boas and their intention to agree personal terms in the near future.
June 22 - Appointed Chelsea manager on a three-year contract.

Villas-Boas handed Chelsea reins

Chelsea have confirmed Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager on a three-year contract.

The 33-year-old, who resigned from his post with Porto on Tuesday, will start work immediately at Stamford Bridge.
A statement on the Chelsea website read: "Andre was the outstanding candidate for the job. He is one of the most talented young managers in football today and has already achieved much in a relatively short space of time."
The Blues were impressed by what their former backroom scout had achieved during his first managerial post.
"His ambition, drive and determination matches that of Chelsea and we are confident Andre's leadership of the team will result in greater successes in major domestic and European competitions.
"Andre will bring his coaching experience back to a club he is already very familiar with, having previously worked here for three years.
"He has always been highly regarded at Chelsea and everyone here looks forward to welcoming him back and working with him."

LOKOMOTIV TO LAND OBINNA

Lokomotiv Moscow will complete the signing of Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna after finalising a four-year contract.

The Nigeria international spent last season on loan at West Ham, but he was unable to save the club from relegation from the Premier League.

The 24-year-old forward scored eight goals in 30 appearances for the Hammers during his season-long loan in England.

Serie A giants Inter opted against extending Obinna's contract this summer meaning he was a free agent.

Lokomotiv have now confirmed they have agreed terms with the player, who will formally move clubs on 1st July.

"We have agreed a contract with Victor as a free agent," the Russian outfit confirmed. "The agreement with Obinna is for four years."

Warner resigns from FIFA posts

Jack Warner, the man at the centre of the FIFA bribery scandal, has resigned from all his positions in international football.

Warner, the longest-serving member of FIFA's executive committee, had been suspended pending the outcome of a bribery inquiry.
FIFA said the ethics committee procedures against him "have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained".
FIFA released a statement on Monday which read: "Jack A. Warner has informed FIFA about his resignation from his posts in international football.
"FIFA regrets the turn of events that have led to Mr Warner's decision.
"His resignation has been accepted by world football's governing body, and his contribution to international football and to Caribbean football in particular and the CONCACAF confederation are appreciated and acknowledged.

"Mr Warner is leaving FIFA by his own volition after nearly 30 years of service, having chosen to focus on his important work on behalf of the people and government of Trinidad & Tobago as a Cabinet Minister and as the Chairman of the United National Congress, the major party in his country's coalition government.
"The FIFA executive committee, the FIFA president and the FIFA management thank Mr Warner for his services to Caribbean, CONCACAF and international football over his many years devoted to football at both regional and international level, and wish him well for the future.
"As a consequence of Mr Warner's self-determined resignation, all ethics committee procedures against him have been closed and the presumption of innocence is maintained."

Arsenal property deal boosts Wenger transfer warchest

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will have plenty to spend this summer - thanks to the club's property deal.

The Gunners are set to announce the sale of some property in Queensland Road to Barratt Homes, in a deal which is expected to generate about £25m for the club, says the News of the World.

Arsenal have already made £35 million available to Wenger this summer.

And with all the proceeds from the property sale going to the warchest, Wenger can count on having £60 million spend - before any player sales - for the close season transfer window.

 

Chelsea remain confident their new management team will be in place soon as they close in on the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas.

A club spokesman said: "We hope to be able to make an announcement regarding the new manager in the next few days or so, but until then we will not be commenting further on the speculation surrounding that appointment."
Porto maintain the release clause for Villas-Boas has not yet been triggered, as their coach looked set to head for Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are seeking to replace Carlo Ancelotti, who was unceremoniously axed at the end of last season, just 12 months after guiding the west London club to an historic double.

With Guus Hiddink - who enjoyed a successful spell as caretaker at Stamford Bridge in 2008/2009 - now appearing set for a sporting director role once a £4million compensation agreement from his departure as Turkey national team boss is secured, Chelsea seem ready to bring in a younger coach to oversee the first team.
Villas-Boas, 33, would certainly be no stranger to Stamford Bridge, having worked there under Jose Mourinho, and the Portuguese coach has seen his stock rise after guiding the Dragons to domestic and Europa League success last season.
However, the Dragons insist as yet the £13.2million clause has not been met and no deal has been done for his departure.
"So far this club has not received any communication that this clause has been exercised, nor of the agreement of the coach that is desired," a Porto statement read.
Despite their determination to keep hold of Villas-Boas, president Pinto da Costa admitted the club could not prevent their manager from leaving should certain financial conditions be met.
"Villas-Boas has a contract and a clause of 15million euros," he confirmed.
"If someone deposits 15million euros into our account and he wants to go, we can not do anything because it is something that is contractually specified."
While there has as yet been no official comment from Chelsea, reports suggest a £4.4m-a-year salary is on the table for Villas-Boas, who could bring star striker Falcao to Stamford Bridge along with him.

United face WBA, Reds host Cats

Manchester United travel to West Brom on the opening day of the 2011/12 Premier League season, while Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men are at The Hawthorns on August 13, with their next two games at Old Trafford against Tottenham and Arsenal. The champions round off the campaign on May 13 with a match at Sunderland.
The Gunners start with a match at Newcastle - a contest which finished in a 4-4 draw last season - while a testing opening continues with a home game against Liverpool before the trip to Old Trafford.
Chelsea, last season's runners-up, travel to Stoke on the opening day, before
taking on West Brom at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool start their campaign at home to Sunderland, meaning Reds midfielder Jordan Henderson will get an immediate match against the team he supported and played for, prior to his recent big-money move to Anfield.
The Black Cats' opening home match is against arch-rivals Newcastle the
following weekend.
Manchester City's first match is at home to Swansea, who made sure of their
place in the top flight with a play-off final win over Reading last month.
Wigan provide the first home opposition for Swansea, meaning a return for
former boss Roberto Martinez - who left south Wales for the Latics a little more than two years ago.
The Swans have an appealing final day fixture, with Liverpool visiting The
Liberty Stadium on May 13.
Of the other Premier League newcomers, QPR open with a home match against Bolton, while Norwich travel to Wigan.
Elsewhere on the opening day, Tottenham and Everton meet at White Hart Lane, Fulham and Aston Villa face each other at Craven Cottage, while Blackburn host Wolves.

Tottenham determined to stand firm and refuse to sell Luka Modric to Chelsea - no matter the price

To paraphrase David Dein’s memorable line, Roman Abramovich has parked his Russian tanks on Tottenham’s lawn and begun firing roubles at the boardroom.

The target of the Chelsea owner is Luka Modric, Tottenham’s most influential player, just as he tried to land Thierry Henry, another north London favourite, when the Frenchman was at his Arsenal peak and ripping up Premier League defences for fun.

The immediate reaction to the latest demonstration of Abramovich’s financial muscle is that there is an inevitability to Modric being paraded in a blue shirt before the Premier League switch off their fax machine at the end of the transfer window. The initial £22million bid might have been rejected but many reports have suggested that common ground will eventually be reached between Chelsea and their London rivals.

However, Spurs sources have told Goal.com UK that chairman Daniel Levy has “no intention” of caving in to Abramovich this summer and is “adamant” that Modric will not go at any price.

Observers might point to the cases of Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov, who moved to Liverpool and Manchester United for a combined £50m three years ago. Spurs agitated, postured and even filed a formal complaint to the Premier League in the case of Liverpool but eventually negotiated and banked handsome cheques for their two star players.
Tottenham’s reputation as a selling club, albeit a well-run one, had been re-established. Yet the case of Modric is different, far removed also to that of Fernando Torres, who effectively gave up the ghost at Anfield, save for a mini-January revival, before moving to Chelsea in the last window.

Spurs have built their team around the diminutive midfield conductor and want him to lead their bid next season to get back in the Champions League. Sources insist that there is no price that will entice the club to sell, even a staggering bid close to the ￡50m mark that eventually persuaded Liverpool to do business.

Having made ￡27.3million in prize money from their debut Champions League campaign, plus matchday receipts from six home games in the competition, Spurs are not in the position where they have to cash in on their prize assets.

"Levy has 'no intention' of caving in to Abramovich this summer and is 'adamant' that Modric will not go at any price"

Modric signed a six-year contract 12 months ago, which has given Levy and his boardroom colleagues confidence they can fend off interest from the best endowed of suitors, just as Cesc Fabregas’ lengthy deal with Arsenal has put their bitter rivals in a strong bargaining position with Barcelona. Even a transfer request, which is considered unlikely, would be given short shrift.

Manchester United made an enquiry for the Croatian last month but it was dismissed out of hand by Levy, just as Chelsea’s formal approach was late yesterday afternoon.

There is a feeling at White Hart Lane that Modric’s head has been turned by the interest from Chelsea and United, who would both be able to offer a far bigger salary than he commands at Spurs as well as the prospect of Champions League football and a better chance of winning trophies.

The Croatian has also given mixed messages about his future, claiming that his future at the club is not guaranteed and that situations change in football.

A Croatian agent claiming to represent him also poured petrol on the fire by saying Modric “would be willing to discuss” a transfer “if an offer came in that was acceptable to the club and player”. However, Spurs sources have distanced Modric from those comments and insisted that Nikky Vuksan, the agent in question, is not the player’s representative.

Those who know the former Dinamo Zagreb man talk of a humble individual with his feet on the ground and his head a long way from the clouds.

He got married last year, reaffirmed his vows with another ceremony this year, and recently moved to a new home in Hertfordshire close to the club’s training headquarters. His Spurs colleague and countryman Vedran Corluka is one of his best friends and he is also close to Niko Kranjcar, who is however expected to leave the club this summer.

Every player has his price – and Modric’s is a considerable one. Even if Chelsea come back firing more roubles, Spurs intend to stand firm.

The most likely scenario is that the player will renegotiate improved terms, stay for another season and then leave in 12 months’ time with the club’s blessing should Spurs fall short next season.

Didier Drogba Finally Marries!!!

With the almost incessant scandals that emerge from the world of football it's refreshing to find that some players can behave themselves. Take Didier Drogba for instance - the Chelsea star married his long-term partner this weekend in a private ceremony minus the opulence commonly associated with the world of millionaire footballers. 

The ceremony was officiated by club owner Roman Abramovich, with his team-mates Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda among the groom’s men. RnB superstar Akon and a host of stars from NBA were also said to be included on the list of guests for the event.

Didier also flew in singer J.Martins from Nigeria.

MORE PICTURES HERE

Representatives of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas to meet Barcelona this week - report

Cesc Fabregas could secure his dream move back to Barcelona with his representatives set to meet the European Champions this week, according to The Times.

Fabregas will arrive in Madrid on Wednesday morning to shoot a TV commercial with Spain team-mates Xabi Alonso and David Villa and the Arsenal star has not changed his desire to move to Camp Nou this summer.

The report claims the 24-year-old's representatives will fly to Barcelona to try and negotiate a deal between the clubs, with the Gunners having demanded around £48m for the Spanish International's services.

It is believed Fabregas and Wenger had a "gentleman's agreement" last summer which meant the midfielder would remain in London until the end of this season.

The report claims the Arsenal star will not submit a written transfer request but will make a public plea to the Catalans.

Fabregas' contract has four years still to run and he has been regularly linked with a move to Barcelona. In previous years, he has dropped public hints about his desire to move back to the club he left at 16.

Arsenal have always made it clear that Fabregas will not be for sale and the Gunners have already increased their valuation to £8m more than Barcelona were willing to spend on him last summer.

However, the midfielder has always made it clear he wants to return to Catalonia and has even called it his 'spiritual home'.

He said last year: “I am a club member, along with my grandfather, my uncle and my cousin. I feel those colours and have since I was young. I am Catalan.”

The report also claims that Real Madrid are also interested in signing the 24-year-old and will monitor developments over the summer.

Arsenal have rejected an offer from Barcelona for midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

El Mundo Deportivo says Arsenal turned a bid of £30 million plus Thiago Alcantara and Bojan Krkic in exchange for Cesc. The Gunners made it clear they will only consider a straight cash deal for their captain.

Arsenal want £40 million for Cesc - which Barca deems too rich.

The only chance for Barca to see Arsenal drop their demands is if Cesc takes an active role in demanding the Gunners lower his asking price.

Luis Suarez knows a good start is vital if Liverpool are going to challenge for the Premier League next season

Liverpool forward Luis Suarez says his team must hit the ground running if they are to be challenging for the Premier League title next season.

The Uruguayan was an integral part of the Kenny Dalglish-led revival in the second half of last season, making 13 appearances and scoring four goals in the process.

With pre-season fast approaching, the 24-year-old is confident the team can carry on in the type of form which saw them lose just five of their 19 games under Dalglish.

"I think the form we have shown over the second half of the season bodes well,” Suarez told LFC Weekly.

"We've been playing well and I think we've been getting into the type of form that we know we'll have to keep up for a whole season if we want to be title contenders.

"This is something we're optimistic about for next season and if we can hit the ground running and maintain the good form then I think we've got a good chance of doing well."

Suarez’s optimism for next season is clearly shared by his manager, who has already splashed the cash on Sunderland starlet Jordan Henderson, with The Reds hoping to complete more deals in the coming months.

Wenger stands firm on star duo

Arsene Wenger has declared his intention to keep Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas at Arsenal as speculation continues over the future of the pair. Nasri has just one year remaining on his current contract and is understood to have attracted the interest of several clubs, including Premier League rivals Manchester United.
However, Wenger has warned any potential suitors that they will find it difficult to secure the Frenchman's services this summer.
The Gunners manager believes the Emirates Stadium is the best place for the 23-year-old to continue his progression, having developed into a world-class performer since joining from Marseille in 2008.

"We will do everything to keep Nasri at the club. My wish is that he stays here," Wenger said in The Sun.

"If he looks back he can see that he's come quite a long way with us, and I think there is still a bit to do.

"It's the club that makes the player's career."
Arsenal captain Fabregas was heavily linked with a move back to boyhood club Barcelona 12 months ago and reports have resurfaced in recent weeks.
The Spanish media has indicated that a deal between the clubs could be imminent, but Wenger maintains that Fabregas will not be going anywhere.
And he feels that if Arsenal can hold on to their star men this summer, it will become much easier in future.
He said: "I will be pretty clear about this. For me, Fabregas is with Arsenal for a long time and he will stay with Arsenal.
"It sometimes happens that the rumour can make the transfer.
"Next year will see the introduction of the financial fair play system, which will limit the big transfers.
"I think this is the last year that the summer will be hot - very hot."

Tottenham boss Redknapp plans new bid for Man Utd defender Ferdinand

Tottenham boss  Harry Redknapp is planning a new bid forM anchester United defenderRio Ferdinand.

The London Evening Standard says Redknapp is a huge admirer of the defender, who he brought through West Ham's Academy into the first team when he was in charge at Upton Park.

Redknapp tried to sign the 32-year-old 12 months ago only to be told he wasn't for sale.

At the time he confessed he wasn't confident of ever signing Ferdinand but United now have six centre-backs at the club following the arrival of Blackburn defender Phil Jones, who Spurs were also interested in.

Redknapp said in April: "I've told the chairman many times that it's not always about the best players, it's about getting characters.

"Chelsea and United have had it over the years. William [Gallas] has given us experience and we've got Michael [Dawson] at the back but to keep progressing you need leaders. You can't have too many at your club."

Wages could be a stumbling block to any deal with Ferdinand earning £120,000 a week. But Redknapp needs help in defence with Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both having had injury problems.

Jones joining United - Report

Blackburn's Phil Jones looks to be bound for Manchester United, with bookmakers having already suspended betting on his transfer destination.

Initial reports on Wednesday suggested the centre-back was set to undergo a medical at Liverpool's Melwood training ground.
However, Skysports.com sources later claimed that United had stolen a march on their rivals in a transfer race that could be concluded soon.
It is understood United have offered Jones a five-year contract.
The 19-year-old was supposed to travel to Denmark on Wednesday with the England Under-21s for this summer's European U21 Championship.
Sky Bet have now stopped taking money on homegrown Jones after revealing that they saw a lot of money placed on the teenager on Wednesday morning.
Before news of United's offer broke, football trader Sandro Di Michele said: "A flurry of early morning bets on Phil Jones saw us go from 3/1 into evens and then into 1/3.
"With the weight of money and rumours coming from Merseyside that Jones is having a medical with the club today, we took the decision to suspend betting."

Theo Walcott hoping for a 'mega signing' such as Karim Benzema at Arsenal this summer

After another disappointing season, Theo Walcott is hopingArsenal make a "mega signing" in a bid to end their six-year trophyless run - and named Real Madrid star Karim Benzema as an ideal target.

The Gunners haven't got their hands on any silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2005 and despite pushing Manchester United in the Premier League and getting to the League Cup final, they again ended the campaign with nothing.

Speaking at the launch of the Mars Just Play, Walcott, who joined Arsenal in 2006, believes his side are not far from success but need one or two more top additions in the summer.

"It's totally up to Arsene Wenger, he's the manager and he knows what to do; he believes in the squad," said Walcott.

"He saw things that us players wouldn't have seen after the Carling Cup final - he'll know what to do.

"Maybe we do need some new signings, a mega signing that's going to get the fans on board.

"I've heard rumours of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. Someone like that would help you hold on to your best players, get the crowd on their feet as well.

"We have to win something next season, if we don't then I think a lot of players will go I'm sure of that.

"A big club like Arsenal, being in the top four, the Champions League and then finishing fourth is disappointing - we need to be winning things, the manager knows that.

"I think it's going to be tough in the Premier League next season; Manchester City look very dangerous, Liverpool are looking bright too.

"Obviously City winning the FA Cup, they are going to want more and more and they will feel confident after finishing third ahead of us so there is going to be a lot of teams challenging - it's not going to be easy."

Walcott also spoke about the position he is regularly picked in for the Gunners and conceded he still feels most comfortable in attack, rather than on the right wing, where he tends to be deployed.

"I would prefer to be playing up front - I was signed as a striker," he said.

"Sometimes when you're playing out wide, it's difficult to get in the game. I think manager wanted to develop me on the right and I think I've shown what I can do this season - hopefully he trusts me and I can play up front next season.

"I'll have a chat with him when I come back and see what he's thinking. I believe I can give something different to the team we haven't had for a while so why not?"

Walcott believes his manager will lose no time over the summer working out how to right the wrongs of another frustrating season, where the Gunners also lost out again to Barcelona in the Champions League - this time in the second round.

"Our team has some great individual players but maybe as a unit we're just not doing it," he added.

"It's totally up to the manager who is going to come and who is going to go.

"Everyone always say about the defence [being the problem] but it's not just the defence at times it's the whole team; the way we defend."

Arsenal target Reina keeps escape clause in Liverpool contract

Pepe Reina's buyout clause is staying in his Liverpool contract.

The Spanish goalkeeper insists he's staying at Anfield, despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

The News of the World says Reina will retain his £20million Anfield exit clause, despite pledging his future to Liverpool for another season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger made an offer for Reina 12 months ago and remains a big fan of the ex-Barcelona junior.

 

Sacked Chelsea boss Ancelotti: No Arsenal contact

Sacked Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti insists there's been no contact with Arsenal.

Ancelotti has been linked with the Gunners job in the Italian press.

He said: “Arsenal? I haven’t been contacted by any English club. As for Roma, I never spoke to anyone there and the rest was all fantasy. One day I will be the Coach of Roma, I have always said that, but it’s still too early.

“As for Juventus, it’s completely false to say they wanted me. I always had a strong rapport with President Andrea Agnelli, so if he wanted to call me, he could’ve done...”

TFF: HIDDINK IS STILL TURKEY COACH

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) have denied they have agreed terms for the departure of national team coach Guus Hiddink and do not expect any potential negotiations with Chelsea to begin until next week.
Hiddink is thought to be the Blues' number one choice to replace previous manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was fired shortly after the club's trophy-less season came to an end last month.
The Dutchman has a strong relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and previously managed the club during a successful three-month caretaker spell in 2009.
His contract as Turkey manager runs until next summer but he added fuel to speculation that he wants to return to Stamford Bridge after refusing to commit his future to the country before Friday's 1-1 draw against Belgium.
Reports on Monday morning suggested the TFF are resigned to losing their manager.
Chelsea are reportedly keen to tie up a deal for the 64-year-old soon, but the TFF say any potential negotiations will have to wait until next week as their president Mahmut Ozgener, and Hiddink himself, are on holiday.

"There is nothing official happening because both parties are away," TFF spokesman Turker Tozar said.
"Mr Hiddink is on holiday now and the president is on holiday for a week as well. Nothing can happen at the moment."
Reports the TFF and Chelsea have already agreed a compensation deal for Hiddink are also wide of the mark, Tozar insisted.
"Mr Hiddink is still our manager and he has a contract until 2012," he added.
Hiddink's agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen insists his client is still focused on leading Turkey to Euro 2012 despite last weekend's disappointing draw, which left the team eight points behind Group A leaders Germany and one behind the Belgians.
The Turkish media reacted angrily to Hiddink's refusal to commit his future to the TFF this weekend.
'Good riddance' and 'Goodbye Hiddink' were two negative headlines aimed at the former Real Madrid boss following the draw against Belgium, but Van Nieuwenhuizen remains adamant his client is still happy in his current position.
"He is very happy with the draw in Brussels because he is still in the race for the European Championships," Van Nieuwenhuizen said.
"Nothing has changed. I have said it before, Guus is under contract with Turkey.
"He has an obligation there until his contract is up in June next year. We have been saying that for weeks. Everyone is making their own stories about his future, but this is the reality."

Rio Ferdinand hails Manchester United target Samir Nasri: He is an excellent player - one of the best around right now

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has hailed the quality of Arsenal star Samir Nasri as the Red Devils continue to be linked with signing the France international this summer.

Nasri has been linked strongly with a move to Old Trafford, with his contract talks at the Emirates stalling and the playmaker himself refusing to rule out a move.

Following the retirement of Paul Schoes last week, reports suggest Sir Alex Ferguson wants the Frenchman at United to bring some much-needed creativity to his midfield.

Discussing the player, Ferdinand admitted he is a big admirer of Nasri's talents and would seemingly welcome him at Old Trafford next season after giving a glowing assessment of his skills.

"Samir Nasri is an excellent player," Ferdinand is quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

"He is a player who has a good technique and a huge amount of talent - and he scores goals.

"For me, he is one of the best players right now. I think he even won the title of best French football player at international level.

"The French have a history of good players here [in the Premier League]. Thierry Henry has been fantastic. Just like Cantona and let's not forget Marcel Desailly."

United boss Ferguson insists the Premier League champions need some fresh faces to cope with a number of retirements this summer.

Ferguson told Inside United: "I'm looking at possibly a couple, maybe three signings, which would boost our overall quality in the team,

"Of course, the way we're looking at it is we have Ryan Giggs coming towards the end of his career and Gary Neville's already retired.

"Edwin van der Sar announced his retirement and there are holes we want to plug in terms of the safety and security of the team in the next few years."

Jol named new Fulham manager

Fulham have announced the appointment of former Tottenham and Ajax manager Martin Jol as their new boss on an initial two-year contract.

Jol replaces Mark Hughes, who resigned as Fulham manager last Thursday after one season at the helm.
Jol, who was sacked by Spurs in 2007, was linked with the Fulham role last year but Ajax refused to release him from his post as head coach at the Amsterdam ArenA.
He has been out of work since quitting the Dutch club last December and has now spoken of his excitement at returning to the Premier League.
"I am very happy to join Fulham Football Club, a wonderful traditional club," he told his new club's official website.
"It is a club with good, solid foundations and a great fan base.
"I am looking forward to being part of the Fulham family and thank the chairman for the trust he's shown in me."
Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed said later: "I would like to welcome Martin Jol to Fulham. He understands my vision for the club, and believes in what we are striving to achieve here.
"I know that he will dedicate himself to helping us move forward, and is with us for the long term, to help us build and progress.
"We have enjoyed three incredibly successful years, and my hopes and dreams for this club are for that journey to continue.
"I know that with his wealth of experience and success, Martin is the right man to help us do this."
Hughes stepped down from his role last week after guiding the club to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League and earning them a return to Europe via the Fair Play League.
He also built on a reputation initially forged at Blackburn and then Manchester City, where many felt he was unlucky to lose his job, but departed insisting he had had no contact with any other club.
The Welshman's decision left the Cottagers searching for a new manager for the second consecutive summer, after losing Roy Hodgson to Liverpool last year.
Jol will have little time to get his feet under the table, with the Fulham players due to report back for pre-season training on June 23 and facing a Europa League qualifier in less than four weeks' time.
A club statement confirmed: "Martin joins Fulham on an initial two-year contract with the club having an option to extend for a further year.
"He will arrive at our Motspur Park training ground in advance of the players return to training later this month."
Jol moved to Spurs in summer 2004, initially as an assistant to Jacques Santini, after having started his coaching career with stints at Roda JC and RKC Waalwijk in his homeland.
The Dutchman was handed the top job at White Hart Lane when the Frenchman left the following November and won many admirers for the attractive football played under him.
Following his dismissal in October 2007 - he was unceremoniously dumped following the UEFA Cup defeat to Getafe - he spent the 2008/09 campaign at Hamburg
before succeeding Marco van Basten as Ajax coach in May 2009.
He helped the Amsterdammers to KNVB Beker glory in 2010 before stepping down last December with the club in fourth place in the Eredivisie standings in what turned out to be a title-winning campaign.

Off-field scandal intensifies for Man Utd star Giggs

Manchester United star Ryan Giggs was accused of an eight-year affair with his brother’s wife as the fall-out from his ill-fated gagging order became ever more damaging.

The Daily Mail reports Giggs, formerly regarded as the model professional and committed family man, found his reputation further sullied by tawdry details of the relationship with his 28-year-old sister-in-law Natasha.
He had been cheating on his wife Stacey with her before she began dating his younger brother Rhodri, a Sunday newspaper claimed.
It said Giggs slept with Natasha the day after his eight-year-old daughter was born, and again the day after the arrival of his four-year-old son. The affair was alleged to have continued until April 9.
To underline 37-year-old Giggs’s folly in taking out his notorious injunction over an alleged fling with former Big Brother housemate Imogen Thomas, his sister-in-law said it was this which spurred her to break her silence.
"When I found out he was cheating with Imogen too, I was really hurt," she told the News of the World through a ‘friend’.
"I know that sounds really strange, but he wasn’t just cheating on Stacey, he was cheating on me too. Our relationship was just about sex to him."

 

Tottenham expect to sell star Modric to Man Utd this summer

Tottenham expect to eventually sell Luka Modric to Manchester United.

The Sun says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a big fan of the Croatian playmaker, 25, who he sees as the ideal replacement for the retired Paul Scholes.

And he now plans to test Tottenham's resolve.

Spurs do not want to sell Modric but a top White Hart Lane source says a deal will be inevitable.
He said: "The word is that Sir Alex has already spoken directly to Harry and said how much he admires Modric and how much he wants him.
"And as much as Harry wants to keep him he knows United can make an offer we just can't refuse.

"So Harry's busy now trying to do the Joe Cole deal to bring in a new playmaker to compensate for the expected departure of Luka."

 

FIFA's Warner backs down

Jack Warner has, for legal reasons, backed down from his threat to reveal the content of emails with the ruling body's president Sepp Blatter.

The suspended FIFA vice-president had promised a "football tsunami" would follow his sanction by FIFA's Ethics committee last week but on Sunday he confirmed he would not be carrying out the threat.
In a brief speech in his constituency on Sunday, Warner, also Ministers of Works and Transport for Trinidad and Tobago, reiterated his innocence but said he would not be making public the emails after discussions with his lawyers.
"I had plans to speak to you a bit more on this matter but the best legal advice I received has suggested that I do not do so at this point in time and that advice I am going to respect," explained Warner.
Warner has been suspended pending a full investigation by FIFA into allegations that bribery took place at a meeting he organised with Mohammed Bin Hammam.
The meeting in Trinidad involving Bin Hammam, the head of the Asian Football Confederation, was related to the Qatari's presidential election campaign against Blatter.
"I haven't thieved anything, I haven't given anybody anything and I don't know what the hullaballoo is all about," Warner said.
Responding to calls by one of the major partners in the coalition government and by the opposition for him to step down pending FIFA's investigations into the allegations, Warner said his FIFA position never interfered with his government work.
But he told supporters, "If it comes to a choice between FIFA and you, the choice is you."
Bin Hammam has also been suspended from all football activities and, like Warner, has denied any wrongdoing.
Blatter was re-elected as FIFA president last week at a congress overshadowed by bribery and corruption allegations.

Capello: England can roar

Fabio Capello is determined to disprove Michel Platini's theory that England are lions in the autumn but turn to lambs by the spring.

Fabio Capello is determined to disprove Michel Platini's theory that England are lions in the autumn but turn to lambs by the spring.
Once again, a June fixture has proved too difficult for England to negotiate successfully.
The reason they remain in top spot in the battle to reach Euro 2012 from Group G is purely because Montenegro conceded a second-half equaliser to Bulgaria in Podgorica.
It meant the unfancied eastern Europeans failed to capitalise on a 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley where England were forced to fight back from a two-goal first-half deficit.
Even if England make it to Poland and Ukraine next summer, it is not easy to see how Capello's side can be any more effective than they were in last summer's calamitous World Cup performance.
The Italian is keen to prove Platini's theory, which he offered several years ago, is wrong, but he does not have a masterplan for how that will be achieved.
Capello said: "I remember what Michel Platini said, next June I hope we will be lions.
"We will try to find a solution. But do you know the medicine?
"It is not the quality that is lacking. We have quality. The problem is the energy."
The observation is not a new one and there is some merit to it.
However, there are other issues too, namely mystifying selection decisions and repeated communication issues.
As Rio Ferdinand discovered when John Terry was handed back the captaincy, communication is not Capello's strong point.
But England are hurting themselves.
If, as expected, Peter Crouch confirms an intention to make himself unavailable for Three Lions duty until Capello leaves at the end of the European Championships, it will rob England of one of their most potent goal threats.
There had always been a suspicion the 30-year-old would be omitted if Capello could justify it, but Crouch's impressive goal return has made it impossible.
However, given he is apparently some way third in a group of three strikers available for the Switzerland game, and knowing Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll and Jermain Defoe, all absent yesterday, are ahead of him in the pecking order as well, it seems Crouch has thrown in the towel.
That, coupled with Ashley Young's omission from Saturday's starting line-up despite producing his three best England performances in their last three games, and then proving the folly of that decision by scoring the equaliser, merely created a confused picture of Capello's continuing tenure.
"It is a question for the chairman," said Capello, when asked why he should continue into the final year of his £6million-a-year contract.
"It is my job. I am trying to do everything the best I can."

Young Lions win final friendly

Danny Rose's superb solo goal helped England Under-21s beat Norway Under-21s 2-0 in Sunday's friendly at St Mary's in Southampton.

The match was the Young Lions' final fixture before the UEFA European Under-21 Championships which start in Denmark next weekend.

Daniel Sturridge put Stuart Pearce's side ahead inside nine minutes and Rose struck a brilliant second five minutes before the break.

The Norwegians looked the better team for a long spell in the first half but the home side should have added further goals after the break following a raft of substitutions.

Several of Pearce's youngsters will travel to the finals in Jutland looking to stake a claim in Fabio Capello's senior squad and they will be expected to do well despite the controversial withdrawal of Jack Wilshere from the squad, as well as injuries to Andy Carroll and Micah Richards.

Head coach Pearce picked virtually his strongest possible side under the circumstances on Sunday, only the second time he had been able to do so since qualification for this month's finals had been secured.

That previous time had yielded a 4-0 thrashing of the tournament hosts and a similar result looked on the cards when Sturridge put England ahead inside nine minutes.

Jordan Henderson clipped a lovely pass into the path of Ryan Bertrand, who scuffed the ball goalward, with Sturridge on hand to poke home.

The Chelsea striker then sent in a cross which just evaded Jack Rodwell, and captain Michael Mancienne flicked a Rose corner wide as England continued to attack in bursts.

But they needed a brilliant Frankie Fielding save to keep them level in the 20th minute, the Blackburn goalkeeper getting fingertips to Valon Berisha's deflected drive.

Norway also threatened through Harmeet Singh and the lively Flamur Kastrati and England began to lose their way.

The visitors, who were nowhere near qualifying for this month's finals in Denmark, were matching their opponents, with Berisha again going close.

But that changed in spectacular fashion when Rose burst forward onto a diagonal ball sent to the left before cutting inside two defenders and unleashing a superb right-foot curler into the top corner.

With next Sunday's tournament Group B opener against Spain in mind, Pearce rang the changes at half-time, sending on Tom Cleverley, Kieran Gibbs, Jack Cork, Marc Albrighton and Henri Lansbury.

He also experimented with a 4-3-3 formation, with Sturridge the spearhead.

And the striker almost scored an inspirational third five minutes after the restart, turning his marker and firing a right-foot drive from the tighest of angles.

Chris Smalling powered over a header from a corner, Albrighton curled too close to Arild Ostbo, and Mancienne forced an athletic stop from the keeper from fully 35 yards.

The understudies were threatening to steal the show but there was a warning when Fielding fumbled a long-range Singh drive.

Sturridge fired an Albrighton cross into the side-netting before being withdrawn for Nathan Delfouneso, with Norway soon responding by replacing Remi Johansen and Berisha for Stian Ringstad and Alexander Tveter.

The visitors were beginning to struggle against England's superior pace and freshness and the home side made another change when James Tomkins came on for Phil Jones.

Mushaga Backenga came on for Kastrati before Fielding preserved his clean sheet by beating away a Singh drive and comfortably holding a Tveter shot.