Archive » 2011 » November » 07

Former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Boudewijn Zenden is being evaluated ahead of a potential move to Celtic.

The much-travelled Zenden, who has also had spells at PSV Eindhoven, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Marseille and Sunderland, is available on a free transfer after leaving the Black Cats at the end of last season and trained with the Parkhead outfit on Saturday.

“Bolo came in a couple of days ago and he trained yesterday,” Celtic assistant manager Alan Thompson told Sky Sports.

“He’s a free agent with an unbelievable CV. He wants to come, so we’ll have a look and see what we can do.”

The 35-year-old former Holland international will train with the Celtic squad over the next few days in a bid to convince manager Neil Lennon to offer him a deal.

Celtic have had more than their fair share of injuries and illness this season, with the likes of Mark Wilson, Ki Sung-yueng, Joe Ledley, Charlie Mulgrew, Mo Bangura and Glenn Loovens all sidelined, and Lennon is known to be keen to bolster his squad.

Source: Press Association.

Blackburn Rovers are weighing up an ambitious move for Barcelona’s Jonathan dos Santos.

The Mexico midfielder, brother of Tottenham’s Giovani, is on the fringes of Barcelona’s first-team squad but is a regular in their B side.

The 21-year-old, son of former Brazil star Zizinho, is in dispute with Barca over a new contract — as with several of their young players, he fears he will not get chances to play at the level he wants.

Barcelona say Rovers scouts have been in attendance at recent B-team games with Dos Santos the focus of their attention.

He was one of eight players sent home by Mexico during their preparations for the Copa America in the summer for allegedly hiring prostitutes but apologised, saying: ‘I have always been disciplined but we are all human beings — we’ve all made mistakes.’

Although Blackburn face a battle to hang on to Stoke and Tottenham target Junior Hoilett, they are eager to bring in good young players and Dos Santos fits the bill.

Source: Daily Mail.

Jordi Alba has joined Manchester United’s transfer target list, as Sir Alex Ferguson looks to Spain to strengthen his squad.

The Valencia left-back is one of the rising stars of Spanish football and made his international debut in a 3-1 win over Scotland last month.

His displays have attracted the attention of Barcelona’s management team, but United scouts are also keeping a close eye on him, according to reports.

The Red Devils are searching for a long-term replacement for Patrice Evra and there is a feeling at Old Trafford that Alba fits the bill, as he is just 22 and already has Champions League experience.

Ferguson is also keen to add another central midfielder to his squad and is monitoring Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal’s Bruno Soriano.

The Basque club value 23-year-old Martinez at close to £30million and are reluctant to sell, but United may have more luck with Soriano.

Villarreal are struggling financially and are likely to listen to offers in excess of £10million for the 27-year-old when the January transfer window opens.

Source: Metro.

Manchester United have won the race to sign PSV Eindhoven’s Brazilian-born midfielder Andreas Pereira.

The 15-year-old is regarded as one of the finest players for his age in Europe with most of the elite sides keen on him. But Pereira is set to move to Old Trafford next year.

He said: ‘I knew that PSV had given me my chance, but Manchester United is obviously a great club.

‘Other British clubs were interested. I thought about it, but Manchester United is a dream club for me.

‘I have been a few times to Manchester United to have a look.

‘I got a tour and spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson. Being a 15-year-old and being able to talk with him is great.’ he told VoetbalPrimeur.

Pereira moved to Belgium as a child and has been capped at youth level. PSV signed him from local side Lommel United but United look set to bring him to Old Trafford.

Source: Daily Mail.