Ronaldinho is set to sign a three year contract with AC Milan. He is said to have a handshake deal with Milan VP Adriano Galliani that would see the player transferred for €18.5 million, and earn €6.5 million a year. Manchester City's bid, which was roughly £10 million more and included wages of £200,000 a week, was not enough to bring the player to England. It will be interesting to see what happens if the two teams play each other in the UEFA Cup next year. While there is still the question of whether or not Ronaldinho will be released to play for Brazil in the Olympics, it appears the drama has come to a close. That leaves only Ronaldo, Barry, Lampard, Robinho and I think you get the picture. There's still plenty to write about.
Ronaldinho's transfer should facilitate a number of other moves across Europe. Barca can look to upgrade their attack now, and Hleb should be arriving shortly. He may have company in Emmanuel Adebayor, especially if Eto'o is shown the door. Robinho's has repeated his commitment to Madrid, but is unhappy about being included in a deal to bring Ronaldo from Man U. Reports are that Chelsea have put in a bid, its size depends on the source, and Robinho's agent has said that playing for Scolari again would be a big draw. Chelsea are desperately trying to hold onto Didier Drogba, despite numerous clubs as well as the fans of Marseille tempting him to leave London. With Claudio Pizarro and Andrei Shevchenko likely to move on, Chelsea need a world class striker. Anelka was unable to impress when playing alongside Drogba last season, and Robinho would seem to fit with Big Phil's vision for Chelsea.Martin O'Neill was forced to eat crow today, but that was probably an upgrade from the jellied eels they serve in Birmingham. Aston Villa lost 3-1 to League Two side Lincoln. John Carew heading in the one goal for the Villains with an assist from Steve Sidwell. In what could only be a coincidence, it was announced that Gareth Barry would be rejoining the squad. Martin O'Neill said he would be talking to Liverpool again, and also said that Arsenal had expressed some interest in the player.
One Liners
- Kapo move to Wigan stalled, Steve Bruce crosses his fingers
- Fulham make £6.5 million for two hammers, look ready to fight for 17th place
- Stoke in a battle for Carson's signature, file this under no duh!
- Fowler signed to play for Blackburn, how long until Ince signs himself
- Mutu may be heading for Roma, lets hope they don't have good talcum powder there
