SUMMER SALES
BARCELONA have given boss Pep Guardiola the green light to sign winger Franck Ribery should he want him.
The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Real Madrid all summer, although the big-spending Spanish giants have given up hope of signing the £60m-rated Bayern Munich star.
Chelsea remain in the race, but Barca vice-president Jaume Ferrer says Guardiola has been given licence to bid for any player who can improve his treble-winning side.
“If he is the No1 option then the club will try and sign him,” Ferrer said. “If that is what they ask for then we will look to deal with it.”
City fail in Rossi bid
MANCHESTER CITY have had an offer for former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi rejected by Spanish outfit Villarreal.
City’s offer was said to fall well short of the £35m release clause in Rossi’s contract. “Rossi is happy in Villarreal and would only consider leaving for one of Europe’s six big clubs,” said his agent Federico Pastorello.
Mido AWOL from training
MIDDLESBROUGH striker Mido is yet to reappear for pre-season training as Gareth Southgate’s men prepare for life in the Championship.
The Egyptian appears to have no place in Southgate’s plans, although £12.7m strike partner Afonso Alves, who also missed the first two days of summer training, has reappeared on Teesside.
Turkey international Tuncay Sanli, meanwhile is a £5m target for Liverpool and Aston Villa, who are also chasing injured Stewart Downing, who is fast recovering from a foot injury.
Bowyer takes pay cut for Blues
LEE BOWYER has taken a pay cut to join Birmingham City on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old became a free agent after his West Ham contract expired on 1 July and has signed a two-year deal.
Bowyer played 17 games on loan at St Andrew’s at the end of last season.