Print

Mail

wiki links

SPORT SOCCER SHORTS

■ENGLAND

Shorey signs with Villa

Nicky Shorey has moved to Aston Villa from Reading on a three-year contract to become Villa’s fourth summer signing. The 27-year-old Shorey joins former Royals teammate Steve Sidwell and goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan. Shorey headed to the midlands earlier on Thursday after Villa agreed to an undisclosed fee with Reading. And after agreeing on personal terms, the twice-capped England player has signed for Martin O’Neill’s side. Shorey had been expected to leave Reading since their relegation last season with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services. The Londoner will fill the void left by Wilfred Bouma, who dislocated his ankle recently, and provide long-term competition for places.



■ENGLAND

Chelsea bids for Robinho

Top English Premiership club Chelsea confirmed on Thursday night they had made a bid for Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Robinho. The Stamford Bridge club, who have already signed Jose Bosingwa and Deco, had made no secret of their desire to bring Robinho into their squad. A statement on the Blues’ Web site read: “Further to media reports, Chelsea Football Club can confirm we have made an offer to Real Madrid today for the transfer of Robinho.” The 24-year-old, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2005, has 50 caps for Brazil and Chelsea’s offer is believed to be around £20 million (US$39 million).



■ENGLAND

Liverpool to retain wingers

Liverpool has rejected AS Roma’s pursuit of Yossi Benayoun and Hamburg’s attempt to sign Dirk Kuyt. Manager Rafa Benitez was keen to retain the wingers despite still trying to secure the finances to buy Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. “It is true that Roma are interested in Yossi,” Benitez said on Thursday. “I have talked to him and told him I want to keep him. He is a player with quality and has shown that during preseason. I have no more news about Yossi — he will be staying with us. I also talked with Dirk Kuyt this morning. I am really pleased with him and he will be staying with us.”



■PORTUGAL

Atletico loans out Reyes

Spain international Jose Antonio Reyes will play for top Portuguese club Benfica next season after being loaned out by Atletico Madrid, the Lisbon club said on Thursday night. There is also an option for Benfica to buy Reyes, the club statement said. The 24-year-old striker has formerly played for Sevilla (1999-2004) and Arsenal (2004-2007).



■GERMANY

Bayern to play short

Jurgen Klinsmann on Thursday said that Bayern Munich could be without as many as eight top players for their first competitive match this weekend. Bayern will play Erfurt tomorrow in the first round of the German Cup, before kickstarting the defense of their league title against Hamburg the following Friday. “We are going to be a little short,” Klinsmann said, following news that Argentinean defender Martin Demichelis will be out for up to three weeks after picking up a knock in Tuesday’s pre-season defeat against Inter Milan. With Italian star Luca Toni doubtful, and newly crowned German player of the year Franck Ribery, Frenchman Willy Sagnol, Hans Jorg Butt and Tim Borowski all topping the list of crocks, Klinsmann is facing a selection nightmare. To add to those injuries woes, Brazilian defender Breno and Argentinean midfielder Jose Sosa will be in Beijing to represent their countries at the Olympic Games.


This story has been viewed 737 times.