Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is not bothered by the speculation surrounding midfielder Lee Cattermole. The midfielder who impressed during England's participation in the Under-21 European compeition has been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham and Sunderland. But Martinez said: "I am not worried about the situation with Lee, as he is still a young man and you want that interest."It is important he has his targets and keeps developing and we hope he can fulfil his potential. "We have all seen he is a leader and someone who can go to the very top. To have a player like that at your club is very exciting. "I want the top clubs in world football to be talking about our players." Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is not bothered by the speculation surrounding midfielder Lee Cattermole. The midfielder who impressed during England's participation in the Under-21 European compeition has been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham and Sunderland. But Martinez said: "I am not worried about the situation with Lee, as he is still a young man and you want that interest."It is important he has his targets and keeps developing and we hope he can fulfil his potential. "We have all seen he is a leader and someone who can go to the very top. To have a player like that at your club is very exciting. "I want the top clubs in world football to be talking about our players." 
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of promising young striker Daniel Sturridge from Manchester City on a four-year deal. The 19-year-old's fee has not been disclosed, but was settled by a tribunal. Sturridge, nephew of former Derby forward Dean, made 26 appearance for City last season, scoring four times. The England Under-20 forward will now join up with the rest of the first-team squad when they return for the start of pre-season training next week.
New Manchester United striker Michael Owen admits he leapt at the chance to join the Barclays Premier League champions. This came after a surprise phone call from manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The 29-year-old, whose contract with relegated Newcastle expired at the end of June, has signed a two-year deal at Old Trafford. Owen's poor injury record over recent years which blighted his spell at St James' Park was thought to be a major factor in the unwillingness of most of England's top clubs to consider taking him on a free transfer. With the likes of Hull and Stoke publicly declaring their interest in the former Liverpool and Real Madrid player it seemed Owen was destined to have to accept a substantial drop in both wages and the standard of football which he craved. In fact, his advisors he had just begun negotiations with a number of interested parties before a surprise phone call from Ferguson changed the outlook on everything. "I had just begun to talk to other clubs when out of the blue Sir Alex phoned me on Wednesday afternoon, invited me to have breakfast with him next morning during which he told me that he wanted to sign me," said Owen. "I agreed without a moment's thought. This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. "I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here. "I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from day one. "I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances." He added to MUTV: "It feels great. When I got the call from the manager to come round and meet him it was a shock, but I'm obviously really happy. "I've had a poor spell up at Newcastle but prior to that my career was very good, and I'm sure a top club like this can re-ignite my career." Owen added that his fitness problems of recent seasons should not be a concern for United's fans. "I'd like to think that everyone was quite surprised with my medical," he said. "I passed my medical and I've obviously passed them before, and my fitness is high. A lot is made out of it but I certainly don't feel like I'm injury prone." Ferguson has been a long-time admirer of Owen and his signing does not represent as much of a gamble as some have made out. The fact Owen was a free agent, and that he is believed to have agreed a basic salary with pay-as-you play bonuses, means the Old Trafford boss has nothing to lose. And Ferguson, who lost out to Real Madrid in the race to sign Lyon striker Karim Benzema, can see through the injury woes which have robbed Owen of what should have been the prime years of his career. He believes there is still plenty to come from a player who scored 158 goals in 297 matches for Liverpool and struck 40 times in 89 England internationals. "Michael is a world-class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question," said the United boss. "Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish." Owen will hope moving to United, with the promise of Champions League football again, will help his bid to force his way back into Fabio Capello's England squad. That is particularly important with a World Cup - likely to be Owen's last major tournament - looming next summer. He no doubt thinks he will be helped by regularly playing alongside Capello's first-choice forward Wayne Rooney at United. If he remains injury-free he should still be able to score goals considering the amount of creativity United have on the field - one factor he desperately lacked during his disappointing spell at Newcastle. Owen may not replace the sheer number of goals of Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Ferguson sold to Madrid for a world-record £80million, or the work-rate of Carlos Tevez, who appears on the verge of a move to Manchester City after his lease agreement ran out at Old Trafford, but he has the knack of scoring at important times. It is that pedigree which Ferguson hopes will shine through next season.
A club-by-club guide to all the transfer ins, outs and rumours of the summer so far in the Premier League.
ARSENAL
In: Thomas Vermaelen (£10m from Ajax AFC)
Out: None
Rumours: Thomas Hitzlsperger (Stuttgart), Mamadou Sakho (PSG), Lorik Cana (Marseille), Brede Hangeland (Fulham), Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux), Blaise Matuidi (St. Etienne), Moussa Dembele (AZ Alkmaar), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina).
ASTON VILLA
In: None
Out: Gareth Barry (£12m to Man City), Martin Laursen (retired), Stuart Taylor (undisclosed to Man City)
Rumours: David Bentley (Tottenham), Steven Defour (Standard Liege), Michael Johnson, Micah Richards (both Man. City), Tuncay Sanli, David Wheater (both Middlesbrough), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Tim Borowski (Bayern), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona)
BIRMINGHAM
In: Scott Dann (£4m from Coventry), Christian Benitez (£9.2m from Santos Laguna), Joe Hart (Manchester City on loan), Roger Johnson (£5m from Cardiff), Giovanni Espinoza (undisclosed from Barcelona Sporting Club)
Out: Radhi Jaidi, Mehdi Nafti, Arthur Krysiak (all released), Stephen Kelly (free to Fulham), Robin Shroot (on loan to Burton Albion), Kemy Agustien (end of loan), Carlos Costly (end of loan), Scott Sinclair (end of loan)
Rumours: Danny Shittu (Bolton), Lee Bowyer (West Ham), Zat Knight (Aston Villa), Danny Simpson (Manchester United, on loan)
BLACKBURN
In: Elrio van Heerden (free from Club Bruges), Nikos Giannakopoulos (£52,000 from Asteras Tripolis), Gael Givet (undisclosed from Marseille), Lars Jacobsen (free from Everton), Steven N'Zonzi (undisclosed from Amiens SC)
Out: Aaron Mokoena (free to Portsmouth), Andre Ooijer (free to PSV Eindhoven), Kerimoglu Tugay (retired), Matt Derbyshire (undisclosed to Olympiakos), Roque Santa Cruz (£17m to Man City)
Rumours: Joey Barton, Alan Smith (both Newcastle), Tal Ben Haim (Manchester City), Jerome Rothen (PSG), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth)
BOLTON
In: Sean Davis (free from Portsmouth)
Out: Blerim Dzemaili (undisclosed to Torino)
Rumours: Sylvain Distin (Portsmouth), Joey Barton (Newcastle), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Ferrie Bodde (Swansea), Paul Robinson (West Brom)
BURNLEY
In: Tyrone Mears (£500,000 from Derby), Steven Fletcher (£3m from Hibernian), David Edgar (free from Newcastle)
Out: Steve Jones, Gabor Kiraly, Alan Mahon (all released)
Rumours: Matthew Mills (Doncaster), Bobo Balde (Celtic)
CHELSEA
In: Scott Sinclair (returning from loan)
Out: Mineiro (released), Ben Sahar (undisclosed to Espanyol), Slobodan Rajkovic (on loan to FC Twente)
Rumours: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), Yuri Zhirkov (CSKA Moscow), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), David Villa (Valencia), Alexander Pato, Andrea Pirlo (both AC Milan), Ashley Young (Aston Villa), Moussa Dembele (AZ Alkmaar), Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City), Maicon (Inter)
EVERTON
In: Shkodran Mustafi (undisclosed from Hamburg), Anton Peterlin (undisclosed from Ventura County Fusion)
Out: Nuno Valente, Andy van der Meyde, Segundo Castillo (all released)
Rumours: Michael Owen (Newcastle), Joao Moutinho (Sporting Lisbon), Jo (Manchester City), Niko Kranjcar (Portsmouth), Fabian Delph (Leeds), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Stephan Mbia (Rennes), Kyle Naughton (Sheffield United), Lorik Cana (Marseille), Marcus Berg (FC Groningen)
FULHAM
In: Stephen Kelly (free from Birmingham)
Out: None
Rumours: Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), Chris Brunt (West Brom), Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Jeremy Aliadere, Tuncay Sanli (both Middlesbrough), Paul Scharner (Wigan), Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Kalu Uche (Almeria), Kevin Doyle (Reading)
HULL
In: Steven Mouyokolo (free from Boulogne)
Out: Ryan France, Michael Bridges, John Welsh (all released), Wayne Brown (undisclosed to Leicester), Dean Windass (free to Darlington)
Rumours: Kevin Davies (Bolton), Tal Ben Haim, Darius Vassell (both Manchester City), Manucho, Frazier Campbell (both Manchester United), Liam Miller (free agent), Marc-Antoine Fortune (Nancy), Michael Owen (Newcastle)
LIVERPOOL
In: Glen Johnson (£17m from Portsmouth), Aaron King (undisclosed from Rushden and Diamonds)
Out: Sami Hyypia (free to Bayer Leverkusen), Jack Hobbs (undisclosed to Leicester), Paul Anderson (£250,000 to Nottingham Forest)
Rumours: Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), David Silva, David Villa (both Valencia), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Mauro Zarate (Lazio), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Javi Martinez (Bilbao), Michael Owen (Newcastle), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham)
MANCHESTER CITY
In: Gareth Barry (£12m from Aston Villa), Roque Santa Cruz (£17m from Blackburn), Nils Zander (undisclosed from Schalke), Stuart Taylor (undisclosed from Aston Villa), Richard Martin (returning from loan)
Out: Joe Hart (on loan to Birmingham), Michael Ball, Dietmar Hamann, Darius Vassell, Danny Mills (all released)
Rumours: Carlos Tevez (Manchester United), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona), Maicon (Inter), Sergio Aguero, Diego Forlan (both Atletico Madrid), Joleon Lescott (Everton), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Ronaldinho (AC Milan), Arjen Robben (Real Madrid), Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Adebayor (both Arsenal)
MANCHESTER UNITED
In: Antonio Valencia (undisclosed from Wigan)
Out: Cristiano Ronaldo (£80m to Real Madrid), Carlos Tevez (end of loan)
Rumours: David Villa, David Silva (both Valencia), Karim Benzema (Lyon), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Douglas Costa (Gremio), Neymar da Silva (Santos), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid)
PORTSMOUTH
In: Aaron Mokoena (free from Blackburn)
Out: Glen Johnson (£12m to Liverpool), Djimi Traore (undisclosed to Monaco), Sean Davis (free transfer to Bolton Wanderers)
Rumours: Sam Ricketts (Hull), Manuel Fernandes (Valencia), Gary O'Neill (Middlesbrough), Gelson Fernandes (Man City), Momo (Xerez), Sekou Cisse (Roda JC)
STOKE
In: None
Out: Vincent Pericard (released)
Rumours: Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins (both Newcastle), Stephen Kelly (Birmingham), Benjani (Man City), Paul Scholes (Man United), Jeremy Aliadere (Middlesbrough)
SUNDERLAND
In: None
Out: Dwight Yorke, David Connolly, Arnau Riera, Nick Colgan, Niall McArdle (all released), Darren Ward (retired), Peter Hartley (free to Hartlepool United), Michael Chopra (£4m to Cardiff City)
Rumours: Richard Dunne (Man City), Darren Bent, Didier Zokora (both Tottenham), Steven Davis (Rangers), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Nikola Zigic (Racing Santander/Valencia), Peter Lovenkrands (Newcastle), Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool), Frazier Campbell (Manchester United)
TOTTENHAM
In: None
Out: Ricardo Rocha, David Hutton, Simon Hawkins (released)
Rumours: Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Kenwyne Jones (Sunderland), Arda Turan (Galatasaray), Lee Cattermole (Wigan), Ruud van Nistelrooy (Real Madrid), Marcos Senna, Sebastian Eguren (both Villarreal), Marcus Berg (FC Groningen), Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux)
WEST HAM
In: Peter Kurucz (undisclosed from Ujpest FC), Luis Jimenez (on loan from Inter Milan)
Out: Lucas Neill, Diego Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Tony Stokes, Jimmy Walker (all released), Joe Widdowson (free to Grimsby Town), Freddie Sears (on loan to Crystal palace), Kyel Reid (free to Sheffield United)
Rumours: Daniel Sturridge (Manchester City), Matt Bates (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle), Kevin Kuranyi (Schalke 04), Mancini (Inter Milan), Marc-Antoine Fortune (Nancy), Eidur Gudjohnsen (Barcelona), Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland)
WIGAN
In: Jordi Gomez (undisclosed from Espanyol)
Out: Antonio Valencia (undisclosed to Manchester United)
Rumours: Jermaine Pennant (Liverpool), Steven Davis (Rangers), Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (Wolves), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Frazier Campbell (Manchester United), Matt Kilgallon (Sheffield United).
WOLVES
In: Nenad Milijas (£2.6m from Red Star Belgrade), Marcus Hahnemann (free from Reading), Kevin Doyle (£6.5m from Reading), Andrew Surman (undisclosed from Southampton)
Out: Lewis Gobern (released)
Rumours: Danny Shittu (Bolton), Ronald Zubar (Marseille), Jerko Leko (Monaco), Oguchi Onweyu (Standard Liege)
Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey has agreed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.
The 18-year-old arrived at Emirates Stadium from Cardiff last summer in what was understood to be a £5million deal.
Ramsey made 22 first team appearances for the Gunners, which started with the Champions League qualifier against Steve McClaren's FC Twente.
The former Cardiff youngster netted his first, and so far only, senior goal in the 5-2 European victory at Fenerbahce during October.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger is more than happy with Ramsey's progress so far.
"Aaron made a very good contribution in his first season and he showed that he is a very intelligent player with great quality," said Wenger.
"He is still only 18 and we are really looking forward to seeing him develop with us in the forthcoming years."
Arsenal yesterday handed professional contracts to four members of their successful FA Youth Cup team, while confirming Portugal Under-21 international Amaury Bischoff was one of eight players released.
Defenders Luke Ayling (17), Craig Eastmond (18), Cedric Evina (17) and 18-year-old keeper James Shea have all been signed on by the Gunners following an impressive campaign which also saw the youngsters win the FA Premier Academy League under the guidance of former centre-half Steve Bould.
Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli insists the Serie A giants are not interested in signing Xabi Alonso.
Speculation is rife that Juve have joined the race to sign the Spain international, who they tried to tempt to the Stadio Olimpico last year.
However, Cobolli Gigli claims they are not in the hunt for Alonso, who has also been linked with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"There are a lot of names for midfield but not that of Xabi Alonso," he said. "I learnt from the press about our interest for the Spanish player.
"He's a great player but I think that to say that I have read his name in the papers says it all."
Cobolli Gigli also revealed that Juve are still interested in Udinese playmaker Gaetano D'Agostino despite their bid hitting several stumbling blocks.
"Negotiations have cooled somewhat," he added. "It's about finding a solution between what our valuation is and the Friuli club's valuation of the player.
"The matter is complicated, the fact is that Udinese apart from money want our players who we believe will be part of the future backbone of Juventus.
"However, we still have our esteem and theoretical interest for the player."
Roque Santa Cruz admitted he got frustrated at times waiting for the chance to work with Mark Hughes again.
Santa Cruz became Hughes' second major summer signing last week when he completed an £18million move from Blackburn.
It was six times the figure Hughes paid to bring the Paraguayan to Ewood Park two years ago, a measure of the impact Santa Cruz has had in the Premier League following seven seasons at Bayern Munich.
The South American remembers what an enjoyable year he had working with Hughes at Blackburn, and knows the Welshman tried to get him as soon as he agreed to join Manchester City last summer.
Twelve months on, the dream has finally become reality, ending a difficult period for Santa Cruz, during which he was concerned about his chances of ending up at Eastlands.
"I have waited a long time for this," he said.
"There were stages when I thought things were a bit difficult.
"Obviously the manager made his interest in me quite clear and obviously I was very keen to come.
"I also had to show respect for Blackburn but I was seduced by the fact Mark Hughes was here and I had the chance to play for him again."
While some have questioned Hughes' ability to draw performances out of top class players, Santa Cruz is in no doubt.
He shares similar traits to the City chief that he is convinced will continue to draw the best out of him.
"I know the way the manager likes to work and what he thinks about football," said Santa Cruz.
"He has a winning mentality deep inside and it is the same for me.
"I know we will play to win every week and try to win things. That is why the decision to come here was so easy."
Santa Cruz is acutely aware of the growing expectation surrounding City.
He also hears talk of potential new arrivals like Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Tevez.
Not that it bothers him. The South American feels competition comes with the territory at a big club.
"That will only make the club stronger and make people do even better," he said. "They will want to show how good they are.
"I am delighted to be here with the players we already have. I don't know who else is coming but anyone who does will make us stronger and that is very welcome."
Ironically, Santa Cruz's competitive debut is likely to come at Blackburn given City are due to open the new campaign at Ewood Park on August 15.
It will be the start of a big season for the Blues, who will be expected not just to challenge for the top six, as chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has previously stated, but push to break into the top four.
"The top four is the aim," said Santa Cruz.
"Winning trophies is a very hard task. It is certainly not going to happen from one day to the next and it is going to take a lot of work.
"Everyone has their own goals but it is important that everyone thinks in the same way and is pushing in the right direction.
"Just to say we want to win as many games as possible will not be enough. We have to know in our own minds where we are going to finish."
Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red is hopeful his footballing career is just on hold rather than over.
The Spain international has not played for Madrid since collapsing during a Copy del Rey tie against Real Union in October, and he has undergone numerous medical tests since then to try and determine what the cause of the problem was.
Those tests are still ongoing and as such De la Red will not be able play for Madrid until all doubts about his health are cleared up.
The 24-year-old, who met with Madrid general director Jorge Valdano and club medical staff yesterday, confirmed that means he is unlikely to play next season, saying in Marca: "Yes, that's the decision that has been taken.
"I have 100% trust in everything they (the medical staff) decide and I'm grateful for what they're doing for me."
When asked what the problem was and why he has to wait longer to return to playing, De la Red added: "There isn't a name for what what I have. Right now there's no concrete answer.
"It's not a definite 'no', a 'you're never going to play', but neither is it a 'you are going to be able to play'."
However, the Euro 2008 winner is hoping he will be able to play again, saying with a smile: "I hope so."
He added: "It'd be great to be there, above all with the arrivals of Kaka, Cristiano..."
As for what he will do whilst his playing career remains in limbo, De la Red said: "Jorge has told me that the club are at my disposal, that they are there for anything I need. He has even mentioned the possibility of working for the club in some way.
"There is no concrete date to return to talk about. Now I'm only thinking of my wedding, of going to the beach to rest and that's it."
Mark Hughes has confirmed Manchester City are still interested in bringing Samuel Eto'o to the club.
It was confirmed yesterday that Eto'o would prefer to remain with Barcelona amid a wrangle over a £25million fee that would be paid by City to sign the Cameroon star.
However, Hughes has not given up hope of getting his man.
"We have made an offer but there appears to be a situation between the player and his club that we cannot be part of," said the Blues chief.
"We just have to sit back and see what develops. Patience is a word that has been mentioned and we may need some of it."
Hughes also confirmed City are interested in signing Carlos Tevez, who has left rivals Manchester United.
Yet it does not appear the Argentina star is an imminent arrival.
"I am a huge admirer of Carlos," he said.
"Everyone is aware of his situation and we are interested, as we are in all top quality players.
"We will have to see what happens but these are very early days."
Hughes was speaking at the unveiling of Roque Santa Cruz, who finally completed his move from Blackburn last week.
Santa Cruz already knows he has competition for places from Craig Bellamy and Robinho even without the likes of Eto'o and Tevez joining City as well.
But such strength in depth is one of the reasons Hughes believes the Blues are capable of fulfilling the extreme expectation they will face, unlike last term when the Welshman always knew they would fall well short.
"If we can get the players we are hoping for we will have more tools at our disposal to do the job," he said.
"We are trying to address that situation and we feel we are getting closer.
"Leading into the new season we are in better shape to be better prepared than we were last year, when expectations were the same as they will be this time.
"Last year we couldn't fulfil them. This time I think we will."
Santa Cruz is of the same opinion, even though the £18million Paraguayan accepts it may take time.
"The aim is the top four and that is certainly the mentality among the players," he said.
"It might not happen overnight but we will move in the right way."
Veteran defender William Gallas maintains he has no intentions of leaving Arsenal this summer.
Gallas, who turns 32 in August, has endured something of a difficult spell since arriving from Chelsea two years ago.
Manager Arsene Wenger eventually replaced Gallas as captain with Cesc Fabregas following public criticism of the young squad and reports of a bust-up with centre-half partner Kolo Toure.
However, somewhat ironically, the Frenchman then went on to produce a string of consistent displays as the Gunners found some form over the latter part of the campaign before missing the closing weeks because of injury.
Gunners boss Wenger, though, continued to give Gallas his full support, denying suggestions Gallas had played his last game for the Gunners.
The arrival of young Belgian Thomas Vermaelen have seen rumours of a summer move to Italy and reunion with his old Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan.
However, Gallas insists he is fully focused on the new campaign ahead with the Gunners.
"I am at Arsenal, my contract is still valid for a year, so I am an Arsenal player," Gallas said on www.skysports.com.
"We have not talked about renewing the contract, but I am relaxed and looking forward to next season with Arsenal."
Wenger remains keen to further strengthen his squad before the new campaign, which will see Arsenal face a qualification play-off to reach the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.
Brazilian holding midfielder Felipe Melo had been strongly linked with a switch from Fiorentina, only to then sign a new contract with the Serie A club.
Udinese's Gokhan Inler is another midfielder on Wenger's radar, the Gunners manager having been considering a move this time last season.
While Arsenal look set to retain the services of sought-after skipper Fabregas, set for extra recovery time following the Confederations Cup, and Robin van Persie, last season's top scorer, the future of Emmanuel Adebayor is yet to be resolved one way or another - with AC Milan continuing their interest.
Manchester City, meanwhile, remain keen on Toure, who handed in a transfer request at the start of the year before then settling back into the side.
Louis van Gaal's reign as coach of Bayern Munich began with a 40-minute delay today.
The Bayern players emerged from the dressing room at their training facilities to the applause of over 1,000 fans packed in around the perimeter fencing to catch a first glimpse of their heroes at 11.10am, 40 minutes later than the originally scheduled start of pre-season training.
Among the squad were new signings Ivica Olic, Mario Gomez, Alexander Baumjohann, Edson Braafheid, Andreas Gorlitz, Anatoliy Tymoschuk and Daniel Pranjic wearing Bayern shirts for the first time.
Franck Ribery was also present despite the persistent rumours linking him with a move away from the club this summer.
Only Luca Toni and Lucio were absent as they have been given permission to return later after appearing in the Confederations Cup this summer for Italy and Brazil respectively.
Van Gaal will be officially presented at a press conference later today, but he should have made himself well known to the players already after holding them in the dressing room longer than expected this morning.
Ajax coach Martin Jol has failed in an attempt to persuade Clarence Seedorf to return to the club.
The 33-year-old was approached by Jol last week, but told the former Tottenham boss he was not ready to return to Holland.
Jol told Voetbal International: "We have a group of players with a lot of youngsters in it.
"Seedorf has bags of experience and footballing qualities. Together with his positive attitude, he could have meant a lot to my youthful team.
"Clarence made clear to me that he isn't done yet abroad. It's a pity."
Seedorf, who played 65 games for Ajax, left Holland in 1995 to play in Spain and later Italy.
He said: "Ajax will always be a special club for me, but I left Holland years ago and I'm not done yet abroad.
"My contract at Milan runs for another two seasons. Martin Jol isn't the problem - he looks to me to be a interesting coach to work under. I wish him and Ajax the best.
"We've agreed that we will keep in contact. Who knows what the future will bring?"
Italy u-21 international Luca Cigarini will complete a move from Atalanta to Napoli in the coming week.
Cigarini, one of the most promising players at the recent European Under-21 championships in Sweden, said he is very excited to move to Napoli, and told Radio Goal that the club would certainly be aiming high next season.
"I am very happy to be playing for Napoli next season," Cigarini claimed.
"My expectations? I hope we gain a place in Europe. I don't know if we'll manage the top four, but I want to be with a strong club in Europe."
Cigarini was expected to move to Napoli weeks ago, but explained that he wanted to focus on the European u-21 championships and so the deal was not completed.
‘I laugh when people say I have refused a move to Naples. I don't know who says these things, but they are obviously wrong," the midfielder insisted.
"I had an important engagement with the Azzurrini at the European championships and asked my club to let me concentrate on the event. "
Cigarini will be the latest addition to a Napoli squad that is looking to challenge next year, and have been very active in the transfer market.
Napoli have already signed Fabio Quagliarella and Hugo Campagnaro, while reportedly being close to completing moves for Juan Zuniga, Julio Cruz and Morgan de Sanctis, among others.
Brazil left-back Andre Santos has said it would be a dream to move to Juventus, who have been linked with the Corinthians star.
Following an excellent Confederations Cup where Santos claimed a winner's medal with Brazil, the South American has caught the eye of many clubs in Europe, with Juve, Fiorentina, Roma and Stuttgart all reportedly interested in the 26 year old.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Santos revealed that if Juventus were to make a bid, he would be delighted to join the Turin side.
"Juventus? It's massive news to me. I have always dreamt of playing in Europe and possibly at a big club, so it would be a great move," Santos said.
"I would feel at home as [my countrymen] Diego and Amauri play at Juventus."
"We would play really well together. Robinho always tells me that there is no player as strong as Diego."
"Juve are one of the best clubs in the world, but it all depends upon what Corinthians decide."
It is already well known that Juventus are in the hunt for a left-back, and reports in the Italian press suggest they will move to sign Santos.
With the deal for Fabio Grosso having reportedly fallen through and Andrea Dossena's agent insisting his client is happy at Liverpool, Santos seems like the premier option for the Old Lady, especially given his excellent performance at the Confederations Cup.
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes Manchester City will be a force to be reckoned with next season.
Torres and his Anfield colleagues finished as runners-up to Manchester United last time out and are looking to go one better when the new Premier League campaign kicks off in August.
Liverpool have not won an English top-flight crown since 1990, and are sure to face stiff competition yet again from both United and London rivals Chelsea.
However, Torres believes City, who have already signed Gareth Barry and Roque Santa Cruz, are more than capable of causing an upset thanks to the high profile players they are currently attracting to Eastlands.
"I am sure that Man United and Chelsea will be our main rivals but you can't leave Manchester City out of the equation," explained the Spain international to The Sun newspaper..
"Man City are putting together a strong team with good signings.
Despite harbouring a desire to win the Uefa Champions League, Torres admitted that landing the Premier League remains Liverpool's top priority.
"Once again the Premier League is Liverpool's main goal for next season.
"We are going to set our sights on the title, and this time we are going to try and be more clinical at home against the so-called weaker teams.
"Last season they caused us some grief at Anfield."
Brazil defender Lucio has admitted his time as a Bayern Munich player may be over.
The 31-year-old is not thought to be part of new Bayern coach Louis van Gaal's plans and insists he will not stick around if he is not wanted.
"When I hear such stories saying Bayern don't want me anymore, then it makes me sad," he told Munich's Tz newspaper.
"Everything which was said about my future with Bayern was hard (to take).
"Bayern and these reports have created a situation which is anything but nice.
"A transfer would be the best thing for me to find peace again."
Most of Bayern's squad reported for the first day of pre-season training under Van Gaal today, but Lucio has been given a fortnight off after leading Brazil to success at the Confederations Cup last weekend.
"It is possible that I don't come back," he added. "Although I do have to return to empty my locker."
David Beckham should brace himself for a hostile reaction from some fans when he returns to action in the MLS.
Sunil Gulati, president of the US Soccer Federation, said some negative response was "inevitable" after Beckham missed the start of the season to play at AC Milan.
Beckham is due to make his return for the Los Angeles Galaxy at the New York Red Bulls on July 16, but his 'timeshare' deal with Milan has upset some fans.
Gulati told Bloomberg: "I'm sure there will be some negative reaction from some fans.
"That's inevitable, but in the end he's a good player, a soccer icon and I think he'll help his team and the league. But are there going to be some people that are upset? Sure."
Beckham's absence may have contributed to a drop in attendances at the Galaxy - they are averaging just over 19,000 fans per home game so far this season without Beckham, about 7,000 fewer than last year.
Under the 'timeshare' agreement, Beckham will return to the Galaxy from July to October and then be able to rejoin AC Milan for the rest of next season.
Beckham could also move to another club permanently by exercising an escape clause in his Galaxy contract in November, halfway through the term, but he would have to pay compensation to the club.
Newly-promoted Wolves have broken their transfer record to sign Reading striker Kevin Doyle for £6.5million.
Doyle's transfer fee is more double than Wolves' joint-record fees of £3m for Kenny Miller and Ade Akinbiyi.
He will be Mick McCarthy;s biggest transfer so far after the signings of Nenad Milijas and Marcus Hahnemann.
The Republic of Ireland international is expected to form a formiable strike force with Sylvan EbanksBlake.
And they will parade their new big-money signing at Molineux on Tuesday.
Fiorentina’s Italian international Alessandro Gamberini has drawn interest from AC Milan, who are reportedly set to bid for him.
According to reports in Corriere dello Sport, Milan are ready to make a bid for the center back, especially after their defensive problems last season.
Milan's aging duo of Alessandro Nesta and Kakha Kaladze were plagued by fitness problems last season, with Nesta not making even a single appearance after undergoing back surgery.
There are still doubts over their availability for the start of the new campaign, and Milan will be looking to strengthen their back four.
Gamberini has a €15 million rescission clause in his contract with Fiorentina, so there is room to negotiate a transfer, especially considering that the clubs have a strong relationship.
Gamberini has also been linked with German champions Wolfsburg, who are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of next year's title defense and Champions League.
Gamberini could join Italians Cristian Zaccardo and Andrea Barzagli at the club, with the latter being instrumental in Wolfsburg's successful bid to win their first league title last term.
Czech veteran Pavel Nedved’s agent has revealed that the Juventus midfielder is considering a switch to the MLS.
Mino Raiola, who represents Nedved, has suggested that his client will not retire and spoke of Nedved's future on Italian program Gr Parlamento.
"Nedved is on vacation and will return soon, but I think he will decide to continue playing," Raiola claimed.
While the Italian press is convinced the Czech will return to former club Lazio, who have expressed an interest, Raiola did not confirm this.
" Lazio? We must see what Pavel decides."
" There is some interest from the United States - a country that fascinates him."
Nedved has also been linked with Italian champions Inter, but Raiola was cryptic about the chances of a move.
"I do not rule it out. He can go wherever he wants and he wants a team that needs him, where he can make an important contribution."
The 36-year-old Czech winger left Juventus at the end of the last campaign and intimated that he would be hanging up his boots.
However, having been presented with several intriguing offers, Nedved is now said to be rethinking his decision.
Raiola, who also represents Inter's Zlatan Ibrahimovic, implied the Swede would remain at Inter.
"There is nothing at the moment. If something happens for Zlatan, Inter will decide. He is happy here." Raiola claimed.
Werder Bremen director of sport Klaus Allofs has confirmed contact has been made with Bayern Munich over Tim Borowski.
Borowski, who is also reportedly a target of Aston Villa, has been told he is surplus to requirements at Bayern just a year after joining on a free transfer from Bremen.
And Allofs says the 29-year-old is an option they are seriously looking at after confirming he had "discussed things" with the former Germany international.
"If the financial side of things is right, and we are convinced that signing him back would make sense for our squad, then we will deal with it," added Allofs in the Kreiszeitung Syke newspaper.
"It is no secret that we are still looking for one or two additions and Tim could be a solution."
Borowski is due to return to Munich on Wednesday where he has already been told that he does not figure in the plans of new coach Louis van Gaal.
Of Bremen's interest, the defender said: "It's very interesting. We'll have to see how things develop."
Udinese have received an offer from an English club for Italian playmaker Gaetano D'Agostino.
The Friuli outfit were in negotiations with Juventus over the transfer of the 27-year-old to Turin, but the deal has fallen through because the bid was considered too low.
Udinese could now consider the two other offers they have received for D'Agostino.
"We have one offer from England and another one from an important Italian club," said Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo. "Anything can happen."
Pozzo was unimpressed by the offer made by Juve.
"I am perplexed by the low value set by Juventus executives for the player," he said.
"The difference between the asking price and the offer is huge.
"I have the impression that Juve have not thought about the real value of our midfielder."
D'Agostino, who is also a reported target of AC Milan, recently admitted he would fancy a move to Juve.
"The will of the player is to go to Juve and if I could I would try to make him happy," said Pozzo.
"But if Juve really want to get D'Agostino they should be able to make a sacrifice.
"Juve should not take advantage of the enthusiasm of the player.
"Once they are able to comprehend it, they will pay the right amount.
"It's all in their hands."
Blackburn have signed experienced Denmark defender Lars Jacobsen on a two-year deal.
Jacobsen, 29, spent last season at Everton but made only four starts for the FA Cup finalists.
He becomes Blackburn's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of midfielder Elrio van Heerden and left back Gael Givet.
Jacobsen will fill the gap let by the departures of right backs Andre Ooijer and on-loan Danny Simpson.
Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Middlesbrough's Turkish international Tuncay Sanli.
The attacking midfielder has attracted much interest from the Premier League in the wake of Middlesbrough's relegation to the Championship having been the stand-out performer in a struggling team.
And according to Sky Sports it is Villa who are at the head of the queue to sign the Turkish star.
Tuncay has been linked previously with both Liverpool and Everton but with O'Neill a confirmed fan of the stylish playmaker and with money to spend following Gareth Barry's departure to Manchester City it seems a move to Villa Park is the more likely option.
Regardless of where the former Fenerbahce star goes, he will no doubt be looking to spend next season in the Premier League to ensure he retains the captain's armband for his country.
Sir Alex Ferguson faces more obstacles in his quest to sign Douglas Costa, with German giants Bayern Munich now entering the race.
Earlier in the week, United had asked Brazilian club Gremio to allow the 18-year-old Costa to undergo a trial at Old Trafford, but the request was turned down flat with Gremio reportedly unwilling to sell Costa unless a club coughs up his 24 million euro buy-out clause.
With Sir Alex Ferguson unlikely to offer such a large amount of money for a teenager, they now face more troubles with claims that Bayern have now entered the picture.
According to English webste Sport.co.uk the German club's interest was confirmed by Costa's agent, Cesar Bottega, who said, "There was an approach from a big German club.
"They saw him at the South American Youth Championship and liked the player. There have been talks and we will see what happens in the next week."
United continue to be linked with Bayern Munich's own Franck Ribery despite Bayern's repeated insistence that the French international is not for sale.
Inter Milan have finally signed Genoa striker Diego Milito, who will join the Italian champions on a four year contract.
The deal had been agreed for some time, but wasn't formalised until Monday evening at which time the Nerazzurri made an official announcement on their website.
The 30-year-old Milito was one of the stars of the Rossoblu's successful season as they finished in fifth place, scoring 24 times in Serie A. He finished one goal behind top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who he will be teaming up with in 2009-10.
Genoa's Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta is also close to confirming his transfer to Inter. The entire deal for the South American duo is reportedly worth more than 30 million euro's.
Fiorentina have targeted Milan striker Marco Borriello as they try to boost their attacking options ahead of the new season.
The Viola will enter the qualifying round for the Champions League in August and currently only have three strikers on their books having sold Giampaolo Pazzini and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo midway through last season.
According to reports in the Italian press coach Cesare Prandelli would like at least one more striker at his disposal to ensure the squad have depth up front and Borriello would seem to fit the bill.
Milan have been linked with Edin Dzeko and Emmanuel Adebayor and if another striker does come to the San Siro they could be willing to concede Boriello, who missed a majority of last season through injury.
However, Fiorentina are also considering other potential goal-scorers, like Inter duo Julio Cruz and David Suazo, as well as Torino forward Rolando Bianchi.
Manchester United are inching closer to making Antonio Valencia their first signing of the summer.
The Wigan winger has cut his summer break short to try and complete his move to Old Trafford.
And the £16million deal is expected to be confirmed this week as Sir Alex Ferguson begins the task of spending the world record £80million fee United have just banked for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.
They hope Valencia, who scored just three Premier League goals last term, might be able to replicate the pace and dribbling ability of Ronaldo. However, getting anywhere near his goals output might be far more difficult, a factor emphasised at the JJB Stadium last month when the Ecuador flyer missed a sitter in the defeat to United.
Certainly most United fans - and probably Ferguson himself - would be disappointed if there were not further signings by September 1 given the problems he is juggling with.
As well as Ronaldo, the loss of Carlos Tevez, seemingly bound for rivals Manchester City, leaves another gap.
Karim Benzema has been touted as a potential replacement but has already given vibes he may prefer to go elsewhere, and even then in another year's time.
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is another option but the Dutchman is more of a Ruud van Nistelrooy-type figure and Ferguson has been building his teams in a different way of late.
At the back of Ferguson's mind will also be the knowledge Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar are all preparing for what is expected to be their final season of top-flight action, with Gary Neville not far behind.
Twelve months ago, United appeared to have the replacements in place but doubts have emerged over Nani, Anderson and Ben Foster, leaving Ferguson with more big decisions to make.
There are further question marks over midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who is hoping to return from two years wrecked by a tendinitis problem, and record signing Dimitar Berbatov, who was inconsistent in his debut season.
Lyon's Marino Faccioli insists the transfer of Porto striker Lisandro Lopez does not depend on whether Lucho Gonzalez remains with the Portuguese champions.Gonzalez has been linked with a move to Marseille, meaning Les Gones' pursuit of Lopez could be under threat with Porto seemingly reluctant to lose both of their Argentina stars.
However, Faccioli claims Gonzalez's situation will not be a factor.
"I don't see how the transfer of Lucho Gonzalez will change something for OL," Faccioli told L'Equipe.
"I am always in contact with Porto. That means the club is always the seller."
Luis Felipe Scolari will see his new club Bunyodkor take on Pohang Steelers in the quarters of the ACL.The former Brazil, Portugal and Chelsea boss recently signed an 18-month contract to take charge of the big-spending Uzbek side and faces a tough baptism against the Koreans as the 60-year-old looks to take Bunyodkor one better than last season's semi-final appearance.
Pohang produced a breathtaking display of football in their 6-0 drubbing of Newcastle Jets in the last 16 but will not relish facing a side containing the likes of Rivaldo and Chilean marksman Jose Luis Villanueva that defeated Piroozi at the intimidating Azardi Stadium in Tehran.
Kawasaki Frontale again face Japanese opposition in the form of Nagoya Grampus. Having knocked out defending champions Gamba Osaka in the last round, they come up against fellow J.League side Nagoya who ousted Suwon Bluewings.
FC Seoul, who stunned J.League leaders Kashima Antlers in the last 16, were rewarded with a tie against Qatar minnows Umm Salal while the second side from Uzbekistan in the last eight, Pakhtakor, were drawn against Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad.
"We are pleased to be playing Umm Salal," FC Seoul team official Kim Tae-joo told the AFC's official website.
"We beat Kashima Antlers to get to the quarter-finals so we are very confident that we have the ability to go on to win the tournament."
Meanwhile in the AFC Cup, Chonburi were drawn against Binh Duong in what looks to be the most mouthwatering of the four quarter-final ties.
Thai side Chonburi outclassed Indonesians PSMS Medan 4-0 in the last 16 while Binh Duong thrashed Malaysian outfit Kedah 8-2 and with both teams finding the back of the net with regularity during the group stages, a feast of attacking football could be in the offing.
"We know their style of play and I think both the teams are of the same level. Our target is to reach the AFC Cup final and win it," said Binh Duong's Technical Director Nguyen Van Hiep.
Elsewhere, Syrian heavyweights Al Karama were handed a tough draw when they take on Al Arabi from Kuwait while Hong Kong's South China, who cruised past Home United in the last 16, will face a much stiffer test in the shape of Uzbek side Neftchi.
Kuwait SC face Arbil in the other last eight clash with the two legs to be played on September 15 and 30.
Draw for Asian Champions League quarter-finals (ties to be played 23, 24 and 30 September)
Umm Salal (Qatar) v FC Seoul (South Korea); Kawasaki Frontale (Japan) v Nagoya Grampus (Japan); Pakhtakor (Uzbekistan) v Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia); Bunyodkor (Uzbekistan) v Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
Draw for AFC Cup quarter-finals (ties to be played September 15 and 30)
Al Karamah (Syria) vs Al Arabi (Kuwait); Kuwait SC (Kuwait) vs Arbil (Iraq); Neftchi (Uzbekistan) vs South China (Hong Kong); Chonburi FC (Thailand) vs Becamex Binh Duong (Vietnam)
Dani Guiza is hoping Carlos Marchena can put in a good word for him at Valencia as he searches for a return to La Liga.Guiza followed his Euro 2008-winning coach Luis Aragones to Fener last summer after a memorable first season at Real Mallorca, where he scored 27 goals during the 2007/08 campaign to finish as the leading scorer in the Primera Division.
After only one season in Turkey though, the 28-year-old admits he is already thinking about going back to his homeland and he is looking at Valencia - who could be on the look out for a striker if David Villa leaves - as a possible destination.
"I would like to return to play in Spain," Guiza said in Spanish newspaper AS.
"I'll see if my mate Marchena can give me a little hand to play at Valencia."
Guiza was speaking after coming off the bench and scoring two late goals to help Spain finish their Confederations Cup campaign with a 3-2 win over South Africa.
That was only Guiza's second appearance in the tournament, but he made sure he made the most of the opportunity to impress both coach Vicente del Bosque and any watching La Liga scouts.
"I work hard to have minutes and I've had the fortune to score two goals," he added. "It's not easy to get into the national team, and I must thank the coach."
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer a mega-bid of 59 million euros to lure Franck Ribery to England.The French winger has been the subject of intense transfer speculations in the last few months with Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid all keen to add him to their roster.
New Chelsea boss, Carlo Ancelotti wants Ribery to be part of his London revolution but it is still uncertain if Ribery will be sold.
His club, Bayern Munich, has repeatedly knocked back all the transfer talk by claiming that their star player is set to stay in the Bundesliga.
However, the Sunday Express reported that the Blues are throwing in a mouth-watering bid which the German giants would find hard to refuse.
Whether the player himself would fancy a move to the Premier League is another matter as he has always hinted that Spain would be his preferred destination.
A question mark still hangs over the talented playmaker's head as to where he will be plying his trade next season. England, Italy, Spain or Germany?
Make a guess?
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