Kaka has signed for Real Madrid. He passed his medical yesterday, with Real Madrid staff flown over to a Brazilian clinic to complete the procedure ahead of him being announced as the world's most expensive footballer. Having cost £56m, he smashes the last record (set by Zidane at £47m), and must be expected to bring real success to the Madrilenos. His transfer has a knock-on effect, with AC Milan now cash-rich to start buying players again (such as Edin Dzeko, who has taken Germany by storm this season) as well as pushing their rivals to get their signings done.
One side of Manchester will be happy come Thursday, with Carlos Tevez set to make a straight choice between the established power of United and the billion-dollar funded ambition on show at City. United have agreed terms with his agent, Kia Jaroobchian, but Tevez is unhappy that its taken so long for the Reds to clinch the deal, and doesn't feel wanted. In contrast, City are willing to smash their wage-structure (is there one?) to get the Argentine, as well as making him their star player. The deal will be done as soon as his international duties have finished.
Michael Owen is the talk of the tabloids once more n the run-up to an England game, but sadly it’s only for transfer reasons this time. The out-of-contract once-great striker has been linked with both Everton and Aston Villa (Martin O'Neill this morning distanced himself from the rumours), although there is still a chance that Owen will end up in Italy at Roma.
Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal for Ajax's 23 year old captain Thomas Vermaelen, who may or may not be joined in the centre of defence by Brede Hangeland - any deal would have to smash Fulham's £12.8m transfer record.
Mike Ashley isn't having much luck in his quest to sell Newcastle United. Having slashed the price of the club to just £100m to aid his deteriorating retail empire, he has started accepting offers via email. Needless to say, he has been offered £10, a curly wurly, and even a pair of Oasis tickets for the club!
