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Picture:Carlos Tevez
CARLOS TEVEZ was on collision course with Alex Ferguson last night after insisting: I’d love to play for Real Madrid.
The striker dropped his bombshell by revealing a desire to join the club that Manchester United boss Fergie despises the most.
Real spent the summer trying to lure Cristiano Ronaldo away from Old Trafford — making them Fergie’s No 1 enemy.
Tevez admitted in a Spanish magazine: “Who wouldn’t want to play for Real Madrid?
“Like Manchester, they are one of the best clubs in the world — and it would be a pleasure to play for them.”
Tevez phoned SunSport yesterday claiming he fears being forced out of United as he has yet to be offered a permanent deal.
He added: “If they don’t sort out my future, there are other clubs ready to negotiate with my representative.
“I’m told United will offer me a deal but I don’t know.
“I love it at United and the fans are special to me but I also understand football.
“If another club offered me the security of a five-year deal then I’d have to consider it.”
Tevez has been at United for 18 months on a loan deal. Old Trafford bosses have always said he would get a permanent contract and his £32million purchase would be finalised.
And he furiously denies he has made ridiculous wage demands.
Tevez added: “I have not been making all sorts of demands. How could I? We have never had any talks.”
New Real boss Juande Ramos is keen on Tevez and the player says he would love to face Barcelona ace and pal Lionel Messi.

MANCHESTER CITY IN A BID FOR YAYA TOURE

Picture:Yaya Toure

MANCHESTER CITY have made a stunning £24million bid for Barcelona midfield star Yaya Toure.
Barca will fight tooth and nail to keep Toure.
A top source at the club said: “There is an offer for Yaya but the club will do what is necessary to convince the player to stay.”
Yaya, younger brother of Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, earns £2.4million a year at the Nou Camp.
It is understood City will DOUBLE his wages in an effort to tempt him away.
The Ivory Coast ace, 25, is unsettled as Barca had promised him a new deal last summer but it never materialised.
Toure, who has also been a target for Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, is considered one of the best central midfielders in Europe and has been dubbed the ‘new Patrick Vieira’ in Spain.
He snubbed Arsenal in favour of Barca when he left Monaco 18 months ago.
He was linked with Italian giants Juventus last summer but Barcelona refused to sell.
He scored a sensational solo goal in the 3-1 win over Real Mallorca last weekend.
As City make another big-money bid, skipper Richard Dunne insists the board must stick by under-fire boss Mark Hughes.
He said: “The club need to keep backing him as the players believe what we’re doing in training is right.”

DEFOE FOR SPURS

pICTURE:Jermain Defoe

JERMAIN DEFOE’S move to Spurs was yesterday held up by an amazing row over a £4million sell-on clause.
The England striker is desperate to rejoin old boss Harry Redknapp at White Hart Lane and the deal should still go ahead.
But the move is complicated as Spurs insist they are entitled to a £4m payment if Defoe joins another club — even if it is them!
When Spurs sold Defoe to Portsmouth last January, they included the sell-on clause — although Portsmouth say it does not apply if he goes back to the same club.
Spurs value the star at £11m — which they say is actually worth £15m with the sell-on sum included.
But Pompey want nearer £19m, even though they still owe money to Tottenham from when they first bought Defoe last January.
A Pompey insider said: “The two clubs are still apart on their valuations and Portsmouth can’t believe Tottenham actually think they are entitled to their own sell-on clause. It’s unbelievable.”
The dispute led to a stand-off last night between Spurs chairman Daniel Levy and Pompey chief Peter Storrie.
Spurs are still hopeful of getting the deal done but Redknapp has warned he may switch his attentions if a fee cannot be agreed.
He could make a renewed offer for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy.
Spurs play their Carling Cup semi-final first leg at home to Burnley tonight.
Redknapp said: “The chairman and Peter are talking. If they want to do a deal they will.
“I spoke to Daniel and there was no news so we will have a look and see if there is anything else around.”
Defoe would be eligible to appear in the Carling Cup for Spurs because he was a non-playing sub when Pompey lost 4-0 to Chelsea.
But even if Defoe signed today, it would be too late for him to play tonight.
Pompey’s England right-back Glen Johnson could sign a new deal this week despite interest from Liverpool.

JERMAIN PENNANT FOR AC MILAN

Picture:Pennant
AC MILAN are offering Jermaine Pennant an escape route from the Anfield wilderness.
The Serie A giants want the Liverpool winger to sign a pre-contract agreement and switch to Italy at the end of the season.
But Pennant is still to give Milan an answer — as he has not given up on clinching a move to Spain, despite Real Madrid ending their interest.
Kop boss Rafa Benitez made it clear he will listen to offers for Pennant, 25 — a £6.7m buy from Birmingham 2½ years ago.
But no one has come in with an acceptable bid so Liverpool now face losing him for nothing

LIVERPOOL REJECTS £8.5M BID FOR AGGER FROM AC MILAN

Picture: AGGER
LIVERPOOL will shatter AC Milan’s hopes of taking Daniel Agger to Italy in an £8.5million move this month.
The Italian giants admitted centre-back Agger — still to sort a new contract at Anfield — is on their radar.
But Kop boss Rafa Benitez will block any bids to land the Danish defender, insisting he wants to keep his squad together to chase a first Premier League title.
Agger, who also interested Real Madrid, missed most of last season with a broken foot.
But he has been outstanding since getting his place back after Martin Skrtel’s knee ligament injury in October.
Milan need replacements for San Siro legends Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta.
The Serie A giants’ vice-president Adriano Galliani said: “We have a list of three or four players — Agger is one of them. In January we’ll sign one of them.”
Benitez also shot down reports he is ready to off-load Andrea Dossena just six months after his £7m arrival from Udinese.
The Italian left-back recently lost his place to Emiliano Insua.
But the Argentine rookie is out for the next month after being called up for the South American Under-20 Championships.
Benitez said: “I am not considering selling Dossena. It is important to keep the squad together

IAM NOT ASKING FOR SAME AS RONALDO-TEVEZ

Picture:Ferguson and Tevez
CARLOS TEVEZ enjoys a special love affair with the Manchester United fans.
So when he hears claims that he is holding a gun to the club’s head with his wage demands, the Argy’s biggest concern is that the supporters he holds so dear could turn against him.
Losing their backing would wound him deeply — which is why, last night, Tevez phoned SunSport, desperate for his side of the story to be heard.

All the 24-year-old striker’s frustrations came pouring out as he laid bare the facts about his contract situation.
He said: “I haven’t asked for what Ronaldo gets or what Rooney gets.
“I have never discussed this ever with either the manager, Alex Ferguson, or anyone on the United board.
“I have never said anything about what I should be paid because we have never had any talks.
“The fans need to know this because I respect them so much.
“I love them and they love me. I don’t want anything to come between us.
“The club has always said they would offer me a deal but they haven’t. How can I reject an offer I’ve never had?
“It’s being suggested I’m creating a bad atmosphere but it’s just not true.
“There have been no meetings and I’ve not made an issue of things. However, it is true I cannot stay if I don’t get an offer.
“If another club gives me a contract I’ll have to analyse it because I don’t want to end up with no club at all.”

Tevez did confess that he believed United had considered him a key factor in the club’s development and that he would be part of the scene for years to come.
He added: “I admit I’m surprised United haven’t done anything because I thought I was important to them.

“I was second-top goalscorer last season when we won the Champions League and the Premier League and I think I did everything possible.
“But I wasn’t a priority to them in the summer and now I’m not a priority in January, either.
“If that’s the way they want to go forward you just have to accept it — that’s football.
“The fans have to understand what is going on. I haven’t said I don’t want to stay, it’s the club who haven’t said they want to keep me.
“Maybe they will do something, because I’m here till the summer and there’s still time. But, right now, nothing is happening.
“There is no craziness on my part, as people seem to be saying.

“So I ask the fans to realise what is going on and know that I appreciate all the support they have given me.
“In fact, it is not when I’ve been playing that I’ve seen how much they think of me — it is when I’ve been a substitute.
“When I warm up they are always cheering me, calling for me to come on and singing my name.
“That means a lot. It makes me feel good and it’s why I have to make things clear.
“But also I want to say that I haven’t fallen out with the manager. We have a good professional relationship.”
Tevez does admit that the fact he is a sub instead of a starter this season may be influencing United’s thinking.
But he added: “We could talk about all these things if we were in contract talks. You cannot say if me signing a contract will depend on this or that.”

United have a huge Premier League game against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday and a winning goal from Tevez — even if he has to do it from the bench — would cement his status as a fans’ folk hero.
However, Tevez insists he has nothing to prove.
He added: “I don’t think I have to show anything to the fans.
“Every time I put on the shirt of Manchester United I put my whole life into it.
“I play out of my skin and will do anything to make sure we win.
“The people realise this. They know what I am like as a player. I always give it everything.
“One game will not make a major difference. But I will do everything I can to help us win the title again.”

WENGER FOR NIK KRANJCAR

Picture:NIK
ARSENE WENGER is ready to rekindle his interest in Portsmouth’s Niko Kranjcar.
Arsenal boss Wenger is desperate to land two midfielders in this month’s transfer window and has targeted the £10million-rated Croatian, who he tried to sign last summer.
He has already made moves to bring Mikel Arteta in from Everton for £12m — as revealed by SunSport last week. Pompey insist they do not want to sell any of their top players.
But the mood among the squad on the south coast is terrible and with Jermain Defoe set to follow Lassana Diarra out of the exit door, more top stars are likely to go over the next few weeks.
Kranjcar, 24, would jump at the chance to join Wenger at the Emirates, although the French boss has been told he has to be careful spending his transfer kitty.
The Arsenal chief has offered West Ham £5m cash plus 20-year-old striker Nicklas Bendtner for former Gunners defender Matthew Upson, while Kolo Toure could still be on his way to Manchester City.
Arsenal announced yesterday that teen starlet Jack Wilshere has signed a £10,000-a-week professional deal.
The midfielder celebrated his 17th birthday on New Year’s Day and due to his age, Arsenal could not offer him more than a three-year contract.
Wenger said: “We are delighted Jack has signed. He is a player with great potential, with an ability to find the final ball and also score goals.
“Jack is a passionate and committed young player. He is not afraid of tackles and I am convinced he will have tremendous penetrative power in a few years.
“We look forward to Jack being an important part of our first team for years to come.”

CHIMBONDA SET FOR SPURS RETURN

Picture:Chimbonda

PASCAL CHIMBONDA is in line for a shock return to Tottenham.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is looking at a loan deal for the French right-back.
Chimbonda, 29, left Tottenham under a cloud to join Sunderland last summer.
But a source close to the player said: “A return to Spurs is possible. We will know in the next few days.”
Redknapp is looking to bring in cover at right-back as Alan Hutton is out until April with a foot injury.
Chimbonda’s days at Sunderland look numbered after he was banished to the reserves following a bust-up with former boss Roy Keane.
Chimbonda, 29, also fell out with former Spurs boss Juande Ramos.
The defender stormed down the tunnel and into the dressing room after being subbed in the Carling Cup final victory over Chelsea in March.
Spurs won in extra time and Chimbonda returned to collect his medal.
He was angry after Ramos bought right-backs Hutton from Rangers and Chris Gunter from Cardiff last January.
Chimbonda was shipped out in the summer .

TOP 10 BOSMAN SUMMER DEALS

Picture:Van Bommel

THE January transfer window swung wide open last week.
Manchester City are expected to spend big, while neighbours United have already splashed out £16.3million on a pair of Serbians.
But there are a number of bargains on the market.
Several top players in the Premier League and beyond are out of contract at the end of the season.
Check out our Top 10 section here
They can now sign pre-contract deals — and some may even be on the move this month in cut-price deals.
We have picked our best Bosmans of 2009 — and it is a star-packed list.
There was no room for the likes of Mark Viduka, Henrik Larsson, Jermaine Pennant, Leroy Lita and Maniche.
Let us know what you think of the Top 10 and tell us your big bargain using MY Sun.

No 10: Lucas Neill
The Australian defender is destined to leave as West Ham attempt to slash their wage bill. Despite being criticised for his £70,000-a-week salary, Neill, who turns 31 in March, helped the Hammers avoid relegation two years ago before going on to become an influential skipper at Upton Park.

No9: Steve Harper
The Newcastle keeper has yet to sign a new deal and with Shay Given also considering his future, the alarm bells are ringing at St James’ Park. Understandably, Harper is likely to wait until Given’s future is resolved before committing. Either way, he should be a Premier League No1 next season.

No8: Sean Davis
Former Fulham and Tottenham midfielder Davis has lost the impetus of his early days in the Premier League but at 29, he may fancy one more big move. His future – along with a number of other stars – remains uncertain at Portsmouth. There would be no shortage of takers for this work horse.

No7: Ryan Giggs
In keeping with Manchester United's policy with their veterans, Giggs, 35, will only land a one-year contract if he is still wanted at Old Trafford. The days of regular starts are long gone and the arrival of Zoran Tosic will further limit his chances. A two-year offer elsewhere could finally tempt him away.

No6: Carlos Kameni
African keepers are often portrayed as gaffe-prone clowns. But Cameroon ace Kameni has bucked the trend thanks to his impressive form since joining Spanish club Espanyol in 2004. He turns 25 next month, making him a young star in the world of No1s.

No5: Gary Neville
The emergence of Rafael da Silva has seriously threatened Neville’s future at Manchester United. The England defender, 34 next month, is expected to be offered a new deal but with Wes Brown also in contention, a regular spot is unlikely. Will he decide to follow the path of brother Phil out of Old Trafford?

No4: Emile Heskey
Who would have guessed that when Heskey left Liverpool in 2004, the same club would want to sign him five years later. The striker has enjoyed resurgence at Wigan, culminating in a surprise England recall. Heskey turns 31 next week but that won’t stop a number of big sides fighting for him.

No3: Mark van Bommel
The Dutch midfielder is upset with his contract offer at Bayern Munich and is set for the exit door. Tottenham came close to signing him three years ago before he eventually joined Barcelona but the chance of Premier League may resurface. Van Bommel is only 32 in April, so still has plenty to offer.

No2: Daniel Sturridge
How did Manchester City let their young hotshot’s contract run down? Sturridge will be offered a big new deal but with competition already tough and new faces set to arrive, he may fancy his chances elsewhere. City face a nervy few weeks as the striker makes up his mind.

No1: Michael Owen
Injuries have hampered Owen’s recent years but at 29, it is wrong to dismiss him. Newcastle’s woes have also played a part in his decline and a big move would surely reinvigorate the striker if he can stay fit. Who wouldn’t want a player who has averaged a goal every other game in their career?