Kleberson woe for MagpiesNewcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd returned from Sao Paolo yesterday but not with the Brazilian international Kleberson, writes Michael Walker. Instead Shepherd had only harsh words about the South American attitude towards European football, and the tone of his comments suggested the Kleberson deal will not be resurrected.
"Foreign clubs must come into the real world," Shepherd said. "The Premier League is no longer a soft touch for them to make money. The Brazilians seem to think that Europe is cash-laden and they can take advantage. But the silly days are gone. The bottom has fallen out of the transfer market."
Shepherd said Newcastle made an offer to Atletico Paranaense that still stands, but the club's president was dismissive of the Mapgies' bid. Atletico want around £5 million for Kleberson but Mario Celso Petraglia said that Newcastle had brought "a couple of million of US dollars. They thought Brazilian football is bankrupt and on sale. Newcastle made an offer that fell so short they quickly left. We have until January 31st to find a club for Kleberson. If we don't, he will stay here for at least another season."
Marcos not a Gunner yet
Arsene Wenger insisted last night he had not yet decided whether to buy Marcos as the Brazil goalkeeper headed back to his club Palmeiras expecting to complete a £2.5 million move to Highbury in the coming days.
Arsenal's manager said the World Cup winner was merely "one of the players we are interested in" and that it was "much too early" to talk about a signing. His comments came despite Marcos having spoken optimistically about a move.
Marcos' initial preference was to join in summer but he has made it clear he would be willing to come almost immediately as cover for David Seaman after a medical and second round of talks yesterday.
Bellion's future in France
David Bellion, the French striker at the centre of the row between Sunderland and Manchester United, returned to Wearside last night but with his future still in some doubt.
Bellion, 21, is contracted to Sunderland until June 30th, and he was then expected to move to Old Trafford for a fee set by tribunal but his agent Mike Morris said yesterday that "Manchester United is dead", as far as his client is concerned, and the player will return to France this summer.
In the meantime, said Morris, Bellion is happy to play for Sunderland. This did not appear to be the case last week when Bellion went AWOL from Lilleshall, where he was being treated for what club chairman Bob Murray called a "mystery injury". Murray had accused United of unsettling their player but last night United said "at no time have we made an illegal approach."
Sherwood move off
Tim Sherwood's proposed move to Division One leaders Portsmouth looks set to collapse after his agent revealed he is poised to stay at Tottenham.
The former England midfielder had been expected to complete his move to Portsmouth by the end of the week but Eric Hall insisted Sherwood is likely to stay at White Hart Lane.
Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie had claimed yesterday he was confident the 33-year-old would move to Fratton Park, but Hall said: "It looks like he may stay at Spurs until the end of the season to keep his options open."
Turkey cold on Rebrov
Sergei Rebrov's agent claims the player is "very upset" that his move to Fenerbahce has collapsed. The Ukrainian, keen to leave Tottenham because of a lack of first-team opportunities, hoped to join the Turkish outfit. But Sandor Varga said the deal is now unlikely to go ahead and does not know why.
Mystery inquiry for Christie
Derby County have revealed there has been a "serious inquiry" from an unnamed Premiership club regarding striker Malcolm Christie which could scupper his proposed move to Middlesbrough.
It had been thought the young player was on his way to the Riverside Stadium.
However, as the end of the transfer window approaches, Derby have confirmed another club have come forward to try and snap up the former England under-21international from under Boro's noses.
In brief . . . .
Celtic are on the verge of signing Livingston's Javier Sanchez Broto as emergency goalkeeping cover, following concern again over Magnus Hedman. French defender David Sommeil said last night he had completed his £3.5 million signing for Manchester City from Bordeaux. Preston have signed South Africa international George Koumantarakis for an undisclosed fee. The Greece-born 28-year-old striker played for Basle in the Champions League this season. Ferdinand Coly's unhappy start to life with Birmingham has suffered another setback with the defender now facing a spell on the sidelines after a cut sustained in training became infected.
