Scottish Mag 3 Posted June 4, 2007 Share Posted June 4, 2007 Sam Allardyce will try to hijack Manchester United's move for French international Nicolas Anelka as he believes the striker enjoyed playing for him at Bolton Wanderers last season. Sir Alex Ferguson is to launch a shock move for Anelka this summer in an effort to bolster his attacking options, a bid which suggests the Red Devils manager is no longer interested in Newcastle's Michael Owen. But Allardyce is also interested in Anelka and feels his close relationship with the mercurial forward could mean he manages to scupper Ferguson's plans, despite the lure of Premiership title challenges and Champions League football at Old Trafford. The France striker yesterday claimed he has no plans to leave Bolton, but admitted he "could not say no" to an offer from Manchester United. Anelka scored France's second goal in the 2-0 win over Ukraine in Euro 2008 qualifying on Saturday. He denied any contact with the Devils as he met the Press at Clairefontaine but told French newspaper L'Equipe he would have to consider an offer if it materialised. He said: "In England the same four clubs are always on top (Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool). "I want to play for those four big clubs but I also want to work with Bolton to become like one of those four big clubs and create a surprise." The 28-year-old added: "First I need to know if Bolton want to sell me. I have no particular desire (to leave). I must talk with my club to know what they want. There is nothing concrete and I am not leaning in any direction. If there are any offers the directors will discuss them with me." Anelka has a colourful past and a disruptive reputation following eventful spells at Arsenal, Real Madrid, Paris St Germain and Manchester City, but did not cause Allardyce any major problems at the Reebok Stadium last season following an £8m move from Fenerbahçe. Anelka almost joined United in 2005 when former manager Graeme Souness attempted to sign him from the Turkish giants and, on that occasion, the 28-year-old was keen on a move to St James's Park. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Allardyce - who is also expected to sign Middlesbrough's out-of-contract centre-forward Mark Viduka this month - can persuade his former player to snub a move to Manchester United in favour of his rebuilding project at Newcastle. The issue is further complicated by the fact Allardyce's successor at Bolton, Sammy Lee, seems adamant he will not sell Anelka. Lee said: "We don't want to lose our best players. It is my job to keep a healthy camp with the desire to be successful. The chairman is talking to current players where we can tie them up on long-term deals." Meanwhile, Titus Bramble will complete a lucrative free transfer move to Wigan Athletic today after the Lancashire club hijacked his proposed switch to Portsmouth. Bramble had been due to sign for Pompey a fortnight ago and was heading to the South Coast for a medical when Wigan informed him of their interest. That led to late change of heart for the centre-back after the Latics agreed to beat any other offer for the 25-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract worth £40,000-a-week at the JJB Stadium. Bramble left Newcastle last month after five years at the club. He will be Wigan's biggest earner alongside former England international Emile Heskey. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6700 Posted June 4, 2007 Share Posted June 4, 2007 Meanwhile, Titus Bramble will complete a lucrative free transfer move to Wigan Athletic today after the Lancashire club hijacked his proposed switch to Portsmouth. Bramble had been due to sign for Pompey a fortnight ago and was heading to the South Coast for a medical when Wigan informed him of their interest. That led to late change of heart for the centre-back after the Latics agreed to beat any other offer for the 25-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract worth £40,000-a-week at the JJB Stadium. Bramble left Newcastle last month after five years at the club. He will be Wigan's biggest earner alongside former England international Emile Heskey. He's earning £6m over the next 3 years? Jesus fucking christ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Gloom 22508 Posted June 4, 2007 Share Posted June 4, 2007 anelka? barton? who's next? diouf? savage? bowyer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fop 1 Posted June 4, 2007 Share Posted June 4, 2007 Meanwhile, Titus Bramble will complete a lucrative free transfer move to Wigan Athletic today after the Lancashire club hijacked his proposed switch to Portsmouth. Bramble had been due to sign for Pompey a fortnight ago and was heading to the South Coast for a medical when Wigan informed him of their interest. That led to late change of heart for the centre-back after the Latics agreed to beat any other offer for the 25-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract worth £40,000-a-week at the JJB Stadium. Bramble left Newcastle last month after five years at the club. He will be Wigan's biggest earner alongside former England international Emile Heskey. He's earning £6m over the next 3 years? Jesus fucking christ! Proof (if any is needed) that the money in the Premiership is completely silly I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chaser 1321 Posted June 4, 2007 Share Posted June 4, 2007 Surely Bramble must be on more at Wigan than he was with us? Absolutely ridiculous money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now