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Sabtu, 25 Jun 2011

Manchester United linked with Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre


Celtic left-back Emilio Izaguirre claims he is being targeted by Manchester United. The 26-year-old Honduras international was a revelation last season after moving to Parkhead. He said: 'Regarding possibilities, I prefer to stay silent as I did when Celtic signed me. This is a job of my agent. Wanted: Celtic's Emilio Izaguirre (left) claims Manchester United are interested in signing him 'I have to confirm it's 100 per cent true that Manchester United were following me and were interested in me. 'It was Alex Ferguson directly who made contact with the Celtic directors.

 'I am aware also that Manchester United and Celtic agreed for a meeting in July. We have to see what happens if I stay or I go. Talent: Izaguirre (right) impressed during his first season at Celtic Park 'If I have the chance I welcome the move with open arms. If that is the case I will thank God and I will take my opportunity.' Celtic boss Neil Lennon insists there has been no approach for Izaguirre or Israel midfielder Beram Kayal. Lennon said in the Daily Record: 'You're always going to get speculation about your best players.

 I understand that. On the move? Celtic's Beram Kayal has also been linked with a move away from Scotland 'But there's been no interest expressed in Beram or Emilio and I've had no one on the telephone enquiring about any other player if it comes to that. 'Every player has his price but I'm not prepared to sell my better ones and Emilio certainly comes into that category.'  Celtic in talks to sign Izaguirre's battling team-mate ClarosEmilio is up with the best, insists Celtic's assistant manager MjallbyAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinionAll the latest Celtic news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Neil Lennon Places: Honduras.

Glastonbury: Wayne Rooney arrives by helicopter


Wayne and Coleen Rooney arrived in Somerset today as the festivities were kicking off, having just touched down on the grounds in their private helicopter. Their luxury transport is hardly in keeping with the spirit of the long-running festival, but then neither is Coleen and Wayne's designer outfits. Arrivingin style: Coleen Rooney poses with Wayne's cousin Claire and friend Amy  next to their private chopper as they touched down at the Glastonbury festival Getting her designer boots dirty: Coleen and Wayne trudged through the mud in the VIP area The 25-year-old WAG shelled out a whopping ?255 on a coveted pair of Jimmy Choo for Hunter wellies. Compared to his wife's leopard-print lined pair, Wayne's traditional green were far more conservative.

 VIP style: The couple clutched their drinks as they made their way to the stage with their entourage The couple posed for a happy snap before setting off this morning, Coleen excitedly tweeting: 'Glasto here we come!!!!' Manchester United star Wayne was suitable casual for the muddied festival grounds in a zip-up hoodie and T-shirt. Meanwhile his stylish wife was perfectly coiffed with curled locks, a faded denim shirt and leather jacket over black cut-off shorts. Glasto here we come! Wayne and Coleen Rooney set off for the Glastonbury festival Slumming it in designer boots: Coleen chose a pair of ?255 Hunter & Jimmy Choo wellies to stomp about in the mud Wayne's new hairline is visible in the photograph, seemingly recovered from his ?30,000 hair transplant procedure earlier this month. Despite their VIP arrival, the couple's festival getaway is far less glamorous than their most recent holiday. The Rooneys jetted in from their luxurious holiday home in Barbados this week, after a holiday spent sipping cocktails on the beach.

Family day out: Coleen and Wayne leave the VIP area with Wayne's lookalike brother The Rooneys are gearing up for a heady weekend of partying, shrugging off a callous interview by Helen Wood that was published today. MissWood, who slept with Rooney while his wife was pregnant with the 20-month-old son Kai, has told ES magazine that she has 'no regrets overhurting Coleen.' The 24-year-old former prostitute, posing naked, remarked: 'I don't regret hurting her because the way I see it is, if you want to be a d*** get back with the person who cheatedon you.' That'sthe spirit: While the Rooney's dropped in by chopper today just in timefor the festivities to kick off, others have squelched through the mud Enjoying the atmosphere: Fans watch The Wu-Tang Clan perform at the Glastonbury Festival But she added: 'He is so unbelievablynormal. Dead timid. Out of all the footballers that I've met I'll neverknow why he cheats. 'There's a lot worse than him. He reminds me of the boy at school who tried to be the lad's lad, but he's not.' Wayne and Coleen are just two of the stars who have travelled to Glastonbury for the annual festival.

 Famous faces: Jaime Winstone and Will Young were among the famous revellers Mud-tastic: Professor Green (centre) also made an appearance at the festival And, despite bad weather over the past few days, the Pyramid Stage speakers appeared to blow away the rain clouds today as the first major acts delighted the crowds amid glorious sunshine. Mud-caked revellers got a reprieve from the downpours as the Moroccan act Master Musicians Of Joujouka and rapper Chipmunk got proceedings under way on the two main stages. Sarah Chivers, 48, from Enfield, north London, is at the festival with her daughter Clare. She said: 'We've been here since the crack of dawn on Monday - it feels like we've been to three festivals before the acts have even started. 'We're most looking forward to U2 tonight - the line-up early on is pretty mediocre but it's better that way. The best is yet to come.' As well as U2, Morrissey and US rap act Wu-Tang Clan were eagerly anticipated among the crowd.  Explore more:People: Coleen Rooney, Will Young, Wayne Rooney, Jimmy Choo, Jaime Winstone Places: London, Barbados

Manchester United keen to hold onto Nani


Manchester United will not be offloading Nani following Ashley Young's £17million arrival at Old Trafford.

With Young signing a five-year contract with United on Friday, it has been suggested Nani's time at the club is coming to an end.

Although the Portugal winger claimed more assists than anyone else in the Premier League last term, and was named United's players' player of the year, the return of Antonio Valencia from injury in March reduced his involvement.

Nani then failed to make Sir Alex Ferguson's starting line-up for last month's Champions League final defeat to Barcelona, leading to fresh speculation about his future.

If he indicated a desire to leave United in the wake of Young's arrival from Aston Villa, there would be huge interest across Europe.

However, whilst the 24-year-old's thoughts on the situation have not been aired, it is now understood United's stance to be of a club currently building a squad, a process that does not involve allowing what they regard as key men to leave.

There will be casualties, and it is hard to see Sunderland targets Darron Gibson and Wes Brown remaining beyond the end of August.

When his squad returns to training at the start of next month though, Sir Alex Ferguson will be assuring Nani of his position in the Scot's plans for the future, and attempt to meet the challenge Barcelona set with their devastating performance at Wembley.

Certainly, Ferguson has been the most active of the big-name managers so far this summer and his spending will go beyond £50million once the deal for Atletico Madrid keeper David de Gea is completed.

De Gea will be part of the Spain side that attempts to secure the European Under-21 Championships by beating Switzerland on Saturday evening, after which it is expected the remaining loose ends of his transfer will be tied up.

Young ready to fight for place


New Manchester United signing Ashley Young is fully prepared for the challenge of breaking into a team which won a record 19th league title last season.

However, it was not a vintage year for the Red Devils, they still finished nine points clear of Chelsea to lift their record title.

Although the retirement of Paul Scholes and the release of the injury-plagued Owen Hargreaves has freed up some space in midfield Young knows he will still have to fight for a starting berth as he competes with the likes of Antonio Valencia, Nani and Park Ji-sung. "There's a lot of competition for places at the club," he told MUTV.

"If you are in the team there is always going to be someone biting away at your heels trying to get in. I'm going to be coming in looking to establish myself in the team. I know it is going to be a challenge, but I'm up for that challenge.

"It is a fantastic team. The club always produces fantastic players. They have that winning mentality. I hope to be a part of that this season. I can't wait to get started."

The England international, 26 next month, agreed a five-year deal on Thursday reportedly worth anything between £16million and £20million. He immediately set his sights on helping United win a 20th title next season as he realises a boyhood dream.

"To come and play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, it is an opportunity that I couldn't turn down, to play with such great players that play for this club and to hopefully become part of the history of winning the 20th title," he added.

"As a child I always wanted to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and I've got that opportunity now. I've just got to take it with two hands. I'm really excited about playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I just want to get out there and start training now."

Young became United's second signing of the summer, following Blackburn's England Under-21 international Phil Jones after he was signed for £16.5million almost a fortnight ago. The forward scored 39 goals in 193 appearances with Aston Villa but, significantly, in the past five Barclays Premier League seasons only Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has provided more assists.

More arrivals are expected in the coming weeks with Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea likely to fill the void left by Edwin van der Sar's departure, while manager Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to add some more creativity to his midfield and has been linked with Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

Ashley Young arrival doesn't worry me Antonio Valencia


Manchester United's Antonio Valencia insists he is not worried about the arrival of fellow winger Ashley Young. The England international has completed his move to Old Trafford for a fee of around ?17million. But Valencia, who missed a large part of last season through injury, says he doesn't fear losing his place. Confident: Antonio Valencia is not worried about Ashley Young's arrival 'I heard about this on the news, but I do not fear his arrival,' Valencia said, according to The Sun. Signing on: Young has finally completed his ?17m move to United 'The season is long, and under Alex Ferguson everyone will get their chance in United's key matches. 'Ashley is a good footballer and I believe that he will help us towards even more success next season.

 'As for myself, I have two seasons left at United and I am convinced I will fulfil those. And maybe a few more years, too.' Valencia is currently on international duty with Ecuador - preparing for the Copa America - and played down reports linking him with a move away. 'There are rumours about other clubs but I have no news about that,' said Valencia. 'I am just focused on the Copa America and performing with Ecuador.

'I have now recovered from the injury problems of last season.'  Young will stir it up for Manchester United as Fergie continues to overhaul squadI'm here to win No 20! ?16m Young eyes title after signing five-year United dealOwen hails exciting Young as United close in on ?16m move for Aston Villa aceAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion  Explore more:People: Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young Places: Ecuador, United Kingdom