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Aberdeen are likely to have failed in their bid to sign Houston Dynamo midfielder Stuart Holden, after not being able to afford the US international’s wages.

Manager Mark McGhee had high hopes of signing the midfielder, who was born in Aberdeen before moving to the United States at the age of 10.

McGhee had originally targeted the midfielder, saying: “He is a good playmaking midfielder who is hard to pin down and has an eye for goal. Stuart definitely fits into the caliber of player we are looking to bring to the club.”

However, it seems a deal is unlikely now after McGhee told press: “It’s no surprise that he is attracting interest from bigger clubs, It’s likely we’ve missed the boat on that one now because there is no way we will be able to compete with the type of wages he is likely to be offered.

“It’s frustrating but that’s the world we live in”

Holden is set to become a free agent after his contract expires at the Robertson Stadium next month and is likely to make the move back to the U.K, but only if he his assured of first-team football to boost his chances of playing at next years World Cup in South Africa.

“I’m available on a free and I’ve already got a few options in Scotland and England. Moving back to the UK appeals but I have to make sure wherever I end up I’m playing every week.” said Holden.

“I have a big chance to play at the World Cup in the summer and don’t want to miss out on it by being at the wrong side.”

[Source: Evening Express]

Fiorentina defender Juan Manuel Vargas is reportedly being chased by several of Europe’s top clubs, inlcuding the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Barcelona and Inter Milan.

The Peruvian international was rumoured to have already agreed to join La Liga giants Real Madrid in January and was even set to join Los Blancos before signing for Fiorentina in 2008.

The versatile 26-year-old normally plays at left wing back but has excelled at left wing for both club and country, becoming a crucial part of the Viola squad on the left wing with fellow Fiorentina star Alberto Gilardino stating that Vargas was one of the best crossers he has ever played with.

Vargas recently scored the winner against French Ligue 1 side Lyon to secure Fiorentina’s place in the next phase of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Liverpool and is valued around the £15 million mark.

[Source: La Repubblica]

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan has admitted that he would one day like to return to the Premier League, should his current club sell him in the future.

The Uruguayan star struggled during his time in England after joining Manchester United in 2002, scoring just 17 goals in 98 apperances for the Premier League champions.

Despite patches of form at Old Trafford, the former Independiente star was shipped out to La Liga side Villarreal in 2004, where he went on to become a fan favourite and massive success claiming both the Pichichi Trophy (La Liga top scorer) and European Golden Boot in his first season.

And despite his torrid time in England the striker has admitted he would relish the opportunity to play in the Premier League once again.

Forlan told UEFA’s official website: “England, and the Premier League, gave me many things and I thank them for that. If I have a chance to return, I would like to go.”

“I feel I have nothing to prove there. The only difference is that I am more experienced today.”

Forlan has been in stunning form for Atletico Madrid since joining the Spanish side in 2007, scoring 52 goals in 78 games and winning both the Pichichi Trophy and European Golden Boot last season, for the second time in his career.

[Source: Sky Sports]

Manchester United have concluded a deal for 17-year-old Welsh prodigy Adam Matthews, according to The Sun newspaper.

Despite no official confirmation as of yet the paper reports that a deal has been done behind the scenes for the Cardiff ace, with the midfielder set to make the move to Old Trafford in January.

Matthews has already made 13 starts for the Bluebirds despite being just 17-years-old and has already been tipped for a bright future in football, with many believing that the player could be the next big star in Welsh football.

United are reported to have paid around £5 million with further payments should Matthews progress through the ranks and will have beat the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool should they have landed the youngster.

[Source: The Sun]

Tottenham have offered Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira a pay-as-you-go one-year deal at White Hart Lane in a bid to lure the French international back to the Premier League.

The Serie A side are said to be happy for manager Harry Redknapp to begin negotiations with Vieira, with the former Arsenal captain likely to take a massive pay-cut in order to gain regular first-team football once again.

Vieira still habours hopes of gaining a spot in France’s World Cup squad next year and could accept a £35,000-a-week deal to boost those chances, with the possibility of Inter letting the French star leave on a free transfer.

A source close to Vieira told press: “This is not about money, this is about a chance to play, He has great memories of his time in London at Arsenal but that is in the past.

“The deal is not completed but he has an open mind. He is not afraid of the challenge from Spurs.”

Vieira himself has revealed how he needs regular first-team football and when asked about a possible return to England the midfielder told reporters: “I have a year left on my contract with Inter. I want to play week-in week-out to prepare well for the World Cup in South Africa.

“I will definitely know about my future very soon.”

[Source: Daily Mail]

Chicago Fire have released coach Denis Hamlett after an 11 year relationship, although the Costa Rican was in charge for only 2 years at Toyota Park.

Hamlett took Fire to two consecutive Conference finals during his reign as head coach, but was unable to make the MLS final, losing this year to eventual champions Real Salt Lake.

The former Colorado Rapids player took over one of the most talented squads in Major League Soccer following the depature of former coach Juan Carlos Osorio. However, with expectations of the league title not met as well as no trophies plus rumours of off-pitch trouble the board at ‘The Fire’ decided it was time to part ways.

“Denis has a long history with the club and has been a part its success since our inaugural year in 1998,” said Fire technical director Frank Klopas, who will take over team decisions until a new coach is found.

“We are grateful for his commitment to the Fire and his leadership throughout his career with the club. We wish him the very best and he will always be considered a part of the Fire family. Right now, the Fire has decided to take the team in a new direction in 2010.”

Hamlett joined the club in its inaugural year, working his way up from the coaching staff, to assistant coach before finally recieving the job as head coach in 2007.

[Source: Chicago Tribune]

Arsenal are set to swoop for  Queens Park Rangers ace Raheem Sterling, beating the likes of rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool for the prodigy.

Numerous Premier League clubs are said to have been tracking the 14-year-old sensation for a number of months now, but a move across London to the Gunners is most likely after Sterling met with Academy director Liam Brady.

QPR can expect to recieve around £750,000 in compensation, as well as add-ons which will increase should the player succeed at the Emirates Stadium.

However, manager Jim Magilton will aim to persuade the youngster to stay after promoting him to first-team training in recent weeks and the striker could even make his debut for the club in the next few games.

Sterling was reportedly a VIP guest at Liverpool’s game against Manchester United recently, but a move  closer to home could suit the 14-year-old better

[Source: The Sun]

Tottenham could be set to land Honduran striker Melvin Valladeres after being recommended by Spurs midfielder Wilson Palacios.

The Real Espana striker has been at the club on a two-week trial whilst boss Harry Redknapp runs the rule over the Honduran, and if sucessful Valladeres will add to the huge choice of strikers at White Hart Lane.

The move could spell the end for Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has already fallen behind Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane in the line up.

Valladeres told press: “It was a nice experience for me. I feel happy because I think I did a good job, but now the last word is with Tottenham and I have to wait, whilst doing my best for my current side.”

[Source: Daily Mirror]

Manchester United are said to be lining up a move for both Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik and Palermo defender Simon Kjaer.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to look towards younger players either in January or next summer, with the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Edwin Van der Sar and Gary Neville, as well as the potential exit of centre-back Nemanja Vidic whos wife is reportedly unhappy in England.

Napoli are said to value Hamsik at around the £25 million mark and the Slovakia international has been the subject of much transfer speculation in the past year, especially after being credited as the driving force behind his nations surprise qualification for next years World Cup.

Kjaer meanwhile has already been linked with Man Utd before, as well as several other top European clubs. The Danish centre-back revealed that despite being a Liverpool fan he would have no hesistation in joining the Premier League Champions.

Ferguson is likely to target a centre-back is his next transfer dealings after being told Rio Ferdinand’s injury woes are likely to continue for the rest of his career, whilst Vidic may also be on his way out of the club next summer.

[Source: Daily Telegraph]

Arsenal could make a £17 million bid for Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor next summer, but only if the England international maintains his form for the rest of the season.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is said to have been tracking the striker for a number of years, but is worried at Agbonlahor’s ability to score consistently.

Wenger was said to be interested in signing the pacy striker back in 2007 before deciding on Croatian international Eduardo instead, and considered a move for the 23-year-old last year after he scored 10 goals before Christmas.

However, after netting just twice after christmas Wenger became worried about his dip in form and wants to follow the striker over a whole season before parting with £17 million.

Despite Agbonlahor insistence that he will remain at Villa Park, many tip the striker to make the move should an offer come in, with the chance of Champions League football and a bigger stage on which to impress England boss Fabio Capello the pulling factor.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are set to complete the transfer of Brazilian wonderkid Wellington Silva from Fluminense for around £3 million.

[Source: Daily Star]