Damiao explains Tottenham snub
Internacional striker Leandro Damiao has revealed that he rejected an offer from Tottenham in order to remain in Brazil.
The 22-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in South America and has been heavily linked with a move to Europe.
A number of English Premier League clubs have shown interest in the promising forward, but Tottenham were the only side to make an official offer.
The player now explains that he doesn’t want to leave Internacional this summer in spite of the proposal from Spurs.
“I’ve got Tottenham’s proposal, but Inter thought I’d better stay,” Damiao told UOL.
“I will try to reach the World Cup playing for Inter. But have to wait for the window to pass and close.”
Damiao joined Internacional in 2009 and has since scored 22 goals in 54 league games for the Brazilian giants.
The player was linked with a number of high-profile clubs last January, but he eventually opted to remain in Brazil.
The highly rated striker already had 8 Brazil caps to his name and is expected to be part of the Selecao squad at the 2012 Olympics.
Lyon linked to Villarreal star
Lyon are prepared to offer midfielder Cani an escape route from Villarreal, according to French newspaper Sport.
Just like other star players, the attacking midfielder is looking to leave the club that were relegated to the second division and he is prepared to listen to offers.
According to Sport, Lyon have joined the race for the player who is also followed by several other European clubs.
The French giants are hoping to compensate for the expected departures of Ederson and Kim Kallstrom, and they believe the 30-year-old would be a good addition to the side.
The problem is that Olympiakos, Espanyol, Spartak Moscow and Real Betis have also expressed their interest in the experienced midfielder.
Cani joined Villarreal in an €11 million move from Real Zaragoza in 2006 and has since scored 13 goals in 188 La Liga games for the Yellow Submarine.
The highly rated midfielder featured in 29 La Liga games last season, but failed to get on the scoresheet.
Rojo drops fresh Benfica hint
Spartak Moscow defender Marcos Rojo has reiterated his desire to join Benfica this summer.
The Argentine international has failed to adapt to life in Russia and is now looking to leave after spending just one season in Moscow.
The highly rated full-back is heavily linked with a switch to Benfica, and he explains he has heard great things about the Portuguese giants.
“I asked Garay many questions and also talked to other friends who had played at Benfica,” Rojo told O Jogo.
“Everyone has told me that Benfica are a great club, a top class European club.”
The 22-year-old admits he is eager to join the Eagles, partly because of his family.
“I’m crazy for that to happen. Benfica is a possibility that I find very appealing. It would be a very positive change for football and personal reasons, because the customs in Portugal are very similar to ours.”
Rojo came through the youth ranks at Estudiantes and played 43 games for the Argentine giants before joining Spartak Moscow in December 2010.
The young full-back never quite managed to adapt to the new surroundings and went on to play just 17 league games in almost two years at the club.
It now appears the Argentine international has set his sights on leaving the club and a switch to Benfica could benefit all three sides.
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2012/13 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
