Men's Soccer Capsules: Tevez, Aguero, Falcao likely on move
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Look for many of the top players in the Copa America to be changing clubs when the South American championship ends later this month.
Carlos Tevez's agent has already confirmed that the striker's old team Corinthians has made an offer for the Argentine, who played two seasons for the Brazilian club before moving to England and eventually Manchester City.
Tevez will be far from the only player on the move when the South American championship ends on July 24.
Argentina teammate Sergio Aguero, who has scored three of Argentina's four goals, has said he wants to leave Atletico Madrid. Some other top players on the move could be Colombia striker Radamel Falcao, Brazil stars Neymar, Ganso and Lucas, and Uruguay's Diego Forlan.
Aguero could be a target of many teams including Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Juventus. The price tag is reported to be €45 million ($63 million).
Falcao has scored twice and has been impressive in the Copa America after a great season with Porto. Porto coach Andre Villas-Boas has taken over at Chelsea and Falcao could follow soon.
The 19-year-old Neymar seems likely to be changing scenery. His Santos club has said it has already had offers from five clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Anzhi Makhachkala of Russia. All are said to be willing to pay the €45 million ($63 million) buyout clause.
Midfielder Ganso, Neymar's teammate at Santos, could also be moving. AC Milan appears to be the top suitor.
The other Brazilian reportedly attracting attention from European clubs is young playmaker Lucas, who teamed up with Neymar to help Brazil win the under-20 South American championship earlier this year. Liverpool is reportedly interested. Both Lucas and Neymar have a sports marketing deal with retired Brazil star Ronaldo.
Forlan is reported on the way out at Atletico Madrid. Some reports have him going to Tottenham, which would return him to England, where he had a difficult time at Manchester United early in his career.
Chile forward Alexis Sanchez is one of the hottest properties in the Copa America. His current club Udinese and Barcelona have been in talks, but so far no deal has been reached. Earlier this week a Spanish League official said Sanchez was "going to play in Spain." The price is expected to be about €40 million ($56 million).
Mexico forward Giovani Dos Santos seems likely to be leaving Tottenham. Two clubs in Spain have been mentioned as likely destinations — Sevilla and Zaragoza.
Argentina's Javier Pastore seems sure to be departing Sicily's Palermo. He's played little in the Copa America but clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea are reported to be interested.
AP Interview: Qatar coach eyes World Cup history
FRIBOURG, Switzerland (AP) — Milovan Rajevac wants to be first coach to lead Qatar to the World Cup.
The Serbian has a difficult mission in trying to give the wealthy 2022 World Cup host credibility on the field to match its status in soccer politics.
Hired in February, Rajevac’s task begins next week when the 94th-ranked Qataris start their qualification road to Brazil 2014 with an preliminary-round tie against Vietnam.
Rajevac will be richly rewarded for success — although his 3½-year contract could mean little if Qatar is eliminated in the two-leg series before the main draw is even announced July 30.
However, he told The Associated Press he is motivated by making history, not money.
"That is the most important thing, the greatest satisfaction. This is something that you cannot buy," Rajevac said Tuesday through a translator after his team’s final match of a brief European training camp.
Last year, Rajevac’s Ghana team eliminated the United States in the second round and nearly became the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal.
That performance enhanced Rajevac’s reputation just five years after he was an assistant at Doha club Al Sadd when the Qatari league was an outpost sprinkled with aging stars.
Rajevac said he was "thrilled" to come back to Qatar because of its special place in soccer’s new world order.
"That is why we’re trying to build a team for the future. You try to do everything according to a plan."
That plan includes Qatar reaching a World Cup on merit, in its 10th attempt since first entering for the 1978 event. It qualifies automatically for the 2022 tournament as host.
Qatar has two chances left, but the relaxed coach said he’s not under stress.
"There’s no additional pressure," Rajevac said. "Football is like that, everything is pressure. You need to be very calm to do your work properly. We try to channel that pressure into a positive performance."
In Europe this month, Qatar lost 3-0 to Swiss top-division side Lausanne, and 4-2 against Bayern Munich in Italy, before returning to Switzerland to draw 2-2 with Neuchatel Xamax.
Rajevac’s squad begins its 2014 World Cup quest on July 23, a day after Mohamed bin Hammam, the longtime international face of Qatari soccer, is to appear before FIFA’s ethics committee on election bribery charges.
Rajevac dismissed Qatar’s links to corruption allegations, and suggestions it "bought" the World Cup.
"I have heard something, but really I’m not thinking about that," he said. "I don’t have enough information and I’m not so interested in that part, because I’m thinking about my team."
Rajevac also is untroubled by Qatar’s searing heat, having worked there before, as well as in Ghana and Saudi Arabia.
"We already have one stadium that’s air conditioned and the Aspire academy is a fantastic facility for training," Rajevac said. "So heat doesn’t disturb us at all.
"Qatar is really investing a lot, this is the target — to build an excellent team for Qatar so it can represent the country at the highest level.
"I came here for a long time to build a team and qualify for the World Cup," he said.
And how many bonus dollars are written into his contract for accomplishing that mission?
Rajevac smiles broadly.
"There is no money that can give you that satisfaction when you qualify this country for the first time in their history."
-- Graham Dunbar
PSG hires Leonardo as new sporting director
PARIS (AP) — Former Inter Milan coach Leonardo was hired Wednesday as sporting director at Paris Saint-Germain in a bid to spur the French club’s ambitions and attract star players.
The high-profile move was officially announced after a meeting of the supervisory board and could mean a turnaround in fortunes for PSG.
The French club now benefits from the charisma of Leonardo and from the strong financial backing of Qatar Sports Investments, which recently acquired a 70 percent stake in PSG.
"For us, he is the best to be in this position," QSI president Nasser Al-Khelaifi said about hiring Leonardo. "He’s the one who is going to develop hopefully the club."
PSG also dismissed president Robin Leproux to give Leonardo a free hand in the club’s sporting policy. Benoit Rousseau will take over as interim president.
"He did a great job for the club," Al-Khelaifi said about Leproux. "But now (...) we’re looking for something different."
PSG will rely on Leonardo’s knowledge of European football and on his connections in Brazil to land talented players and improve the quality of the squad.
The 41-year-old Brazilian does not find himself in uncharted territory. Leonardo speaks French and played for PSG as an attacking midfielder during the 1996-97 season before moving to AC Milan.
"It’s a very powerful memory in me," Leonardo said about his time in Paris. "I’ve always thought that one day I could come back."
Leonardo said PSG even contacted him in 2004 and 2006 for a position at the club.
"Fourteen years after departing, to be here today and to walk into the stadium really makes me happy," Leonardo said. "I’m here because of the personal tie I have with PSG. Otherwise it wouldn’t have been possible to leave Inter Milan."
Leonardo led Inter to the Italian Cup title last season and to a runner-up finish in Serie A after taking over for the fired Rafa Benitez.
"It wasn’t easy for me to leave Italy," Leonardo said. "It was not just about leaving a club, it was also about leaving a city. I had my life in Milan. That’s why it was not easy to go. Even me, I didn’t expect it."
Al-Khelaifi, the new Qatari boss at PSG, made clear after acquiring the club that the goal for the upcoming season was to get a Champions League berth.
PSG finished in fourth place last season in the French league, missing out on a playoff spot for the lucrative European competition.
The goal is "to play the Champions League and be competitive in France and Europe," Leonardo said. "But for that, I need some time."
"It’s a long-term project," he added. "I must study and gradually build the project."
The French club is expected to be more active on the transfer market following Leonardo’s appointment.
Before the Qatari takeover, PSG signed goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez from Rennes and striker Kevin Gameiro from Lorient. But it will need additional reinforcement as goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and defensive midfielder Claude Makelele have retired this summer while winger Ludovic Giuly’s contract has not been renewed.
Lille midfielder Eden Hazard has been linked with a move to PSG, but the French champion is reluctant to sell the 20-year-old Belgian to a domestic rival.
Hazard was instrumental in Lille winning both the French Cup and the French league title last season and was voted player of the year by his fellow league professionals.
Al-Khelaifi also said after the takeover that one priority would be to search for the next super stars.
"We want to invest in the top talents of the future," he said.
PSG will look to unearth the untapped potential in Paris, which is the largest city in France and whose population in the metropolitan area exceeds 10 million people.
"Paris is the only European capital that does not have a competitive team in Europe," Leonardo said. "The potential in this city is so strong."
-- Trung Latieule
Arsenal beats Malaysian XI 4-0 on Asian tour
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Arsenal enjoyed a comfortable start to its preseason Asian tour, beating a Malaysia XI 4-0 Wednesday with Carlos Vela among the scorers in his return from a loan stint.
Aaron Ramsey gave Arsenal the lead from the penalty spot in the fifth minute, and Theo Walcott added the second in the 37th. Vela came on a second-half substitute and made it 3-0 in the 59th, with Tomas Rosicky finishing off the scoring in injury time.
Kieran Gibbs started at left back for Arsenal after the sale of Gael Clichy to Manchester City, and delivered an assured performance. Thomas Vermaelen started at center back after missing much of last season with an injury.
Jack Wilshere set up the opening goal by dribbling his way into the Malaysian area before being brought down by Mahalli Jasuli, leaving referee Mohd Yussof Mat Karim no choice but to point to the spot.
Ramsey kept his composure to send goalkeeper Mohd Nasril Mat Nourdin the wrong way, tucking his penalty to the right.
Left winger Subramaniam Kunalan was the biggest threat for the Malaysians, causing constant trouble for Carl Jenkinson in the defender’s first start for Arsenal.
Still, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Jenkinson "showed some good qualities."
"He was willing to go forward and help out and I’m sure he will get better once he gets more games," Wenger said.
Malaysia’s best chance came when Safiq Rahim’s free kick from more than 35 yards out was tipped over for a corner by Wojciech Szczesny.
With Wilshere and Ramsey dominating the midfield, Arsenal doubled the lead when Ramsey’s through ball released Walcott down the right and the midfielder coolly lobbed an onrushing Mohd Yussoff.
Arsenal made seven changes at halftime with Rosicky, Vela, Denilson and goalkeeper Vito Mannone all coming on.
Arsenal came close to scoring on several occasions before Vela chipped substitute goalkeeper Khairul Fahmie Che Mat to make it 3-0.
Samir Nasri, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United, came on nine minutes later along with Robin Van Persie, Andrey Arsharvin and Barcary Sagna.
Wenger said he doesn’t expect the club to sell Nasri, even though he could leave on a free transfer next year.
"Our goal of course is to win the championship," Wenger said. "Whether I need to buy new players or not is a different matter. I’m willing to keep Samir for another year, even if I risk losing him for nothing when his contact expires next season."
Rosicky made it 4-0 when he headed home Arshavin’s cross from close range.
Arsenal will next play in China on Saturday.
John Arne Riise links up with brother at Fulham
LONDON (AP) — John Arne Riise could be playing with his brother Bjorn Helge Riise next season after joining Fulham from Roma on Wednesday.
The Norway defender has signed a three-year deal to return to the Premier League, three years after leaving Liverpool for Serie A.
Arne Riise faced Fulham in the Europa League in the 2009-10 season, coming up against his brother — and scoring.
"It was the first time my brother and I played against each other at a high level, so it was a big experience for both of us," he said. "I managed to score against Fulham — my brother likes that one — and we enjoyed it, but now we can finally play together in a club."
Riise is Fulham’s second signing of the offseason, following the deal for Hungarian goalkeeper Csaba Somogyi earlier this week.
Also Wednesday, a deal was agreed for former Fulham defender Paul Konchesky to leave Liverpool after only one season to join second-tier club Leicester, which is managed by Sven-Goran Eriksson. Konchesky played 18 matches for Liverpool.
Premier League newcomer Queens Park Rangers signed former Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd and former West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer, who were both free agents.
Xavi: Fabregas suffering over Barcelona transfer
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Cesc Fabregas is "suffering" from the drawn-out transfer saga that has kept the Arsenal playmaker from joining Barcelona, according to Xavi Hernandez.
Xavi left little doubt over his Spain teammate’s desire to move to the Catalan capital following a recent conversation.
"I spoke with Cesc in Ibiza and he told me that he was suffering because he wants to come here," Xavi was quoted as saying on Barcelona’s website on Wednesday. "It’s what he wants most and he’s done all he can to come, he wants Arsenal to let him leave."
Arsenal has already rejected several bids from the European champions for Fabregas. Barcelona had a bid of €40 million ($56 million) rejected last year and a lesser offer earlier this year. Spanish media reported Wednesday that Barcelona was preparing to offer another bid of €40 million.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Monday that the Gunners would "fight hard" to keep the 24-year-old Fabregas, who reportedly has been pressuring the north London team to let him return to the club he left as a teenager.
Fabregas remained in London when Arsenal set out on a preseason tour of Asia.
Several Barcelona players have said Fabregas wants to rejoin the three-time defending Spanish champions, including goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
"I think he has a desire to return. He wouldn’t have problems adapting to the team," Valdes said Tuesday.
Feyenoord coach Mario Been quits
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) — Feyenoord says coach Mario Been has quit after most of the team’s players said they had lost faith in his leadership, plunging the cash-strapped club into turmoil shortly before the start of the new season.
Feyenoord says the player revolt hit Been "like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky."
Technical director Martin Geel called Been’s decision to quit "very regrettable, especially given the timing."
Been joined Feyenoord on a three-year contract in 2009 and has struggled to restore the fortunes of the financially troubled former Dutch powerhouse. The team finished 10th last season as Ajax won its 30th Dutch league title.
No replacement for Been was immediately announced.
Barton denied US visa for preseason Newcastle trip
LONDON (AP) — Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton will miss the Premier League club’s preseason trip to the United States after being denied a visa because of his criminal record.
The 28-year-old Barton was jailed for 74 days of a six-month sentence after admitting assault and affray in 2008.
Barton said Wednesday on Twitter that the decision is "hypocrisy considering what they get up to, but rules are rules." He added: "they told me am not allowed in until I have 5yrs without any trouble. 3yrs down, 2yrs to go..."
Newcastle leaves Sunday to play three games in the United States. Barton will instead travel to the Netherlands on Thursday with the reserve team.
Madrid’s Sahin sidelined 2-3 weeks with injury
MADRID (AP) — New Real Madrid signing Nuri Sahin will need two to three weeks to recover from a knee injury sustained in preseason training on Wednesday.
Madrid says on its website that a medical scan on the Turkey midfielder’s left knee revealed a sprained ligament.
Sahin is expected to return in time for the two-legged Spanish Supercup series against Barcelona, which begins Aug. 14.
Sahin, who was voted the Bundesliga’s best player, signed a six-year deal after Madrid paid Borussia Dortmund his €10 million ($14 million) buy-out clause in May.
Liverpool reaches deal to buy Downing from Villa
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool has reached a deal with Aston Villa to buy England midfielder Stewart Downing.
Liverpool said it has "been granted permission to discuss personal terms" with Downing and arrange for the player to have a medical at the club.
Liverpool did not disclose the transfer fee, but British media reported it to be 20 million pounds ($31.8 million).
Bielsa welcomed by thousands on 1st day at Bilbao
BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa was welcomed by thousands of fans on his first day in charge of the Spanish club on Wednesday.
Bielsa was heartily received at the Basque club’s Lezama training ground, with club supporters braving the rain to greet the Argentine coach as he led his first training session.
Nicknamed "The Crazy One," Bielsa replaced Joaquin Caparros after Josu Urrutia won the club presidency on Sunday.
Bielsa previously led Argentina and Chile but his previous coaching stint in Spain lasted only six weeks, at Espanyol. He has a tough opening test with Bilbao facing Real Madrid in its season opener on Aug. 21.
Bilbao finished sixth last season to qualify for the Europa League with a young squad led by World Cup winners Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez, who was also in the Spain under-21 team that won the European Championship last month.
Bielsa said Bilbao will play his favored style of possession-based attacking football.
He said at a news conference that he expected his young squad to press high and want the ball and "before we start (the season) we shouldn’t set any limits."
Bielsa didn’t rule out signing players in the offseason "but that doesn’t mean I’m thinking about anyone particular."
Bilbao’s squad is made up entirely of homegrown Basque players.
FIFA hires Massimo Busacca as head of referees
ZURICH (AP) — FIFA has hired Massimo Busacca of Switzerland as head of refereeing to prepare match officials for international tournaments.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter says in a statement that Busacca’s experience will be "particularly useful to our mission."
Busacca is a member of FIFA’s Task Force 2014, responsible for improving soccer before the next World Cup. That includes having only full-time professional referees at the tournament.
The 42-year-old Busacca has won worldwide praise for his handling of the 2009 Champions League final. He was suspended months later after making an offensive gesture to Swiss fans.
Busacca angered host South Africa by dismissing its goalkeeper in his only match at the 2010 World Cup.
Benfica signs Belgium’s Witsel on 5-year contract
LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Benfica says it has signed Standard Liege midfielder Alex Witsel.
The Portuguese club says the 22-year-old Belgium international would be presented to fans at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon later Wednesday.
Standard Liege says Witsel signed a five-year contract with Benfica.
Witsel, who was voted Belgium’s Most Valuable Player in 2008, was suspended for eight Belgian league games in 2009 after breaking the leg of Anderlecht defender Marcin Wasilewski with a reckless tackle.
Hamburg ‘keeper Frank Rost to join NY Red Bulls
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Hamburger SV says former goalkeeper Frank Rost is joining the New York Red Bulls.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper was out of contract when his deal with Hamburg expired at the end of last season.
Rost played 426 Bundesliga games for Schalke, Werder Bremen and Hamburg.
