Summer Transfer Window 2013 (General)

[Shaggy]

Good signing - I would've taken him.

Balague:

http://sulia.com/channel/la-liga/f/1ec8c08a-8748-4e72-996b-911af0612935/

Amorebieta has signed for Fulham

Fulham have agreed a deal for the 28-year-old defender that will see him arrive at Craven Cottage on a free this summer, and if he can overcome his disciplinary issues, Amorebieta could be an excellent signing.

Those who claim that attacking players like Lionel Messi get an easy ride in the Spanish first division have perhaps never seen Fernando Amorebieta play, with the Athletic Bilbao defender notorious for taking no prisoners on the pitch.

The Venezuelan international but Spanish born centre back's disciplinary record has been the main blemish on his time at Bilbao, and the eleven red cards he has received whilst at the Basque club have been part of the reason why a big move has not materialised for Amorebieta, who has been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in the past.

In the end Fulham are the club that have taken the risk of bringing Amorebieta to the Premier League, and if he can keep his rash side in check, there is no doubt that the Venezuelan is an accomplished centre back.

The 28 year old was a key part of the Athletic Bilbao side that reached the Spanish Cup and Europa League final under Marco Bielsa last season, particularly impressing in their fantastic win over Manchester United.

With Brede Hangeland recently agreeing a new two year deal, Fulham's back line is looking in fine fettle for next season, and Amorebieta brings an element of class on the ball to go alongside his sterner side.

Comfortable carrying the ball forward on playing long passes, and excellent in the air, Amorebieta has all the attributes required to be a real success for Martin Jol's side next season.

However the worry will always be that he will end up missing 5-10 games through suspension, especially as he looks to settle in a new division. Amorebieta is no doubt aware of his disciplinary record, and perhaps this move might spark a new, more restrained approach. If he does rein himself in, Amorebieta could well be a superb addition to Fulham's ranks.

[Chazza]

Nik Postinger @TouchlineDrama
Turkish newspaper Akşam Gazetesi are reporting that Chelsea have triggered the €24m release clause of Atlético Madrid attacker Arda Turan.

[Reece]

As if they need him

[Pablo]

Good signing - I would've taken him.

Balague:

http://sulia.com/channel/la-liga/f/1...-911af0612935/

**** they slipped that in under the radar. Decent signing that

[kev776]

Good signing - I would've taken him.

Balague:

http://sulia.com/channel/la-liga/f/1...-911af0612935/

If we signed this guy we would never qualify for Europe again.

[Pablo]

If we signed this guy we would never qualify for Europe again.

Huh? Have you even seen him play? I think he'll be an ideal fit for the Premier League.

[kev776]

Huh? Have you even seen him play? I think he'll be an ideal fit for the Premier League.

Our only chance of playing in Europe is through the "Fair play" method, not a bleedin chance with him launching opponents into the kop on a regular basis.

[Pablo]

Ah ok, I get what you meant now

I'd love a proper nutcase like him in the team now to be honest

[Shaggy]

Sid Lowe @sidlowe
La Sexta reporting that Falcao will play for Monaco next season. Surprise

Julien Laurens @LaurensJulien
La Sexta in Spain is reporting that Falcao has chosen to play for Monaco next season. Monaco about to be promoted in Ligue 1 #asm #cfc #mcfc

[Chazza]

All about the money then.

[Shaggy]

I assume they're loaded now then?

[Reece]

Am I right in thinking that players there would receive tax-free "benefits"?

And am I also right in thinking that I read something recently saying that they are trying to change that?

[Chazza]

I assume they're loaded now then?

Yeah they got a heavily funded Russian takeover at the end of 2011

[Reece]

Monaco plan to challenge tax-related relocation order

AS Monaco plan to legally challenge the order which would end their tax exemption status by forcing them to move their headquarters to France.
The club also say the French Football Federation has demanded an "outrageous" payment of 200 million euros (£168m) for their base to remain in Monaco.
The FFF has rejected the claim, insisting Monaco made the offer.
Monaco are set for promotion to the top flight, and attract many top players as foreigners do not pay income tax there.
AS Monaco's roll of honour
Since being founded in 1924, Monaco have won seven Ligue 1 titles and were defeated by Jose Mourinho's Porto in the Champions League final nine years ago
Former players have included Glenn Hoddle, George Weah and Jurgen Klinsmann
Arsenal's Arsene Wenger managed the club from 1987-1994, winning both the Ligue 1 title and French Cup
"ASM FC [Monaco], after consultation with its legal counsel, has decided that it has no other choice but to bring legal action in order to obtain a judicial resolution of the dispute,' the club said in a statement on Sunday.
"As part of this legal action, ASM FC will be seeking the annulment of the LFP's [French League's] decision of 21 March requiring the club to establish its headquarters in France, as well as a claim for damages from the LFP as compensation for financial and commercial losses suffered as a result of that decision."
Former Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri's side currently top the French second division, but missed the opportunity to end a two-year absence from Ligue 1 this weekend when they were defeated by Caen.
They lead second-placed Nantes, who have a game in hand, by five points, but will clinch one of the three promotion places if they beat Nimes next Saturday, regardless of other results.
Monaco's dispute with the French footballing authorities came after they were ordered to relocate by the start of June 2014. If they made the switch, the club would be liable to pay tax in France.
A major cause for the action is the proposed 75% income tax rate on high earners, a regulation that would put Monaco at a major advantage compared to their French league rivals when it comes to the overall cost of their players' wage packets - if they remain based outside France.
Despite being in Ligue 2, they have invested heavily since Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev bought a majority stake in December 2011.
They have further been linked with making big-money summer moves for star names such as Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, as well as Manchester City pair Samir Nasri and Carlos Tevez.
In regards to the demand to pay 200 million euros, Monaco said French federation president Noel Le Graet "acting on behalf of both the FFF and the LFP" made the offer at a meeting in Paris last Friday between himself and Rybolovlev.
"The position of the club is very clear: ASM FC considers that such a demand is not only outrageous but also totally unacceptable," the club added.
The FFF has responded with a statement of their own, rejecting the reports about Le Graet's role and further revealing that all parties had agreed to "reconvene during the week of 20 May" to discuss the matter further.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22425973

[Shaggy]

Darren Tulett @1DarrenTulett
Rumours about Falcao to Monaco this summer growing louder and louder. Both in Spain and in France. Huge deal if it comes off.

What a blow for Chelsea if this is true. Maybe this why they're reportedly in for Rooney?