Adebayor seals £5m Spurs return as AVB finally signs a striker

Emmanuel Adebayor declared he is 'hungry for goals' after finally completing his permanent transfer to Tottenham.

Manchester City and Adebayor came to an agreement on the terms of a pay-off on Tuesday afternoon, allowing the Togo striker to complete his permanent move to White Hart Lane for a reported fee of £5million.
The 28-year-old's arrival is a huge boost to Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, who until Tuesday had only one recognised out and out striker in Jermain Defoe.

Bring it on: Emmanuel Adebayor has secured a permanent move to Spurs

 

Despite spending three and a half years at bitter rivals Arsenal, Adebayor became a fans' favourite at Tottenham last season, mainly because he scored 18 goals and struck up a sound understanding with Rafael van der Vaart while on loan at the London club.

The Togo hitman vowed to continue his goal-scoring spree at the club on Tuesday after sealing his return to Spurs.
'I'm back!!!! Tottenham here I come!! I'm hungry for goals...Get ready,' Adebayor tweeted.

Arsenal old boy: Adebayor won over Spurs fans with 18 goals last season

'I am pleased to be signing for Spurs on a permanent basis after finally agreeing my departure with Manchester City,' he added later on Spurs' website.
'It may have taken longer than expected but I am delighted to be back at Tottenham Hotspur.
'I really enjoyed my time here last season and I am hoping we can achieve great things together again.'
Adebayor spent three years at City but fell out of favour upon Robert Mancini's appointment as manager and spent the last year and a half on loan at Real Madrid and Spurs.
With 10 days to go until the close of the transfer window, Villas-Boas is starting to put the finishing touches to the squad he wants to win a trophy this season.
Adebayor joined on the same day Spurs sold out-of-favour centre-back Sebastien Bassong to Norwich and it may not be long before another Tottenham defender, Michael Dawson, leaves the club after QPR made a bid for the England international on Tuesday.

Two's company: Jermain Defoe (centre right) has a strike partner at last

Although he is the club's captain, Dawson was left out of the squad that travelled to Newcastle at the weekend, hinting that the centre-back may be surplus to requirements under Villas-Boas.
There is likely to be further transfer activity at White Hart Lane before the window shuts.
Tom Huddlestone has been linked with a loan move to Stoke and fellow squad players David Bentley and Giovani Dos Santos may depart.
Tottenham also remain in talks with Real Madrid over the protracted sale of Luka Modric.
Villas-Boas will also be looking to add to Tottenham's ranks, with Manchester City midfielder Adam Johnson the latest player to be linked with the north London outfit.

Exclusive: Frankel's a major star... but he's no Brigadier

It’s some admission from a man whose opinion should be respected — if  Frankel can win the Juddmonte International Stakes at York on his first race over 10 furlongs, he can justifiably be rated the equal of the great Brigadier Gerard. 
Equal, mind. Not better. 
In truth, nothing on four legs will ever rate higher with former jockey Joe Mercer than the 1970s icon he still calls the ‘Big Fella’, who galloped into racing folklore by carrying him to  victory in 17 of his 18 races.

Stunning: The unbeaten Frankel is rated the best racehorse of all time

‘You earned your plaudits more in the old days,’ says  Mercer, whose career brought him close to 3,000 winners and eight British Classics. 
‘Maybe Frankel is the greatest at the present and the best for 20 years, but not the best ever. He has not proved it yet. He’s as good as The Brigadier but not the greatest ever as they classify him. That’s OTT.
‘Everybody asks how Brigadier Gerard and Frankel compare and last year, for a bit of fun, I said he would have made a good lead horse for The Brigadier, who achieved so much in his lifetime it was amazing.
‘He had ability and courage and a lot of both. He was a big, handsome horse and his racing weight never changed from two to three to four years old. He was a perfect physical  specimen and his attitude was that he knew it.
‘It’s the horses who finish behind you that count. Frankel has had the same horse (Excelebration) behind him four times. He’s a fabulous horse, who would have probably been the best miler in the world if Frankel hadn’t been around.

One of the best: Brigadier Gerard won the 2000 Guineas in 1971

‘The ones that Brigadier Gerard beat came out and won everything — they were horses like Mill Reef, who went on to be a champion; Faraway Sun, who was a good French horse he beat five lengths in the Sussex Stakes, wasn’t beaten again that season.’
A shoulder problem might  be hindering his golf swing, but at 77, Mercer still cuts the same dapper figure as in 1979 when, as stable jockey to Frankel’s trainer Sir Henry Cecil, he was champion jockey. The pipe, which earned his nickname Smokin’ Joe, is by his side and Mercer’s admiration of Cecil’s colt is genuine, not grudging.
But looking at The Brigadier’s record, even the fully paid-up members of the Frankel fan club must respect his verdict.
Timeform rate Frankel — who is estimated to be worth £100million and who may run only once more after Wednesday’s race — the best horse they have ever assessed, three pounds better than Dick Hern-trained Brigadier Gerard,  who is equal third-best on their all-time chart.

In the know: Joe Mercer

There are close  parallels between the two. Frankel was a devastating six-length winner of last year’s 2,000 Guineas and The Brigadier emerged on top in one of the best runnings of the race in 1971, beating  subsequent Arc and Derby hero Mill Reef, plus outstanding French colt My Swallow. Both were career-defining victories.
‘I had never been so confident before a race, particularly when Duration won the apprentice race beforehand,’ says Mercer.
‘He was one of the horses Brigadier Gerard had been working with and he’d been slaughtering him.
‘We knew we had a good horse the first time he ever ran, at Newbury. He was last with two furlongs to go and finished 10 lengths in front of them.’
Both horses also had scares in Royal Ascot’s St James’s Palace Stakes, Frankel hanging on by three-quarters of a length from Zoffany after an injudicious mid-race move by his jockey Tom Queally; Mercer blamed himself for Brigadier Gerard’s narrow success from Sparkler.
Mercer said: ‘At Ascot last year, my heart was in my mouth. I could have killed the jockey — he went three furlongs from home. Frankel lasted out but only just. That’s guts.
‘The Brigadier only beat  Sparkler a head in the St James’s Palace and I blamed myself because I used to ride him in all his work and I don’t think I did enough with him.’

Catch me if you can: Frankel ridden by Tom Queally wins the Lockinge Stakes

Frankel and The Brigadier have also been successful in the Lockinge, Sussex and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. 
But whereas Frankel victories range from seven furlongs to a mile, Brigadier Gerard won at five furlongs, took in two Champion Stakes and an Eclipse over 10 furlongs and his stamina was eked out to land the 1972 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes over Ascot’s mile and a half.
That is why the International Stakes is, arguably, the most  significant race in Frankel’s career since he blasted his way up Newmarket’s Rowley Mile in the 2,000 Guineas.
We’ve been reminded in six races since of his brilliance and Usain Bolt-like acceleration. But a victory at a longer  distance would add significant lustre to a glittering record.

In front: Brigadier Gerard (left) ridden by Joe Mercer wins the King George VI

That opportunity comes in the one race that eluded Brigadier Gerard 40 years ago.
In 1972 the three-length defeat by Vincent O’Brien’s Derby winner Roberto, brilliantly ridden from the front by South  American jockey Braulio Baeza in the inaugural running of a race then known as the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup, silenced the Knavesmire crowd.
Mercer is adamant that the real Brigadier, who started 1-3 favourite, did not turn up that day, despite Roberto breaking the course record.
‘Everything to look at was  perfect and his work was as good as ever but the stable was under a very big cloud,’ he recalled. ‘Two and a half out, he was hacking behind them, but he never picked up and I accepted it half a furlong out. I wasn’t going to knock the c**p out of him.
‘I wasn’t concerned about the crowd reaction — it’s not in your mind, just in your heart, and that felt horrible. Dick Hern’s face was just blank.
‘When he came back after the race dear old Buster Haslam, who was our travelling head man, said, “Don’t let him put his head down, keep it up”.

‘They let him after he had left the winner’s enclosure and the mucus just ran out of him. You could have filled a bucket. But he came back and won both his races afterwards.’
Mercer sees little prospect of Frankel’s exalted status being dented at York. 
‘I’ve been to see Frankel run and seen his development. He’s some racehorse, no doubt about it. I’d love to ride him. I’d give my right leg to do it. I  bet Lester Piggott would say the same.
‘He’ll stay a mile and a quarter on a flat, galloping track like York, but he’ll never race over a mile and a half.’
The unspoken words to finish the sentence are, of course, like the Big Fella. 
‘No-one can ever beat The Brigadier in my heart and we can’t have a re-match,’  Mercer smiles. 
That’s one race Smokin’ Joe could never imagine losing. It would be some match-up, though.

Pietersen needs to say sorry to Strauss properly - and in person

I've heard both sides of the story now - from Andy Flower and Andrew Strauss at Lord's, and now from Kevin Pietersen.
The buzzword has been trust. And if I had to trust anyone, it would be Flower and Strauss to do the right thing.

Telling it like it is: Nasser Hussain talks to Kevin Pietersen before Surrey's CB40 game at The Oval on Tuesday

 

Kevin is totally apologetic for what he's done and rightly so. He's willing to admit he's got things horribly wrong. He wants to make up for it.
But he also feels some of what has been reported has been blown out of proportion. As Sportsmail explained on Monday, Pietersen did not, for example, tell South Africa's bowlers in the texts to go round the wicket.
He does, though, admit he sent some stuff he shouldn't have and he knows the one person he feels he shouldn't have hurt is Strauss.
But he must also realise, as Flower said on Tuesday, that this is not just about texts. He needs to have a good long look at himself. The last thing he'll want to do is look back in a few years' time and realise he could have saved his career by going out of his way to say sorry - properly, and in person.
I just hope the three of them can sit down together - and that means no agents or so-called representatives - and thrash it out. Because to say England may never pick him again is a big thing. Never is a long time.
But it will still be up to Flower and Strauss to decide if they believe he can change his ways. As an England fan, I want to see him back in the team. But only if he genuinely wants to be part of it.

Everton 1 Manchester United 0: Fellaini on fire as Toffees ruin Van Persie's big night

Robin van Persie had a Manchester United debut to forget as Everton's Marouane Fellaini stole the show at Goodison Park.
Fellaini capped a superb individual performance with the only goal of the game in the second half.
Van Persie, United's new £24million signing, came off the bench but, like the rest of his team-mates, could not cope with David Moyes' men.

Jump for joy: Marouane Fellaini gets up to head the ball past United keeper David De Gea

David De Gea had to be at his best in the first half, saving from Leon Osman and then keeping out a free-kick from Leighton Baines.
Wayne Rooney had a couple of chances for the visitors but it was the home side, with Fellaini making them tick, who bossed the opening 45 minutes.
Osman then smashed an effort off the crossbar shortly after the restart and Everton kept up the pressure until Fellaini powered home a header just short of the hour mark.
Van Persie left the bench to warm up just after the goal and was on the pitch in place of Danny Welbeck 10 minutes later.
But Everton kept him quiet and deserved the three points.
Full report to follow...

And we're off: Fellaini sprints away to celebrate after scoring for Everton

Fan-tastic: Marouane Fellaini celebrates his goal with Nikica Jelavic in front of the Everton supporters

No fear: Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea clears under pressure

No holding back: Everton left-back Leighton Baines and United winger Nani get stuck in

Welcome to the Premier League: Shinji Kagawa was named in the Manchester United starting XI

On the ball: Robin van Persie warmed up before taking his place on the Manchester United bench

Game for a laugh: Van Persie shares a joke with new team-mate Anderson as he watches the first half

Worth a try: Leon Osman has a go as United skipper Nemanja Vidic keeps a close eye on him

Going it alone: Marouane Fellaini hit the post from a tight angle early in the first half

Experience: Veteran midfielder Paul Scholes tries to get Manchester United going

Hard to handle: Everton striker Nikica Jelavic tries to get away from Patrice Evra (left) and Tom Cleverley

Another new recruit: Kevin Mirallas is introduced to the Everton supporters before the kick-off

Star man: Marouane Fellaini caused Manchester United plenty of problems

Spurs set to beat City to 'new Vieira' as AVB holds talks with midfielder Biton

Andre Villas-Boas is ready to bolster his Tottenham squad with a surprise move for Nir Biton after inviting the Israel midfielder to White Hart Lane for talks.

Biton was expected to join Manchester City, after impressing their coaching staff during a trial at The Etihad Stadium, and has also attracted interest from Everton and Aston Villa.

Centre of attention: Spurs target Nir Biton impressed Manchester City chiefs earlier this summer on trial

 

But Tottenham appear to have seized the initiative, after Biton and FC Ashdod owner Jacky Ben-Zaken flew to London to discuss a deal and make sure there were no problems over a work permit.

Though City were considering a loan move for Biton, Ashdod are short of funds and want to negotiate a permanent deal for a player who has been likened to former Arsenal favourite Patrick Vieira for his midfield athleticism.
Villas-Boas is more concerned about landing a suitable replacement for Real Madrid-bound Luka Modric but sees 20-year old Biton as a useful back-up who would strengthen his central midfield options.

Making a move: Andre Villas-Boas is set to hold talks with Nir Biton, with Spurs keen to sign the Israel midfielder

First RVP, now Kaka? Man United offered Brazil legend in shock loan deal from Real Madrid

Kaka has been offered to Manchester United on a season-long loan as Real Madrid prepare for the arrival of Luka Modric.
Galatasaray and Kaka’s former club AC Milan have also registered their interest in the 2007 World Player of the Year, but United are the biggest draw for the Brazilian.
Sir Alex Ferguson is giving the 30-year-old serious consideration but has fears about his form and fitness after so many injuries.

Benched: Kaka has struggled to impress at Real Madrid

 

United, who could have Robin van Persie on the bench at Everton on Monday, have signed left back Alexander Buttner, 23, for £3.9million from Vitesse Arnhem. They go to Goodison Park without Rio Ferdinand, who has a groin injury.
Ferguson is considering selling Dimitar Berbatov to Sunderland but has decided not to offload anyone else.
Kaka was an unused substitute on Sunday night as Real were held 1-1 by Valencia in their opening game. He has also lost his place in the Brazil squad.
Xabi Alonso, Lassana Diarra, Angel de Maria and Mesut Ozil all started. Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, who was also on the bench, is further competition and the £30m arrival of Modric from Spurs will push Kaka even further down the queue.

England bound? Kaka (left) could be set to join Manchester United

The Brazilian’s salary is close to the £250,000 a week earned by Van Persie and Wayne Rooney and, although Real are reluctant to let Kaka join a Champions League rival, his wages are a burden considering he will spend most of the season on the bench at the Bernabeu.
Kaka has struggled with injury since he joined Real for a then world record £60m in 2009 after six successful years with AC Milan. But he still managed to make 27 appearances in last season’s La Liga triumph.
Buttner was thrilled to have completed a rapid move to Old Trafford — Kaka or not. He said: ‘If you had told me one week ago that I would be training with and playing for the same team as Robin van Persie, I would have sent you to a mental home!

Done deal: Alexander Buttner has joined United from Vitesse

'This is crazy stuff, beyond all my dreams. I am looking forward to this challenge so much. I am so proud and so glad that it has worked out like this.
‘I’m so glad that it has happened and everything has turned out like this. This is really a dream come true.’
Meanwhile, Darren Fletcher played 90 minutes as an overaged player for United’s Under 21 squad against Stoke on Saturday.

That's a bit flash! City photographer falls victim to Mario's latest prank

New season, same old Mario. It may have been a day to set the benchmark for the year to come, but the Premier League's favourite prankster still found time for some mischief on the opening afternoon.
His hi-jinx didn't involve fireworks this time, but a flash of a different kind as he grabs an expensive piece of camera equipment from Manchester City's club photographer Sharon Latham.
Just before the champions' opening match against Southampton, the unpredictable striker is filmed strolling down the tunnel at the City of Manchester Stadium, casually hi-fiving the young mascots.
Scroll down to watch the video

Balotelli strolls down the tunnel after completing his warm-up, nonchalantly hi-fiving the mascots

He spies club photographer Sharon Latham kneeling on the floor snapping away and makes a grab for her camera

Meanwhile, Latham is crouched on the floor snapping away at him. The switch in Balotelli's mischievous mind goes and he reaches out for the flash, almost dragging the photographer with him as she tries to cling on.
And with a broad smile on his face, the Italian then twists of the lens and walks off the to changing room.
The embarrassed Latham doesn't know where to look and can only laugh at the prank.
The referee Howard Webb, walking down the tunnel behind Balotelli, struggles to hide a smirk as he walks past.

She bravely tries to cling on to her expensive piece of equipment as Balotelli tries to get the flash

The striker proves too strong and gets away with the lens

Balotelli disappears to the dressing room and Latham can only smile at the prank

Balotelli came on for the last 20 minutes of City's 3-2 opening day win against Southampton as a replacement for David Silva.
He reportedly twisted his knee in a pre-match warm down, though City officials played down the extent of the injury.
He's likely to see plenty of match action in the coming weeks as strike partner Sergio Aguero was injured during the game. 
Why always him? Balotelli's latest prank