Medals while the SEA Games in 2011

No. Ranked	Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total Medals
1	Indonesia	76	60	60	196
2	Thailand	48	35	57	140
3	Vietnam	44	46	52	142
4	Singapura	25	26	41	92
5	Malaysia	22	23	36	81
6	Filipina	14	21	27	62
7	Laos	4	3	19	26
8	Kamboja	2	7	10	19
9	Myanmar	0	9	15	24
10	Brunei	0	1	4	5
11	Timor Leste	0	0	1	1

XXIV SEA Games Indonesian 'Red and White' Still Comfortable sitting atop Medal Standings

Jakarta - Of the 545 gold medals up for grabs at the SEA Games XXVI, 235 of whomalready had owners. Total of 76 gold medals now achieved thanks to an additional 16pieces of Indonesia on Tuesday (11/15/2011).

Pencak silat a sport (sports) the largest gold miners for the 'Red and White' with thedonation of four medals on this day. Two silver medals were also added sports.

While a contributor to athletics medals today, with a total of ten medals, although in the form of which only two gold medals.

Such as athletics, sports vovinam also managed to donate two gold medals. Two bronzemedals also added to the coffers medals Indonesia.

Through hard struggle, the team managed to donate Indonesia son team gold medal. Onemedal was also presented sports tennis, archery, bridge, rock climbing, taekwondo,swimming and artistic gymnastics.

Vietnam became the gold medalist on this day ever with 18 gold medals, or two moremedals than Indonesia. With additional medals, the Vietnamese are now collecting 44gold and sit in third position.

Additional gold medal makes Vietnam is now threatening the position of Malysia, who finished second with 48 gold medals. Indonesia itself is still far leads with 76 gold medals.

Raihan Medal Indonesia on Tuesday (15/11):

16 gold, 11 silver, 22 bronze; total of 49 medals

Nini/detik

AC Milan's Adriano Galliani: I have dreamed of signing Chelsea's Didier Drogba for years

The CEO of the reigning Serie A champions has admitted that he is interested in luring the striker to San Siro

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed that he is eager to sign Chelsea forwardDidier Drogba, while also admitting that Nicolas Anelka has caught the attention of the Rossoneri as well.

Former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti urged Milan earlier this week to make a move for the duo, and Galliani has now admitted that he's been a long term admirer of the Cote d'Ivoire international.

"Ancelotti is someone who knows his football. Perhaps we will sign both players," Galliani said to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Anelka is a great player, however, I have dreamed of signing Drogba ever since he played for Olympique de Marseille.

"Seriously though, we don't know yet whether we will sign someone in the January transfer window. If so, it will be on a loan deal."

Anelka's current contract with Chelsea is due to expire at the end of the season, while Drogba, 33, has an expiring deal as well.

Nini/Goal

Liverpool 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1: match report

The country may be obsessed, but Anfield is infatuated. The story of Liverpool's season may be one loaded with questions over Andy Carroll, but it is one likely to be dominated by the answers provided by Luis Suarez.

Kenny Dalglish may insist the £35 million fee Liverpool paid Newcastle for their centre forward is irrelevant, but Carroll's status as the most expensive English player in history, his apparent role as England's number nine apparent, means it is his destiny to dominate the build-up to games throughout his career.

It is Suarez's to decide them once they start. The Uruguayan scored the winning goal here, brilliantly doubling Liverpool's lead against a disciplined, dogged Wolves after Charlie Adam's deflected strike helped them on their way.

Steven Fletcher's strike ensured an anxious end, but Dalglish's side clung on. That is not to say Carroll played poorly: far from it.

This time last year, the striker was being hailed as the reincarnation of Jackie Milburn and Alan Shearer, anointed as England's future, an authentic hometown hero.

12 months and one British record move on, he finds himself written off, his fitness, form and focus in doubt, his professional dedication and private delectations questioned by all and sundry, up to including the England manager.
Except, of course, at Liverpool. Here, Dalglish insists, Carroll knows exactly who is on his side.
The Scot's loyalty, of course, endures only so long as it is rewarded when wearing red; after an unconvincing start to the season, this can be considered the beginning of that repayment.
Carroll may not have scored, but it was his effort, his power and his presence, which led to the hosts' first: the forward seemed to foul Johnson as the two tussled for a high ball, the rebound fell to Stewart Downing who found Adam, and the Scot saw his effort deflected home by the furious Wolves captain.
His involvement seemed to inspire Carroll; where he has been stationary in recent games, here he ran, into channels and over challenges.
He leapt to meet a Stewart Downing corner but headed straight at Wayne Hennessey, he produced a clever cross which narrowly evaded Suarez's toe.
The difference in Liverpool was seismic. For much of the last nine months, it has been only the boisterous Uruguayan who injects electricity into Dalglish's side's play.
Carroll's contribution, at times, doubled the voltage. The light Suarez emits, though, has a habit of casting all else into shade.
If a blink-of-an-eye back heel through Johnson's legs was not enough to remind Anfield of their first love, his goal certainly was, latching on to Jose Enrique's through pass, bringing the ball under his spell with his right foot, turning Christophe Berra's guts into garters, twisting one way and then the other before firing past Hennessey at his near post.
That should have been game over – indeed, had Suarez not seen another effort dribble past the post just before the break, it would have been – but Liverpool's chronic profligacy, combined with Mick McCarthy's team's characteristic tenacity, ensured it was not.
Fletcher rifled past Pepe Reina immediately after the interval, profiting from good work from Karl Henry and Stephen Hunt, offering Wolves hope.
Three misses in as many minutes from the hosts sustained it. First, Hennessey smothered a Suarez effort after Carroll made his presence felt and beat the goalkeeper to a Downing cross; a moment later, the 22-year-old headed on to the post from another Downing cross; then the winger saw his shot saved after a jet-heeled counter attack led by Charlie Adam presented him with a clear sight of goal.
Liverpool, nervous now, seemed to freeze. Kevin Doyle might have scored after a six-yard box scramble as the Kop gave voice to mounting anxiety.


Nini/telegraph

Emmanuel Eboue bergabung Galatasaray

Galatasaray management has ensured the arrival of defender Emmanuel kana Aboue from Arsenal with a value of € 3.5 million. Club management announced today.

Eboue left the Emirates Stadium after six years crossed the globe in the Premier League, and is now trying his luck in Turkey. Ivory Coast player has agreed a four-year contract, and will receive a salary of € 2.5 million per season.

"Arsenal have agreed to sell Emmanuel Ebaoue early in the season 2011/12. Transfer value paid to Arsenal was € 3.5 million. For the 2011/12 season until 2012/13, he will be paid € 2.5 million per season. Subsequently he received € 2.2 million in the 2013/14 season until 2014/15, "the statement Galatasaray.

Thus, Galatasaray has recruited five players this summer. Previously, Galatasaray bring Johan Elmander, Felipe Melo, Tomas Ujfalusi and Fernando Muslera since the presence Unal Aysal as club president.




Nini/Goal

Roving Bring Bomb, Less Sane Man Police secured

Palembang - A man who allegedly insane crazy alias makes a scene in Palembang, South Sumatra, this afternoon. He was carrying a sack of explosives is estimated remnants of World War II.

The man was first suspected by residents in Jalan Ki Merogan RT 21 RW 6 Kemang Village Court, District Kertapati, Palembang, near the Pertamina depot on Tuesday (08/16/2011) at 13.00 hrs.

One resident, Aan, saw someone carrying iron in plastic sacks. Excitement came when a madman is generating some scrap metal is known that similar types of mortar bombs, grenades, bullets and projectiles are rusty.

And citizens more surprised, when he intends to cut with a hacksaw. Residents immediately stop and then inform the police officer who was passing Satlantas.

After being questioned by police, there are 4 mortars, a pineapple grenade, and 5 projectiles in the sack.

Soon, Tim Gegana Unit Sumsel Brimobda directly come to the site to secure relics of World War II. Own officials were investigating where the person is getting a bag of explosives.


Nini/Detik

Van Persie Arsenal's New Captain

London - Robin van Persie was appointed as the new captain following the departure of Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas. In the same occasion, Thomas Vermaelen was appointed vice-captain.
Arsenal captain's position was vacant after Fabregas leave the Emirates Stadium. Spanish players returned to his old club, Barcelona.
As expected, the vacant position was eventually filled by Van Persie. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, judge Van Persie had the necessary leadership in the field.
"Robin van Persie will be captain this season," said Wenger on the club's official website.
"He was the leader through the way he plays, through attitude and by his desire to win," he added.
"He's been at the club for a long time and he was the technical leader as well. Thomas Vermaelen will help him. That's a decision I've made and I believe the players will respond," Wenger said.
Van Persie himself claimed to be ready to take this work. Moreover, he did several times assigned Wenger led his colleagues when Fabregas missed last season.
"As captain, you are an ambassador for the club and I am ready for it," said Van Persie.
"I've been playing for over ten years. So, I know how the world works," he said.
"When I was 18 years old, I do not know anything. Every day I am always surprised by something. When I practice or play, every day is a big surprise for me. How do people react after the game - fans, players, media - everything is a surprise for me. I just thought about playing football, "Van Persie beber.
"But, now, I know how things work and I understand that certain actions will have consequences. I know quite well about it, I feel experienced. So I'm ready for this. I know that every player representing his club, wherever you are, 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I've had it for years, so I know what I should do, "he added.

Nini/detik

Verheijen Only Handle One day National Team

 

JAKARTA - PSSI statement stating that the physical trainer reliably Dutchman Raymond Verheijen will handle the national team in two to three weeks apparently only "imaging" mere. Because, a former assistant coach Netherlands, Russia, and South Korea, FC Barcelona, ​​Zenit Saint Petersburg, Chelsea, and Manchster C
ity was just one day to the national team members training materials Red and White.
Verheijen comes to Solo on Saturday afternoon (13 / 8) and yesterday had left Indonesia. He returned to Wales to perform his duty as an assistant coach there. In the first week of September, Montenegro and Wales will face England in Euro 2012 qualifying event.
"Actually I want to join with Indonesia against Iran and Bahrain. However, Wales requires me to face the European Cup qualifier against Montenegro and the UK," Verheijen said in a release that was sent to the Java team media officer of the Post last night.
Desy Cristina, media officer said the national team, after the death of Verheijen coaching staff will apply the deposit method of Verheijen as some physical consultant while the senior national team. According to him, despite the arrival of the world's top physical trainers, Raymond Verheijen, line coach believes that the main task now is to minimize unnecessary errors than the players on the field, which is about the physical improvement of the players who are still not optimally.
According to the senior national team assistant coach, Liestiadi, there are about 20 percent of the national team players that fitness level was still below average. Therefore, an effective training program and the detail is needed.
"When compared with the level of the team World Cup Pre continents of Asia, we are still in the medium level, semetara opponent was at a high level. In that sense, we need to improve the stamina to go up at least 30 percent from now. Therefore, we normally need two training sessions. Currently the team coaches to prepare an effective exercise program to be done once a day, so the players stay fit in the month of Ramadan as it is today, "said Liestiadi.
The method of physical exercise Verheijen Saturday afternoon games that emphasize small, pressure, fighting for the ball and the ball transition itself recognized national team midfielder Ahmed Bustomi very helpful. "He said we also need a strong mentality. So when we drop the physical condition, we can still fight until the 90th minute on the field and also reminded how important the transition from survive to attack and vice versa," said players from the club Arema Malang.


NIni/jpnn

AC Milan reveal failed Fabregas bid as Galliani claims interest in Alcantara

Italian giants AC Milan have revealed they were priced out of a move for Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas.

The 24-year-old completed his protracted transfer to boyhood club Barcelona for a fee of around £35million after more than two years of negotiations.

Arsenal fought tooth and nail to keep their captain but eventually bowed to his request to let him return to the club he had left as a 16-year-old.

Got their man: Barcelona finally completed the £35m deal for Cesc Fabregas

Speaking after the deal was confirmed and the player unveiled, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger claimed Arsenal would have received a higher price for Fabregas had they opened the bidding to the rest of Europe.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, however, refutes that.
'Fabregas? He had too high a cost for us,' he said. 'But it is a generic problem for Italian football, we cannot compete with the costs they have in Spain. Fabregas could not come to us because of turnover.'

Wanted man: Thiago Alcantara has shot into the public eye this summer

Galliani also moved to distance from the club from a sensational move for former San Siro hero Kaka, saying: 'He costs too much and to come to AC Milan he would cut his salary by more than what Fabregas has done to get to Barca. Kaka can move only in Spain. I’m sorry to disappoint the fans.'
And the bad news kept coming as it was revealed the club's pursuit of the player most affected by Fabregas' arrival at the Nou Camp, Thiago Alcantara, also appears unlikely to move to Italy.
'I have spoken with Thiago Alcantara's agent, Giovanni Branchini, who is in Forte Dei Marmi on holiday, but Barcelona don’t want to sell him,' said Galliani.

NIni/dailymail

Milan rule out Kaka swoop

ROME — AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliano has moved to end speculation linking Brazilian Kaka with a move back to the rossoneri by describing such an eventuality as unfeasible.
Kaka moved t

o Real Madrid from Milan two years ago in a 67 million euro deal but is rumoured to be unsettled in the Spanish capital.
He has suffered from injuries and has not always been first choice, particularly under Jose Mourinho.
Italian press have claimed he will make a shock return to Milan but Galliani says it simply isn't financially viable.
"Two years ago when he went to Madrid I was moved," Galliani told Sky Sport 24 on Tuesday.
"But his costs are too high for Milan. He would have to take a much greater wage cut than (Cesc) Fabregas did to go to Barcelona.
"We would have to sign Kaka permanently otherwise, due to the Spanish fiscal system (a loan move) would create huge cost problems.
"Kaka can only move (on loan) within Spain. For us to sign him would mean doing so permanently, not on loan.
"I'm sorry to disappoint the fans but the Kaka hypothesis is unfeasible, however something could happen (in the transfer market)."
Having started his career at Sao Paulo, Kaka spent six years at Milan, winning the Champions League and one Serie A title.
He was also named World Player of the Year in 2007.
Milan are rumoured to be interested in signing Italian internationals Alberto Aquilani and Riccardo Montolivo, currently playing for Liverpool and Fiorentina respectively.


Nini/Google.com

Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz: Winning Copa America is all that matters

The Paraguayan striker affirmed he does not care if the Copa America final goes to penalty kicks, as long as victory goes his side's way

 

 

 Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz says he would not mind beating Uruguay in the Copa America final in a penalty shoot-out.

The Paraguay national team head into the final without having won a single match in the competition in regular or extra time.

As they lock horns with Uruguay, an attack-minded side, it is believed Paraguay could continue with their defensive approach in a bid to take the match to another shoot-out.

Santa Cruz is not concerned about what method his team employ to win the match, as long as they do win it. He told reporters: "It would not hurt me if we draw against Uruguay and Paraguay win it on penalities. Winning the Copa America is the goal, the rest does not matter."

The Manchester City attacker was unfazed when asked about the opinion of the critics of Paraguay's campaign so far.

"They are right, but in this Copa America this peculiarity has happened and that is football," he replied. "If we draw again in the final and beat Uruguay on penalties we will be very happy."

The experienced player will miss the match himself through injury, but praised Uruguay and offered his advice on how his team can win the decisive clash on Sunday.

"We know Uruguay, we have played against them on several occasions, we followed them in their very good campaign at the World Cup and we have seen them in this Copa America. They have good players and have been playing good football," Santa Cruz noted.

"I believe it will be crucial that Uruguay do not have much ball possession and do not find spaces, otherwise they will make it very hard for us." 

 NIni/Goal 

Arsene Wenger: Gervinho can have an immediate impact for Arsenal in the Premier League

Gunners' boss believes the Ivorian international forward will prove to be an instant hit in the English top-flight after putting in some impressive performances during training

 

 


















Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is firm in his belief that new signing Gervinho can hit the ground running in his first season in the Premier League.

The Ivorian forward joined the Gunners last month for a £10.5 million transfer fee and, amid speculation surrounding the futures of both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Wenger has lifted morale by praising the African international’s displays in training.
“He looks to me like he has adjusted very quickly,” the manager told the club’s official website.
“Let’s hope it goes quickly for him.
“You never know, some players take six months and some players take two weeks.”
Wenger has clearly been impressed with Gervinho’s adaptation and has pointed to his versatility as crucial to his ability to slot into the team in time for the new season, perhaps filling the void that could left by Nasri.
“He is a positive threat to everybody up front,” he said. “He can play on the right, he can play on the left and he can play through the middle.

“He is a help for us to be more dangerous, more of a threat. He is an addition to the Arsenal squad of top quality.

“Players like [Theo] Walcott or [Andrey] Arshavin can see that more as a help because they know in some games you need variety. Up front is the most demanding position where you need to be fresh.”


Nini/Goal

AC Milan sign FC Porto defender Ricardo Ferreira - report

The Portugal Under-19's international has reportedly agreed a deal to move to the Serie A champions as he looks to further his career away from the Portuguese giants

 

 

 

AC Milan have completed the signing of FC Porto defender Ricardo Ferreira on a free transfer, according to Sky Italia.

The 18-year-old was being followed by several clubs across Europe after establishing himself as a core member of Porto's youth ranks.

AC Milan would not have to pay a fee for the youngster following the expiry of his contract with Porto, who have also been deprived of FC Brasov-bound defender Hugo Sousa.

The Portugal Under-19 international will reportedly be part of AC Milan's pre-season training camp, after which coach Massimiliano Allegri will decide whether to include him in the squad for the next season.

Napoli's Marek Hamsik would be perfect for AC Milan - Thiago Silva

The Brazilian centre-back would love to see the Slovakian international at San Siro and has stated that he could help the club go further in the Champions League

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has voiced his belief that Napoli star Marek Hamsik would fit in well at the Serie A champions and has urged the club to make a move for the Slovakian international.

Hamsik recently stated that a move to San Siro would benefit his career, and Silva feels it would be in AC Milan's interest if the midfielder moves to the Scudetto winners.

"Hamsik would fit in perfect in [head coach Massimiliano] Allegri's plans. He could be crucial in our attempt to go further in next year's Champions League," the Brazilian was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If Milan manage to lure Hamsik to the club, the club's transfer campaign is worth a 10. He has a lot of class and personality. He is a No.10 and [CEO Adriano] Galliani has made it clear that that's his primary objective."

Silva, who is currently in Argentina competing in the Copa America, went on to say that Hamsik has shown courage by expressing his desire to join AC Milan, and has asked his club to do the same.

He added: "Hamsik has publicly spoken up about his desire to move and that takes a lot of courage. In football, it's usually all right to think these kind of things, but you can't speak up. Milan must show the same courage toward him."

The 23-year-old has a contract until the summer of 2015 with Napoli, and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently stated that an offer in the region of €40 million (£36m) is needed to lure the player from the Stadio San Paolo.

Antonio Cassano has fulfilled a dream at AC Milan and will not leave - agent

The former Sampdoria striker's representative has reiterated the Italian's desire to stay at San Siro insisting the strong competition for places is "not a problem"

Antonio Cassano's agent has reiterated that the striker has no plans of leaving AC Milan when the transfer window reopens, and that he has fulfilled a dream by lifting the Scudetto title this season.

Rumours over the former Sampdoria frontman's future have been circling, given that he is not guaranteed a starting berth in Massimiliano Allegri's side, but representative Giuseppe Bozzo has stated his client will remain at San Siro.

"[Antonio] Cassano away from Milan? It 's a record that [has] now [been] playing for a long time, but coming to the Rossoneri he has crowned a dream," he told Calciomercato su Premium Calcio.

"[Adriano] Galliani has reiterated his non-transferability and his full integration into the style of Milan."

The agent also stated that the 28-year-old was willing to stay and fight for a starting spot at the Italian champions.

"Competition with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic, [Alexandre] Pato and Robinho is not a problem," he concluded.

The Bari-born forward figured in 17 games for Milan this season in Serie A, scoing four goals.


Nini/goal

Chelsea's Didier Drogba on AC Milan radar - report

The experienced attacker has been linked with an exit and has reportedly attracted the interest of the Serie A champions and could be on the move to San Siro this summer

Didier Drogba could be on his way out of Chelsea in the summer transfer window as Serie A champions AC Milan have shown an interest in signing the Cote d'Ivoire international, according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

The San Siro side are keen to take some weight off the shoulders of Zlatan Ibrahimovic as their main attacking focus in the Champions League next season and head coach Massimiliano Allegri considers Drogba to be the perfect addition.

The 33-year-old struggled to find his best form in the 2010-11 campaign and could find regular first team football at Chelsea hard to come by next term following last winter's arrival of Fernando Torres and the expected transfer of Anderlecht wonderkid Romelu Lukaku this summer.

Therefore, the veteran attacker could be on the move and Milan are eager to add Drogba to their front line.

The striker's current contract runs until 2012, but Chelsea appear to be ready to cash in on Drogba if the price is right.

Fiorentina urge AC Milan and Juventus target Riccardo Montolivo to extend deal

Fiorentina have told Riccardo Montolivo he will get a new deal if he really wants one - just a week after the Italy international midfielder refused to commit his future to the Artemio Franchi club.

The 26-year-old has been linked with AC Milan, Inter and Juventus, and his explanation of refusing to sign a new deal to his current 2012 terms gave rise to speculation he would leave this summer.

However, club chief Andrea Della Valle is ready to give Montolivo a second chance to ponder his future there.

"We do not have any more meetings planned with the lad [Montolivo]. He needs to tell the city and fans if he wants to stay in Florence. He must explain to them if he believes in our project," Della Valle told the press.

"If he does, then a contract renewal is available. I hope Montolivo can be our second 'buy' of the season. The first is clearly Stevan Jovetic now that he has recovered."

Della Valle was also quick to remind players he only wants those who cultivate a good work ethic following last season's failed crop.

"I demand that the players here are motivated," he said.

"Unfortunately, this year I did not see the right passion in the eyes of some players. This is why I say for many of them that an era is over."

The Florence outfit willing to renegotiate a new deal with the midfielder if he makes a U-turn over future as Andrea Della Valle invites him to declare his position

Nini/goal

Asamoah, Montolivo or El Shaarawy? AC Milan must decide what type of midfielder they really need

As the Scudetto winners look to build on their decent early summer moves, they are showing some signs of indecision in their bid to strengthen their midfield

AC Milan’s summer shopping campaign has been as serene as it could have been so far.
While other clubs around Europe have carried out hectic campaigns akin to somebody rushing into a store and paying over the odds for something they have been told is "the next big thing", the Italian champions have ordered tried and tested goods from eBay in comparison.
But having planned ahead in paying nothing more than postage and packing to add Philippe Mexes and Taye Taiwo to their defence, the Rossoneri’s decision-making in regards to midfield purchases appears a little less organised.
With Kwadwo Asamoah, Riccardo Montolivo and Stephan El Shaarawy (pictured below in this order) all in their sights, it points to a degree of indecision from the corridors of Via Turati.
Having been on the tail of Asamoah for some time now, there seemed a clear desire in the club’s head office to address deficiencies within the current squad without overly affecting the balance.
After winning the title with a flat midfield three anchored by Mark van Bommel, they had set their sights on a player who could fit seamlessly into the slot to the Dutchman’s left.
The Ghanaian has been one of Udinese’s most vital players in recent seasons thanks to his ability to attack in the channel with just as much ease as he sits in and provides cover for the Friulani’s offensive-minded wingers.
He is also excellent on the ball, with an eye for both the short and long pass and has the magnificent knack of being able to buy himself time with a simple drop of the shoulder or cool first touch away from a marker.

Magnificent...	Buccaneering...	Incisive...

It made even more sense, too, that Asamoah would come in alongside national team colleague Kevin-Prince Boateng, with whom the Black Stars have excelled as a midfield force both on the African continent and in last year’s World Cup in South Africa. But, their latest pursuits have pointed to a possible change of plan at Milanello. First there was the link with Montolivo, a player of a rather different disposition to Asamoah. An often buccaneering type in his youth, the former Atalanta man has fallen into the same trap as many talented midfielders in the modern game by dropping into the defensive midfield position with current club side Fiorentina.
Though this has given him more time on the ball, it has taken away much of his potency in possession, and has deterred him from making the kind of runs into the channels which regularly caused opposition defences problems in years past. And when he is tried out in the higher position in a midfield three with Italy these days, there is something that looks amiss about his game.
The latest player for whom Milan have reportedly jumped to the front of the queue is Genoa’s Stephan El Shaarawy, who is currently on loan with Serie B promotion contenders Padova. A talented 18-year-old half-Egyptian half-Italian, El Shaarawy has played much of the season on the left of a forward three.

But were he to don a red and black shirt he would be likely asked to occupy a slightly more withdrawn role in order to make the most of his ability to pick up space between the lines and bring team-mates into play. With his shooting technique needing some work, the onus to find the net regularly would be taken away by starting him from a left midfield or trequartista position, while nurturing his ability for short incisive passes.

THE OPTIONS | How each could fit into Milan's midfield

Abbiati Abate - Nesta - T.Silva - Taiwo Boateng -Van Bommel- Asamoah Robinho/Seedorf Pato - Ibrahimovic	Abbiati Abate - Nesta - T.Silva - Taiwo Montolivo -Van Bommel- Boateng Robinho/Seedorf Pato - Ibrahimovic
Abbiati Abate - Nesta - T.Silva - Taiwo Gattuso - Van Bommel Pato - Boateng - El Shaarawy Ibrahimovic

So, it all begs the question as to what exactly Milan are hoping for from their next midfield purchase. Their current targets seem diametrically opposed as footballers, linked by nothing much more than the vague department within which they work.
It’s arguable that El Shaarawy might be a signing for the future who could well be given another chance to prove himself on loan in that wonderfully Italian way of shunning the opportunity to groom raw talent on the training ground six days a week. But in Asamoah and Montolivo they still have two very different options to ponder.
It may be that Massimiliano Allegri and Adriano Galliani are similar beasts to Cesare Prandelli, believing the Viola skipper to be the most natural heir to Gennaro Gattuso on the right side of midfield.
But the Ghanaian would appear the more suited to their needs, as well as the more talented generally, all at a very similar asking price. The only sticking point there is the back-to-back African Cups of Nations coming up, meaning they’d lose out on Asamoah (as well as Boateng) for up to five months in each of the next two years.
That may well be the only thing holding them back from buying the best man for the job.


Nini/Goal

AC Milan forward Robinho doesn't feel that the club need to bring in a new striker

The Brazilian ace has told club there is no need for new faces to strengthen the squad up front and doesn't feel compatriot Ganso with join the Serie A champions

AC Milan forward Robinho is sure his team do not need any more players up front, and he cannot see Ganso arriving from Santos.

Robinho, who scored 14 goals in 34 league games last season as the Rossoneri lifted the Scudetto, feels there are enough players in the squad not to warrant a new arrival in attack.

"One thing is for sure and that is that we don’t need any new attackers," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We already have a lot of options and don’t forget that Pippo Inzaghi will be back too. He never gets old."

And he expects to see great partnerships being forged between his team-mates.

"Next season you’ll see Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alexandre Pato in devastating form," he added.

"They make a perfect partnership together."

Meanwhile, Ganso has often been linked with the Serie A champions, but Robinho cannot see the move materialising.

"It will be difficult to bring him to Milan," he said.

"He’d cost a lot and today Santos are the Barcelona of the South American game. He’ll have to think long and hard before deciding to leave."


 NIni/Goal

Thiago Silva urges AC Milan not to let Ganso get away

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has urged his club not to allow Santos star Paulo Henrique Ganso move to a rival team.
Milan have pulled back from negotiations for the attacker.
“I have talked to Ganso and he is recovering in record time from his muscle strain,” Silva told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He wants to play in the Copa America and he wants Milan.
“I have read that the deal has come to a stop. I have read that he may arrive in December, but that’s no good, Ganso must be taken now. This is the right time.
"To me, it seems like Milan have very clear ideas on how to strengthen the squad. Next year we will try to win everything.
“With the right purchases, we won't feel envious of Barcelona. That's why I said that we must not lose any time with Ganso.”

AC Milan chief Braida jets to Brazil for more Ganso fee talks

AC Milan remain interested in doing a deal for Santos star Paulo Henrique Ganso.
Gazzetta dello Sport says Milan chief Ariedo Braida is flying to Brazil this week and intends to take in Santos' Copa Libertadores clash.
Braida hopes to see Ganso in action and hold more talks with Santos over the player's fee.
Milan remain hopeful of talking down Santos' asking price - with the Brazilians still referring any interested club to the player's buyout clause.

Barcelona savours sun-kissed trophy parade

Barcelona's triumphant players paraded the club's fourth European Cup through the warm streets of a festive Catalan capital today before partying with almost 100,000 fans at their Nou Camp stadium.
Yesterday's 3-1 victory over Manchester United, a second Champions League triumph in three years and a fourth continental crown following successes in 1992 and 2006, capped a superb season in which the Spanish giants claimed a third successive Spanish league title and reached the King's Cup final.
They flew back from London today on a plane decorated in the club colours with huge pictures of the players adorning the side and touched down at the city's El Prat airport at around 4 p.m. local time.
Boarding an open-top bus, Barcelona wound their way through the thronged streets with the European Cup and La Liga trophies displayed at the front of the vehicle.
Confetti wafted through the evening air and fans sought every vantage point to catch a glimpse of their heroes, including yesterday's goalscorers Lionel Messi, David Villa and Pedro.
Supporters clad in the club colours of claret and blue began pouring into the sun-kissed stadium from around 5.30 p.m. and when the players arrived two and a half hours later there were thousands more to welcome them in the streets outside.
With fireworks going off and rock music blaring inside the arena, the players and the coaching staff were announced one by one before coach Pep Guardiola and his assistant Tito Vilanova brought the Champions League trophy on to the pitch.
After short speeches by captain Carles Puyol and Guardiola, Messi stepped up to address the stadium.
"I don't have much to say other than to thank you all for your support during this amazing year," the Argentine World Player of the Year said.

"Hopefully, there will be many more to come. Long live Barca and long live Catalunya!"
The players are due to attend a concert given by Colombian pop diva Shakira, the girlfriend of centre back Gerard Pique, across the city at the Olympic Stadium later today.
Earlier, police detained more than 80 people for public order offences and other infringements while around 130 fans needed medical attention after celebrations of Barcelona's fourth European title turned ugly.
Around 50,000 gathered in the centre of the Catalan capital to mark the victory but most celebrated peacefully, police said.
However, 84 people were later detained for public order offences, throwing stones and other objects, damaging city property and attacking officers, the statement said.
Some 37 police were among the injured, though none were seriously hurt.


Nini/tvnz

AC Milan still interested in Bayern Munich's Miroslav Klose – report

The Germany international's contract with his current club ends in the summer and he has yet to make a decision about his future, with the Italian champions reportedly keen

Miroslav Klose, Bayern Munich

For all the latest reports and transfer rumours, visit our dedicated section here
AC Milan are still hopeful of securing the services of Bayern Munich striker Miroslav Klose on a free transfer in the summer, Il Corriere dello Sport reports.

The Italian champions first showed an interest in signing the Germany international back in April, but have not made a move for Klose yet. However, the Italian champions are closely monitoring the situation of the prolific hitman and could offer him a contract if he fails to agree a new deal with Bayern.

The 32-year-old Klose’s contract with his current club ends in the summer and negotiations over a new deal have not yet come to fruition.

Bayern have reportedly tabled a one-year deal with reduced wages and the automatic option of a one-year renewal if the striker makes 20 appearances for the club next season.

Klose though is understood to be unhappy with these terms and wants a two-year contract with no clauses inserted.


NIni/Goal

We will not sign Marek Hamsik from Napoli – AC Milan's Silvio Berlusconi

The club supremo rules out an approach for the highly-rated Slovakian international this summer during a speech in the city of Naples

Silvio Berlusconi - Milan

AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi has ruled out a move for Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik in the summer.
The 23-year-old has been linked with the Italian champions in recent weeks and he himself admitted that he will think about joining them if an offer were to be made.
"If an offer arrived then I would have to talk to Napoli first,” said Hamsik. “I would like to try playing for a club that regularly challenges for the Scudetto and Champions League."
On Thursday Milan president Adriano Galliani gave another hint about landing Hamsik when he identified him as one of the left-sided midfielders they are interested in.
However, club patron Berlusconi has now said that they will not approach Napoli for the highly-rated player.
During a speech in Naples to promote one of the candidates for the mayor elections to be held on Sunday, the Italian prime minister stated: "We will not buy Hamsik. Milan don't touch the symbol-players of other teams.”
Hamsik had a productive 2010-11 campaign for Napoli, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 37 Serie A appearances, and helping Walter Mazzarri’s side to automatic qualification for next season’s Champions League.


Nini/Goal

No Child Left Behind Revamp Stalls As Obama's Deadline Looms

While Democrats and Republicans mostly agree that a sweeping federal law governing education desperately needs to be overhauled, they are divided on how to do it. As a result, Congress may not finish its education homework by the president's deadline.
Barack Obama called for No Child Left Behind, the 2001 law that set the standards and goals for public education, to be revamped by August. According to a report by the Associated Press, an on-time fix is highly unlikely.
Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.), who chairs the House Education and Workforce Committee, said it would be impossible to agree on changes by the deadline. "I've been very, persistently clear that we cannot get this done by summer," he told the AP. "It's just not going to happen."
George W. Bush introduced the law in 2001, pushing it through congress with bipartisan support. But the sailing isn’t as smooth this time around, the AP notes, because of intra-party splits: The wave of Tea Party congressmen voted into office in November 2010 largely oppose sweeping federal laws, which makes it more difficult for Republicans to unite around a course of action. Democrats, on the other hand, remain divided on issues of teacher accountability, such as tenure, merit pay and linking evaluations with test scores.
The widespread criticism the law has faced over the past nine years exacerbates the issue, because few can agree -- regardless of party orientation -- which of its policies should exist in the first place.
As the clock ticks, though, more and more schools are being labeled as failing under the law. NCLB sets grades and standards, giving the federal government power to intervene in schools that rank poorly. The law originally set 2014 as a deadline for 100% proficiency in math and reading.
Educators and policymakers criticize NCLB for circumscribing curricula by encouraging the practice of teaching to the test.

"NCLB needs to be completely revamped in terms of the provisions with respect to the accountability," Pedro Noguera, an education professor at New York University told The Huffington Post. "They have become so punitive."
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in March that 82% of schools were on track to fail, according to the law's standards, by next year. “This law is fundamentally broken, and we need to fix it this year,” he told the House education committee at the time. (A report by the Center on Education Policy calculated the number at a much lower 38%).
"We have been overemphasizing assessment," Noguera said. "Assessment only works as a tool, a tool for providing teachers and schools with information on what students need more of. What we haven’t nearly focused as much time on is quality instruction."
The law has been so cumbersome that Duncan has had to grant more waivers than his predecessor to school districts that have had trouble satisfying some of NCLB's provisions.
The two chambers of Congress are attempting to overhaul the law in entirely different ways. The House began introducing a series of bills that target specific components of NCLB, starting with last week's proposal from Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) that would scrap 43 NCLB-funded programs.
The Senate, meanwhile, hopes to introduce a more holistic fix. A comprehensive bill could incorporate the House's individual proposals, but it may be hobbled by House Republicans skeptical of any comprehensive education legislation.
"I think it makes it easier for everybody to understand," Hunter told the AP about the House's approach. "I think people have an aversion to them [comprehensive bills] now."
Kline told the AP that his next targeted bills would include one giving school districts more leeway in budgeting federal money. A subsequent bill would address school accountability and standards.


nini/huffingtonpost