Leap Of Faith
Lyon have finally completed the signing of Porto midfielder Maniche, in a £10,000,000 player exchange for Brazillian midfielder Juninho Pernambuchano. Lyon boss Sam Allardyce is overwhelmed the Maniche is now appart of the Lyon set up, and has said nothing except he will be the key on challenging for a top 6 place next season. Maniche joins Lyon with 3 goals in the league this season and has said his name will be made in France.

"I started in Portugal 2004, I will continue in France." Maniche spoke in a Lyon press conference.

"I have needed a move to show people that I am not a one tourniment player and that it was where my name would be made, and my impact shown on the world. I may be 28 years old but that means nothing, and in the eyes of most managers, I am entering my prime. The move to Lyon is one not any player would dream of necessarily, but to move to the Premiership is the move I wanted."

Maniche is said to make his debut this week away in Spain to high riding Real Madrid, giving him an immediate test at the start of his Lyon adventure.

Makaay U-Turn?
Arsenals Dutch striker, Roy Makaay, has been linked with a move back to the Olympiastadion after reports in London have marked Makaay as a waste of money. The Dutch international joined the Gunners for a large sum of around £50,000,000 early season, and has netted 5 times this season, which to English tabloids see as pittyful. Arsenal claim they have recieved an offer from Bayern Munich for the player, and manager Arsene Wenger is adamant that they are only offers.

Wengers- "The papers can say what they wish. Makaay is very happy here and has no intentions on leaving the club and if he did he would speak to me. I can admit I have recieved an offer of £20,000,000 and 2 players for Makaay but that will remain just an offer, as the player is not leaving Highbury."

Makaay hasn't been famous infront of goal for Arsenal, but has been a major part of the Arsenal attacks, being a major play maker in the final 3rd. The Dutchman has been given an amazing welcoming in London and has even admitted he'd never leave the club.

Ronaldinho Going North?
Arsenal continue to attempt to sign Chelsea great Ronaldinho. The Brazillian superstar has come into his own more than ever at Chelsea with 16 goals this season, EES' leading scorer of both leagues, and as many times before has been linked with a move away from Chelsea. Arsenal fail to leave the player and continue to approach the player anc Chelsea but manager Jose Mourinho has warned off Arsenal saying he isn't for sale.

"If He was for sale, I'd announce it publically, but we see no point in trying to sell the player, after he has had a fantsatic season here, scoring many goals and being a candidate for Player of the Season. I will not sell Ronaldinho, after it cost the club more than what anyone can think of to sign the player and after the impact he has had on the Premiership. I wish all teams would just leave the player as he wont be leaving Chelsea for anyone, regardless of the bid."

Arsenal have admitted that they will offer almost anything to sign the Brazillian ace, but no matter what, Chelsea will not depart the player.

Staying Put
AC Milans Claude Makelele has denied any reports linking him away from the San Siro. Makelele has been immense since joining from Chelsea early last season for somewhat a minimal fee. The former Chelsea man confirmed that he is not leaving AC Milan but would concider a move after the next season but thats nothing to do with Milans actions.

Makelele- "There have been offers made for me, but as far as I am concerned I am staying at AC and have no intentions of an immediate move. I must be honest, I have thought of getting a move after next season, as I want to get a few more challenges in as my career will soon be up."

Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti has also denied rumours of bad blod stiring up between him and most of his players, earlier this season he commented on a training ground bust up between some of the players aswel as his team not performing well enough. Makelele himself has denied these allegations against his manager.

"He is a fantastic manager, and has good unity with the players and despite a little rift earlier this season, thats in the past as we look to the future."