Liverpool are hoping to pull off something of a transfer coup by attempting to lure Villarreal striker Nilmar to Anfield in January. Roy Hodgson has earmarked the Brazilian international as one of a handful of striking talents he would like to sign when the transfer window reopens.
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New Jersey-born forward Giuseppe Rossi scored three goals to lead Spain’s Villarreal to a 4-1 exhibition victory over England‘s Tottenham on Thursday.

Rossi scored in the 21st, 31st and 69th minutes at White Hart Lane. The 23-year-old was born in Teaneck to Italian parents and opted to play for Italy’s national team instead of the United States’. While he was on the Azzurri’s preliminary 30-man World Cup roster, he was cut when it was pared to 23.
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Giuseppe Rossi will only leave Villarreal for a big club, according to his agent Federico Pastorello as reports of an Inter bid grow stronger. Inter have been tipped as the front runners for the hitman as Mario Balotelli edges closer to Manchester City.

AMSTERDAM — Spanish side Villarreal currently have all options open with regards to the future of US striker Jozy Altidore, MLSsoccer.com has learned.

Plenty of European clubs are waiting to see if the La Liga outfit will decide to part company with the 20-year-old, either temporarily or permanently.

“There is nothing definite,” a Villarreal spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com. “It is not yet known whether he’s staying, whether he will be loaned out or whether he will be sold.”

The Spanish club said that there is no specific timeline for a decision to be made as long as the international transfer window remains open.

Each World Cup player is given 25 days of vacation time from the day that his country is eliminated from the tournament. For Altidore, that means a return to the Spanish club on July 21, unless his future is determined before that day.

Altidore’s representative, Lyle Yorks, recently told MLSsoccer.com that his client has both loan and transfer offers on the table, as well as further interest.

The agent recently admitted to suitors in England, Italy, the Netherlands, Scotland, Spain and Turkey. MLSsoccer.com has previously confirmed that Ajax, Bursaspor, Celtic, Espanyol and Napoli are among the clubs to have at least scouted Altidore in person at World Cup.

Sky Sports reported an Everton offer back in January, while new rumors suggest US coach Bob Bradley could swoop for his World Cup forward if he takes over at Fulham. In Spain, reports linked Palermo to Altidore this week.

Altidore has four years remaining on a six-year contract with the Yellow Submarines. He spent his first season in Spain alternating between Villarreal and second-division side Xerez before moving to Hull City in the EPL for his second full European season.

Former Villarreal reserves coach Juan Carlos Garrido has returned as manager of the club after being called on in early 2010 to see out the remainder of the 2009-2010 La Liga season.

Liverpool boss is reportedly considering making a move for former Manchester United striker Giuseppe Rossi this summer. Having left Old Trafford back in 2007 the New Jersey born Italian international has gone from strength to strength at La Liga side Villarreal and has been named in Marcello Lippi’s provisional World Cup squad.

Rafa Benitez is keen to bring in new attacking options to help carry the burden that is placed almost entirely on the shoulders of Spaniard Fernando Torres and the Anfield boss may well be able to pick up the impish 23 year old for a fee of around £12m.

Rossi has had three consistent seasons at Villarreal where he has managed 45 goals and made himself one of the most dependable strikers in Spain. His efforts have not gone unnoticed and fellow Premier League side Manchester City are also reportedly interested in snapping up his services.

The Liverpool manager could also tempt the Spanish side with the possibility of offering expendable Albert Rieira as part of any deal.

Former French international Robert Pires has turned down an offer to join MLS team the Philadelphia Union. According to reports in France, the former Arsenal star rejected the Union’s overtures because the quality of the city does not live up to his expectations. Pires explained that he would prefer to retire than move his family to a city that wasn’t “beautiful.”

Is it just me or is everyone sick of this kid?

He was raised in Jersey then said screw you to good old USA and moved back to Italy.

Now everyone is praising this kid, but what everyone forgot is that he chose Italy as the country he would represent instead of the US.

In my mind that means that we are finished with him.  He means the same to me as any other foreign star.

Am I alone on this?

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