Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Club sets sights on Portugal's Benfica duo

Via U.K. media reports -- and awaiting on Portuguese confirmation -- Liverpool is trying to sign Benfica duo Fabio Coentrao, a left-back, and Oscar Cardozo, a striker.

A deal has not yet been reached between the two clubs.

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2009-10 Portuguese Liga - Two club race as Braga and Benfica both win

Braga took three away point at Académica after a two-goal victory (0-2) and Benfica also won on the road defeating Marítimo 0-5.

Both clubs are tied with 39 points after 16 matches.

Benfica's Nuno Gomes coming to a 2010 Portuguese World Cup roster near you? Hopefully!

According to Planet Benfica's twitter feed: "West Ham and Bolton are both chasing Benfica striker Nuno Gomes, who is desperate for first-team football to boost his World Cup hopes."

Via @planetbenfica

Soccer City FC always enjoyed Gomes especially when he was at Fiorentina.

2000-01 Coppa Italia winner!

Red Bull Salzburg advances to the 2009-10 UEFA Europa League's Round of 32

Austrian club FC Red Bull Salzburg recently advanced to the UEFA Europa League's Round of 32. How do you like the club's chances against the likes of Roma, Wolfsburg, Benfica, and Juventus?

Manchester City: Transfer Rumours -- Luisao Confesses To 'Sensational Chance'

Could Ânderson Luís da Silva, known universally as Luisao, be heading in the direction of the English Premier League? The Brazilian central defender, born on February 13, 1981, has admitted that should the Premiership come calling, it would be an enticing prospect and with the uncertainty tormenting Benfica at present, the moment to separate could potentially never be so ideal for all parties.

Benfica will be extremely hesitant over any approach which is made for their captain, but a notable absence in the Champions League for another year could catalyse the sale of their lucrative stars - if any truth exists in the speculation then it would aid the dearth of revenue and protect the futures of Oscar Cardozo and Angel Di Maria to name just two.

Luisao, meanwhile, has been a reported target for many other European clubs and he has held conversation with compatriot Robinho about Manchester City and life in the league so often billed as the finest in world football.

"I know the subject and for me it could be a sensational chance," Luisao told
skysports.com. "To play in the Premier League is not easy but for me it will be a personal challenge."

"It is true that I have spoken with Robinho about Manchester City and other clubs, and my companion in the Canarinha (Brazil national side) have encouraged me to move to England.

I will agree a solution before the of June, but now my head is with the Brazil squad."

During the proceding season of the Portuguese Liga, Luisao started 21 matches for Benfica, scoring twice and amassing five yellow cards. Would a release clause rumoured to be in the region of 20 million euros deter would-be suitors?

Managerial Merry-Go-Round: Galatasaray Turn To Rijkaard

Galatasaray have unveiled former Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard as their new manager on a two-year contract to replace Bulent Korkmaz. Read on -- Rijkaard Takes Galatasaray Job via Sky Sports.

Luiz Felipe Scolari 's managerial career will take him to the land of Uzbekistan as he takes control of reigning champions Bunyodkor, who currently top this season's table with a perfect record of ten victories. Read on -- Scolari Joins Uzbek Champions via Sky Sports.

Quique Sanchez Flores has been released from his contract as coach of Benfica after missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification in a distinctly lacklustre season. Read on -- Spain's Flores To Step Down As Benfica Coach via The Guardian.

Newly-promoted Boulogne have appointed Laurent Guyot as the individual to lead the Ligue 1 outfit to safety for the upcoming crusade. Read on -- Guyot Handed Boulogne Reins via Team Talk.

Finally, Heracles Almelo are foreseeing a top-twelve finish in the Eredivisie by re-hiring former Feyenoord manager Gert Jan Verbeek. Read On -- Heracles Fire Heerkes And Appoint Verbeek As New Head Coach via Goal.com.

Tottenham Hotspur: Transfer Rumours -- Ricardo Rocha Released

Former manager Martin Jol brought Rocha to White Hart Lane in January 2007 via Benfica.

But now the 30-year-old was deemed surplus to Harry Redknapp's requirements and has been allowed to move on.

The Portuguese international has represented his nation six times.

Related -- Tottenham Hotspurs: Transfer Rumours -- Reserve Team Players Released

Heurelho Gomes Reinstated To Brazil National Team, Ronaldinho Absent

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, last capped by the Seleção in a friendly encounter with Ecuador in 2006, has returned to the Brazilian national team for the latest round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the Confederations Cup. Coach Dunga has also opted to call on the services of an uncapped trio of Gremio goalkeeper Victor, Corinthians' Andre Santos and Ramires of Cruziero. Dunga declared that his squad announcement revolved around sticking to his guns and selecting "players who are doing well at club level", leaving a bench-ridden Ronaldinho to recuperate and forge ahead to break back into the Milan starting lineup.

The Confederations Cup will be contested between June 14 and 28 in South Africa, with Brazil facing first-hurdle opposition in Italy, United States and Egypt in Group B.

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter), Gomes (Tottenham), Victor (Gremio)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Luisao (Benfica), Alex (Chelsea), Juan (Roma), Kleber (Internacional), Andre Santos (Corinthians)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Anderson (Manchester United), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Elano (Manchester City), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kaka (Milan), Ramires (Cruzeiro)

Forwards: Robinho (Manchester City), Alexandre Pato (Milan), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Internacional)

Soccer Past: Mario Jardel

Rio Grande de Sol, Porto, Istanbul, Lisbon, Bolton, Ancona, Rosario, Larnaca, Newcastle – The destinations on show for Mario Jardel’s career could have been easily mistaken for the jet-setting antics of an affluent tycoon, but such has been the geographical scope of his profession that it pays perfect testiment to the life and times of the ultimate journeyman.

Guilty of tip-toeing around modern-day football from continent to continent in search for a last-minute fling with the beautiful game, the present-day 35 year-old reached soaring heights during his days at FC Porto, Galatasaray and Sporting Lisbon, which came in the years between 1996 to 2003. Infamously nicknamed ‘Super Mario’ during his time in Turkey, Jardel clocked up 198 league appearances for those three clubs and netted an earth-shattering 205 goals – an astonishing ratio beyond any recognition and such a feat that twice earnt him the esteemed accolade of the European Golden Shoe in 1999 and 2002. In doing so he followed in Ronaldo’s steps to become only the second Brazilian to achieve the elite prize coveted by every single forward on the continent.

For all the admiration truly earnt in his heyday, off-the-field indisciplines and untimely depression looked hellbent on strangling out the playing life of Mario Jardel, an irrefutably talented presence who could have been elevated to the stature of the greats, and became transformed into an ailing figure of a former self.

Released by Sporting Lisbon before the start of the 2003/2004 campaign, Jardel has since struggled to overcome the niggling injuries that have burnt any lingering desires to pull on the boots for one last extensive phase. Inevitable depression from divorcing his wife and the subsequent usage of cocaine, which he confessed at the beginning of the calendar year upon his premature release from Newcastle Jets, contributed to the downfall. “I started making mistakes when I had bad friendships. Then, divorce came, depression and then cocaine. I now want to restart my life. I am training. I am not a good example for children, but I am admitting my mistake."

The epicenter from his immediate fall from ‘grandeur’ can be pinpointed as early as 2002, where an article from the Guardian concluded the situation perfectly as ‘The disintegration of his marriage, which coincided with the summer's double disappointment of omission from Brazil's World Cup squad and a collapsed transfer to the Spanish League, has, he says, made him too depressed to play football.’ With Barcelona, Real Madrid and Real Betis rumoured to have made an approach – both ending disastrously as Sporting rejected promptly – Jardel’s much-craved transfer to Spain never came and thoughts gathered that his emotional exodus to his homeland was in protest at this.

Controversy was an ever-present mishap that threatened to overshadow a career that had the divine essences of success and prosperity beckoning. His stint in Istanbul with Galatasaray beared fruitful results with 22 goals but acted to go on strike when he wasn’t paid, before a potential legal battle lurked in the fore as a pre-contract with Benfica wasn’t honoured due to a lack of money on their side and thus led to Jardel signing for cross-city rivals Sporting. Cameos for Bolton, Newell’s Old Boys, Anorthosis Famagusta and most recently Newcastle Jets, where he starred as their marquee player, were short-lived and yet more contract wrangles with Deportivo Alaves have seen the former sensation fail to reignite the spark he possessed several years ago.

International ambitions remained just that and one of his disappointments will have been not to don the “Seleção” more often than just ten occasions, but returning to Brazil is an intelligent move and harbouring dreams of still playing consistently for club cannot be ripped apart yet. Transferring to one of the most renowned European teams eluded the grasps of Mario Jardel and to the day remains territory untouched, but twice being the recipient of the European Golden Shoe asserts the goalscoring figures that he was unquestionably one of the modern-day greats to have graced the European scene. Mario Jardel: The much-hyped rise and fall of the able traveller - Coming to a stadium near you.

Achievements:

- FIFA U-20 World Cup (1993)
- Copa Libertadores (1995)
- Portuguese Liga (1997, 1998, 1999, 2002)
- Portuguese Cup (1998, 2000)
- Portuguese Super Cup (1998)
- UEFA Super Cup (2000)
- Argentinian Torneo de Apertura (2004)
- Copa Libertadores Top Scorer (1995)
- Portuguese Liga Top Scorer (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002)
- UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (1997, 2000)

• Profile at Football Database
• Mario Jardel Videography

Have You Heard of Jajá? You Will.

Here is yet another story of a Samba skill artist working his magic in front of his home crowd. Brazilian players are found in virtually every domestic league in Europe. Except, this name might be unfamiliar.

Jajá, a forward playing in the Ukrainian Premier League, has an opportunity to write his own transfer out of town if he can continue to dominate his opponents in his UEFA Cup group much like he has in the UPL. The 22-year old competes for Metalist Kharkiv who currently sit in third place in the UPL which is quickly gaining prestige on the continent as one of the up-and-coming leagues.

Jajá leads his club and the league with seven goals scored in ten matches. He is joined by fellow Brazilian midfielder Edmar who famously scored two goals (one home and one away) against Everton in last season's UEFA Cup.

After Metalist faces off against Benfica, Hertha Berlin, Olympiacos, and Galatasaray, you will know the story of Jajá very well.

Prediction: Jajá scores a total of four goals in the four group matches to lead Metalist Kharkiv into the final 32.

Benfica Add Pre-Season Matches with Inter and Feyenoord

Portuguese club S.L. Benfica recently announced two pre-season matches. On August 9th, Dutch side Feyenoord will travel to the Estádio da Luz. On August 15th, Inter Milan will travel to the Estádio da Luz to take on Benfica in the newly created Eusébio Cup.

In other Benfica news, the club signed two youth players - winger Andre Carvalhas and midfielder Miguel Rosa to professional contracts. Carvalhas and Rosa are signed through 2011.

The club also signed 23-year-old winger Javier Balboa formerly of Real Madrid.

Balboa moving to S.L. Benfica in 2008-2009.

Image details: Real Madrid v D.C. United served by picapp.com

Two German Goalkeepers Returning to Bundesliga for 2008

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has signed with Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart for the 2008-2009 season. The 38-year-old German is expected to start for his nation in Euro 2008 which begins this weekend. Previously, he played for Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. Lehmann signed a one-year contract with Stuttgart.

Also returning home is Germany goalkeeper Hans-Jörg Butt. The former international player played for S.L. Benfica in Portugal last season. He has signed a two-year contract with Bundesliga champions FC Bayern Munich.

Image details: Euro 2008 - German National Team Training & Press Conference Day 2 served by picapp.com

Benfica to Bring in Another Algerian

It now appears certain that 24-year-old Alegerian forward Rafik Djebbour will join his fellow countrymen Rafik Halliche. Halliche is a 21-year-old defender who signed with S.L. Benfica on January 30, 2008. He was quickly loaned to Portuguese side C.D. Nacional for the remainder of the season. Halliche also made his international debut yesterday for Algeria against Senegal.

Djebbour played last season with Panionios F.C. in the Super League of Greece. He attracted attention from several clubs in England, Germany, and France. Several reports have all but confirmed his signing at Benfica once Algeria's 2010 World Cup qualifiers are complete.

Rui Costa Looks to Improve Benfica in 2008-2009

On May 11th 2008, Rui Costa played his final game for Benfica against . Immediately following the match, he was appointed as the new director of football at S.L. Benfica. He quickly hired ex-Valencia manager, Quique Flores to lead the club in 2008-2009. So what can be expected of this new management team?

Soccer City FC takes a look at four possible transfer options.

1. Right Back Paweł Golański: The 25-year-old Polish international plays for Steaua Bucureşti. His performance at Euro 2008 will help determine his options for 2008-2009.

2. Attacking Midfielder Jorge Valdivia: The 24-year-old Chilean international plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Known as the Magician in South America, he displayed his attacking skills in 2008 as the club captured the Campeonato Paulista. Recently he has been linked with several teams in Europe.

3. Defensive Midfielder David Albelda: The 30-year-old veteran of several La Liga campaigns with Valencia played under Flores. Could a reunion be in the cards?

4. Striker Germán Denis: Yet another South American who has garnered attention from the various rumour mills. The 26-year-old Argentine striker is a prolific goal scorer. He scored 44 goals in 65 league appearances with Club Atlético Independiente.

IFK Norrköping Notches First League Win

Swedish club IFK Norrköping gained promotion to the Allsvenskan for the 2008 season. The club enjoyed their first league victory this past weekend on May 11th. The match was against Ljungskile SK. Two goals were scored by IFK Norrköping including one from Swedish national team prospect Imad Khalili. The left winger's goal in the 49th minute was his first league goal of the season. With the win, the club now has four points from their last three league matches. Can they avoid relegation? If the club maintains their focus on the two points below, IFK Norrköping might just stay up:

1. Keep Khalili on the pitch. See how the 21 year-old midfielder responds after scoring his goal last weekend. If he truly is one of Sweden's top young players, then his game should reach new heights this season.

2. Keep sending balls into the Nigerian. Kevin Amuneke now has two goals in his last three and three overall in league play. Only 22 years old and polished from his time spent in the Portuguese youth academies of S.L. Benfica and F.C. Porto, the forward looks ready for a huge campaign.

Euro 2008 Preview: Do You Have Your Nation's Gear?

With the 2008 UEFA European Football Championship set to begin on June 7th, it is not too late to stock up on your nation's favorite gear. Check out all the latest from Soccer City FC's affiliates.

Austria: Co-hosts and debut appearance in the UEFA European Football Championship
Key Players: Forward Roland Linz (S.C. Braga), Forward Erwin "Jimmy" Hoffer (Rapid Vienna), and Defender Emanuel Pogatetz (Middlesbrough FC)



Switzerland: Co-hosts appeared in the 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Gelson Fernandes (Manchester City FC), Forward Alexander Frei (Borussia Dortmund), and Defender Philippe Senderos (Arsenal FC)



Poland: Group A Qualifying Winner and debut appearance in the torunament
Key Players: Goalkeeper Artur Boruc (Celtic FC), Forward Euzebiusz Smolarek (Racing de Santander), and Midfielder Jacek Krzynówek (VfL Wolfsburg)



Portugal: Group A Runner-up appeared in the 1984, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder/Forward Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Forward Nuno Gomes (S.L. Benfica), and Midfielder Deco (Barcelona)



Italy: Group B Winner appeared in the 1968, 1980, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Forward Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso (A.C. Milan) and Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)



France: Group B Runner-up appeared in 1960, 1984, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Defender William Gallas (Arsenal FC), Midfielder Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), and Forward Thierry Henry (Barcelona)



Greece: Group C Winner appeared in 1980 and 2004 (Euro 2004 Champions)
Key Players: Midfielder Kostas Katsouranis (S.L. Benfica), Forward Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), and Giourkas Seitaridis (Atlético Madrid)



Turkey: Group C Runner-up appeared in 1996 and 2000 tournaments
Key Players: Forward Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal CF), Midfielder Tuncay Sanli (Middlesbrough FC), and Defender Servet Çetin (Galatasaray S.K.)



Czech Republic: Group D Winner appeared in 1960, 1976, 1980, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Milan Baroš (Portsmouth FC), Midfielder Jan Polák (R.S.C. Anderlecht), and Defender Marek Jankulovski (A.C. Milan)



Germany: Group D Runner-up appeared in 1972, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Defender Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Forward Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), and Forward Kevin Kurányi (FC Schalke 04)



Croatia: Group E Winners appeared 1996 and 2004 tournaments
Key Players: Midfielder Niko Kranjčar (Portsmouth FC), Forward Ivica Olić (Hamburger SV), and Defender Dario Šimić (A.C. Milan)



Russia: Group E Runner-up appeared in 1960, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2004
Key Players: Midfielder Marat Izmaylov (Sporting Clube de Portugal), Forward Dmitri Sychev (FC Lokomotiv Moscow), and Defender Aleksei Berezutskiy (CSKA Moscow)



Spain: Group F Winner appeared in 1964, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), Midfielder Xavi (Barcelona), and Defender Carles Puyol (Barcelona)



Sweden: Group F Runnder-up appeared in 1992, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forwad Zlatan Ibrahimović (Inter Milan), Goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson (Manchester City FC), and Defender Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa FC)



Romania: Group G Winner appeared in 1984, 1996, and 2000
Key Players: Forward Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina), Defender Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan), and Forward Ciprian Marica (VfB Stuttgart)



Nehterlands: Group G Runner-up appeared in 1976, 1980, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, and 2004
Key Players: Forward Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Midfielder Wesley Sneijder (Real Madrid), and Midfielder Clarence Seedorf (A.C. Milan)