Someone is up to something

Call it a sneaky suspicion but as soon as someone denies something, is it not just human nature to wonder why they would deny it in the first place if in fact there is nothing to deny? In our quest for the latest speculation in world of European soccer, I hope, we at Azzurri Dreams, have not become like those annoying paparazzi trying to break the latest rumor or get the latest scoop on the SMS's coming out of Beckham's phone just to feed our addiction. But there is something fishy in Turin. And what raises my suspicions that Juventus is actually plotting to take Michael Ballack from Bayern Munich is that the man spearheading the attack to land the German superstar is non-other then Luciano Moggi, president of Juventus. This is the same man that during Napoli's golden run in the late 80's said he had no idea Maradona was sniffing enough cocaine and running a prostitution racket that would rival the gross revenue of half the ex-eastern bloc nations. With that said, we will keep up on this story but if I am correct in predicting a fairly mediocre World Cup for Germany, Ballack, being the captain of his 'naturalized' teammates might jump ship to avoid the criticism that most unjustly will fall on his shoulders. And now, beyond the speculation, we will proceed with the latest barrage of relevant news.

Manchester United are planning a £12m summer swoop for Lyon midfielder Mohamadou Diarra. Once again playing catch-up with Chelsea, got to love the Scottish pride that keeps Sir Alex Ferguson going and going. But seriously if you want the player, why awaken the giant(Chelsea), just swoop in and get him.

Walter Pandiani leaves Birmingham for Espanyal. I wonder if he is dejected or just thanked his agent with a blank check for getting him out of there while saying buy yourself something nice.

Dutch side FC Twente announced the capture of Jerônimo Daneluz Soares. The 19-year-old Brazilian midfielder comes in from EC Juventude on a six-month loan, with Twente having the option of a permanent transfer in the summer. Feyenoord this is just for you.

Bulgarian champions PFC CSKA Sofia have signed Yannick Boumsong, younger brother of France and Newcastle United defender Jean-Alain Boumsong. Seriously you might consider a name change the way your older brother is playing this year.

Dutch outfit NEC Nijmegen have announced the signing of David Jones from Manchester United FC. The 21-year-old midfielder comes on loan for the remainder of the season. Wow, two mentions of the Dutch league in one day will leave Feyenoord wondering if he should go on vacation more often.

Benfica are ready to jump in for Bolton striker Jared Borgetti. I am convinced after watching him terrorize the Italians in 2002 that this guy can still play and Bolton was just not the right set-up for him.

AC Milan have their man in Marcio Amoroso who landed this morning for his medical. But we all know the real transfers at Milan are coming this summer.

I wish to say that the funk is now just a random memory as the latest news keeps me bullish that somewhere, somehow I am just getting back to myself and that I have stopped stalking Grahame Souness to see if he is actually crying when he leaves St. James Park because there is enough happening to keep me occupied.
Azzurri Dreams