Roman to break record for Villas

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is splashing a world record £13.25million to make Andre Villas-Boas boss of Chelsea.

That is the astonishing cost of the release clause to take Villas-Boas, 33, from Porto - a record for any football manager transfer.

And Blues owner Rom could fork out another £26.5m for the Portuguese club's striker Falcao.

Porto defender Alvaro Perreira admitted last night: "Andre Villas-Boas went to Chelsea. Abramovich took our manager.

"We have to thank the coach for all the work and trophies won with us."

Villas-Boas, who learned his trade under Sir Bobby Robson and Jose Mourinho, took charge at Porto last summer.

He led them to four trophies in one season - the Europa League plus the Portuguese League, Cup and Super Cup.

Colombian Falcao, who has two years left on his contract, was a key member of that side.

He scored a record 17 goals in Europe, including the winner in the final against Braga.

Claudio Mossi, a Falcao agent, said last night: "If Villas-Boas is the new coach of Chelsea it is normal for players that are closest to follow him."

Falcao is a huge admirer of Villas-Boas and said: "It's thanks to him that every player felt relevant and he kept us all motivated. This was decisive."

Falcao joined Porto in 2009 and has an astonishing 41 goals in just 50 appearances.

Mkutano Wa Rais Jakaya Kikwete Na Hillary Clinton Ikulu Jijini Dars es salam

Rais Jakaya Kikwete akiwa katika picha ya pamoja na Waziri wa Mambo ya Nchi za Nje wa Marekani, Hillary Clinton na Mama Salma Kikwete mara tu baada ya Clinton alipowasili Ikulu jijini Dar es Salaam Leo.Picha na John LukuwiRais Jakaya Kikwete na Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje wa Marekani, Hillary Clinton wakiongoza mazungumzo ya kiserikali kati ya Tanzania na Marekani yaliyofanyika huko Ikulu, Dar es Salaam leo
Rais Jakaya Kikwete akiwa na Hillary Clinton katika mkutano na waandishi wa habari, muda mfupi kabla ya mgeni huyo kuondoka

Rais wa Lion Club Dar es Salaam Akimvisha Beji Mama Salma Kikwete.

Rais Jakaya Kikwete Akipokea Ujumbe Maalum Kutoka Kwa Rais Salva Kiir Mayardit wa Sudan Kusini.

Rais Jakaya Kikwete akipokea ujumbe maalum kutoka kwa Rais Salva Kiir Mayardit wa Sudan Kusini. Anayewasilisha ujumbe huo kwa Rais Kikwete huko Ikulu ni Mheshimiwa Dkt.Cirino Hiteng Ofuho tarehe 13.6.2011.Picha na John Lukuwi

Hon Peter Kallaghe in Trooping the Colour Event

Prime Minister Hon David Cameroon from second left with Tanzania Ambassador In England hon Peter Kallaghe and his family

Jordan: I'm not just a middle man

Jordan Henderson is ready to show his versatility in order to become a regular on Kenny Dalglish's teamsheet

The 20-year-old, who signed a long-term deal at Anfield last week, is best known as a central midfielder - but he is just as adept at operating on the right.

And after talks with Dalglish prior to his transfer from Sunderland, Henderson knows he may have to be adaptable.

"I spoke to the manager and he said I can play in the team in a few positions," he told reporters covering the European U21 Championships in Denmark.

"I'm not bothered, I want to make sure I'm in the starting 11 and play regular football. If I could choose I would play centre midfield.

"But I like playing anywhere, and I just want to start."

Henderson became our first summer signing last week, and though Director of Football Damien Comolli scoffed at the figures being reported in the media, the fee is something our new boy is conscious of - not that he is feeling any pressure.

"It is [a lot of money], but I don't make the figures up," he said. "It just shows that Liverpool have a lot of faith in me as a player and I will do everything I can and work really hard to repay them.

"Liverpool is a massive club, with a great manager and great players, and obviously I felt as though I could improve there and learn a lot.

"Of course, there will be competition at any big club, but I have to work extremely hard and do everything I can to make sure I start in the team. If I train well and work hard, I'll get my chance and take it.

"There are a lot of parts of my game I need to work on. I'll do everything I can."

Henderson's recruitment was welcomed at the weekend by Steven Gerrard.

The two have already played together in an England friendly against France last year and Henderson was grateful for the skipper's kind words.

"It's a massive compliment as he's one of the best players in the world, and hopefully I can go there and learn a lot from him," he said.

Another man Henderson cannot wait to work alongside is Dalglish.

"It's unbelievable to be honest, you just see the job he's done so far, in a short space of time, and hopefully this season can be even better," said the midfield man.

"I've spoken to the gaffer and it really excites me - everything is really positive. He's a fair, honest person and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Liverpool turn attention to Arsenal contract rebel Clichy in cut-price deal.

Liverpool are weighing up a £5million bid for Arsenal's Gael Clichy as their search for a new left back intensifies.

The France international is heading into the final 12 months of his contract at The Emirates Stadium but will not sign a new deal.

Clichy, 25, is one of a number of options being considered but is considerably cheaper than £9million-rated Aly Cissohko of Lyon and Osasuna's Spain international, Nacho Monreal.

He fits the identity of the type of player Liverpool's owners FSG are aiming to recruit, as his fitness and disciplinary records are excellent.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Roma have all shown interest in the France international, however, Liverpool are ready to put Arsenal's resolve to the test with a firm offer this week.

Manager Arsene Wenger was confident towards the end of the season that he would be able to persuade Clichy to commit to a new deal but, despite the promise of big spending this summer, their poor finish to the season and growing discontent among other squad members has cast doubts over his future.

Clichy is Arsenal's longest serving player after making his debut for the club in the 2003-04 season following a switch from Cannes but Wenger knows he could be forced to cash in rather than risking the player running down his contract.

Liverpool are making a determined effort to rebuild their squad into a title force and that could prove an attractive challenge. They would also be willing to give him a considerable pay hike on his £55,000 a week salary.

Wenger has already considered Celtic's Emilo Izaguirre and Newcastle's Jose Enrique as possible replacements.

Dalglish delight at Jordan deal.

Kenny Dalglish today revealed his delight at the arrival of Jordan Henderson - and backed the midfielder to prove a success at Anfield both on and off the pitch.

The highly-rated 20-year-old completed his transfer from Sunderland on Thursday evening and Dalglish feels the deal represents a real coup for Liverpool.

"It is fantastic for the football club to be able to attract hugely talented young footballers that have huge potential," said the boss.

"Jordan is very mature for his age.

"He is respectful and his principles and everything else on and off the pitch are exemplary.

"Not only is he a talented footballer, he's a really good person as well. He loves his football and he is very appreciative of what Sunderland have done for him."

Henderson shot to prominence over the course of the 2010-11 season at Sunderland, alerting several clubs to his talents - but Dalglish revealed the Reds have been tracking his progress ever since he broke into the first team at the Stadium of Light.

And the manager is confident the England international can play a part in helping his side build on the impressive form they've displayed since the Scot returned to the helm in January.

"You know of young players before of course but we have been watching him since he came into the Sunderland first team and have been tracking him," added Dalglish.

"We just need to go out and bring people to the football club that will raise the profile and standard of the performances that we have had since January - and I think Jordan falls into that category. People might turn around and say, 'Well you have people in there who have done really well'.

"Of course they have done well - and hopefully next year people will be saying the same thing about Jordan."

Suarez gets shirty with fans.

Luis Suarez is the most popular choice so far, with more than half of those requesting a name picking our new No.7.

Next up is skipper Steven Gerrard, followed by record signing Andy Carroll.

Here is the top 10:

1. Suarez
2. Gerrard
3. Carroll
4. Kuyt
5. Carragher
6. Meireles
7. Reina
8. Lucas
9. Agger
10. Kelly

Reds agree Henderson deal 8th Jun 2011 - Latest News

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson.

The 20-year-old will today discuss personal terms and undergo a medical on Merseyside after a fee was agreed between the two clubs.

At the sama time, Blackburn Rovers defender Phil Jones is reportedly having a medical at Manchester United ahead of a move to the Premier League champions.