Moscow move for Chelsea player? - By European Football - January 18 2005
 
Chelsea's Mateja Kezman, is wanted by CSKA Moscow, with the Russian side wanting to take him on loan initially, with a view to the deal becoming permanent.
 
Although Chelsea are adamant that they do not want to lose any of their playing staff, there could still be a chance for the move as Kezman has failed to make an impact in England.
 
Well to be honest he made the impact I expected him to, the few times I have watched him play this season, he has often been Chelsea’s opponents best defender.
 
There is a good relationship between Chelsea and CSKA, with Jiri Jarosik already moving to Stamford Bridge during the transfer and he may not be the last with Vagner Love being a possibility, it is this move that could bring about Kezman’s Russian departure.

Football: Almeyda refuse un transfert en Angleterre et met un terme à sa carrière
 
 
WEST BROMWICH, Angleterre (AP) -- L'ancien international argentin Matias Almeyda a refusé un transfert à West Bromwich Albion et a décidé de mettre un terme à sa carrière, a annoncé lundi l'équipe de Premier League.
Le milieu de terrain de 30 ans avait accepté le mois dernier un transfert chez les «Baggies» après avoir quitté le club italien de Brescia. Mais il a finalement décidé de mettre un terme à sa carrière après être rentré en Argentine.
«C'est une nouvelle très décevante car tout était réglé», a regretté le manager de West Brom, Bryan Robson, dont l'équipe est lanterne rouge de la Premier League.
«Almeyda est un joueur qui, je le pense, aurait fait du bon boulot pour nous», a ajouté Robson. «Mais il a décidé de rester en Argentine en raison de problèmes familiaux et nous devons respecter sa décision et passer à autre chose.»
Almeyda, qui a disputé les Coupes du monde 1998 et 2002, a également joué pour l'Inter Milan, Parme, la Lazio et Séville. En Argentine, il a porté la saison dernière les couleurs d'Independiente mais a renoncé au mois d'août car sa famille aurait reçu plusieurs menaces d'enlèvement. AP

Argentine says ‘I could still join West Brom’ - By European Football - January 19 2005
 
Matias Almeyda has rubbished reports that claimed he had retired from football. He had signed a deal with West Brom back in December, but the proposed move came to an end after the player reportedly announced his retirement.
 
But now it could very well be back on, although the player would prefer a move to River Plate, he will not rule out joining West Brom.
 
"I haven't decided to retire just yet” quoted Almeyda
 
"It's true that I am still thinking about it and I will have to decide if I am going to accept to play for West Brom."
 
"I don't have any other offer and they are calling me every day for an answer."
 
"The thing is that I still have the hope to play for River. I want to see if they get notified that I am free of contract and then decide to call me"

Portsmouth keen on Euro 2004 stars. - By European Football - January 19 2005
 
Portsmouth are said to be keen to bring in 2 members of the Winning Greek 2004 side, with boss Velimir Zajec lining up bids for sign Panathinaikos' out-of-favour goalkeeper Konstantinos Chalkias and his international team mate Angelos Basinas.
 
Chalkias is currently out of favour at Panathinaikos and could join Portsmouth for a nominal fee as his contract ends in the summer. He has been told that he is no longer required and can leave during the transfer window.
 
Basinas may not be quite as straightforward though, with the Greek side said to be keen to hang on to him.