Transfer news and speculation, 18 June
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has warned Chelsea even a world-record transfer fee would not tempt him to cash in on striker Fernando Torres. Torres is reported to be a transfer target for the new Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari after 33 goals in his first season at Anfield. It was claimed at the weekend that the European Cup finalists were preparing a £40m bid, but Hicks is adamant that even if Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich offered to exceed the £47m Real Madrid paid for Zinedine Zidane in 2001, he would not contemplate doing business. "There is no price at which we would consider selling Fernando Torres," Hicks said.
Guardiola set to offload Eto'o
Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto'o all moved a step closer to the exit at the Nou Camp after the new Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola confirmed that the trio are not part of his plans. "All of the players in the first-team squad last season are of a very high level," he said. "But with the technical secretary [Txiki Begiristain] we are forming a squad and Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o are not in our minds." All three players were below their best last season and missed large chunks of the campaign through injury. They have also been linked with moves to the Premier League.
Five-year deal for McDonald
Celtic striker Scott McDonald has signed a new five-year contract with the Scottish champions. The Australian finished as the SPL's top scorer in his first season with Celtic, who he joined from Motherwell in a £700,000 deal last summer. Celtic were keen to reward McDonald for his contribution.
Lafferty signs for Rangers
Burnley have confirmed that they have agreed a fee with Rangers to sell Kyle Lafferty. Rangers will pay an initial £3m, with Alan Gow moving to Burnley. The signing of Lafferty will take Rangers' summer spending above £6m. The youngster scored five goals in 40 games for Burnley last season.
Belgians show interest in Buffel
Belgian club Germinal Beerschot have confirmed their interest in Rangers midfielder Thomas Buffel. The Belgium international has a year left on his contract with Rangers who are ready to let him go. He has interested several clubs in the Bundesliga, and has also been linked with Norwich.
Yesterday's completed moves:
Sammy Clingan (Nottingham Forest) to Norwich City; Free
Matty Done (Wrexham) to Hereford United; Undisclosed
Abdou El Kholti (Rushden & Diamonds) to Woking; Free
Ben Hamer (Reading) to Brentford; Loan
Michael McGovern (Celtic) to Dundee United; Undisclosed
Leigh Mills (Tottenham Hotspur) to Brentford; Loan
Colin Murdock (Shrewsbury) to Accrington Stanley; Free
Alex Russell (Bristol City) to Cheltenham Town; Free
Andis Shala (VfR Mannheim) to Dundee United; Undisclosed
John Spicer (Burnley) to Doncaster Rovers; Free
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