Blackburn and Manchester City want Santa Cruz

Both Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City are hoping to sign Paraguayan international Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich.

Rovers boss Mark Hughes and City boss Sven Goran-Eriksson are keen to start talks with the 25 year old player who has been given permission to talk to both clubs as well as FC Porto of Portugal. A deal may be wrapped up over the weekend if Santa Cruz can come to terms and decide on a club. Galatasaray has also been rumored to have inquired.

Santa Cruz has been sidelined at Munich to protect the asset while a deal is made for the player. A good showing at the Copa America has boosted his stock among suitors and his place at Bayern has been usurped by new signings Miroslav Klose and Luca Toni.

The pricetag for the player is said to be around 4.5m pounds well within reason for all potential suitors.

Ricardo Quaresma

Portugal never lacks wingers... Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, Simão, Figo or Boa Morte, the portuguese World Cup squad may include FC Porto's superstar, Ricardo Quaresma. Ricardo plays in both right and left and he's recently developed a peculiar skill: something the portuguese call "trivela", that consists in crossing with the outside part of his right foot. The famous squad's number 10 is now 22 years-old and, after growing up in Sporting's frutuous academy (Cristiano Ronaldo, Hugo Viana and, more recently, João Moutinho and Nani are other examples of it) he was bought by Frank Rijkaard on his first year in spanish Barcelona. Ricardo didn't stay more than that single season mostly because his teamwork just wasn't 'Barcelonable"; he loves playing for the audience, catching the eye on marvelous technique demonstrations on every single game. Quaresma is difficult to beat one-on-one and his crossing and teamwork are improving enormously. Soon you'll be hearing from him again, but for now you may see him here, in a 2005/06 best of.

Raul Meireles

Last night Arsenal played FC Porto in the pre-season Amsterdam Tournament. Arsenal won the game 2-1 but not without problems.

One of the main causes of this was Raul Meireles who stood out for Porto in defensive midfield. He’s strong physically and holds the space. No wonder Porto were willing to sell Maniche and Costinha. He was there last season waiting to replace them.

Porto’s talent scouts are the best in Portugal and only second to Sporting Lisbon with its youth academy. Notice they continue to do fine post Mourinho.

Originally from neighboring club Boavista FC’s youth system, Meireles was loaned out to Desportivo das Aves in 2001. Returning to Boavista in 2003 he had a great season. In 2004, the 22 year old signed for FC Porto in a five year deal, not even leaving his home city.

Last night Arsenal was up against a talented midfielder. I was impressed with his energy and tidiness. Raul Meireles made the pass which led to Porto’s only goal and was the main reason Porto had the better of the midfield against Arsenal.

The Gunners need a defensive midfielder, hint hint.