LETS KICK OFF!!

All right everybody, I'll start off with major results in international football. was held to a England 2-2 draw by Italy in the U-21 Championships. England, well being England of course, let a two goal lead disappear as Italy fought to a comeback and ultimately ending in a well deserved draw. David Nugent affirmed his status as hot property by giving England the lead after 24 mins and Leroy Lita (who missed the penalty in the last match) doubled the lead just two minutes later. Giorgio Chiellini pulled back one for Italy in the 35th minute and Italy then went on the attack throughout the second half and were deservingly rewarded when midfielder Alberto Aquilani drove home a long range shot on the 75 minute mark.

It has to be noted that England has to win the next match against Serbia to qualify entry into the knockout stages but if they keep playing like a bunch of pot bellied dockyard workers high on pot, it's going to be just like the World Cup, which would be Bye-Bye England.

TRANSFER NEWS UPDATE!

It seems the 'quiet professor', Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal, has held talks with Barcelona. It seems our main man at Arsenal, Thierry Henry is looking more likely to leave Arsenal, possibly in straight cash deal of 20 million pounds or maybe Arsene could even wrangle in Samuel Eto'o as part of the deal. Either way, it looks like the EPL is set to lose one of its best strikers. This clandestine meeting was reported by The Times and The Guardian.

A good news for Arsenal fans is that talented young Ajax striker, Ryan Babel, has stated that he would interested to go under Arsene Wenger's wings. Still, at current form, the 20 year old striker would hardly fill the gap that would be left if Thierry Henry left.

Israeli Tal Ben Haim (formerly with Bolton) has become Chelsea's third signing in the transfer market. The 25 year old defender who is getting married this Sunday, can play both in centreback and rightback positions.

Hello, hello. It seems the notorious bad boy of the EPL, Joey Barton has finally found a new home. (no, not the prison!) Joey Barton has been signed by Newcastle. Manager Sam Allardyce, has stated that he is 'delighted' at signing Barton and after signing Mark Viduka on a free transfer from Middlesborough, Big Sam is confident that Newcastle is heading towards the right direction. Yeah, Sam, that is if Barton doesn't get the urge to stub his cigar out in your eye. Good luck, Sam! You're going to need it!

A good news for Manchester United fans! Well, actually, a good rumour that is. Fabio Quagliarella's agent has hinted at a possible United move for the Italy international. Our man Fabio is the hottest property in the Serie A and a lot of elite clubs have already tabled offers for the 23 year old striker. Fabio, notwithstanding his hard to spell last name, has gotten to a flying start to his international career, scoring both goals in Italy's 2-0 win over Lithuania in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

More Man U news. The English Champions have confirmed that striker, Louis Saha, has successfully undergone surgery and will recover in time for the start of the new season. The striker is currently recovering in France.

Man U is also reportedly eyeing Barcelona's striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. Barca is set to be tempted with United's defender Gerard Pique who has impressed during a loan spell at Real Zaragoza.

News that Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has been given a 'take it or leave it' three-year contract extension offer will also interest United, especially if Spurs are able to nick Charlton's Darren Bent. Bent has already turned down a move to West Ham. Should Bent go to White Hart Lane, Defoe will be deemed surplus to requirements and is certain to move elsewhere, with Man U boss Ferguson a known admirer of Defoe.

Egypt international striker Mido could also be on his way out of Tottenham, with Fulham reportedly interested in securing the big striker's services. Should Fulham manager Lawrie Sanchez fail to lure him to Craven Cottage though, a back-up plan is already in place because a bid is ready to be launched on Marlon Harewood of West Ham.

There could be plenty of action down on the south coast at well, as Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp eyes bringing former Pompey man Aiyegbeni Yakubu back to Fratton Park from M'Boro to replace veteran Nigerian Nwankwo Kanu, who is reportedly wanted by Ajax.

Elsewhere, new Bolton manager Sammy Lee is being tempted by Rangers' winger Thomas Buffel, but faces competition from Wigan who are also interested, and Leicester City are considering making a swoop for Trevor Sinclair , who has been released by Manchester City.