Transfer rumours latest victim is Aruna Dindane

Sky Sports has been busy in the business of transfer speculation bolemia.

One of many is that Cote d'Iviore's Aruna Dindane is wanted by Spurs.

He was at the Ghana 2008 Nations' Cup and he was a phenom. No exaggeration.

According to 101gg, Dindane is on offer for £6million after the 28-year-old forward has made it known that his future lies away from Ligue 1.

It comes complete with purported words from Lens president Gervais Martel:

“Aruna Dindane is a world class player, there are clubs abroad interested in him. I think he will leave and join a foreign club. It is sad because many French clubs can’t afford him.”

Somehow the press have interpreted that to mean that the North London rivals are both interested.

After moving at Anderlecht back in 2000, Aruna spent five faithful seasons in Brussels chalking up 50 goals in 131 appearances. In 2005 Aruna then moved to Lens where he has since played 90 matches and scored 25 goals. Dindane also has 14 goals in 40 international matches.

At 5ft 9in tall Aruna is far from the biggest striker, however what he misses out on in size is replaced in raw pace and a tenacious attitude. Aruna’s game imitates that of Sylvian Wiltord, a forward who often ghosts into the channels where his quick-feet can hurt defenders on the floor.

However, whereas Wiltord was usually composed in the danger areas, Aruna can frustratingly lose possession with frequent regularity.

Prospective employers will also no-doubt be aware of Dindane’s rocky injury history of late, the striker missed 28 weeks of football due to a knee injury back in 2008. Had it not been for the injury Dindane may well have made his way to a higher league sooner.

From a Spurs perspective the major question is whether Dindane is an improvement on Jermain Defoe to be a realistic target for Harry.

With the evidence looking inconclusive, it seems that this may be yet another unsubstantiated rumour that will quickly disappear into the background. See him in action.


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World Cup qualifying: reviews and videos

I had a rotten day yesterday after a torrent of rain poured down the capital (we're in the rainy season)

Anyway because of that and to save time I will accumulate the rest of the weekend's qualifying videos into this post.

Burkina Faso 2 - Cote d'Ivoire 3

Barcelona’s Yaya Toure opened the scoring in the 11th minute but Jonathan Pitroipa levelled in the 27th-minute. A Mamadou Tall own goal and a third from Chelsea striker Didier Drogba gave the visitors some breathing space before Aristide Bance pulled one back with 12 minutes remaining. See the highlights here.

Zambia 0-2 Algeria

Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra opened the scoring and Rafik Saifi doubled the lead just after the hour mark.



Tunisia 0-0 Nigeria

The point for the visitors ended the hosts’ perfect record, but the Carthage Eagles remain two points clear of the Super Eagles at the top of the table.



All the above games were played on Saturday, June 20. However, on Sunday Mali played Benin. Mali started badly going down to a goal from Benin’s Seidath Tchomogo in the 12th minute from a corner. But the scores were level 10 minutes later when Modibo Maiga fired home. Mamadou Diallo put Mali into the lead sliding the ball in from close range in the second half, and then with seven minutes remaining Fredi Kanoute scored a diving header to confirm the Eagles’ win.

See the highlights here.
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Eboue's future as a Gunner unsettled

The season is over and the transfer windows all over the world are squeaking open. In England and Arsenal in particular, fans expect lots of going in and buzzing off.

Emmanuel Eboue has been unsure of his place in the team and has speaken about his future:

"My future at Arsenal is not clear yet, I did not play a lot in the season and the World Cup is coming.

"There are many clubs interested in me, so let's wait.

"Before the season's start I will make a decision."

The Arsenal blog Arseblog doesn't doubt there are many clubs interested in the Ivorian but thinks the final few months of the season are a good indication that his future lies elsewhere.

He was a barely used substitute for much of it, as clear a sign as any that Arsene Wenger didn't really count on him. There are those who think he's a handy utility player but he's been one of the most frustrating players seen in an Arsenal shirt and many won't be shedding any tears if he leaves.

Arseblog says they might even have a party! Gross...
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Finally, El Drog gives up the fight

Chelsea ace Didier Drogba has admitted he will accept whatever punishment UEFA give him for his outburst after the Champions League semifinal.

Incensed by decisions made by referee Tom Henning Ovrebo in the second leg against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, Drogba ranted at the official and repeatedly swore into a live television camera.

He could be banned for up to six games but has apologised for the tirade and said:

"It's not easy but I think that whatever I did and the decision they take I will accept it because my behaviour was not what UEFA and everyone wants to see in a football stadium.

"I will do my suspension and, after that, I will come back stronger."

Phew. I have to say that I've been waiting for him to be a sport and laugh it off.
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African show in Europe's spotlight

Manchester were totally outclassed by a Barca side that was awesome.

And that awesomeness included three (west) Africans: Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure and Seydou Keita.

1. Samuel Eto'o Fils - Cameroun

Samuel Eto'o delivered what was arguably the most definite blow for Barca. He scored in the tenth minute when United were on a frenetic high. In short, he broke 'em before Messi burned 'em. And guess what? He is proud to be African. Go Africa!

Ratings: Telegraph, Eurosport, Goal

2. Yaya Toure - La Cote d'Ivoire

To the left of your picture, the man simply kept the United attack on edge. Together with Puyol, Sergio Busquets and Pique, Yaya showed what class he is. Curiously, this role is not one he is used to yet he played there as if he's been doing that his whole life!

Ratings: Telegraph, Eurosport, Goal

3. Seydou Keita - Mali

A man the Black Stars would face soon in the qualifiers, he came on to replace Henry. Made sure the midfield was tight and taut. His contribution would not be overlooked, lest why was he put there?

Ratings: Telegraph, Eurosport, Goal