Rooney: Van Persie would be a great addition to Manchester United

The 26-year-old striker believes the Arsenal captain would add firepower to the Premier League runner-up and suggested the pair would be able to play alongside each other.

Wayne Rooney heaped praise on Arsenal's Robin van Persie as Manchester United aims to convince the forward to move to Old Trafford this summer.The Dutchman revealed in July that he would not sign a new contract at the Emirates, citing a disagreement "in the way Arsenal should move forward." Speculation over his future has been rife ever since.

Although Van Persie missed the club's Asia tour, he flew out to Germany on Monday for a week-long training camp, suggesting a potential move is far from certain. Indeed, claims that the demands of his agent looked as if they would scupper the move to Manchester surfaced on Thursday.

Despite this, Rooney was happy to speak about a potential move for the Arsenal captain.

"Of course he's a player that I admire," Rooney told the Daily Mail. "He's a fantastic player, he's been amazing for Arsenal over many years. Last season was probably his best season of all, he scored a lot of goals.

"If he does come here he would be a great addition to the squad."

Asked whether he could play alongside Van Persie, Rooney added: "I'd like to think so - but you'd have to ask the manager about that.

"There's a lot of forwards here already with myself, [Danny] Welbeck, Chicharito and [Dimitar] Berbatov, who's still here. So there's a lot of forwards fighting for a place."

Sir Alex confirmed on Wednesday that United had made an offer for Van Persie but revealed there had been no breakthrough with Arsenal.

United has just one game remaining in its preseason schedule against German side Hannover on Saturday after drawing 0-0 with Barcelona in a glamor friendly in Gothenburg on Wednesday. Rooney was substituted at half time having missed a penalty in the first half and the forward commented: "I'm not sure why that was, you’d have to ask the manager.

"I think he felt some other players needed minutes. But I'm excited, I feel good, I feel fresh and I'm looking forward to the new season. It's a big season for us after last season and we all need to be ready for it.

"It was a good workout. I would have obviously liked a bit longer but it was a chance for some of the players to get some more game time. It was a good result - disappointing to lose on penalties but a good run-out."

Source : goal.com

France midfielder seals move to Hammers from Olympique Marseille

France midfielder seals move to Hammers from Olympique Marseille

New West Ham United midfielder Alou Diarra has won the Ligue 1 title twice

West Ham have completed the signing of France midfielder Alou Diarra from Olympique Marseille.

The 31-year-old made three appearances for France during UEFA Euro 2012 to take his international cap haul to 44.

Diarra, who joined Bayern Munich as a 19-year-old and signed for Gerard Houllier's Liverpool in 2002 without making an appearance for the Reds, won the league in France with Lyon and Bordeaux after a spell at Lens.

"I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League"
- Alou Diarra

The powerful combative midfielder, who appeared in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final, also has extensive European experience having made 27 UEFA Champions League appearances.

"I am very happy to be here at West Ham," Diarra told the club's official website. "Everything is signed now, which is good, and I am excited to be here at this club and to be playing for them in the Premier League.

"I know a lot about West Ham as a club and when I knew they were interested in signing me, I was very happy and knew it would be a good choice for me.

"We are a Premier League club and I know of players who were here before like Paolo Di Canio and Scott Parker, but of the players now in the team, I know Guy [Demel], Mo [Diame] and of course, Modibo Maiga, who played in the French league last year.

"The club has just been promoted and I am looking forward to a good challenge with the team ahead. I see this as my chance in the Premier League to do well with West Ham. I hope that my experience can help and the fans will see me give my all in the matches."

Source : Premierleague.com

Joe Allen signs for Liverpool

Joe Allen made 36 Barclays Premier League appearances for Swansea City last season

Liverpool have completed the signing of midfielder Joe Allen from Swansea City.

The 22-year-old teams up with former Swans boss Brendan Rodgers, who took over at Anfield this summer.

The Wales international watched his new side defeat FC Gomel on Thursday and has signed a "long-term" contract after completing a medical on Friday.

Allen, part of the Team GB side at the London Olympics, played a key role for Swansea as they impressed in their first season in the Barclays Premier League.

"I feel proud, I'm really thrilled and I'm looking forward to my time here"
- Joe Allen

"I've always been ambitious and wanted to play at the highest level I possibly could," Allen told the club's official website.

"When you see an opportunity like this it's almost impossible to turn it down.

"I'm someone who wants to be the best I can be. Every day, in training or in matches, I always want to improve. You'll always get 100 per cent out of me and I'm really looking forward to gelling with the top-class players who are here and doing my bit for the club.

"It's a proud day for me and my family. They have supported me through thick and thin for so long that this is as much a reward for them as it is for me.

"I feel proud, I'm really thrilled and I'm looking forward to my time here.

"I can't really imagine how I'll feel playing at Anfield right now. I'm excited about that prospect and witnessing the Anfield atmosphere and spirit, and being part of the home team, I'm sure it will be incredible."

Strength to strength

Allen beleives that Rodgers, who led Swansea to an 11th place finish in the table last season, will bring success to Liverpool.

"I have a lot of faith that Brendan Rodgers can bring success, that's one of the reasons I'm here," he added.

"I wanted to be part of this project, his project, and I've really got a good feeling - as I'm sure all the players here have - that this football club is going to go from strength to strength in the next couple of seasons."

"Joe is a player whose profile will fit perfectly with the ideas of this group"
- Brendan Rodgers

Allen is the second summer signing made by Rodgers, following the arrival of striker Fabio Borini.

And Rodgers is confident Allen will make the same impact for Liverpool as he did for Swansea.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Joe has made the decision to come with us on this journey," said Rodgers.

"Joe is a player whose profile will fit perfectly with the ideas of this group. His ability to control and dominate the ball is an important ingredient in our attempt to gain success on the field.

"Joe has had a fantastic education at Swansea City and will now begin the next chapter in his exciting career, and I wish him all the very best in what I'm sure will be a long and distinguished career here at Liverpool."

Source: premierleague.com