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ARCHIVED DAILY NEWS: Februrary, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December Related Sections: News Home, Daily News, Results, Serie A League Table, Top Scorers, Brasileiro Previews & Reports, Brazilian Championship, Libertadores Cup, National Team News SATURDAY - 31 DECEMBER 2005 FLAMENGO TO RIVAL SANTOS FOR FRANÇA SIGNATURE The purported transfer of Kashiwa Reysol hot-shot França to Santos has been hit with an obstacle - Flamengo have joined the hunt for the ex-Bayer Leverkusen goal-getter. The Rio de Janeiro outfit are on the lookout for a new number 9 and believe França, 29, fits the bill. Although Fla are still weighting up moves for Luís Fabiano of Sevilla and FC Tokyo's Lucas, they look sure to rival Santos in the quest to bring the former São Paulo man back to Brazil. França made his name starring in 'The Big Kickabout', the exhilarating tournament profiled in the book 'Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life', before going on to play for his country, and, in fact, scoring a goal against England at Wembley in 2000. ROMÁRIO WANTS MARCELINHO AT VASCO Romário is optimistic of convincing the Vasco directors to reconsider signing Marcelinho Carioca. The pair teamed up at Valencia during the 1990s and remained friends ever since, and the 2005 Brasileiro's top goalscorer believes Marcelinho is just the type of player the Rio side needs: "Marcelinho would make a very good signing. I know he would help create a lot of chances. He's been here before and helped Vasco win the Carioca title." ZICO'S SON JOINS FLAMENGO From 1940s kingpin Zizinho through to modern-day great Romário, a who's who of legendary Brazilians have represented Flamengo over the years. None more so, though, than Zico, the irrepressible offensive-midfielder of the 70s and 80s, who inspired the country's biggest club to four Brasileiro titles during a celebrated tenure in the red and black. Now, as Zico concentrates on masterminding the Japanese national team's 2006 World Cup campaign, Flamengo have announced the contract of his son, Thiago. Alike his old man, the 22-year-old is a creative midfielder who loves to run at opponents with the ball at his feet. Having agreed a three-year deal at the Gávea, Thiago is now hopeful of convincing coach Valdyr Espinosa to give him a run in the first-team. JUNINHO TO MISS CAMPEONATO PAULISTA OPENER Juninho Paulista is expected to sit out of Palmeiras' Paulista State Championship bow against Ituano on 12th January. The midfield wizard has sustained an injury and after undergoing treatment, is expected to be rested for the contest as a precaution. The former Middlesbrough star was one of the Brasileiro's top performers, scoring 14 goals and helping Palmeiras qualify for the 2006 Copa Libertadores. CROATS BAG VASCO STRIKER Anderson said his goodbyes at Vasco this week, but has promised to return to finish his career at the club. The striker has agreed a five-year deal with Dynamo Zagreb, but his intention is not to remain in Croatian football for too long: "My objective is to catch the attention of a club in Italy or Spain," he revealed. Anderson will team-up with Brazilian-born Eduardo da Silva, who now represents Croatia and is in line to play against the Seleçãa at next summer's World Cup finals. FRIDAY - 30 DECEMBER 2005 ORTEGA LINKED WITH FLAMENGO SWITCH With 89 Argentina caps to his name and big money transfers between River Plate, Valencia, Sampdoria and Parma, Ariel Ortega is one of his nation's best known footballers. As a new year approaches, the former golden boy of South American soccer and one-time heir apparent to the great Maradona could be set to embark upon a fresh challenge in Brazil. Flamengo are being linked with a swoop for the Newell's Old Boys star, and the 31-year-old is reportedly keen on following countrymen Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano across the Argentinean border. Although Fla's priority is to sign a striker capable of leading their line, they could be tempted to bring in a player of Ortega's prestige ahead of the imminent Rio State Championship. FLU CONTRACT PONTE ACE Fluminesne have signed Ponte Preta ace Evando, subject to a medical. The 28-year-old impressed in the black and white of Ponte during the 2005 Brasileiro, and this convinced the Rio outfit to add him to their books. Evando, a quick front runner with a neat touch, has previously turned out for Vitória and Spanish side Villarreal, and experienced an abortive spell at Santos prior to joining Ponte. He is likely to form an attacking partnership with Tuta, as Flu attempt to retain the Carioca State Championship. LISBON RIVALS IN FIGHT FOR GRANJA With his stock having risen throughout 2005, it is looking increasingly likely that Élder Granja will depart Internacional for European grounds in the coming weeks. The 23-year-old is the subject of a tug-of-war between Sporting Lisbon and their city rivals Benfica, and although Inter would desperately like him to remain at the club, it is expected that the right-wingback will make the Portuguese SuperLiga his new home. Internacional - runners-up during the 2005 Brasileiro - are also in danger of losing sprightly forward Iarley. TURKISH GIANTS AWAIT RESPONSE ON ROBERTO CARLOS Fenerbahçe have prioritized making Roberto Carlos their new left-wingback for the 2006/07 season. The Turkish heavyweights, currently topping their domestic championship, would like to prize the unsettled Brazilian international from Real Madrid once the current campaign reaches its conclusion in May. The 32-year-old - famed for his ability to summon thunderbolt shots from his left boot - joined the Spanish mega-power back in 1996, and has since helped them to a selection of honours including three UEFA Champions League titles, in 1998, 2000 and 2002. In recent months, however, "Robbie" has expressed a desire to return to Brazil, and this prompted clubs from around the globe to register an interest in signing him. With the prospect of the ex-Palmeiras and Inter Milan star departing Real increasing, Fenerbahçe - for whom Brazilians Fábio Luciano, Marco Aurélio, Márcio Nobre and Alex play - have reportedly presented Real with an official bid for him. The ball is now in the Bernabeu club's court, so to speak, and only time will tell if one of the most distinguished left-fullbacks in Brazilian football history will be playing his football on Turkish fields in 2006. PALMEIRAS RULE OUT FABRÍCIO CARVALHO MOVE Fabrício Carvalho, the one-time golden boy of Brazilian football, will not be joining aspiring Palmeiras according to the São Paulo-based force's director of football. The prolific attacker has been out of action since the front end of 2005, but with his return to the field of play imminent, it had been rumoured Palmeiras were set to test São Caetano's resolve to keep the 27-year-old. Ílton José da Costa has confirmed otherwise, though, revealing that talks did take place between the player and the club, but that the Libertadores Cup qualifiers' interest has now been ended. STARLET SEEKS CORINTHIANS EXIT With bags of tricks and turns, great vision and a fine execution of pass, Dinelson has decided his qualities are being wasted on the Corinthians bench, and is now looking to leave the Parque São Jorge. The attacking-midfielder's playing time was limited during 2005 due to the presence of Rosinei, Roger and Carlos Alberto, and with Santos headliner Ricardinho set to land at the club, the 19-year-old's prospects of gaining regular first-team football this coming campaign, look slim. Dinelson will now consider a loan switch to another Serie A side, or a permanent move away from Corinthians. Possible destinations for the pint-sized creator include Grêmio and Flamengo, who have both previously made checks on the teenager. BOBÔ TO JOIN FLAMENGO? 56 goals in 42 matches is simply unsatisfactory. Yet that is the meagre total Flamengo managed during the 2005 Brasileiro, and it's the reason the 'team of the masses' are intent on beefing up their attack ahead of the forthcoming campaign. The latest name to be linked to Flamengo is Bobô, a burly striker who has become surplus to requirements at Corinthians. The 20-year-old's goalscoring record hardly arouses confidence but Fla believe he could co-exist prosperously with the more nimble - and prolific - César Ramirez. With Tevez, Nilmar and high-profile additions to their forward ranks impending, Corinthians would not stand in Bobô's way should he agree terms with Flamengo. THURSDAY - 29 DECEMBER 2005 PAULO AUTUORI QUITS SÃO PAULO Paulo Autuori today brought an end to his hugely successful tenure as coach of São Paulo. Just eleven days after guiding the club to the FIFA Club World Championship title, the former Peru boss handed in his resignation in order to assume the managerial reigns at a Japanese outfit, suspected to be Kashima Antlers. Autuori, 49, revealed it was an offer too good to refuse, as he made his departure from São Paulo just eight months after replacing Emerson Leão at the helm. During this period, he oversaw the club winning both the Libertadores Cup, which they claimed thanks to a battering of Brazilian rivals Atlético-PR in a one-sided final, and the recent FIFA Club World Championship, which was secured at the expense of European heavywieghts Liverpool. "Paulo Autuori is no longer the coach of São Paulo," announced president Marcelo Gouvêa. He handed in his resignation and we are now in search of a new trainer." It is widely expected that Muricy Ramalho, who led Internacional to a second-placed finish in the 2005 Brasileiro, will be appointed as his successor. Since leaving Inter following the conclusion of the domestic championship, the 50-year-old has spurned the advances of a selection of suitors from both inside Brazil and abroad, but it is believed he has long had desires on the São Paulo post. "Muricy Ramalho is a great coach and we are interested in him, but nothing is definite," concluded Gouvêa. CORINTHIANS LINE UP TRIPLE SWOOP Corinthians are in negotiations with three former São Paulo stars, as they look to bolster an already-stellar squad ahead of the 2006 season. Dinamo Kiev stopper Rodrigo, Santos captain Ricardinho and Sevilla's artful front runner Luís Fabiano are the players the Brasileiro champions' sights. Rodrigo is keen on a return to his homeland after failing to settle in the Ukraine, and with his ex-employers reportedly out of the running to sign him, Corinthians face little challenge in their quest to secure the 25-year-old's services. Luís Fabiano is another São Paulo old boy who's attracted to the possibilty of joining their state rivals. The prolific ace has become increasingly disillusioned with life in Europe, and believes a return to Brazil may rejuvenate his slim chances of making Carlos Alberto Parreira's World Cup squad. In the case of Ricardinho, Santos president Marcelo Teixeira has admitted his hopes of keeping the ex-Real Madrid target at the Vila Belmiro, have all but vanished. The Brazilian international is out of contract and has flatly rejected Santos' renewal proposals. Ricardinho left Corinthians in 2002 after four successful years at the club, but the elegant playmaker's return to 'Big Team' now seems likely. EDILSON MAKES AZULÃO EXIT Hothead Edilson is on the lookout for a new team after Serie A survivors São Caetano decided against renewing his contract. The 34-year-old - one of Brazilian domestic football's standout performers during the late 90s - performed meritoriusly for the Azulão during 2005, despite the inconsistencies of the side, but the club were unwilling to meet his inflated wage demands. The ex-Corinthians and Flamengo forward is thought to be keen on continuing in the Brazilian top flight, rather than looking for a move to Mexico or Japan. Edilson gained notoriety for initiating a mass-brawl during the final of the 1999 Paulista State Championship, which his then employers Corinthians were contesting with archrivals Palmeiras. CICINHO "HONOURED" TO FOLLOW LEGEND GENTO Real Madrid newcomer Cicinho has revealed that he is "honoured" to be the latest recipient of the club's number 11 jersey. With the number 2 shirt the speedy wingback has been accostomed to donning, already in the possession of Spanish international Michel Salgado, Cicinho was happy to settle for the jersey occupied so illustriously by the legendary Francisco "Paco" Gento. During the 50s and 60s, Gento - an outside-left blessed with lightening pace - helped the capital club win six European Cups: a record total for a player. Cicinho will follow in the footsteps of compatriot Ronaldo, who also used the number 11 jersey when he first joined the club. LIEDSON HINTS AT SPORTING STAY Liedson is a striker in demand. The Sporting Lisbon idol has been the subject of interest from a number of clubs from across Europe, as well as Brazilian big guns Corinthians and Santos. But after flirting with a move from the Portuguese capital since a dispute with coach Paulo Bento earlier this year, the recently-turned 28-year-old has now intimated that he will remain a Sporting player for some time to come: "I'm happy here and would like to extend my contract, it's now up to the club," Liedson explained. His comments are sure to disappoint Real Betis, who had placed the former Flamengo goal-master top of their list of targets. VASCO RULE OUT MARCELINHO RETURN Vasco director José Luiz Moreira has revelaed that the Rio giants will not be re-signing veteran playmaker Marcelinho Carioca. The diminutive ace recently left Brasiliense, following their relegation from Brazilian football's elite, and swiftly expressed an interest in returning to the club he has represented twice since the turn of the century, and renewing his partnership with ex-Valencia team-mate Romário. However, despite admiring Marcelinho's ability, Moreira conceded that Vasco would not be contracting the 34-year-old, despite his declaration of love for the four-time Brasileiro champions. LEÃO: "BAIER WILL MASTER MY MIDFIELD" Paulo Baier's end of season transfer from Goiás to Palmeiras was well received among the latter's supporters, with the prospect of the 30-year-old patrolling the side's right flank something for the green army to look forward to. Coach Emerson Leão has different ideas over where the player will be deployed, though, insisting that his goalscoring qualities will be better suited to a central midfield role. With Paulo Baier expected to be an automatic first-team selection this coming season, the gaffer's decision should be to the detriment of midfield anchorman Correa. One man's loss is another's gain, however, and that man is recent signing Amaral, who is now the favourite to make the right-wingback slot his own. VALENCIA BID TO PRIZE "NEW ROBINHO" FROM SANTOS REJECTED As 13-year-olds, Lionel Messi, Hatem Ben Arfa and Freddy Adu had all made headlines across the globe. Today, the mega-hype that surrounded the aforementinoed youngsters has, to some extend, been justified, as all three look set for bright futures for Argentina, France and the United States respectively. In Brazil, of course, boy wonders emerge with incomparable regularity, and several budding superstars, from Ronaldinho to Diego Ribas, have been pictured in magazines and newspapers and tagged as the successor to Pelé, Zico, Romário or Ronaldo, before their fifteenth birthday. In recent seasons, the number of rising stars gaining acclaim has increased considerably (just check out our New Boys From Brazil!), but of all the youngsters, the name of Neymar has drawn the most consistent enthusiasm. Blessed with exceptional dribbling ability and with pace in abundance, the 13-year-old has quickly become known as "The New Robinho" and as his reputation as a superstar of the future spreads, so does the European heavyweights' interest in prizing him from Santos. It has now emerged that Valencia made a offer to take Neymar to Spain, but their appraoch was rejected. CRUZEIRO STUDYING €4 MILLION OFFER FOR STRIKER Little over three months ago Alecsandro was plying his trade in the Brasileiro Serie B, but since a switch from Vitória to Brasileiro big leaguers Cruzeiro, and an impressive return of 11 goals for the Belo Horizonte outfit, he now finds himself the subject of a €4 million bid from Japanese outfit FC Tokyo. Cruzeiro are now considering whether to cash in on the 24-year-old, or to preserve his stay at the club as they go in search of a repeat of their 2003 Brasileiro success. BRAZILIAN STOPPER TO DITCH LAZIO FOR INTER Brazilian defender César looks to have accelerated an exit from Lazio, by laughing off the Rome-based outfit's "ridiculous" offer of a new contract. The 31-year-old will become a free agent in the summer but after becoming entangled in a war of words with president Claudio Lotito, he is now keen to join Lazio's Italian Serie A rivals Inter Milan during the January transfer window. “The proposal Lazio put forward was ludicrous," he moaned. "If this is the best that Lotito can offer me, then thanks for everything and goodbye. What upsets me the most is that some people called me a mercenary who was only out for cash. They clearly don’t know my history with Lazio. My problem here is with a lack of respect and, although it is a shame to leave, there are situations I cannot accept.” ELBER SET FOR BELEATED BRASILEIRO BOW At 33 years of age, Londrina-born Elber is set to get his first taste of Brazilian domestic football. Since leaving his native Brazil in 1991, the striker has spent time in Switzerland, Germany and France, and, during a six-season spell at Bayern Munich, inspired the club to a collection of honours. Finally, though, Elber has brought his career in the Old Continent to an end by agreeing to join Cruzeiro of Belo Horizonte. With a depth of attacking talent within their ranks, the former Brazilian international faces a fight to establish himself at Cruzeiro, a side looking to challenge for the Brasileiro title in 2006. FRIDAY - 23 DECEMBER 2005 RODRIGO FABRI ADDED TO THE PALMEIRAS RANKS Palmeiras have continued their closed-season spending spree by agreeing terms with ex-Atlético-MG playmaker Rodrigo Fabri. The dead-ball specialist, who will turn 30 next month, has signed a one-year contract with the São Paulo-based outfit. "I am very pleased to be able to work with (Emerson) Leão," he said. Leão is in the process of turning Palmeiras into a side capable of competing for the Brasileiro and Libertadores titles in 2005, and has already concluded deals for Edmundo and Paulo Baier. ROGÉRIO REPLACES GABRIEL IN RIO Shortly after the departure of key player Gabriel, Fluminense were able to appease their disappointed supporters with the announcement that Sporting Lisbon's Rogério would be turning out for them in 2006. The Rio outfit will officially present the ex-Corinthians right-wingback tomorrow, after he agreed a two-year deal at the club. Rogério, 29, was a first-choice player at Sporting Lisbon, but had decided to leave Portugal as Flumiense's interest in his services became known. THURSDAY - 22 DECEMBER 2005 PEKERMAN: "RIQUELME WOULD BE BETTER RATED IN BRAZIL" Sick and tired of listening to a section of supporters clamouring for Juan Roman Riquelme to be dropped from the Argentinean national side, in favour of another of the country's attacking-midfield super-talents, coach Jose Pekerman has declared that Brazil would be a more advantageous country for the Villarreal man to ply his trade in. "If he played over in Brazil he'd be known as 'Riquelminho' and everyone would rate him as one of the best three players in the world. He'd be better rated in Brazil - I have no doubt about it," said the 56-year-old gaffer. Continuing, Pekerman added: Players like Riquelme are few and far between. He's got an idiosyncratic style - a bit like Alonso or Bochini. Aimar has a different approach." The news will have been welcomed by MSI - Corinthians' official partners - who have remained long-term admirers of the ex-Boca Juniors star. Having recently reiterated a desire to bring Riquelme to the Parque São Jorge, and team him up with another former Boca player, Carlos Tevez, MSI may now consider tabling a record-breaking bid for the Argentine genius. MALAGA WIN THE RACE TO SIGN BRAZILIAN WINGBACK Malaga have pulled off a big surprise, by winning the race to sign one of Brazilian football's hottest properties - offense-minded right-wingback Gabriel. The reputation of the 24-year-old rocketed during 2005, as he scored an impressive total of 16 goals for Fluminense in the Brasileiro. Wanted by FC Porto, Real Betis and Santos, the signing represents a major coup for Malaga, who currently occupy fifteenth position in the Spanish top flight. Gabriel - formerly Cicinho's understudy at São Paulo - will join ex-Santos midfielder Bóvio at the club. DANIEL CARVALHO NAMED RUSSIAN FOOTBALL'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR Brazilian ace Daniel Carvalho has been named Russian football's Player of the Year, polling more than twice as many votes as runner-up Andrei Arshavin. The award caps off a tremendous 2005 for the ex-Intrernacional forward, whose brilliance was the catalyst behind CSKA Moscow winning the Russian Championship and UEFA Cup. Daniel Carvalho, 22, has been in negotiations with his old club, Inter, over a return to his homeland but upon receiving the honour, intimated that he would be remain a CSKA player. TCHECO ON VERGE OF GRÊMIOCHICÃo SWITCH After disputing the FIFA Club World Championships with Al-Ittihad, elegant midfielder Tcheco is on the verge of returning to Brazilian football. "I am in talks with Grêmio and they are at an advanced stage," revealed the 29-year-old. Grêmio will play in the Brasileiro top flight in 2006, following promotion from Serie B. CHICÃO JOINS FIGUEIRENSE Figueirense have agreed terms with Juventude's tough-tackling defender Chicão. The 24-year-old will officially be presented as a Figueira player on 2nd January, after his Juve contract expires. Chicão will compete with the likes of Vinícius, Edson and Felipe for places in the starting XI next term. ROMÁRIO GUARANTEES VASCO STAY With his sights set on reaching the 1000 goals marks, Romário has agreed to stay on as a Vasco player: at least until the middle of 2006. The "Baixinho" recently won the Brasileiro's top goalscroer award for a third time, and despite his 39 years, remains one of the most lethal strikers in the domestic championship. "I need 51 goals to reach the thousand. At my age, it's not easy to score so many goals. I don't know if I'll play the second half (of 2006), it will depend on how Vasco are doing in the Brasileiro," he said. News that Romário will be leading the side into the 2006 Brasileiro, will come as music to the club's supporters' ears. INTER PRESIDENT RUBBISHES RUMOURS Internacional president Fernando Carvalho has rubbished reports that bids have been tabled for a selection of the club's brightest stars. Reports indicated that the Brasileiro runners-up had received offers for Fernandão, Rafael Sobis and Elder Granja, but the Inter big wheel advised that "we haven't received proposals for any of our players." Rafael Sobis - one of the finest talents based in Brazil - is said to be in the sights of Inter Milan, who are allegedly prepared to part with big money to take him to Italy. Fernandão, who recently spurned Corinthians' advances, is being tracked by an unnamed German outfit, while inventive wingback Elder Granja is also attracting interest from Europe. Carvalho reiterated his intention to build upon Inter's successful side of this season, not to dismantle it. SPANISH MINNOWS WANT RÓBGOL & ALEX ALVES Castellon - currently propping up the Spanish second division - want to sign Brazilian veterans Róbson and Alex Alves to boost their push for safety. The former scored 21 goals for relegated Paysandu in this year's Brasileiro, only losing out in the battle for the 'Golden Boot' award on the final day, when a double from Vasco striker Romária allowed him to surpass "Róbgol's" total. Alex Alves, 30, is a well respected forward who has previously enjoyed turning out for Palmeiras and Vasco. Having recently been relegated into Serie C with Vitória, though, he conceded tha