Corinthians said they had upped their offer to lure Manchester City’s Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez back to Sao Paulo.

With City holding out for more than the 40 million euros the Brazilians have offered, the latter have suggested paying a sum of bonuses to City on top of the transfer.

“Now we are looking at four payments of 10 million euros... plus bonuses which would be paid in prize money which we may receive,” said Sao Paulo official Edu Gaspar.

“In theory it is not a cent more - just the transfer of a prize for a title such as the Brazilian (league) or the (Copa) Libertadores, which would go to City.”

Real sell defender Garay to Benfica

Benfica have signed Argentina centre-back Ezequiel Garay from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee.

Both clubs confirmed the news of the 24-year-old’s switch on their websites on Saturday evening. No details were given regarding length of contract.

Garay put pen to paper in Santa Fe, where he is representing Argentina in the Copa America.

The former Newell’s Old Boys defender joined Madrid in 2008 after a three-year stint with Racing Santander.

Barca enter chase for Neymar

Neymar’s agent claims Barcelona are vying with Real Madrid for the player’s services.

The 19-year-old Santos forward is one of the hottest properties in the summer transfer market. His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, insists a move to Madrid, long-standing admirers of the player, is Neymar’s preference.

Ribeiro said: “Barcelona want him next year and will pay next year, Madrid want him now and are prepared to pay now.

“The main problem is that the kid (Neymar) wants to play in the Club World Cup against Barcelona, and Santos are using their force to make him choose Barca.

“The numbers being talked about by both clubs are good, but Neymar would prefer a move to Madrid.”

Houllier to follow doctor’s advice

Former Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier admits to feeling a sense of “unfinished business” after his departure from the club but admits his health issues might prevent him returning to management.

Houllier ended his nine-month spell in charge at Villa Park after missing the end of the season following chest pains.

“We had a case of unfinished business (at Villa),” he said.

“There was an option of leaving the team to Gary McAllister, who was my assistant, and I would come back in September but the chairman wanted to go another route and I have to respect that.

“At the moment I just want to make sure I get fit again and then we’ll see. But I will follow the doctors’ advice and if the advice is not to get back into management I won’t.”

West Brom eye Hargreaves

West Brom could be ready to take a gamble on injury-plagued former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves who has been released by Premier League champions Manchester United.

West Brom’s sporting director Dan Ashworth said that the club hopes to set up a meeting with the 30-year-old Hargreaves.

“We have been in talks with Owen. He’s based over in the United States at the moment so we might try to get to meet him in the next week or so,” said Ashworth.

“If Owen is fit to play Premier League football, it is a no-brainer. Make no mistake, Owen Hargreaves is a fantastic player. Obviously, he has had a few medical issues over the last few years. But we would be delighted to get a fit Hargreaves.”

City are winners says Clichy

Gael Clichy has risked the wrath of Arsenal fans by declaring he left the club for Manchester City because he was tired of missing out on silverware.

The French left-back says he could have penned a new deal at the Emirates Stadium but could not face the prospect of more seasons like the 2010/11 campaign.

Speaking on the club’s pre-season tour to the United States, he said: “After spending eight years with Arsenal it would have been easy to sign a new contract to stay there because they’re a fantastic club that will always be challenging for trophies.

“But it got to a point for me where I didn’t want to just challenge for the titles only to be disappointed in the final weeks of the season.

“I wanted to play for a club that would win them.”

Leverkusen eye Viviano swoop

Emiliano Viviano’s future continues to hang in the balance, as Bayer Leverkusen are leading the chase for the Inter goalkeeper.

Viviano has become an Inter player in the past weeks but his chances of playing regular football look slim with Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar the club’s first choice.

Viviano has been linked with Genoa, Roma and Palermo, but Sky Sport Italia suggest his most likely destination is Germany.

Bayer Leverkusen are stepping up their interest in the player and could secure a deal within days.

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