FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Hello and welcome to the SoccerNation Report.  The first thing I'll say is that Kaka is NOT currently heading to Real Madrid.  If he does move in the future, then I'll discuss it.  But it makes no sense to do so right now.  He's a good player, but I'm not going to speculate Kaka, who seems to be a very loyal player.  So, let's get started for real.

Today we have a lot of little stuff.  So, it'll be a different format, but we'll all survive.

Zhirkov to Chelsea?  The Russian left-back is reportedly very keen to join the London side ahead of next season.  The 2008 Russian Player of the Year was thought to have been coming to Chelsea upon the caretakership of Guus Hiddink, but the deal was never struck.  The CSKA Moscow man also was in the Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament.  Coming from left-back, Zhirkov can cross with the best of them and can also hit a rocket shot better than the likes of John Arne Riise.  Zhirkov can also play a winger or even defensive midfield role.  His fitness is one of his greatest assets as a player.  He seems to have endless stamina as he glides up and down the pitch.  This would be a great move for someone, but who will claim him.  On another note, two more Russians look good to me to come over sometime.  CSKA Moscow 'keeper Igor Akinfeev and Zenit St. Petersburg striker Pavel Pogrebnyak looked primed for a move to western Europe as well.

Birmingham Signs Ecuadorian.  For the second season in a row I'm happy to say that people are actually trying to stay in the Premier League.  Birmingham have signed striker Christian Benitez away from Santos Laguna for a club record fee that is undisclosed.  This is a good signing in my opinion.  These types of players are doing better and better in Europe and it's worth signing them over.  Just look at what Hugo Rodallega has done at Wigan thus far.  One heck of a signing there.

Genoa to Sign Juninho?  One of the greatest free-kick takers of all-time could be on the move to Genoa.  Juninho, who is a free agent, could help Genoa out a lot.  Hernan Crespo is also set to join from Inter Milan in what essientially is a trade-off for Diego Milito.  This could be a great signing for the former Lyon man and it could get Genoa back into the fight for the Champions League.  I just wish that they could keep Milito with those two.  They would have a grand chance then.

Elano to Inter?  Well the nurturing football club that is Manchester City could lose a player due to its absolutely ridicolous ways.  City could lose a player that truly is their best midfielder when in form and not injured.  But unfortunately, he's as inconsistent as their away form and shouldn't be a very good signing for Inter.  If Inter want a Clarence Seedorf, then this is him.  Sitting him on the end of the bench will only make him whine, but who cares.  He's the one asking for the move.

Match of the Day- United States @ Costa Rica on ESPN @ 10:00 Eastern Standard Time.  Check it out.

My Confederations Cup 2009 Preview has begun, check it out here.  It's been Keeper and I'm out.