Portugal trio trigger interest around Europe

Maniche to sign for Inter; Bruno Alves and Miguel targeted

Portugal midfielder Maniche is set to sign for Italian giants Inter Milan today, while compatriots and international colleagues Bruno Alves and Miguel are being targeted by Premiership clubs.

The relationship between Atletico Madrid player Maniche and his coach, Javier Aguirre, is irretrievably damaged after the tactician accused the former FC Porto man of inventing an injury to avoid playing in a cup match before Christmas.

Maniche took exception to the allegation and made his feelings known. Since then the player, hitherto a regular in the line-up, has not been selected in the Spanish club’s squad.

According to the Italian press the Portugal international will sign a loan deal with Inter until the end of the season, after which the Spaniards hope to see the value of the player increase during Euro 2008, in order to sell him definitively to the highest bidder in the summer.

Atletico director, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, and Maniche’s agent, Jorge Mendes, have been in permanent contact in recent days to define the fine details of the deal. Maniche will join fellow Portuguese players Luis Figo and Pele at the San Siro.

Related: Maniche PortuGOAL profile

Liverpool eye swoop for Alves

FC Porto centre-back Bruno Alves has been pencilled in by Liverpool as the replacement for ageing Finnish defender Sami Hyypia.

Alves was in outstanding form throughout 2007, forcing his way into the Portugal starting XI despite the fierce competition at the heart of the defence of the national team provided by Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Jorge Andrade and Fernando Meira.

Liverpool have observed the player on several occasions and got a close look at him when the two teams met in the Champions League group stage.

His no-nonsense displays have persuaded Rafael Benitez that he wants to take the Portuguese to Anfield but Porto president Pinto da Costa claims the player is non-negotiable, at least until the end of the season. Watch this space.

Related: Bruno Alves PortuGOAL profile

Miguel future again brought into question

Rumours are gathering pace that Valencia right-back Miguel could be on his way out of the troubled La Liga side.

Newly appointed coach Ronald Koeman is carrying out something of a revolution at the Spanish club as he attempts to rebuild the team with his own men.

An incident at a night-club last week involving Miguel and compatriot Manuel Fernandes, the latter of whom ended up spending a night in the local police cell, has only served to confirm that Miguel makes up part of Koeman’s list of “dispensables”.

Valencia’s board have let it be known that they will listen to offers for the Portugal defender, which is likely to draw the attention of Aston Villa who tried to sign the player in the summer.

Miguel has frequently said he would like to play in England and there is likely to be no shortage of takers for the classy defender.

Related: Miguel PortuGOAL profile