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In this week’s Learners’ Podcast we look at the transfer window and the phrase ‘to be linked with. If you download the show to your iPod, you can also see the worksheet on your iPod screen.

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Worksheet and answers – Week 11 pdf
Vocabulary 11 pdf
English for football – week 11 pdf
The Transfer Window
By Damian Fitzpatrick (January 10th, 2006)

Pre-Listening
Match each word with its meaning

1. ＿＿＿ Transfer
2. ＿＿＿ Relegate.
3. ＿＿＿ Extremely
4. ＿＿＿ Vital
5. ＿＿＿ Rumour
a. Very
b. Exchange, move
c. Drop down
d. Gossip
e. Very important

Listening 1
Fill in the blank spaces
We have reached the ………………… point in most of the European Leagues with many of the clubs realising that the next 15 or so games could make or ………………… their season. Having been unable to make ………………… since the end of August they now have a chance to bring in new players to help them push for the title, attempt to qualify for Europe, or to avoid being ………………… to a lower division. Gossip and rumour are rife: yes, the transfer window has opened.

Now, the current window ………………… on January 1st allowing clubs the opportunity to buy, sell, loan, trade and ………………… players from their squad. Though this is not the only window during the year, this particular time is ………………… interesting, as teams have to be very careful what they do with their money. ………………… a big name player may excite your ………………… but it does not always work, just ask West Ham after signing two Argentinian World Cup stars, Mascherano and Tevez in …………………, as you know, there is much more to it than that.

Listen 2
Listen and answer the questions
1. What may a club have to do to get some money?
2. How much did Boa Morte from Fulhma cost?
3. Who do Manchester United want to sign (buy)?
4. What do Chelsea not have to worry about?
5. According to the languagecaster team, where will David Beckham move to?