Posts Tagged ‘Eredivisie’

Transfer Rumors: Chelsea up bid for Liverpool star Torres to 50m

July 17th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Chelsea up bid for Liverpool star Torres to 50mliverpool Transfer Rumors: Chelsea up bid for Liverpool star Torres to 50mlyon Transfer Rumors: Chelsea up bid for Liverpool star Torres to 50m

England

Chelsea Go To 50m For Torres?

According to the Mirror, Chelsea have made a £50m bid for Fernando Torres, after having an initial bid of 40m knocked back by Liverpool.

Analysis: If I said £40m was something that Liverpool should consider, I’m going to say the same thing about £50m. As valuable as Torres is when he’s fit and in form, he has his price, especially when it appears that luck is now not on his side when it comes to injuries.

City Agree Kolarov Deal

Manchester City have signed Lazio left back Aleksandar Kolarov for £17m. The Serbia international has penned a four-year deal worth £80k per week. (The Mirror)

Analysis: So where will Wayne Bridge end up? Chelsea could be looking for a new left back soon, but, er, yeah, never mind on two fronts.

Liverpool Leave It Late For Remy

West Ham might have been confident about their chances to land Nice striker Loic Remy, but it appears he‘s bound for Merseyside now. Liverpool have agreed a fee of around £12.5m for the 23-year-old, who is set to undergo a medical tomorrow ahead of officially completing his move. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Shame for West Ham, but Liverpool had the bid that was closer to Nice’s asking price of £13m.

Villa In For Djalo

Aston Villa are interested in Sporting Lisbon striker Yannick Djalo and could make a €5m bid. However, Sporting are looking for €7m for the 24-year-old. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: He’s not very tall, but he’s got strength and pace, so he could well hold his own against some of the Premier League’s burlier defenders. And he also has this. Perfect fit for the English game, I say.

Blues Turn To Dembele

Birmingham City could make a move for AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele, who is available for £5m. (The Guardian)

Analysis: Dembele was linked with the likes of Chelsea last summer after helping AZ win the Eredivisie title in the 2008/09 season, but his stock has obviously taken a dip after a disappointing campaign for player (only four league goals in 29 appearances) last season. All the better for Birmingham, as the 23-year-old is a player with a great deal of promise.

West Ham Land Piquionne

West Ham have signed striker Frederic Piquionne from Lyon for £1m. The veteran striker, who spent last season on loan at Portsmouth, has signed a three-year deal worth £40k per week. (The Sun)

Analysis: They may be missing out on Remy, but they will be getting one solid French striker. Piquionne acquitted himself quite well in the Premier League last season, and in a better situation and with more talent around him, he should do very well at West Ham.

Spain

Barca Snatch Sevilla Star

Barcelona have signed Sevilla star Adriano. Barcelona will pay €9.5m up front, and they could wind up paying a total of €13.5m. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Adriano was a key player for Sevilla all throughout his five and a half seasons at the club, and with his versatility, ability experience, and relative youth (he‘s still only 25), Barcelona could be netting a real bargain. They might not be landing Cesc and Mascherano this summer, but they’re not getting scrubs by any means.

Real Sign Leon

Real Madrid have completed the signing of Getafe winger Pedro Leon. Real will reportedly pay around €10m for the 23-year-old, who has signed a six-year deal with his new club. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Will he wind up back at Getafe as soon as he left, or does he stand a legitimate chance of finding a place in Jose Mourinho’s squad. It won’t be easy to do the latter, but he certainly has the ability and potential to.

Sevilla In Cigarini Talks

Sevilla are in advanced discussions with Napoli for midfielder Luca Cigarini, according to the player‘s agent. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Napoli may well be giving up on Cigarini a little quickly, considering he’s been at the club for only a year and at 23, hasn’t nearly reached his full potential yet. Loaning him out for a season to see how he develops might be a better idea than selling him outright, but we’ll see what kind of deal transpires.

Italy

Ronaldinho Staying In Milan

After it appeared that Ronaldinho was on the verge of a move to Flamengo, it looks like the former Barcelona star is now staying at AC Milan, as confirmed by club exec Adriano Galliani. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: As he should. Ronaldinho is coming off of his best season in a little while, and he’ll be a very important part of AC Milan’s hopes of doing more than just battling for a Champions League place and exiting the Champions League in the round of 16 again.

Udinese Near Denis Deal

Udinese are set to complete the signing of Napoli striker German Denis within the next few days. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Denis made only 16 starts last season and stood to fall even further down the pecking order with the arrival of Edinson Cavani from Palermo. Udinese signed a couple of forwards for the future this summer, but landing Denis fills the need for someone to be a third scoring option up front to go with Antonio’s Di Natale and Floro Flores.

Germany

Wolfsburg Sign Mandzukic

VfL Wolfsburg have signed Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic from Dinamo Zagreb for €8m. The 24-year-old had also been linked with Aston Villa. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Mandzukic has been one of the leading scorers in the Croatian top flight in each of the last four seasons, and a move to a top league was only a matter of time. Does this mean that Steve McClaren is preparing for life after Edin Dzeko? No, considering that this might be more of a replacement for Obafemi Martins than for Dzeko.

Hannover Interested In Nemeth

Hannover 96 manager Mirko Slomka has stated his interest in young Liverpool striker Krisztian Nemeth. The Hungarian hitman is also drawing interest from newly-promoted Serie A side Lecce, who have made a £1m bid. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Nemeth has star potential, but he hasn’t yet made his first-team debut for Liverpool, and injuries have disrupted loan spells at Blackpool and AEK Athens in the last couple of seasons. For the sake of his development, he needs to move somewhere he can earn regular first-team football, and Hannover, who are in need of extra firepower, would offer that.

Russia

Zenit Move For Alves?

Zenit St. Petersburg are looking to thrash out a £12.5m deal for Porto defender Bruno Alves as quickly as possible to prevent Manchester United from making a move for the 28-year-old. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: With speculation about Nemanja Vidic’s future once again starting up, United could be in the market for a new center back, so don’t be surprised to see United steal in and snatch him late like they’ve done with many others before.

Scotland

Celtic Close On Murphy

Celtic have signed striker Daryl Murphy from Sunderland. The 27-year-old has signed a three-year deal with his new club. (The Mirror)

Analysis: After helping Sunderland earn promotion back to the Premier League in the 2006/07 season, he didn’t produce much over the last few seasons and fell a ways down the pecking order. But he had a solid loan spell at Ipswich Town last season, and at the very least, he should provide quality depth for Neil Lennon’s side.

“Transfer Rumors: Chelsea up bid for Liverpool star Torres to 50m” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?

July 15th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?manchestercity Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?

England

Manchester Move For Ibrahimovic?

The agent of Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to meet next week with officials from Manchester United and Manchester City. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It’d seem that the only way United would be able to work a deal out for him is if he significantly dropped his wage demands or if United went well above their current wage structure, neither of which I see happening. One can never say never, otherwise they wouldn’t be meeting with his agent, but I’d have to say that he’s bound for City or AC Milan.

United Target Not For Sale

Udinese president Giampaolo Pozzo says that winger Alexis Sanchez, who is a target of Manchester United and Roma, is not for sale this summer. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Sanchez made a big step from his first season at Udinese to his second, and he’ll be a big part of Udinese’s hopes to get back into Europe after last season’s surprising 15th place finish. If he continues his progress, I fully expect him to make a move next summer.

Fulham Want Fair Fee For Schwarzer

Arsenal have offered £2m for Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer, but that’s not going to cut it, as the Cottagers are looking for £4m for the experienced shot-stopper. (The Sun)

Analysis: 4m for a 37-year-old keeper might be considered a bit much, but given how long he’s been one of the best in the business, his importance to Fulham, and the fact that he still has plenty left in the tank, 4m isn’t really that much at all.

‘Pool Eye Park

According to the Sun, Liverpool are set to make a £6m bid for Monaco and South Korea star Park Chu-Young.

Analysis: Now, his numbers at Monaco might not blow you away, but there’s no doubt that he has the talent to be the next Korean success in the Premier League.

Birmingham Back For Babel

The Daily Star reports that Birmingham have rekindled their interest in Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, with an £8m bid set to be made soon.

Analysis: Roy Hodgson is still very much evaluating who he wants to keep and who he doesn’t, so he might yet decide that Babel still has a future at Liverpool. But with no guarantees as to how much Babel will figure into his plans, the need to raise funds for strengthening the squad, and an all-too-willing buyer in Birmingham, perhaps there will be less bumps in the road with this move this time around.

Fresh Sunderland Bid For Valdez

Sunderland have made a second bid for Borussia Dortmund striker Nelson Valdez. The 26-year-old, who started four of Paraguay‘s five World Cup games, is also receiving interest from PSV Eindhoven, among others. (The Mirror)

Analysis: If there is a Paraguayan striker that plays for Borussia Dortmund that Sunderland should be after, it’s Lucas Barrios, but he might be out of their price range.

Keinan Set For Blackpool

Israeli defender Dekel Keinan is set to undergo a medical ahead of signing a two-year deal with Blackpool. The 26-year-old recently had a trial with the newly promoted club, and he‘s set to become their first new acquisition of the summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: We’ll see how prominently he figures into Ian Holloway’s plans, but he has a great deal of experience on club and international level, including experience in Israel’s 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign and in the Champions League last season with Maccabi Haifa, which will prove valuable.

Italy

Milan Target Podolski

AC Milan executive Adriano Galliani says that the club could move for German forward Lukas Podolski, but it‘ll happen only if Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leaves the club this summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Considering Podolski’s propensity for profligacy on the club level in recent seasons, perhaps AC Milan might as well keep Huntelaar instead of giving Cologne a friendly cash injection.

Cavani Set For Napoli

Napoli have reportedly reached an agreement for Palermo striker Edinson Cavani. Napoli will take the Uruguayan on loan for the upcoming season and then pay €16m next summer to make the deal permanent. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Well, there are certainly no excuses for Napoli not making a serious push for a Champions League place (at the very least) and going deep in the Europa League. Defensively, they should be solid once again, but with one of the most dangerous front lines in Serie A, with Cavani, Lavezzi, and Quagliarella, we should see a lot fewer 0-0 and 1-1 draws (11 of those last season).

Germany

Bayern In For Van Der Wiel

Bayern Munich have made an approach for Ajax right back Gregory Van der Wiel, who‘s coming off of an impressive World Cup showing in the Netherlands‘ run to the final. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This will only serve to increase speculation about the future of Philipp Lahm, who stands a good chance of leaving Bayern this summer, with Manchester United once again interested in him.

Surprise Contender For Campbell?

Newly promoted Bundesliga side St. Pauli have offered defender Sol Campbell a one-year deal worth €90k (£75k) per week. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Well, I don’t see this one as being too likely to come to anything, though it’s certainly worth it to take a shot. Not a bad offer monetarily at all, and it wouldn’t tie him to the club even if they immediately go back down, but I imagine he wouldn’t want to jump into a relegation battle at this point in his career.

Wolfsburg Loan Cicero

Wolfsburg have signed Brazilian midfielder Cicero on loan. Cicero spent the last two seasons at Hertha Berlin, starting 61 games and scoring 10 goals and assisting on nine more. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Another solid signing for Wolfsburg. Cicero has been a quality performer in the Bundesliga over the last couple of seasons, and he was one of the bright spots in a dismal campaign for Hertha Berlin last season. He should step in and be an impact player from the outset for Wolfsburg.

Scotland

Rangers Swoop In For Eagles

Rangers have made an approach for Burnley winger Chris Eagles. The former Manchester United starlet scored two goals and assisted on three more in 20 Premier League starts last season. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: With Eagles out of contract next summer and not a sure thing to remain at Burnley past the end of that deal, it’s best to cash in now and at least get something back for him. And with Burnley back in the Championship after a Premier League season in which Eagles yo-yoed in and out of the starting lineup, the timing isn‘t bad.

USA

Henry Seals MLS Move

Thierry Henry has officially completed his move to Major League Soccer, as the New York Red Bulls have confirmed that they’ve signed the veteran striker to a multi-year deal. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Isn’t it only fitting that, given his longtime ties to Arsenal, that he’ll be making his debut in a friendly against Tottenham?

“Transfer Rumors: Manchester rivals set to face off for Ibrahimovic?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Manchester United to make £35m bid for Ajax star Suarez?

July 11th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Manchester United to make £35m bid for Ajax star Suarez?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Manchester United to make £35m bid for Ajax star Suarez?manchestercity Transfer Rumors: Manchester United to make £35m bid for Ajax star Suarez?

England

Is Fergie Playing Coy On Sneijder?

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says that there hasn’t been a bid for Dutch star Wesley Sneijder and that he doesn’t need him, as his current squad is stronger than last season’s squad.

But could it be that he’s just playing down his interest and waiting until the right moment to pounce? As per a report on ESPN Soccernet, Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti thinks that United will make a bid for the 26-year-old.

Analysis: Sneijder pledged his future to Inter just a few days ago, but it’s a long summer, and minds can be changed, especially if United make an offer that Inter find worth considering. If everyone’s healthy, United will have a better team than last season, but that doesn’t mean that they can let the summer pass without making an addition or two that will make their better even better, which could be a good thing if you’re a bettor. Wait, what?

Ajax Courting United’s Suarez Swoop

According to the Mirror, Ajax are inviting Manchester United to make a £35m bid for striker Luis Suarez. United’s interest in Suarez is reciprocal, and the Dutch club is ready to sell the Uruguayan for the right price.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Ajax-say-Man-Utd-will-now-have-to-bid-35million-if-they-want-to-buy-Luis-Suarez-after-his-World-Cup-performances-article522065.html

Analysis: United don’t need a backup keeper right now, but okay. Sorry, had to. With the World Cup ending today, so ends the shelf life of Luis Suarez goalkeeper comments.

Liverpool Target Gyan

It’s only natural that I follow a tidbit about Suarez with one about the other man who was part of that infamous moment, isn’t it? According to the News of the World, Liverpool have made an approach for striker Asamoah Gyan. After his impressive showing in Ghana’s World Cup run, it could cost around £20m to land the Rennes star.

Analysis: Such a price might seem a little high, but there’s no doubt he has star potential. After having a couple of seasons hampered by injuries, he’s really stepped it up in the last year, scoring a career-high 13 goals last season for Rennes, netting three times in the African Cup of Nations, and adding a further three tallies at the World Cup. If he can stay fit, the sky’s the limit.

Arsenal After Algeria Star

Arsenal are considering a £4m bid for Algerian center back Rafik Halliche, according to the Sun.

Analysis: William Gallas has left the club, and Sol Campbell looks set to sign elsewhere soon, so even with the addition of Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal are still in need at center back. Halliche hasn’t yet made the breakthrough at Benfica, so they’d likely have no qualms about letting him go if Arsenal make a serious run at him.

Spurs Close In On Bellamy Swoop

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham are close to landing Manchester City forward Craig Bellamy in a £6m deal.

Analysis: Harry Redknapp may have lost out to City when Bellamy left West Ham a year and a half ago, but that ends up working out in their favor. Not only will he land him for far cheaper than the £14m City paid for him then, but they’re also getting him coming off of one of the best seasons of his career.

Sunderland Consider Carrick

Sunderland could soon make a £7m move for Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick. Steve Bruce has a big hole to fill in midfield after Lorik Cana’s surprise Galatasaray move. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Carrick was clearly not at his best last season, and given that United won’t be short on options at his position next season, especially with the return of Owen Hargreaves (eventually…) and Anderson, so he’s expendable. All the same, he could step in immediately and be indispensable for Sunderland. Perhaps he might consider it a step down that he doesn’t want to take, but excelling at Sunderland will help him keep his England place more than riding the pine at United will.

Villa Offered New Striker & Ready Bentley Bid

According to the News of the World, Aston Villa have been offered AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Analysis: I’d have to say that’s an offer that shouldn’t be refused.

And according to the Mirror, Villa may be set to make another attempt at landing Tottenham’s David Bentley.

Analysis: Considering how long he’s been linked with a move to Villa, it’d be more than about time if they can finally swing a deal.

Stoke Move For Figueroa

Stoke City are set to make a £7m bid for defender Maynor Figueroa. (The Mirror)

Analysis: I’m not knocking the bid in the least, since Figueroa’s a quality defender and will make a solid defense even better, but those kinds of bids also need to be made on quality strikers, as that’ll be the difference in Stoke being able to make strides this coming season.

Spain

Real Enter Veloso Race

According to Portuguese news reports, Real Madrid are hot on the trail of Sporting midfielder Miguel Veloso, with an offer of €10m plus Royston Drenthe on loan potentially in the cards. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Real Madrid aren’t short on defensive midfielders, but with Jose Mourinho quickly looking to make his imprint on the squad, there’s going to be a lot of turnover throughout the summer, and this would just be the start.

Trio In For Barca’s Marquez

Juventus, Villarreal, and Galatasaray are all interested in Barcelona center back Rafa Marquez, who is available for €7m. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: It looks like Barcelona must trim some fat in order to land Cesc Fabregas and perhaps Javier Mascherano, so the sooner they can get Marquez and other surplus players sold, the quicker they can push on with their transfer plans.

USA

Henry Set For MLS Move

As expected, former Arsenal and Barcelona striker Thierry Henry looks all but set for a move to Major League Soccer, as he’s reportedly agreed a deal with the New York Red Bulls and could be unveiled as soon as Thursday. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: There’s no telling how soon Henry would join up with his new team and when he’d step into the action, but the sooner the better. The Red Bulls are locked in a fight with the Columbus Crew for top spot in the Eastern Conference near the halfway point of the season, but Henry’s addition and successful acclimation could make the Red Bulls the team to beat down the stretch.

Russia

Kazan Capture Martins

Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins has left VfL Wolfsburg after only one season to join two-time defending Russian champions Rubin Kazan. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Kazan find themselves seven points behind Zenit St. Petersburg thanks in large part to profligacy in attack, and the addition of a proven marksman like Martins will only serve to help their push for a third title and a better showing in the Champions League. Martins might have had a better chance to flourish at Wolfsburg this season with Edin Dzeko likely on his way out, but he’ll get to play in the Champions League, so this is a good move for him.

“Transfer Rumors: Manchester United to make £35m bid for Ajax star Suarez?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Chelsea lodge initial bid for Liverpool star Torres

July 7th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Chelsea lodge initial bid for Liverpool star Torresliverpool Transfer Rumors: Chelsea lodge initial bid for Liverpool star Torresmanchestercity Transfer Rumors: Chelsea lodge initial bid for Liverpool star Torres

England

Chelsea Bid For Torres

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have made a formal bid of around £40m for Fernando Torres, with Roman Abramovich reportedly having no qualms about paying up to £70m for the Liverpool striker.

Analysis: Looking at the big picture, selling Torres is a no-brainer. Even if all of the money received from the sale isn’t given to Roy Hodgson to spend, he could do more than enough to help Liverpool be better off than they would be with Torres still on the books, especially considering Torres’ injury issues from last season.

Sneijder Tops United Wish List

Manchester United are high on a move for Dutch hero Wesley Sneijder, but according to the The Sun, it could cost Sir Alex Ferguson £35m to snare the Inter playmaker.

Analysis: Sneijder’s only improved his worth and valuation with his performances in Holland’s World Cup run, and he’d no doubt be a big hit at United. However, that might be a little more than United could be looking to spend on one player right now. Then again, shelling out that kind of money for a player of his caliber might be necessary to keep up with and stay ahead of the Joneses for now and for the future.

Ibrahimovic Open To City Move

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is interested in being reunited with Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, with an offer of 16.5m plus Robinho reportedly being discussed. However, such a move could hinge on one condition: Ibrahimovic would look to become the club’s highest earner.

Analysis: Whether or not he deserves such wages as he would be looking to get is one thing, but that could be said for many of their post-takeover signings. But whether or not there’d be any qualms about meeting that condition, there’s really no way around it if you factor in what Ibra is on already and what City have many of those new signings on.

City’s Balotelli Bid Rejected

Ibrahimovic is only one of several forwards on Manchester City‘s list. Another one is Inter‘s Mario Balotelli, who, according to the 19-year-old‘s agent, has been the subject of a bid from City – which Inter turned down. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: As much as Balotelli has been linked with moves elsewhere, I think that he needs to try to establish himself more at Inter and also make a step up in the maturity department in that environment before he makes a move.

Podolski On City Radar?

Another option for City is German star Lukas Podolski. According to the Daily Mail, City are considering offering Cologne £16.5m for the 25-year-old attacker, who is also receiving interest from Italy and Spain.

Analysis: High risk, high reward. Perhaps a move to City would bring out that Podolski that we know can light it up for Germany, but at the same time, City could well get the same return on their investment as they did with Roque Santa Cruz last season.

Liverpool Line Up Ruiz

Also according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are set to make a £12.5m move for FC Twente forward Bryan Ruiz.

Analysis: FC Twente got him for a bargain last summer, and £12.5m would be a bargain for Liverpool. Ruiz is very good and only getting better, and when you factor in the addition of another versatile forward in Milan Jovanovic, I don’t think Liverpool be ailing too much if it does happen that Torres is sold.

Alex After Ayew

Birmingham City are interested in Marseille winger Andre Ayew. The 20-year-old Ayew, the son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, is rated at £5.5m. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: I can’t say I see Ayew making this kind of step up just yet, as he’s set to figure prominently in Didier Deschamps’ plans this season as Marseille look to defend their Ligue 1 title and make a Champions League run.

Blackburn Track Jelavic

Blackburn are currently stuck in transfer limbo due to ongoing takeover talks, but one of the targets that Sam Allardyce would like to land when he can spend is Rapid Vienna striker Nikicia Jelavic, for whom he could make a £4m bid. Jelavic had a very impressive season for Rapid Vienna last season, scoring 18 league goals and bagging a few more in the Europa League. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Blackburn had only one player hit the ten-goal mark last season, and that was David Dunn, so it’s safe to say things need to improve up front. But Nikola Kalinic should be much improved after getting his feet wet last season, and a linkup of the two Croatians could well prove to be prosperous, even if Jelavic struggles initially like Kalinic did last season.

Premier League Return For Pennant?

Former Arsenal and Liverpool man Jermaine Pennant is being shopped to Premier League clubs, as he looks to return to England after only one season at Real Zaragoza, due to his girlfriend’s pregnancy. Wolves have turned down the chance to sign him, but he has now been offered to West Ham and Wigan. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It makes it all the easier for Pennant to want to move after the first season of his Spanish experiment didn’t go well at all, but given his numerous question marks, finding a suitor is easier said than done. However, talent overcomes many things, and though he hasn’t shown it consistently, Pennant has talent. It’s not too late for him to make the kind of impact that he has only shown in flashes over the last few years, but only if he wants to. If he doesn’t, well, I hear the Championship is nice.

Newcastle Close On United Starlet

Newcastle United are close to clinching a loan deal for young Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Cleverley had a very impressive loan campaign for Watford last season, scoring 11 goals and assisting on five more in 33 appearances (all starts), and having a significant impact for Newcastle this season would enhance his hopes of being in the first-team frame at United in the next year or two.

Italy

Genoa Move For Miguel

Genoa have offered up €5m and midfielder Alberto Zapater for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: The cash involved isn’t much, but the addition of a promising young-ish midfielder in Zapater, who scored four goals and started 25 games in his first season at Genoa – and has been linked with a move to Valencia, could make this offer worth thinking about. However, after selling Joao Moutinho to Porto, Sporting might not be too keen on losing another key piece just yet.

Germny

Wolfsburg Close On Kjaer

VfL Wolfsburg are closing in on a deal for highly-rated Palermo defender Simon Kjaer. According to Palermo president Mauricio Zamparini, the deal will be finalized within days. (Goal.com)

Analysis: It might be considered a step down, since Wolfsburg aren’t in Europe this season, but it’s not a bad move for Kjaer at all. With the addition of he and Arne Friedrich to strengthen a leaky defense, Wolfsburg are positioning themselves to make a run at a second title in three years. If they can hold on to Edin Dzeko – or find a quality replacement when he’s sold, their chances will be even better.

Ukraine

Chygrynskiy Returns To Shakhtar

After only one season at Barcelona, Ukrainian center back Dmytro Chygrynskiy is on his way back to former club Shakhtar Donetsk. Shakhtar sold Chygrynskiy for €25m last summer, and he’s returning to the club for €10m less. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Chygrynskiy is a talented young defender, and another big move will come in the near future, but it’s better for him right now to return to Shakhtar, get regular playing time and continue to develop, and then make a move back to one of Europe’s top clubs when the situation is in position for him to be an impact player instead of getting lost in the shuffle.

“Transfer Rumors: Chelsea lodge initial bid for Liverpool star Torres” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Cole

June 25th, 2010 Dean Saliba

championsleague Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Colehull city Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Coleliverpool Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Cole

Tottenham? Arsenal? Manchester United? Just where will Joe Cole be playing his club football next season?

In a story that has taken more twists and turns than a barrel full of Carles Puyol’s off-cuts, it would now seem that Spurs are back in the race to sign the former Chelsea man – just days after manager Harry Redknapp admitted defeat.

Here’s the juiciest transfer rumours doing the rounds this morning…

Premier League

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has revealed that he is interested in signing Joe Cole, but will have to wait until the England winger returns from South Africa before opening talks over a move to White Hart Lane.

The Spurs boss told reporters;

“We’ve declared our interest in Joe to his agent but that is as far as it has gone. We are told Joe doesn’t want to talk to anyone about any move until after the World Cup is over.”

The 28-year-old midfielder is available on a free transfer after failing to agree a contract extension at Chelsea, and a host of Premier League sides have been chasing Cole since he was allowed to walk out of Stamford Bridge – with both Arsenal and Manchester United, as well as Spurs, reported to be interested in snapping up the bargain ‘Bosman’ .

Only two days ago, Redknapp suggested that Cole may have already signed a deal with Manchester United – a claim that the club was quick to refute. (Mail)

Another of the high-profile stars released by Chelsea this summer, Michael Ballack, is on the verge of re-joining Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen according to German sports agency Sport Informations Dienst.

Arsenal captain ‘Cesc Fabregas has once again reiterated his desire to join Barcelona this summer, after confirming his intentions during a ‘heart-to-heart’ talk with manager Arsene Wenger. (Mail)

Valencia have asked Manchester City to include striker Roque Santa Cruz in the deal that would see Spanish winger David Silva moving to Eastlands.(Mail)

Manchester City have told Brazilian forward Robinho that he will not be welcomed back to the club, after spending the second-half of last season on loan at Santos. (Mirror)

Arsenal new-boy Marouane Chamakh has urged his new employers to sign French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, with whom the Moroccan striker played alongside at Bordeaux. (Sun)

Liverpool have had a £2 million bid for Wolves ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey rejected. (Sun)

Everton are plotting a cut-price £6 million move for Manchester City ‘outcast’ Stephen Ireland. (Sun)

Portsmouth have received a £8 million double-bid from Lazio for midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng and left-back/winger Nadir Belhadj. (Mail)

Sunderland want to take ENPPI’s Egyptian international right-back Ahmed Al-Muhammadi on a twelve-month loan deal to avoid paying exorbitant signing-on fees to the player’s agent. (Mail)

Former Aston Villa left-back Wilfred Bouma is training with PSV, in the hope of proving his fitness to the club’s technical staff. (NUSport)

Hull City have offered Jimmy Bullard a £2 million golden handshake to leave the club – freeing the midfielder up to join either West Brom or Celtic. (Mail)

Masch1 300x193 Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Cole

Serie A

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has revealed that the chances of the club signing Liverpool anchor man Javier Mascherano are becoming increasingly slim.

However, Moratti has also admitted that there is still a possibility of the Nerazzurri completing a deal for Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo during the coming weeks. (Rai)

Arsenal defender William Gallas has rejected Juventus’ €2-million-a-year contract offer, as the Frenchman is holding out for double that amount. (L’Equipe)

Juventus have signed Bari centre-back Leonardo Bonucci for €15 million. (Datasport)

AS Roma’s Brazilian wing-back Cicinho is close to joining Santos in a €2 million deal. (La Redazione)

Russian champions Rubin Kazan have lodged a bid for Lazio midfielder Christian Ledesma. (Corriere Dello Sport)

Henry1 300x220 Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Cole

La Liga

Barcelona’s French forward Thierry Henry has agreed to join MLS side New York Red Bulls on a two-year deal, and will move to the States after the World Cup. (Mirror)

Getafe hope to take Barcelona starlet Bojan Krkic on a season-long loan next term. (AS)

* * * * *

Soccerlens has a dedicated transfer section available for your perusal, which contains all the news, rumours and archives you could possibly need.

* * * * *

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“Transfer Rumours: Tottenham Boss Harry Redknapp Makes A Move For Joe Cole” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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