Posts Tagged ‘Everton’

Tired? How About Cutting Out The 22,000 Mile Pre-Season Tours?

July 21st, 2010 Dean Saliba

championsleague Tired? How About Cutting Out The 22,000 Mile Pre Season Tours?acmilan Tired? How About Cutting Out The 22,000 Mile Pre Season Tours?manchesterunited Tired? How About Cutting Out The 22,000 Mile Pre Season Tours?

Amidst the recent furore over the clamour by several leading figures in the game to introduce a fortnight’s winter break to Premier League proceedings, one salient piece of white-hot hypocrisy seems to have been conveniently overlooked.

Many a top-flight manager has been quick to deride the constipated domestic fixture list, with the resultant exhaustion used to vehemently excuse the various ailments and collapses in form that befall many players after toiling away for a 50+ game season.

Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce has long been a prominent voice in the crusade against the overly congested schedule, admitting recently that ‘most of the players who play in the Premier League will be very, very fatigued’ come the end of the season due to the gruelling demands of having to play so many games within such close proximity of one another.

Strange then that Allardyce should agree to wheel his side out on an eight-game, 23,475 mile round-trip pre-season tour of  Australia – a tour which, you would think, sits in stark contrast to his very obvious concerns regarding his squad’s physical welfare.

Similarly, Everton aren’t far behind Blackburn (about 577 miles behind in fact), as the Toffees also chose to chase the Antipodean coin as part of their pre-season preparations under the frankly ludicrous guise of competing for the Roars Against Racism Cup in Brisbane.

I guess the Shameless Shill Cup didn’t have quite the same ring to the marketing department.

Again, when juxtaposed with manager David Moyes‘ continual bemoaning of his depleted squad’s injury problems over the last couple of seasons, his side’s 22,898 mile excursion ‘down under’ seems more than a little duplicitous.

Birmingham have clocked up 16,561 air miles during their tour of the Far East, no doubt pandering to the commercial whims of their Hong Kong-based CEO’s, and Manchester United, City, Bolton and Tottenham have racked up nearly 50,000 miles between them by travelling Stateside in a bid to meet those impending merchandise sales targets.

It seems that the wide-eyed promise of all those easily-acquired dollars may have served to distract the respective club’s hierarchies from the fact that all this pre-season globe-trotting may have just as serious fitness implications as a few extra FA cup replays or international friendlies – although the lack of (or lesser) commercial viability of the latter seem to make them an altogether more pressing concern when the time comes around.

Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with clubs suckling the corporate teat per se as it’s a measure now necessitated by the bloated financial folly that football has become over the years.

However, what does rile me is that this bare-faced hawking is continually written off as a factor in players struggling to perform in the quota of games that actually matter during any given season, when Liverpool’s 24-hour train journey to Madrid was elevated to the status of a mini-apocalypse in terms of player fatigue just three short months ago.

The ‘winter sabbatical’ debate will probably rumble on for a good few years before any tangible efforts are made to address it (as is the way of the current work-shy scheisters that staff the Football Association along with their European and global contemporaries) but, if Premier League clubs continue to choose to fill every waking off-season hour with revenue-boosting exhibitions in a relentless bid to sate the money men, then they probably deserve all the sodding hamstring tweaks they get.

“Tired? How About Cutting Out The 22,000 Mile Pre-Season Tours?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Liverpool land Joe Cole on four-year deal

July 19th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Liverpool land Joe Cole on four year dealliverpool Transfer Rumors: Liverpool land Joe Cole on four year dealmanchestercity Transfer Rumors: Liverpool land Joe Cole on four year deal

England

Liverpool Sign Cole

Joe Cole finally has a new home, and it’s on Merseyside. The former Chelsea man has agreed a four-year deal with Liverpool, and he’s set to have a medical in the next 48 hours to put the finishing touches on his free transfer move. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: As I said yesterday, good, smart move for both sides. We could well look back on Liverpool’s moves for Cole and Milan Jovanovic as the bargain buys of the summer, even with Cole’s wages in mind.

City Close On Balotelli?

According to the Daily Mail (via Italian sources), Manchester City were set to arrive in Italy today to wrap up a £35m deal for Inter striker Mario Balotelli.

Analysis: All of this speculation over a player who shouldn’t go anywhere, much less for £35m right now. Even if it does come to pass, £35m would be more of an investment with the future and potential in mind, and given the question marks and uncertainties, would be an unwise investment at this point.

Arsenal To Bid For Jagielka?

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are ready to bid £18m for Everton defender Phil Jagielka. The Gunners have reportedly already seen a £14m bid rejected for the 27-year-old.

Analysis: There won’t be a repeat of the Joleon Lescott mess, safe to say. Firstly, Everton are unwilling, and secondly, it’d be a little outside of Arsenal’s usual spending procedures to throw down almost 30m on one position in any given summer. I expect to see Arsenal move for another center back even with Koscielny in the fold, but I see them looking more for someone to provide experience and quality depth, not someone like Jagielka.

Villa To Move For Keane?

The Daily Express says that Aston Villa defender Richard Dunne has urged manager Martin O’Neill to make a move for his international teammate Robbie Keane, and that the Villa boss could pounce when Tottenham return from their American tour.

Analysis: There’s been no shortage of speculation about Keane’s future, but one thing that is certain is that he’s not guaranteed a regular start at Tottenham, with Jermaine Defoe and Peter Crouch the preferred pairing.

Celtic would like to have him back, and they offer the potential of Champions League action, but affording a permanent deal is out of the question. Villa, however, can offer such a deal, along with regular starts and European football. Not to mention, they also need a proven finisher like Keane to enhance their hopes of being able to make a legitimate, prolonged run at the top four this season.

Birmingham Enter Riquelme Race

According to Sky Sports, Birmingham City are interested in signing Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquleme. The 32-year-old is available for free after the end of his contract with Boca Juniors.

Analysis: In the end, I think he’ll re-sign with Boca, but it would be nice to see him in the Premier League before he calls time on his career. He’d certainly liven things up for Birmingham, who have taken at least one step in the right direction towards being livelier and more productive in attack with the addition of Nikola Zigic up front.

Hammers Target Pens New Deal

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Graham Dorrans, who has been the subject of heavy interest from West Ham this summer, has committed his future to the Baggies by signing a new four-year deal. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It was highly unlikely that he was going anywhere this summer, given his importance to the side, but knowing that they have their top creative presence settled and locked down will certainly be a boost to West Brom’s hopes of doing well this season.

Spain

Atletico Line Up Luis

Atletico Madrid are reportedly close to landing Deportivo La Coruna defender Filipe Luis for €12m. €6m of the €12m will be paid up front, with the other half paid in two installments of €3m. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Filipe would’ve been a factor in Brazil’s World Cup campaign if not for a horrific leg break in January, and that leg break also shows how important he was to Depor. They were 11-4-4 when he went down and in excellent position for a European spot. In the 17 games he missed, they went 2-11-4 and fell well out of the European places.

His sale will certainly hurt, but it will help with the club’s current financial issues. It’ll also help fill a priority for Atletico, whose defensive struggles last season have been documented before in this space.

Hercules In For Samaras

According to Celtic manager Neil Lennon, newly promoted La Liga side Hercules have put an offer in for striker Georgios Samaras. (The Guardian)

Analysis: Celtic just signed Daryl Murphy from Sunderland, but Celtic could do well to keep Samaras. He has had some real cold streaks (he scored only once in his last 17 appearances last season), but when he gets hot, he gets hot. If he can do that on a more regular basis, he’ll be a key part of Celtic being able to wrestle the SPL supremacy back from Rangers.

Italy

Acquafresca Set For Lazio

Lazio have come to an agreement with Genoa for striker Robert Acquafresca, and all that‘s left is for the capital city side to agree personal terms with the 22-year-old. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Last season was a real step back for Acquafresca, as he had an unsuccessful loan spell at Atalanta and netted only twice in 10 appearances after returning to Genoa in January. However, he’s proven his worth in Serie A at a young age, and hopefully his move to Lazio will see him rediscover the form he had during his two successful seasons at Cagliari.

Germany

Grafite To Leave Wolfsburg?

According to Sky Sports, VfL Wolfsburg could sell their second striker in the span of a week. Fenerbahce have reportedly made an offer for Grafite, and the report says that Wolfsburg are expected to make a decision about the Brazilian goal-getter this week.

Analysis: Grafite took a step back last season after his fantastic 2008/09 campaign, scoring only 11 league goals after netting 28 in leading Wolfsburg to a first-ever Bundesliga title. With that, his age, and new signing Marko Mandzukic in mind, a decent offer is worth seriously considering. His departure would leave Mandzukic and Edin Dzeko as the likely starting pairing, which could see highly-rated Swiss youngster Nassim Ben Khalifa thrown into the fire early on, short of Steve McClaren adding another experienced striker.

Ukraine

Shakhtar Near Eduardo Deal?

The Daily Mail says that Shakhtar Donetsk are on the verge of landing Arsenal striker Eduardo da Silva in a £6m deal.

Analysis: A move where he can earn regular starts, regain his confidence, and rediscover his old form is what he needs, so this would be a good move for him. One can only hope and wish for the best for him.

“Transfer Rumors: Liverpool land Joe Cole on four-year deal” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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2010/11 Premier League Predictions

July 19th, 2010 Dean Saliba

championsleague 2010/11 Premier League Predictionsacmilan 2010/11 Premier League Predictionsliverpool 2010/11 Premier League Predictions

World Cup? What World Cup?

With only 26 short days left until the Premier League resumes, I’ve decided to put my neck on the line and start making my predictions – which, as we all know, is a precarious pursuit at the best of times.

Some will seem fairly straight-forward, others may be contentious but please remember that all of these fore-sights are rooted in nothing but my fevered imagination.

Lets start with the biggy…

  • Chelsea will win the title…

Straight out of the traps, I’m going to put my grapes on the plate and say that Carlo Ancelotti’s men will have secured themselves back-to-back titles come this time next year – chiefly due to the return of monolithic midfield powerhouse Michael Essien to the fold, who does the work of three men all-game-every-game without ever batting an eyelid.

  • Fernando Torres will only manage 17 appearances and still score 20-odd goals…

Liverpool’s gilded-pony-child is having a pretty rough time of late. After missing the last month of the domestic season following surgery on his troublesome meniscus, Torres then ventured to leave the World Cup on the same stretcher that he arrived on  – and did little of note in the intervening games.

The truth of the matter is that poor Nando’s knees are knackered, and he will struggle to retain any semblance of fitness if he is rushed back into the side again – as he will be, due to a dearth of suitable deputies at Anfield.

That said, a flagging Fernando Torres is still a damn sight more threatening than a fully fit and raring Zat Knight, so he’ll still end the season with a 20-goal plus haul.

Smalling 300x223 2010/11 Premier League Predictions

  • £7 million signing Chris Smalling will be found out at Manchester United (if he actually plays)…

Considering the fact that he was playing non-league football for Maidstone just two short years ago, Smalling’s rise up through the ranks is nothing short of ‘meteoric’ and for that he must be commended.

The 20-year-old centre-back put in a string of commanding performances at the heart of the Fulham defence at the beginning of the season, thus prompting Manchester United to ‘go big’ in order to secure his services for the following campaign.

However, as soon as his £multi-million switch to Old Trafford was announced in January Smalling’s morale began to decline rapidly and an increasing sense of trepidation began to envelop his game – as such, I’ve got a nagging feeling that he may just have made the step up too early.

  • Lucas Leiva will surprise people…

Whilst we’re on the subject of Liverpool, I’ve just got a sneaking suspicion that we’ll see the much-maligned Brazilian midfielder start to change people’s minds this season. Don’t ask me why, I just done got a hankerin’.

Same goes for West Ham new-boy Frederic Piquionne and Manchester United’s laconic striker Dimitar Berbatov – who I’m convinced is going to rediscover his mercurial form in 2010/11.

Chamakh 300x196 2010/11 Premier League Predictions

  • Arsenal will struggle…

Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny, good players as they undoubtedly are, just don’t look like being enough to turn around Arsenal’s diminishing fortunes trophy-wise – especially when you consider the fact that almost all of the Gunner’s current central defense are set to walk out of the club in the next few weeks.

Manager Arsene Wenger is going to need to perform miracles in the transfer market if he is going to procure a raft of adequate replacements and, with time ticking, it’s going to get increasingly fraught.

  • Manchester City (and Tottenham, for that matter) won’t…

City have spent a lot of money already this summer, with the acquisitions of David Silva, Jerome Boateng and the Yaya monster taking their off-season outlay upwards of the £65 million mark.

The fresh-faced trio have served to add further quality to an already brimming squad and I therefore expect a top four (maybe even a podium finish) for Roberto Mancini’s side this time round if the Italian coach can successfully juggle so many fragile egos.

Tottenham are riding the Redknapp wave at the minute, and will be buoyed by last season’s miraculous turn around. I foresee a fairly early Champions League exit, but another impressive league showing.

Of the other clubs vying for European qualification last year, I predict that Everton will continue to go from strength to strength yet somehow remain ‘under the radar’ and Aston Villa will bomb after a season-and-a-half of running to stand still.

Rodwell 300x235 2010/11 Premier League Predictions

  • This will be Jack Rodwell’s year…

All I’m saying is that the young Everton midfielder has been very good during the pre-season. Very very good.

  • Another fallow year for Liverpool, but in an altogether more positive atmosphere…

Newly-appointed manager Roy Hodgson will try to instill the aura of ‘togetherness’ within the squad that was so conspicuous in it’s absence under Rafa Benitez – but it may take some time to manifest on the pitch.

  • The three promoted teams will go straight back down…

I had the misfortune to watch a lot of Championship football last season and, although you can’t deny the close, competitive side of the league is currently flourishing, you cannot say the same thing about the quality.

Newcastle and West Brom were (as was indicated by the final standings) far and way the best footballing sides in the second-tier last year but they were both miles behind in relation to their Premier League counterparts and they were pitted against a much poorer standard of lumpen opposition for the majority of their fixtures.

Any of the four teams that reached the play-offs would have been torn apart in the top flight next season on and it seems that it will now be Blackpool who will be the unlucky, but nevertheless plucky, fall-guys.

  • Roberto Martinez will be sacked by Christmas (if not before)…

The Latic’s chief will be the first Premier League manager to get his P45, and it’ll come after a third-successive 7-1 home mauling – as is the Wigan way.

* * * * *

Agree/Disagree? Any predictions of your own? Let’s here it…

“2010/11 Premier League Predictions” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to replace Real Madrid-bound Cole with Coentrao?

July 12th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to replace Real Madrid bound Cole with Coentrao?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to replace Real Madrid bound Cole with Coentrao?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to replace Real Madrid bound Cole with Coentrao?

England

Coentrao For Cole At Chelsea?

According to the Sun, Chelsea will make a move for Benfica and Portugal left back Fabio Coentrao if Ashley Cole leaves the club this summer.

Analysis: With the World Cup coming to a close and preseasons getting into full swing soon, it shouldn’t be long before we see where Cole’s future lies. Jose Mourinho wants him at Real Madrid, and given the opportunity and the point he’s at in his career and in his personal life, the time might be right for such a move.

Blues To Bid For Pazzini?

Chelsea are set to make a €22m bid for Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini. However, Sampdoria have already rejected a large offer from Juventus, and Sampdoria’s president has stated that he wouldn’t sell the 25-year-old for €100m. (Goal.com)

Analysis: I don’t know about him being worth more than €100m, but Pazzini’s really developed into a top striker over the last year and a half after his move to Sampdoria, and he’s only going to get better. I see him leaving next summer if Samp don’t follow up last season’s top-four finish with another one, but we’ll see what transpires this summer, if anything.

Spurs Ready To Pounce For Pienaar

With South African midfielder Steven Pienaar still locked in a contract dispute with Everton, Tottenham could seize upon the opportunity and make a move. However, Everton’s £15m valuation of Pienaar could be a problem. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: If there’s still no real progress in the situation as the end of the transfer window approaches, Pienaar will be up for grabs for a fair amount less than £15m, if Everton aren’t overly confident by then that they can get him wrapped up sometime during the season. Patience, patience.

Liverpool To Swoop For Scharner?

The agent of former Wigan man Paul Scharner says that Liverpool could be an option for the versatile Austrian, who’s available on a free transfer. (The Sun)

Analysis: Scharner may not be an ideal signing for Liverpool fans, but it doesn’t hurt to have someone who can slot in at multiple positions when you think about injuries and how many games Liverpool will play over the course of the season, with the league plus three cup competitions in the cards.

Newcastle Sign Gosling

Newcastle have signed former Everton starlet Dan Gosling on a four-year deal worth 5.5m. Due to Everton not submitting a contract offer in writing before the Premier League’s deadline, Gosling was able to not only leave the club for free but also to pen a deal worth 10k more per week than what he would have earned had he remained at Goodison Park. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Gosling’s amount of appearances for Everton may have been minimal, but with his potential, this one’s going to sting for a while for David Moyes. With his versatility to play in multiple areas in midfield and defense, he has the chance to step in and immediately have a key role for Newcastle, so Everton will have a good chance to see just how much of an ‘administrative error’ their oversight was.

Baggies To Bag N’Gog

West Bromwich Albion are set to land Liverpool striker David N’Gog on a season-long loan deal that will include an option to buy outright. (The Mirror)

Analysis: N’Gog made more than 30 appearances for Liverpool last season and scored eight goals in all competitions, and with that decent return, there’s a good chance he would’ve been in line to contribute regularly this season. However, this is a good move for him, as he’ll benefit from starting a lot more regularly. With West Brom not being shy about attacking, I can easily N’Gog flourishing and playing a large part in helping the Baggies avoid another quick relegation.

Spain

Atletico After Almunia

With Arsenal set to sign Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer sometime this week, Atletico Madrid could be in line to make a move for Manuel Almunia. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Atletico have two top young keepers in David de Gea and Sergio Asenjo, so they’re not starved for talent in that position. Even if Asenjo happens to leave this summer (on loan or permanently) in order to earn more first-team opportunities, there’s still the matter of displacing de Gea, so if Almunia wants regular starts, this might not be his best choice. However, it’d be good for de Gea if he has an experienced keeper like Almunia to push him and to learn from.

Italy

Fiorentina In For Insua And Misimovic

According to Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, Fiorentina have been in talks with the club to sign defender Emiliano Insua. The Mirror)

Analysis: Insua was one of the fixtures of Liverpool’s back line last season, with only Jamie Carragher (37) logging more league starts than his 30, and getting that kind of experience is only good for the 21-year-old’s development. A sale would raise some helpful funds, but Liverpool would do well to keep him, both with his potential and a need for quality defensive depth in mind.

Fiorentina are also set to make a bid of €5m for VfL Wolfsburg star Zvjezdan Misimovic. (Goal.com)

Analysis: As much as Wolfsburg are holding out for a sizable offer for Edin Dzeko, I’d like to think that they wouldn’t let an equally important player go for peanuts. Sure, he’s 28, but he’s worth at least €10m or more when you consider how many goals he’s going to have a part in, whether by scoring them himself, or as he has done so well for Wolfsburg the last couple of seasons (Bundesliga leader in assists in each of the last two seasons), setting them up.

Palermo Make Lucas Bid

Liverpool have turned down Palermo’s £5m bid for midfielder Lucas, with Liverpool looking for at least £8m for the 23-year-old. However, the two sides are still in talks, and a deal could be struck soon. (The Sun)

Analysis: Like Insua, Lucas has gradually become more and more of an important player for Liverpool in his time there and was a fixture in the starting lineup last season (41 starts in 45 appearances in all competitions). He’s taken his share of flak, but he’s still young, and he stands to have a bright future ahead of him at a club on the way up in Palermo.

France

PSG Swoop For Nene

Paris Saint-Germain have signed Portuguese winger Nene from AS Monaco. The 28-year-old was Monaco’s leading scorer last season with 14 goals, which placed him in a tie for fifth in the Ligue 1 scoring charts. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Mevlut Erding was PSG’s only consistent scorer last season, but with Nene in the fold and Guillaume Hoarau fit again after being limited to only 17 league starts last season due to injury, PSG should have the firepower to make a significant move up the table.

“Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to replace Real Madrid-bound Cole with Coentrao?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to move for Chelsea star Drogba

July 9th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to move for Chelsea star Drogbaliverpool Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to move for Chelsea star Drogbamanchestercity Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to move for Chelsea star Drogba

England

Shock Drogba Swoop For City

According to the Sun, Manchester City are getting set to make a £20m bid for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Analysis: This one could have some legs, as it’s actually a great move for Chelsea. Sure, Drogba’s coming off an amazing season, but he isn’t a spring chicken, and there aren’t many 32-year-olds who can command £20m and up. And selling Drogba to City also means that there’s one less competitor in their pursuit of Fernando Torres.

Liverpool Land Jovanovic

Liverpool have finally completed the signing of free agent Serbian attacker Milan Jovanovic. The 29-year-old signed a pre-contract with Liverpool in February, and after some speculation that he could waver, the former Standard Liege star has penned a three-year deal to make his move to Anfield official. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: There’s someone a little further down who could take a tip from this one.

Trio Tussle For Wright-Phillips

Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool and Tottenham for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips, according to the Sun. The England international is available for a low price, but his wage demands could prove to be an issue with Arsenal and perhaps the other suitors as well.

Analysis: Considering what a fit, in form SWP can bring to the table, and that any buyer won’t have to reach too deep into the pockets for the transfer fee, having to stump up an extra £10k or £20k per week isn’t asking too much.

Spurs To Snag Steven‘s Signature?

The Sun also says that Tottenham could try to sway Everton to part with midfielder Steven Pienaar by offering either Robbie Keane or Jermaine Jenas.

Analysis: Pienaar hasn’t yet signed a new contract with Everton, and that situation doesn’t appear to close to being resolved anytime soon. With Pienaar’s current contract up after next season, if this drags out deep into the summer, Everton might decide to cash in while they can. So, if Tottenham don’t mind being patient, they can still get their man soon enough.

Blackburn Target Dos Santos

Blackburn are considering a move for Tottenham forward Giovani dos Santos, according to the Sun.

Analysis: Blackburn could certainly benefit from his talents, but Harry Redknapp has opened the door for him to have a breakthrough this season at White Hart Lane, provided he holds up his end of the bargain. If he stays but we see him in this space again in January, that will likely mean that he didn’t.

West Ham Close On Barrera

West Ham are set to finalize a £3m deal for Pumas winger Pablo Barrera within the next couple of days. Espanyol and Everton have both also made bids, but the 23-year-old Mexico international looks to be on his way to Upton Park. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: By adding Barrera and Thomas Hitzlsperger, West Ham have done well to greatly strengthen their midfield, and they’ve done so by spending very little. The addition of the versatile Barrera, who can be effective on either flank, will give Avram Grant no shortage of selection options. It’s a good headache to have though, certainly.

Alcaraz To Back Out of Wigan Deal?

Paraguayan defender Antolin Alcaraz says that he could change his mind about signing for Wigan. The former Club Brugge man has already agreed a deal and signed a pre-contract with Wigan, but his impressive World Cup showing has attracted new interest. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It’s understandable that he might be a little starry-eyed if some bigger names have come in for him after seeing perform well in South Africa, and hey, until the contract’s officially signed, he’s still on the market. But he did give his word to the club, and it’d be a real slap in the face for Roberto Martinez if Alcaraz backed out at this point.

Baggies Stand Firm On Dorrans

West Bromwich Albion have rejected a third bid from West Ham for midfielder Graham Dorrans, and club chairman Jeremy Peace has insisted that the 23-year-old isn‘t for sale to anyone, West Ham or otherwise. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Well, Fulham kept trying and trying for Jonathan Greening last summer until they were able to land him, so perhaps West Ham is hoping persistence pays off. I don’t see that happening this time though.

Spain

Villarreal Sign Valero

Villarreal have signed midfielder Borja Valero from West Bromwich Albion. The 25-year-old, who excelled on loan at Mallorca last season, has agreed a five-year deal with his new club. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Valero was a big reason why Mallorca very nearly qualified for the Champions League, and he could have the same impact for Villarreal, who finished a disappointing seventh last season and missed out on Europe by just a handful of points.

Italy

Genoa Sign Eduardo

A few days ago, I mentioned that Sporting Braga had offered goalkeeper Eduardo to Arsenal. Well, Braga won‘t have to worry about meeting up with him in the Champions League, as the Portuguese #1 has agreed a move to Genoa. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: After having one of Serie A’s best defensive records in their excellent 2008-09 season, Genoa had one of the worst last season, allowing 61 goals (tied with last-place Livorno for second-most allowed, behind only Siena, who finished 19th). With Eduardo’s shot-stopping skills, I think that total will decrease by quite a bit this coming season.

France

Bordeaux Eye Guiza

Bordeaux are interested in Fenerbahce striker Daniel Guiza. The former Mallorca man has scored 11 goals in back-to-back seasons in Turkey, and he has 34 goals in 93 total appearances in those two seasons. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Fenerbahce have actively been searching for a new striker, and this is also not the first time that Guiza has been linked with a move, so one could assume it’s a matter of when, not if, Guiza will be leaving this summer. With his recent record of success and Bordeaux’s need for a new striker after Marouane Chamakh’s departure, I don’t think the French side will have a problem helping Fener recoup much of the €17.4m that was spent on Guiza two summers ago.

Turkey

Besiktas’ Robinho Bid Rejected

Manchester City have rejected a £16.7m bid by Besiktas for Robinho. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Valencia have been linked with Robinho in recent days, and they’ve come into quite a bit of cash this summer, so we’ll see if City can convince them to stump up upwards of 20m.

Galatasaray Swoop For Cana

Along with another new center back, Sunderland now have a need for a new midfielder and captain, as Lorik Cana has left to join Galatasaray in a £5m deal. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Unfortunate for Sunderland, considering how important Cana had become in such a short time, but the chance to be much closer to his family is one he couldn’t pass up, and neither is the chance for regular European football.

Portugal

Benfica Bid For Almeida

Benfica have made a bid of around €7m for Werder Bremen striker Hugo Almeida. Almeida scored 11 goals in 34 appearances for Werder last season, and he also netted in Portugal‘s 7-0 demolition of North Korea in the World Cup group stage. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Almeida has a solid strike rate for Werder (52 goals in 144 appearances, including 14 in 40 European appearances), but he only made 13 league starts last season, and with Werder having landed highly rated Austrian striker Marko Arnautovic, Almeida’s very expendable. Benfica aren’t short on depth and quality at striker, but his reliability in front of goal will ensure he has his fair share of opportunities.

“Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to move for Chelsea star Drogba” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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