Posts Tagged ‘Stoke City’

Stoke City considering move for Manchester City flop Santa Cruz

July 29th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Stoke City considering move for Manchester City flop Santa Cruzmanchestercity Stoke City considering move for Manchester City flop Santa Cruzsoccerlens logo Stoke City considering move for Manchester City flop Santa Cruz

In an effort to add some scoring punch before the start of their third Premier League campaign, Stoke City could make a move for out of favor Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, according to the Guardian.

After finishing an impressive 12th in their inaugural Premier League campaign in the 2008/09 season, Tony Pulis’ side improved upon that last season by finishing 11th. This finish came in spite of the Potters scoring only 34 goals all season, with only Wolves (32) scoring fewer.

Thus far this summer, Stoke City have been linked with moves for West Ham’s Carlton Cole and Wigan’s Hugo Rodallega, and given their interest in both of those highly-rated strikers, they could afford to splash the cash on Santa Cruz, who, according to the report, would likely be available for less than half of the nearly 18m that City spent when they bought him from Blackburn last summer.

After scoring 19 goals in his debut campaign at Blackburn in the 2007/08 season, the last two seasons haven’t gone well for Santa Cruz. He scored only four league goals in an injury-plagued 2008/09 season, and in his first season at Eastlands, started only six league matches and scored only three goals.

Given his struggles over the last couple of seasons, there’d be some risk involved in making a move for Santa Cruz. However, with the chance to start regularly and rediscover his form, the Paraguayan could be just the man to help Stoke City make a move into the top half of the table this season.

“Stoke City considering move for Manchester City flop Santa Cruz” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?

July 24th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?

England

Chelsea To Sign Benfica Star?

As reported here earlier, Chelsea will sign Benfica midfielder Ramires next week for £20m, according to ESPN Soccernet sources.

Analysis: If you need to be impressed, see here and here (you’ll especially enjoy what happens around the 1:15 mark). Chelsea are getting a good one, and he’ll only get better learning from some of the best midfielders in the world.

Milner Saga Turning Ugly?

Well, it appears we’re going to ‘he said, he said’ territory with the James Milner to Manchester City saga. After Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill said yesterday that Milner told him before the World Cup that he wouldn’t be signing a new contract with the club, that he wanted to leave, and that a deal could be done at the right price, the Daily Mail reported today that a ‘friend’ of Milner’s said that Milner said no such thing.

Analysis: Well, considering that O’Neill’s comments weren’t exactly of the scathing variety, then there’s really no reason for such a report to come out aside from just wanting to cause problems. Besides, you’d have to seriously question why a manager of O’Neill’s reputation would come out and attribute such comments to one of his star players if it wasn’t true. Come on.

Poulsen To Replace Mascherano At Liverpool?

According to Goal.com, Liverpool could move for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen if Javier Mascherano leaves for Inter Milan.

Analysis: No disrespect to Poulsen, who’s a solid and accomplished midfielder (and quite the bringer of pain), but this would be a bit of a step back in quality for Liverpool. If he’s not starting regularly for Juve, I don’t see him as more than a squad player at Liverpool.

Stoke To Cough Up Crazy Cash For Cole?

According to ESPN Soccernet, Stoke City are set to make a £14m bid for West Ham striker Carlton Cole.

Analysis: With his height, Cole’s head would certainly be a perfect match for some long Rory Delap throws into the box, wouldn‘t it? Cole would fill the need for a double-digit goal scorer, which is what Stoke are in need of if they want to make a move up the Premier League table, but £14m? With that, Stoke would do well to put in the highest bid for Nice’s Loic Remy instead of helping West Ham be able to fund their own bid for Remy.

Spain

Ozil Close To Barcelona Move

According to an exclusive report on Transfer Market Web, Barcelona have agreed terms with Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil.

Analysis: Makes perfect sense if it happens. Sure, Fabregas would be the ideal capture, but he is unavailable as unavailable can be. Ozil, however, is available, for a far cheaper fee at that, and he’ll bring every bit the production and plenty of potential. Still too soon though to write this one off as signed, sealed, and delivered yet.

Stuttgart Star Sets Sights On Spanish Switch

VfB Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira has stated that he is currently deciding on a move to Real Madrid, and he will make his decision within the coming days. (ESPN Soccernet)

Analysis: Well, I can’t say I see him staying. He has only a year left on his contract, and I think Stuttgart would much rather get a relatively decent fee for him this summer instead of losing him for nothing next summer.

Italy

Milan Hot On Honda

According to Goal.com, AC Milan are in the midst of discussions to land Japanese star Keisuke Honda. Milan reportedly put in an offer of €13m to CSKA Moscow on Thursday, which fell short of CSKA’s asking price of €15m, but sources say that a deal could be struck soon.

Analysis: Whether it’s to Milan, Madrid, Merseyside, or elsewhere, it’s been quite a quick rise for Honda, and I’m not surprised. When I first saw highlights last year when he was still with VVV Venlo, I was very, very impressed. He’s only gotten better in the last year, and the best is yet to come.

Germany

Wolfsburg Stick To Stance On Stars

Wolfsburg sporting director Dieter Hoeness says that striker Edin Dzeko and attacking midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic are not for sale this summer, at any price. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: No surprise here, despite all of the speculation and both stating their desire to leave. They are two players that Wolfsburg needed to keep in order to make a serious run at the Bundesliga title and at the very least land a Champions League place. Throw in their new arrivals, and I fully expect to see it happen. If it doesn’t, then I can see Wolfsburg softening their stance next summer.

Hertha Star Heads To Hamburg

It’s a third new face in the span of a week at Hamburg SV, as the club have landed Hertha Berlin midfielder Gojko Kacar. According to reports, HSV have splashed out an initial £4.5m for the 23-year-old, with a further £800k dependent on their qualification for European football. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Hamburg have added three players in Kacar and defenders Heiko Westermann and Dennis Diekmeier who will boost the club’s hopes of being able to earn a Europa League spot and perhaps even make a run at a Champions League place.

Greece

Riera Signs For Olympiakos

Olympiakos have completed the signing of Liverpool winger Albert Riera. Liverpool will receive £3.3m up front for the former Espanyol star, and they will receive a further £1.6m if Olympiakos capture the Greek league title. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Look at the reception that Olympiakos fans gave Riera upon his arrival yesterday. Perhaps they just wanted a good reason to party it up, or they think just that highly of their new arrival. Either way, don’t let ‘em down, Albert.

Russia

Spartak To Land Gervinho?

According to French media sources, Lille have accepted a €20m bid from Spartak Moscow for highly-rated Ivorian forward Gervinho. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Curious move this would seem to be, what with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and others mentioned as potential destinations. But Spartak are going to be in the Champions League (qualified for the group stages via a runner-up league finish last season) and would offer him some handsome wages, not to mention more than enough funds for Lille to land a replacement. And he would be just the player Spartak need to put them back into contention for a Champions League place, as they currently sit seventh in the league, 14 points behind Zenit St. Petersburg after only 13 matches.

USA

Marquez Moves To MLS

Thierry Henry could be joined by a former Barcelona teammate in New York. Goal.com reports that veteran defender Rafael Marquez has agreed a release from his Barcelona contract and is set to move to the New York Red Bulls on a four-year deal that will be confirmed next week.

Analysis: Marquez has looked primed for an exit this summer, so this wouldn’t be unexpected. Another wage off of Barcelona’s books, which comes in handy right now. For the Red Bulls, adding Marquez would only aid their chances to catch up and pass Columbus in the Eastern Conference in the second half of the season.

“Transfer Rumors: Chelsea to sign Benfica and Brazil star Ramires for £20m?” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to miss out on Dzeko?

July 14th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to miss out on Dzeko?Fiorentina Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to miss out on Dzeko?liverpool Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to miss out on Dzeko?

England

City To Miss Out On Dzeko?

Vfl Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko wants to move, and Manchester City (along with Juventus) have him as a top target. However, Wolfsburg, as was the case last summer, want to hold on to him, and with City not looking to stump up the £34m that Wolfsburg want for the Bosnian, they could be forced to look elsewhere. (The Mirror)

Analysis: You can’t fault the man for wanting to take a step up, and after dominating Bundesliga defenses over the last couple of seasons, he has certainly proved he’s deserving and ready. However, as was the case last summer, I’m leaning more towards Dzeko being right where he currently is when the transfer window closes as opposed to being at City or Juve.

Liverpool Backtrack On N’Gog Move

After it appeared that West Bromwich Albion were about to take Liverpool striker David N‘Gog on loan, it looks like Liverpool will be holding on to N‘Gog, at least until they can sign two new strikers. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Whether or not Fernando Torres leaves, there’s a fresh injury situation to worry about with him, which doesn’t bode well for this season after all of his niggles last season. And with Liverpool not having made much headway in the transfer market thus far, letting N’Gog go right now would be a bit premature. Besides, given how much he contributed last season, it wouldn’t hurt to keep him around instead of loaning him out at some point this season no matter what.

Hammers Up Remy Bid

West Ham have offered £12m for highly rated Nice striker Loic Remy. West Ham are looking to pay out the club record fee over four years, while Nice are looking for a £13m fee with £8m paid up front. (The Sun)

Analysis: Remy really wants to move to West Ham, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find a compromise soon. For what it’s worth, though it wouldn’t be ideal for the Hammers given their budget, he’s certainly worth having to pay 8m up front.

Stoke Move For O’Neil

Stoke City are offering winger Liam Lawrence to Middlesbrough in exchange for midfielder Gary O’Neil. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Lawrence, who was a star of Stoke’s promotion campaign in the 2007/08 season, scoring 15 goals and assisting on 15 more, would certainly fit right in on the right flank that O’Neil currently occupies, but Boro have been pretty adamant about holding on to O’Neil over the last couple of summers, and I expect more of the same now, especially with Boro being well positioned make a return to the Premier League.

Newcastle In For Cristea

Newcastle are interested in Romanian striker Andrei Cristea. The 26-year-old scored 16 goals for Dinamo Bucharest last season, finishing atop the league‘s scoring charts. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Here’s of a video of all of Cristea’s 2009/10 goals. He’s certainly not lacking in the power department, but more importantly, he knows how to direct those howitzers as well. Newcastle aren’t short on scoring options, but he looks to be a quality addition if they can land him.

Blackpool Eye Bradley

Blackpool are interested in a move for American midfielder Michael Bradley. The 23-year-old has been a regular at Borussia Monchengladbach for two seasons but is looking for a fresh start. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: The Premier League has been to American players in recent years, and this would be a good move for him. He’s already gotten experience playing in a relegation battle with M’Gladbach, so he’d come in knowing what to expect. Now, if his father gets the Fulham job, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become the latest American to join up there, but we’ll see how that shakes out.

Boro Close On Thomson

Middlesbrough have agreed a £2m fee with Rangers for midfielder Kevin Thomson. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Another day, another former SPL player signs on at Middlesbrough? Seems to be that way! It’s fair to say though that Gordon Strachan is assembling a team capable of making a serious run at promotion this season. Thomson has had two serious knee injuries in his career, but if he’s fit, he stands to e a key player for Boro as they push for promotion.

Italy

Fiorentina Sign Boruc

Fiorentina have agreed a deal to sign keeper Artur Boruc from Celtic. A fee of £1.7m has been mentioned, allowing Celtic to cash in on a player who had only one year left on his contract. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: There has been talk of Boruc’s arrival opening the way for Frey to leave the club (with Arsenal mentioned as a destination), but we’ll see how that plays out. Frey is Fiorentina’s undisputed #1, and I don’t think Boruc’s arrival changes that, so if Boruc is to have significant time between the sticks with his new club, something would have to happen that takes Frey out of the equation.

Brazil

Ronaldinho Set For Flamengo

According to Brazilian news reports, Ronaldinho has given his word that he will join Flamengo from AC Milan, and all that‘s left is for AC Milan to give the deal the green light and release the former Barcelona star from his contract. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This isn’t a move based on him being past it and needing to rediscover his form, as he’s coming off of his best season in a few years. But as it’s been for some of his compatriots, the move back home will be a good one for him, and when he comes back to Europe (I think he’ll return at some point), he’ll come back better for the move. It’ll also be an instant boost for Flamengo, who have had a slow start to the new season and need to step it up coming out of the World Cup break.

“Transfer Rumors: Manchester City to miss out on Dzeko?” 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: United and City after Real keeper Casillas, Tottenham to splash the cash on Forlan, Inter’s Maicon set for Real switch, and more

June 28th, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: United and City after Real keeper Casillas, Tottenham to splash the cash on Forlan, Inters Maicon set for Real switch, and morelyon Transfer Rumors: United and City after Real keeper Casillas, Tottenham to splash the cash on Forlan, Inters Maicon set for Real switch, and moremanchestercity Transfer Rumors: United and City after Real keeper Casillas, Tottenham to splash the cash on Forlan, Inters Maicon set for Real switch, and more

It’s a very important summer in Manchester, to say the least.

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of a run at a record-breaking 19th top flight title and a chance to play for a fourth Champions League title come next May at Wembley, and they’re no doubt also looking to the future as well.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are looking to spend, spend, spend in order to aid their push to become a serious contender for Premier League and European honors sooner rather than later.

Both sides don’t have a lot to show for when it comes to confirmed summer transfers just yet, but you can be assured that things are going to pick up for the Manchester rivals very, very soon, especially if a couple of tidbits in today’s rundown of top transfer rumors come to fruition.

England

Manchester Rivals In For Casillas

In an interview with the Daily Star, Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said that both Manchester United and Manchester City are interested in his services. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: He’s not going anywhere. Perhaps one day, but not right now. Though for what it’s worth, United fans who are also England supporters might well prefer him right now over Manuel Neuer, who likely doesn’t have many fans in England right about now.

Fabiano Has Eyes For United

Also from the Daily Star, Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano says that his next destination will either be Manchester United or AC Milan, and he spoke very glowingly of United, the Premier League, and the chance to be Wayne Rooney’s strike partner. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: The only negative mark on Fabiano is his age (he’ll be 30 in November), and that could give some pause, what with 29-year-old Berbatov and 30-year-old Owen already in United’s strikeforce. However, it’s also worth mentioning that Fabiano is very much in his prime right now form-wise, and even three or four seasons at the level he’s at currently would make him well worth the investment.

City Prepare New Kolarov Bid

Manchester City are set to make a bid of £18m for Lazio star Aleksandar Kolarov, though Lazio have a valuation of 25 million euros for the Serbian left back. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: Real Madrid have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign him, but there could be competition from Juventus and perhaps Inter. Whether Lazio will be able to squeeze their asking price out of someone remains to be seen, but whatever eight-figure amount he’s sold for, it’ll represent quite the return on Lazio’s investment – they purchased him for only £800k three summers ago.

Tottenham Close To Forlan Capture?

According to The Mirror, Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan is reportedly sweet on a switch to Tottenham, and Spurs could be set to splash out £20m on the former Manchester United man.

Analysis: Atletico want to hold on to both Forlan and Sergio Aguero, but frankly, there will never be a better time to sell Forlan and find a much younger replacement than this summer, especially if he raises his value even further with a few more impressive performances at the World Cup. Forlan is 31, and while he can still score that many goals, to get upwards of £20m for any 31-year-old is good business.

Arteta To Leave Everton

Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta has asked to leave the club and return to his native Spain, as he and his wife want to be closer to their families after receiving the news that their son has a visual impairment. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It’s a shame, but you certainly can’t hold it against him, because family comes first.

Stoke Eye Bentley Swoop

Stoke City are planning to make a move for Tottenham winger David Bentley, according to The Mirror.

Analysis: Matthew Etherington has seen his career rejuvenated at Stoke City, and the same could happen for Bentley, who did produce in his limited opportunities last season but still hasn’t performed up to expectations in two seasons at the club.

With Etherington on the left and Bentley on the right (and those patented long Rory Delap throws, of course), Stoke could be a more dangerous attacking side than what we’ve seen in their first couple of Premier League seasons (38 goals in 2008/09, 34 last season)…if they can find a reliable finisher or two from somewhere.

Birmingham Turn To Wallace

After having their bid for Fulham’s Paul Konchesky rejected, Birmingham City are considering a move for Hearts left back Lee Wallace. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Wallace has been a fixture in Hearts’ starting XI over the last couple of seasons, and he’s been a part of the first team since he was 17, so he’s got loads of experience despite being only 22. He’s also broken into Scotland’s senior national side, so he’s got a very, very bright future ahead.

Spain

Maicon To Join Up With Mourinho In Madrid

According to The Sun, Real Madrid have beaten out Manchester City for Inter right back Maicon, who is set to seal a reunion with Jose Mourinho in a £25m deal that will be wrapped up when the Brazilian returns from the World Cup.

Analysis: Really, the only question for me all along has been when he’ll sign for Real, not if. So this is no surprise, even with City’s money, ambition, and the familiarity in the form of Roberto Mancini giving them reason to feel confident about somehow swaying him.

Italy

Juve Target N’Zogbia

Juventus are interested in Wigan midfielder Charles N‘Zogbia. The 24-year-old was one of the bright spots in a season of struggle for the Latics, scoring seven goals and assisting on seven more in 39 appearances. (Transfer Market Web)

Analysis: There’s a good chance an English suitor could pop up, but it’d take a lot to pass up the chance to play for one of the top clubs in the world, to play in the Champions League, and to earn a significant pay increase.

Scotland

Chase For Boyd Heats Up

Rangers striker Kris Boyd will become a free agent this week, and he doesn‘t have a shortage of suitors. Newcastle and Middlesbrough are both in the hunt for Boyd, according to the News of the World.

They could face competition from three Turkish sides, as Turkish champions Bursaspor, along with Kayserispor and Ankaragucu, are also interested in the 26-year-old.

Kayserispor, managed by former Rangers striker Shota Arveldaze, are hoping to have Boyd and his agent in for discussions this week, and they have reportedly offered Boyd a two-year deal worth £50k a week – but the offer is off the table if Boyd meets with any of his other Turkish suitors. (The Press Association)

Analysis: Such an offer would trump what anyone else would offer him, and given that it’s only a two-year deal, he’d be able to see it out and have a chance to play in England with several good years still ahead of him. However, Newcastle will be able to offer him a nice salary and the chance to play in the Premier League, and the combination of the two might make St. James’ Park the most attractive destination in the end.

Turkey

Piquionne Picks Fenerbahce

Lyon striker Frederic Piquionne, who starred on loan for Portsmouth last season, is set for a move to Fenerbahce. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Dani Guiza hasn’t quite turned out to be the prolific striker that Fenerbahce fans likely thought they were getting when he was signed two summers ago after he finished top scorer in La Liga with 27 goals for Mallorca, and Semih Senturk scored only seven goals in all competitions after netting in double figures each of the previous four seasons. So there’s certainly a need to add some quality depth in attack, and after acquitting himself well in England, I’m sure Piquionne can be a great success in Turkey.

Galatasaray In Ledesma Negotiations

Galatasaray will hold talks with the agent of Lazio midfielder Cristian Ledesma on Tuesday. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: I see Ledesma likely remaining in Serie A, but Galatasaray can offer him a sizable salary, European football, and the chance to play under a top manager in Frank Rijkaard (provided he doesn’t leave sometime this summer), so he certainly can’t go wrong with a move to Turkey, even if the league is a step down from Serie A.

“Transfer Rumors: United and City after Real keeper Casillas, Tottenham to splash the cash on Forlan, Inter’s Maicon set for Real switch, and more” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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