Posts Tagged ‘West Ham’

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: Liverpool sign young Rangers star Wilson

July 22nd, 2010 Eddie Griffin

championsleague Transfer Rumors: Liverpool sign young Rangers star Wilsonliverpool Transfer Rumors: Liverpool sign young Rangers star Wilsonsoccerlens logo Transfer Rumors: Liverpool sign young Rangers star Wilson

England

Liverpool Land Wilson

Liverpool have signed Rangers defender Danny Wilson in a deal that could be worth up to £5m. Liverpool will pay £2m up front for the 18-year-old, who was both the Scottish FWA and PFA Young Player of the Year last season. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Making your first-team debut and winning those accolades in the same season is no small feat. Wilson won’t be counted on to start from the outset, given Liverpool’s depth at center back, but he certainly has the potential to be an anchor at the back for Liverpool for many, many years.

Premier League Duo In Raul Link

According to the Sun, Tottenham and Newcastle are both interested in signing veteran striker Raul on a free. According to their reports, the former Real Madrid star is said to favor a move to London.

Analysis: Here’s another player who it’d be great to see in the Premier League before his career is over, and I think he still has plenty to offer. Raul may be getting up there in years, but it wasn’t that long ago that he put together back-to-back 20+ goal seasons after it looked like he was almost done.

Sunderland Close On Bramble

Wigan defender Titus Bramble was set for a medical at Sunderland yesterday after the two clubs agreed a £1m fee for the 28-year-old. (The Guardian)

Analysis: Sunderland had struck out in their search for a second new center back to this point, but Bramble is a nice consolation. Bramble has already had success under Steve Bruce, having been a regular while Bruce was at Wigan from November 2007 to the end of the 2008/09 season, so Bruce knows he’s getting someone he can rely on.

Hammers Near Double Striker Swoop

Meanwhile, the Hammers have also improved their chances of signing Nice striker Loic Remy. Instead of paying in installments as was their original preference, West Ham have agreed to pay €13.5m up front for the Frenchman, who is also wanted by Liverpool. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: So, which one will it be, West Ham or Liverpool? West Ham will be much improved under Avram Grant this season and would offer more regular starting opportunities, while Liverpool would offer immediate European football, the chance to play for one of the top clubs in Europe, and perhaps a better salary. Can’t go wrong either way, but West Ham are in a good position…for now, at least. If things happen to go against them though, it looks like Rosario Central striker Milton Caraglio could be their consolation prize.

Scotland

James Set For Celtic Talks

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is set to meet with free agent keeper David James later this week after Celtic return from their North American tour. Celtic are in the market for a new keeper after the sale of Artur Boruc to Fiorentina. (The Guardian)

Analysis: Perhaps James would prefer to find an option where he’d be first-choice keeper, which wouldn’t be guaranteed at Celtic, with Lukasz Zaluska in the mix. However, this would be a good opportunity for him, as he could help with the development of a young(er) keeper and perhaps even get his first-ever taste of Champions League football.

Spain

Atletico‘s Taiwo Deal In Limbo

Atletico Madrid looked set to complete a deal for Marseille defender Taye Taiwo, but the deal has stalled, as Marseille want the transfer fee all up front instead of in installments. (BBC Sport)

Analysis: If the two sides can reach a compromise (that shouldn’t be hard, should it?), Atletico’s defense will take another step towards respectability. Plus, with the addition of Taiwo and Filipe Luis, who can both score the occasional goal, they’ll have two new additions that fit in well in Atletico’s attack-oriented style of play.

France

Lorient Loan Coquelin

Lorient have signed Arsenal starlet Francis Coquelin on loan. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: While he would’ve likely seen more cup and league appearances than he did last season, this will be a good opportunity for Coquelin to earn regular first-team experience in a top league, which will only serve to hasten his development. With his versatility to play in midfield and defense, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Portugal

Sporting Seek Spurs Striker

The agent of Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko says that negotiations are ongoing over his client moving to Sporting Lisbon on loan. According to Portuguese reports, Tottenham are also interested in including Sporting’s highly rated young winger Armindo Bangna Bruma in the deal. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: The Portuguese top flight isn’t known for its scoring, so even with only 42 goals in 30 games, but Sporting need to strengthen their attack to have any hope of keeping up with Benfica and Porto this season after finishing 28 points back of Benfica and 20 back of Porto (who were only one spot ahead in third) last season. Pavlyuchenko hasn’t shown it on a regular basis at Tottenham, but he’s capable of finding the net on a regular basis if given the opportunities.

“Transfer Rumors: Liverpool sign young Rangers star Wilson” was originally published at Soccerlens.com – Football News.



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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 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 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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