Daniel Levy insists “Luca Modric is not for sale at any price”
The Tottenham Chairman responded to Chelsea’s interest in Luka Modric, insisting that the midfielder is not for sale at any price. Harry Redknapp has come out in support of the chairman’s decision, reiterating his desire to hold on to the midfielder along with other top players.
THT Verdict: Dicey. Modric has 5 years in his contract and therefore cannot force a move to Chelsea. The player does not want to submit a transfer request and therefore if Chelsea are to acquire the services of the Cration, they will have to meet the price in his get out clause which could be well above the 22 million pounds that was offered to Tottenahm in return of Modric! But you don’t question Roman Abramovich’s ambitions! Do ya?
Park ji-sung could leave Manchester United
The Korean star, who has one year left to run on his contract, believes he doesn’t have long left as a player and has attracted interest from Spanish duo Sevilla and Atletico.
THT Verdict: Improbable, Park Ji Sung is an integral part of Ferguson’s squad and a proven big match player. Selling one of the club’s prized assets doesn’t seem likely although the South Korean might not be getting any younger. Still Park’s qualities are invaluable to the Man United squad and Ferguson would like to keep hold of him as long as he can.
Wolves Enquire About Koncheskey
Skysports has confirmed that Wolverhampton Wolves have enquired about Liverpool left-back Paul Koncheskey’s availability. The club is expected to make a move for the Liverpool flop as the club looks to get rid of the deadwood.
THT Verdict: Paul Koncheskey has just been at the club for about 6 months after being brought in by Roy Hodgson and was loaned out to Nottingham Forest in winter. The 30 year old is one of the high earning, under-performing players at the club and FSG has clearly stated its intention of getting rid of these players. A move to Wolves is a more sensible option for the England international and it is most likely to happen.
Kiko Headed To Camp Nou?
Midfielder Kiko Femenia has revealed that his transfer to Barcelona is very close to being completed, but added that should there be any hitch in his dream move, he insists he will have no qualms about playing for Hercules for an extra season. Speaking to the media at a ceremony in Alicante, the 20-year-old admitted: “The truth is that the transfer is near. Barca is my dream and of course I will go there soon. Hopefully everything is resolved soon.”
THT Verdict: Dicey. Despite the claims, one must remember that there were claims earlier too about certain deals and in the end the claimant never got to wear the Blaugrana colours. If at all this deal materializes, Kiko can be termed as player, who has been bought keeping in mind the new set of financial rules and the future. Playing in Barca B would give the youngster more time to adapt to the Barca system. However, he might also be loaned to another La Liga side if he arrives.
Chelsea Circle Around Villas-Boas
“(Translated Text) Chelsea is in talks to hire Andre Villas Boas and this was the major reason why Italy’s Inter Milan to give up a race that never cost less than € 15 million, the termination clause which does not give up FC Porto as said yesterday, forcefully, Pinto da Costa. The intention of the English is also the lead striker Radamel Falcao. It’s an unexpected attack, even surprising, despite having already spoken of this possibility several times. Chelsea are even talking to Andre Villas Boas and the fact that this was completely demobilized Inter Milan.”
THT Verdict: Although the Portuguese manager has been linked to the Stamford Bridge job initially, his name was left behind in all the Hiddink talk. The thing is that after the departure of Ancelotti, Arnesen, and Wilkins, there’s a huge void at the club. So, the club is looking at more than one man surely. As per a few other reports, Inter, who were also interested in securing Boas’ services, have given up their interest. A Hiddink-Villas Boas would be a dream team, if we speak keeping the club’s interest in mind. One is a seasoned campaigner with an illustrious career behind him and the other is an extremely talented young manager with a bright future in front of him, and both of them have worked at Chelsea previously. The fact that the club may have to shell out close to 20m to get both of them (release clause) may be a hindrance, but Roman hardly worries about such things if he has his mind set on something.
Soriano To Reduce Sanchez-Price!
Jonathan Soriano has confirmed he is ready to move to Udinese as part of the deal that could take Alexis Sanchez to Barcelona. The 25-year-old striker is part of Barca’s B squad, and has never actually played for the first-team. Reports from both Chile and Spain suggest Barca have won the race to sign Sanchez, beating off the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Juventus and Inter Milan to his coveted signature. Udinese look to have agreed to take former Espanyol striker Soriano as part of the transfer.
THT Verdict: Barca are going overboard for Sanchez. In addition to the bloated price, Soriano too is made a part of the deal. The Spaniard has had a good track record for B teams – both Espanyol and Barcelona. For the latter, he scored as many as 50 goals in 67 appearances. However, he is absolutely untested in the top tier. Definitely a promising striker. Udinese might be losing their star player, but what they are getting in return is more than the value of the Chilean!
Manchester United To Begin Talks With Diarra
French star Lassana Diarra has been told he can leave Real Madrid and is in talks with Manchester United.
THT Verdict: May be, Lassana Diarra is a seasoned campaigner with European experience, however the 26 year French international looks to be surplus to requirements at the Bernabeau. Lass had spent 4 years in England playing for the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth early on in his career. United on the other hand have just released Owen Hargreaves from the roster after the former Bayern man failed to overcome from his injury troubles. This deal would make perfect sense, United need a replacement for Hargreaves and Diarra could provide that bite in the center of the park. Ferguson however hasn’t bought an archetypal hard man since Keano left the shores and that might be an indication as to why the deal might not materialize. Still, at the right price the gaffer should take a punt on the Frenchmen.
Juventus Close To Finalizing Bastos Transfer
Latest news from Italy suggests that Juve is on the verge of signing Michel Bastos for a 13 m E transfer fee. However, he might not be registered in Serie A just now. Apparently Bastos is waiting for a French passport. Once he obtains his passport he won’t take up the non-EU spot in Juventus.
THT Verdict: Lack of a proper left winger had hampered both Juve and Milos Krasic’s form last season. Bastos is a player who can play both as a left-back as well as a left-winger. If his signing does go through, it will be a significant upgrade for current Juventus team.