Pastore Claims Barca Talks
Fresh reports from Spain suggest that Barcelona are now holding talks with Palermo midfielder Javier Pastore over a possible move to the La Liga and to the Camp Nou.
THT Verdict: Barca will be making a big, big mistake if they go for Pastore. He is best suited to play the role of a classical trequartista and won’t fit into Barca’s system. He was mildly successful as a supporting striker last season but it was not his natural position. Maurizio Zamparini is well known for selling his best players for astronomical amounts and Barca might end up overpaying for a player who they don’t really need.
Hamsik Keen on AC Milan Move
Slovakian playmaker Marek Hamsik has expressed a desire to move to Italian giants AC Milan this summer.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. A lot has been spoken about a possible move for the player and a move to the San Siro was reportedly on the cards for a long time now but we feel that in probability, it won’t materialize. Hamsik is a quality player no doubt but is he a realistic target for AC Milan? We doubt it.
De Gea Undergoes United Medical
Skysports sources have confirmed that Spanish keeper David De Gea has passed a medical at Manchester United and will soon be unveiled as their new keeper. The young Spanish shot stopper, De Gea has joined the Red Devils on a five year contract for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be in the region of 17 million pounds.
THT Verdict: With Van Der sar hanging up his boots, the Spaniard will be looked upon to guard the United defence with his 6 ft 4 inch tall frame. At just 20 years of age De Gea seems quite young to be the number #1 at a club of United’s pedigree but his performances and composure sure defy his age. This is Manchester United’s third signing of the transfer window and undoubtedly their most important.
Domenico Criscito signs for Zenit St. Petersburg
Italy international left-back Criscito joins Zenit for an undisclosed amount. Zenit’s official site has announced the deal.
THT Verdict: Since Luciano Spaletti joined the St Petersburg club he has brought in a host of Italian players, with mixed success. Criscito is most effective as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 as his defensive abilities are suspect. Spaletti prefers an attacking formation and Criscito will bolster the defending Russian champion’s squad.
Algerian Confirms Liverpool Contact
Sochaux midfielder Ryad Boudebouz has confirmed that Liverpool FC have made an enquiry about the player and might be interested in the player.
THT Verdict: Boudebouz is an exciting prospect by the looks of it and has a lot of offer at a young age of 21. The Reds have also been heavily linked with Downing, Lennon and Mata over the past couple of days but this is the first time that the opposite party has shed some veracity in Liverpool’s interest. Whether Boudebouz is one for the Premier League is still debatable but with FSG and Comolli’s strategy of grading players, he just might prove to be a good signing.
Ebay Latest – Denilson For Sale
As per shocking news, Denilson Perreira Neves has gone so out of favor with Arsene and the Arsenal fans that, out of sheer frustration, he has put himself on sale at Ebay.
THT Verdict: Well, what can we say other than Preposterous.The move to a particular individual on EBay looks very unlikely because the money would go to the player and the agent. Arsene is heavily banking on Denilson’s sale to buy specially designed head-guard for covering new arrival Gervinho’s forehead.
United to lodge 20 million Bid for Nasri
According to reports, Manchester United will lodge a 20 million pound bid for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri this week.
THT Verdict: The only history of an exchange of any kind between Arsenal and Manchester United has been the strange Sylvester signing by Arsenal from Old Trafford a few years back. It is almost impossible for Arsene to sell a ‘star’ player Samir to their closest rival. They did business with Manchester City two years back but back then the ‘Blue’ Side of Manchester weren’t title contenders. If Arsene sells Nasri, he would go to a club most likely outside England.
QPR Gunning for Cannavaro
QPR are interested in signing Italian World Cup wining captain Fabio Cannavaro.
THT Verdict: Fabio Cannavaro retired in 2007. The player now known as Cannavaro is a mere shadow of the world cup winning center-back. He would struggle against the pace of EPL strikers. However, he is a free agent and his experience can add value to training and practice sessions.
Juventus Buy One Half of Francesco Grandolfo’s Contract.
18 year old Grandolfo grabbed headlines across Italy when he fired a hattrick on his debut for Bari. Bari is suffering from financial problems and need to offload some players. For now, Grandolfo will remain in Bari and play in Serie B.
THT Verdict: This is a signing for future. Grandolfo will not feature for Juventus in near future. However, if he shows signs of improvement in Bari then Juventus can buy him back to play for them.
Blackburn Offer Lifeline for Robbie Keane
An illustrious career is now about to culminate for Robbie Keane. The player has been identified as a Blackburn target after being deemed surplus to requirements at White Hart Lane.
THT Verdict: Likely. Blackburn would look to have the presence of an experienced forward in their frontline and Keane is a good option in this aspect. Keane carries vast amounts of experience having played in several leagues across Europe. The player still has some flair left in him and would not be a bad choice to pick up at the age of 30.
Manchester United To Move for Thiago?
The Daily Mirror has come out with fresh reports stating that the Red Devils are have made a move for Barcelona star Thiago Alcantra. A bid in the region of 15 million is believed to have been made for the youngster.
THT Verdict: Thiago is a very clever midfielder and has often been referred to as the “Little Xavi” in the Barcelona camp. However, for some reason, the player has failed to make the cut at Camp Nou and would ideally be looking to ply his trade elsewhere. Considering the talent he possesses, Manchester United would be the ideal destination for the player.
Galatasaray Ace On Chelsea Radar
Arda Turan is set to leave Galatasaray this summer with his club hoping to get Didier Drogba in a cash + swap deal. Turan, a left winger who hogged limelight following his Euro 2008 heroics, had been tracked by Liverpool and Tottenham in the past. Chelsea are rumored to be keen to seal this deal following the recommendation of his international coach, Turkey boss Guus Hiddink.
THT Verdict: If Chelsea sign either of Lukaku and Falcao, Drogba’s chances of making it to the playing lineup looks bleak. To add to it, Chelsea have been playing without a proper winger for quite some time now and with the intent shown on signing Sanchez or Neymar it is understood that they are in the lookout for a winger. This deal could work Chelsea’s way as Turan is a quality winger gifted with great speed, quick feet and good first touch. Also release of Drogba will ensure that the new arrivals can get to spend sufficient time on the pitch.
Arsenal Join Mata Chase
Fresh reports originating in England are now claiming that North London club Arsenal is also in the running for Spanish U-21 international Juan Mata’s signature. DailyMail reports that the club has already made a bid of 18 million for the player.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. Arsene Wenger, as we all know, is very shrewd when it comes to spotting talent. And for Arsenal to bid 18 million for a player, he should check all the boxes in Wenger’s book; and even then, it is very rare for the Gunners to make such a big money move. Mata is hot property right now and any team that manages to bag him would only have edged its rivals by marginal distance.