THT Transfer Watch: News And Verdicts – August 23, 2011

Coates Edges Closer to Liverpool Move

News on social networking sites is that the Nacional president has confirmed that Sebastian Coates will move to Liverpool FC. It is reported that the player’s father is in England negotiating terms with the club and a deal is imminent.

More on this later.

Nasri Joins Manchester City

Another saga comes to an end at the Emirates. French midfielder Samir Nasri has agreed terms with Manchester City as the club finally end their pursuit and emerge out on the winning side.

THT Verdict: Serves both parties well. This has been going on for a pretty long time, City has been quite civilized from their end as far as ‘tapping’ is concerned. The problematic party was Samir and his dad. The Frenchman didn’t want to sign a new contract even before the last season came to an end. Though, he will find stiff competition for places in the City squad, he will certainly get a lot of money, which will help him to get the Ballon D’Or. Thanks for your services to Arsenal Football Club (Read – Four Months) and we at THT wish you all the best with your new venture.

Aquilani & N’Gog Near Anfield Exit

AC Milan confirm they are in talks to sign Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani while Bolton have reportedly strengthened their interest in Liverpool’s French striker David N’Gog.

THT Verdict: Aquilani had been bombed out of the previous two matches after performing consistently in the pre-season. If that is any indication, he might very well be on his way out to AC Milan.

N’Gog has been linked to Bolton on a consistent basis over the fortnight. The move links imminent, but everything would depend on whether the club is able to sign a striker better than Ngog, within the next week!

AVB Sets Sights on Defensive Duo

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas is planning to bolster his defence by signing Porto’s Rolando and Ajax’s Gregory van der Wiel before the transfer window shuts.

THT Verdict: According to reports, Rajkovic’s work permit hearing failed, and he was subsequently allowed to leave for Hamburg, while Thomas Kalas has also been sent on loan. So if Alex wants to leave, Chelsea will be left with just 3 center-backs, and may have to enter the market for a center-back. However, this situation can be preempted by not selling Alex, in the first place! As far as right-back slot is concerned, Bosingwa has begun the season in his pre-injury form. The last game was perhaps his best in Chelsea colors in over two years. However, he will be 29 tomorrow, and a quality, young right back such as van der Wiel could be a good addition. Also, his reported price is around 10m, which is reasonable.

Chelsea Eye Cech Back-up

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Juventus keeper Marco Storari as back-up for Petr Cech.

THT Verdict: Unlikely. Chelsea offered a one-year contract extension to Hilario this summer, and if the club did not have enough confidence for him to last 3 weeks in the absence of Cech, an extension wouldn’t have been given. In addition to Hilario, Chelsea have Turnbull, who like Hilario, may not be top-drawer but can hold the fort for a game or two. Further, there’s no space in the squad to accommodate a veteran foreign player.

Liverpool Eye Bellamy & Coates Swoop

The Reds seem to have once again shifted their attention towards acquiring new players. To address the need of another striker and a central defender, the club has reportedly circled former Red Craig Bellamy and Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates.

THT Verdict: Hard to see why Liverpool would make a move for Bellamy. More so when he will have to take a huge pay-cut to arrive at Anfield. Bellamy is currently on a 95,000 pounds per week wage and it will be hard as well as illogical for Liverpool to offer that kind of money for a 32 year-old.

Coates had an impressive Copa America campaign and it is no surprise that he has caught the eye of Comolli. It was reported that the club scouts would be present at the tournament in Argentina to closely watch their targets and if this piece of news has any veracity, then it would definitely be a good move for Coates and Liverpool. Given his age (20 years-old), there is definitely plenty of room for growth and success at Anfield.

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