Kranjcar On The Brink Of Joining Sunderland
According to Sky, Tottenham midfielder Niko Kranjcar is on the verge of joining Sunderland. The Black Cats were reportedly pursuing the player for a while now and it seems like they have finally got their man.
THT Verdict: Good move for Sunderland. After having lost Henderson and Malbranque, the Black Cats look a little bland in terms of creativity in the centre of the park. Niko could just be the man they were looking for. The player had fallen out of favour at White Hart Lane with the arrival of Modric and Sandro but he can be guaranteed regular football under Steve Bruce.
Chelsea Include Kalou and Yossi In Modric Offer
Chelsea are mulling offering Yossi Benayoun and Salomon Kalou as makeweights in a deal for Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric.
THT Verdict: Adding Kalou in the deal makes more sense for both the clubs – Chelsea have a good number of forwards and Tottenham are looking to bolster their forward-line. However, Benayoun shouldn’t be made part of any player exchange as after regaining his fitness, he has been playing well and offers another dimension to Villas-Boas. Moreover, a midfield is not strengthened by sending one of the few midfielders the other way, in order to bring a reinforcement – by doing this, it would be back to square one, more or less. Chelsea can even consider adding Anelka into the mix.
De Bruyne Nears Chelsea Move
Chelsea target Kevin De Bruyne, a 20-year-old midfielder who plays for Genk, has revealed he is confident that a deal can be struck with the West Londoners before the end of the month.
THT Verdict: Likely. The player mentioned that his manager was in London last week and the talks were positive. Chelsea have tracked the left-sided attacking player for a long time, and a deal can be expected to be finalized in this window, but there’s a chance that de Bruyne stays at Genk on loan for a season. For a fee of around 8m, the 20-year old Belgian is an exciting prospect, who has been waiting for this move for sometime. Chelsea have just Malouda for the left wing, and it would be better for the club to sign the youngster and get him to the Bridge, rather than send him on loan. He could serve as an able back-up, and will not even take a place in the 25-man squad. He is injured presently, but is expected to be fit in a month. Another deal which will have ‘long-term’ written all over it, if and when it happens.
Spurs Close-In On Adebayor
Fresh reports from England are suggesting that the Lilywhites are close to completing a deal for Manchester City forward Emmanuel Adebayor.
THT Verdict: The mercenary is without a club this season to ply his temporary trade. It doesn’t look likely for any club right now to do a permanent deal with Adebayor. Mancini has clearly no plans for the former Arsenal striker with new hitman from Argentina already on fire. It remains to be seen if Ade is willing to play for London rivals Spurs, his image is already tarnished, there is nothing he can do to make it worse, or can he?
PSG In For Bendtner?
The French club has reportedly enquired about Arsenal’s 11 million rated front-man Nicklas Bendtner. The club has spent heavily since the arrival of Middle-Eastern owners and it looks like they aren’t done as yet.
THT Verdict: Last night, though the Dane striker was on bench, Arsene didn’t use him which clearly means he doesn’t want Bendtner to be cup-bound. He is a very capable striker if played up front and will surely give his club a 15-goals season if he stays fit. PSG might be a go-down in his career, but it might help him as a launching pad for bigger things later.
QPR Interested In Degen
Another club has come knocking at Liverpool’s doors asking for the availability of an unused player. Newly promoted side QPR have made an enquiry about Liverpool right-back Phillip Degen.
THT Verdict: Likely. The Reds are lucky to find suitors for the deadwood at the club and will have to act upon this opportunity before it is too late. Phillip Degen has been a flop ever since his arrival and it is important to offload him in order to make breathing space in the squad.
Wigan Step Up Odemwingie Chase As Spurs Join In
After seeing an initial 4 million bid rejected by West Brom, the Latics are now reportedly returning with an improved offer for striker Peter Odemwingie as they also see Spurs express an interest in the player.
THT Verdict: Going by the events that have transcended, it looks like Odemwingie might make the switch but Hodgson wouldn’t let go unless he finds a suitable replacement for the player. So the deal hinges on whether or not a new striker will be coming to Hawthorns. Spurs are running out of time and options and will have to strike a deal soon if they are to bolster their front-line.
West Ham Express Barton Interest
According to the Mirror, relegated club West Ham are looking to bring in Joey Barton in order to boost their chances of getting back to top flight football next season.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. Barton is too good a player to be passed on by the Premier League clubs. A lot of sides have expressed their interest in signing him and with still about two weeks to go in the transfer window, it is likely that we will see Joey Barton donning another shirt and staying put in the Premiership.
