Liverpool Release El Zhar
Another one of Liverpool’s fringe players is heading towards the exit. Moroccan winger Nabil El Zhar has been released by the club ahead of his proposed move to Levante.
THT Verdict: Another good move by Liverpool. El Zhar featured highly during Rafa’s reign but fell out of favour since his departure. Moving to Spain will help the player get his career back on track. For Liverpool, they can cross off another name from the list. Now just a few more players remain to depart Anfield.
Blackburn Chase Arsenal Midfielder
Blackburn are lining up a bid for 20-year-old Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury, who impressed while helping Norwich gain promotion from the Championship last season.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. With the departure of Cesc and Samir Nasri (almost), Arsene would rather keep Lansbury home than loaning him out. Lansbury can play behind the striker, in midfield and even in the wings, so he can be quite handy in an Arsenal side always plagued by injuries. If Arsene brings in two top-class midfielders, then, Lansbury can be allowed to have some ‘first team’ fun at Blackburn.
Chelsea To Return For Mata and Modric
“It depends on the club’s decision, if they are willing to go forward or not, up to which value and whether they want to keep the interest in the player. It doesn’t depend on me. It’s not my money. We have to take sensible decisions or else you end up criticising us for other stuff. [But] the technical decisions are mine, of course. It depends on what you have available. On the price … on the age of the player that you get. Luka, on this particular occasion, is a young player but there would be, for sure, a sensible price to pay.” – Villas-Boas on Modric
THT Verdict: Chelsea seem very eager to get the Mata deal done at the earliest, with Tottenham and Arsenal not completely out of the picture. And, the second bid of 27m will meet Valencia’s asking price, and should be sufficient. On the other hand, Villas-Boas has clarified that although he wants Modric, but doesn’t want Tottenham to hold Chelsea for ransom – a very sensible statement from the new manager. Also, it appears he has a say in all the dealings. Manchester Untited and Manchester City, both have strengthened their squads, and presently Chelsea appears very thin in the creativity department, so the last 12 days are expected to be very eventful at Stamford Bridge.