Ibisevic Deal Falls Through
Blackburn boss Steve Kean is facing a crisis after his bosses scrapped a £6m swoop for Vedad Ibisevic. Bosnian Ibisevic could not come to England for a medical as he failed to get a visa, and Rovers pulled back despite plans to fly to Germany to test his thigh strain at his current club.
THT Verdict: Ibisevic is a quality player and has been one of the main driving forces behind Hoffenheim’s consistent performance in Bundesliga. Rovers desperately need to sign new players to have a competitive squad and they can ill afford to miss out on a player like Ibisevic.
Grygera To Make Fulham Move
Martin Jol is set to make a move for Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera in order to bolster his defense.
THT Verdict: Grygera was a deadwood at Juventus and it was no secret that he would be shipped out. He can bolster Fulham as a squad player and has experience in top level football. A win-win situation for all parties.
Espanyol Express Poulsen Interest
According to reports, La Liga side Espanyol have expressed an interest in signing out-of-favour Liverpool midfielder Christian Poulsen on a season-long loan.
THT Verdict: The only stumbling block in this potential transfer is Poulsen’s wages. The midfielder is currently on a 40000 per week wage which will be quite high for Espanyol. Unless Liverpool agree to pay a part of his wages, this transfer won’t gain momentum.
QPR Monitor Dann Situation
Neil Warnock is determined to add the firepower required to keep his club in top-flight football next season. According to the Dailymail, QPR are looking to bid for Birmingham defender Scott Dann.
THT Verdict: With Liverpool clinching a deal for Coates and Cahill emerging as the primary target for Wenger, Scott Dann is virtually off the radar for both these clubs which gives QPR a good chance to land the defender. Former Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton has already made the move and if the club can get in Dann before the window closes, then Warnock will have a really good team at his disposal.
Tottenham Join Cahill Race
Amidst growing speculation of Arsenal’s pursuit of Scott Dann, another North London club has entered the picture to give them a derby-esque fight. It is reported that Spurs are also in the running for the signature of Bolton’s Gary Cahill.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. After Arsenal’s recent thumping at the hands of Manchester United, it is evident that Wenger will pursue his primary target more fiercely. The Gunners are in the Champions League this season which means they really need to maintain a good form in Europe as well as at home. Arsenal really need to bolster their defense especially after their attacking clout was weakened and Cahill could just be the missing piece. This consequently rules out the Lilywhites in the Cahill chase.