We will provide a verdict on the Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri transfers as and when some concrete news breaks out.
Liverpool’s £10m bid for Stoke defender Shawcross falls short
THT Verdict: Liverpool are almost certain to land a central defender. If media reports are to be believed, Man United have the first right of refusal for Shawcross, if Stroke decide to sell him. However, Ngog could be used as a bait to land Cahill from Bolton. It could be between Cahill, Dann or Showcross that Liverpool find their next Carragher.
Arsenal have told Manchester City they can have Samir Nasri – in a swap for Carlos Tevez
THT Verdict: This is perhaps the funniest of transfer stories on the internet. Nasri would cost City around 22m, while even a 39m bid by Corinthians wan’t enough to take the City striker to South America. So, to think that Arsenal will pay 20-odd millions in addition to sending Nasri the other way is preposterous.
Tottenham look to sign 35m-rated Ramadel Falcao
THT Verdict: Of late, Spurs have been linked to high profile strikers such as Falcao, whose release clause was increased when he signed a contract extension with Porto during the Copa America, and Fernando Llorente. However, Atletico Madrid have also been linked to the Colombian hitman, and the Madrid club have cash to spend by virtue of Aguero’s sale. On the other hand, Tottenham have resisted all attempts to sell Modric to Chelsea, and are unlikely to spend that kind of money without letting the Croatian midfielder go. As things stand, Falcao is more likely to go to Atletico than to Tottenham.
Liverpool reluctant to sell Ngog before signing another striker
THT Verdict: It’s quite likely that Ngog would leave Liverpool before the deadline day. The Frenchman needs to play every week at this point in his career, but has very little chance to make it to the Liverpool starting 11 on a regular basis. Liverpool, on the other hand, would want to have a more promising striker, backing up for Carroll and Suarez. However, finding the right replacement would be difficult, considering the fact that the Merseyside club has not been able to get rid of the deadwood. The wage bill structure will eventually dictate the kind of striker Liverpool can afford to sign.