Juventus Bid for Vargas
According to twitter sources, Juventus have tabled a bid of 15 million euros for Fiorentina winger Juan Manuel Vargas. The deal is said to involve just cash and no players.
THT Verdict: Possible. Juan Vargas has been linked with a move to Turin for quite sometime now and one could see this move materialize. Vargas is a proven Serie A winger and will add a new dimension to Juventus’ attack. For €15M, it’s a good deal for both parties involved.
Manchester City Eye Adebayor Lennon Swap
It looks like the Citizens are in a hurry to get Adebayor off their back. The Dailymail is reporting that the Eastlands club is looking to swap the Togolese striker for Spurs winger Aaron Lennon.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. Adebayor enjoyed a good season at Bernabeu and wishes to go back to play under Jose Mourinho. It is true that Spurs are in the market for another striker and Adebayor presents himself as a good option but without the privilege of Champions League football next season, it is going to be difficult for the club to lure the striker to White Hart Lane.
Chelsea in for 25m Kaka, after losing out on Pastore
After losing Pastore to big spenders PSG, Chelsea have now reportedly shifted their focus to Real Madrid star Kaka.
THT Verdict: Highly unlikely. The club has burnt its fingers in the past by going after superstars at their peak, by paying exorbitant fee and wages, only to see them under-perform. Hopefully, Chelsea have learnt their lessons, the hard way. With all due respect to Kaka, it’s unlikely the club will go after a 29-year old, injury-prone, highly expensive player, when a paradigm shift (signing young but talented players) is clearly visible. Each summer Kaka is linked to the West London club, and nothing transpires, and for the sake of the club, it won’t this time as well, and this probably is just a rumor floated in by the media.
Juventus in for 10m-rated Alex after missing out on Lugano
The Old Lady is keen to bolster its central defense and has set its sights on Chelsea defender Alex as the ideal man for the role.
THT Verdict: Chelsea will not let Alex leave unless the issue that is Rajkovic’s work permit is settled. However, if the Serbian is allowed to play eventually, the club may look to cash-in on the Brazilian center-back. The 29-year old defender is a no-nonsense defender, still at the top of his game. Also, he is lethal at set-pieces. Only concern with the player is his injury-prone nature; however, at 10m, he would offer good value for many for Juventus.
Enrique Edges Closer to 10 million Pound Liverpool Move
Fresh reports doing the rounds on social networking sites is that Liverpool are close to signing Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique for a sum of 10 million pounds.
THT Verdict: It was just a matter of time before this transfer materialized. Enrique, along with free agent Joey Barton has revolted against the Newcastle management for their frivolous attitude in the transfer market and now that the ice is broken, Liverpool have moved in to sign their target. Enrique carries Premier League experience with him and will no doubt take lesser time to fit into the team chemistry than any other foreign targets.
Aquilani Wins AC Milan Interest
Amidst rumours that Liverpool are finding it hard to find suitors for Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani, it is reported that AC Milan are the latest club to express an interest in the playmaker.
THT Verdict: Galliani has spoken in passing terms about Aquilani and maybe after the Super Cup, he will be signed. He has already stated that he will lower his wages in order to stay at Italy. But then again, this is not the transfer Milan needs to do right now. This speculation is arising only because of difficulty on part of Milan to sign Montolivo.
Genoa Eye Gilardino
According to reports in Italy, Genoa sporting director Stefano Capozucca has admitted the club’s interest in Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino.
THT Verdict: Gilardino is not world class by any stretch of imagination but he has a lot of experience in Serie A and will be ideal for a club aiming to finish in top 7.
West Brom in for Hargreaves
It is reported that the Baggies boss Roy Hodgson is interested in bringing in Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves to West Brom for the following season.
THT Verdict: There is no doubt about Hargreaves quality and versatility, but the injury problems do make it a huge gamble for any side specially since he will count as a foreign player in the 25 man squad. While he is most likely to get a pay as you play deal, he does eat up a valuable squad position.