Chelsea Complete Romeu Signing
News emerging from London is that Chelsea have completed the signing of 19 year-old Oriol Romeu Vidal from Barcelona.
THT Verdict: A great signing for the Blues. Romeu is a technically gifted, and physically strong midfielder who can either play in a defensive role or as a box-to-box midfielder. Last season Chelsea had the luxury of choosing two out of Essien, Mikel and Ramires, and the addition of Romeu will provide adequate cover behind Mikel and Ramires.
Joe Cole Offered Premier League Lifeline
The Guardian is reporting that newly promoted side QPR have approached Liverpool with an offer to take Joe Cole on a season-long loan.
THT Verdict: The offer does sound rational but Cole’s wages could prove a stumbling block in this deal. Many might be wondering why is a loan deal in place when the player can be sold. With Liverpool’s focus on reducing the wages, they wouldn’t really have any qualms in letting Cole go out on loan even if this means they might have to sponsor part of his wage.
Wolves & QPR Chase Hitzlpserger
According to reports, Wolves and newly promoted side QPR are in the running for the signature of German midfielder Thomas Hitzlpserger.
THT Verdict: Likely. The player returned to England with hope but with West Ham now relegated, sees no benefit of staying in the Championship. The player was rightly released by the club and there is a good chance he will return to the Premier League the following season.
Sunderland Set Sights on Wright-Phillips
It is reported that the Black Cats are interested in signing out of favour Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to bolster their attacking options.
THT Verdict: Likely. It is pretty evident that Wright-Phillips has no real future at Eastlands and with age now not on his side, it would only be wise for him to look elsewhere. Sunderland are building a good squad and it could turn out to be a good move by player and club.
Portugal’s Sporting Secures Barcelona’s Jeffren for €3.7m
The Portuguese giants continue their summer transfer spree with the addition of the Spanish winger, who was out of favor at the La Liga champions.
THT Verdict: It’s without doubt that Jeffren is talented and will be an asset to any team. However, the arrival of Alexis Sanchez will definitely stunt his chances and the fact that he’s extremely injury prone makes it all the more difficult for the youngster to be available regularly. At Sporting, Jeffren will get the much needed playing and might also improve physically. This seems to be a good deal for all three parties.
Liverpool Eye Cahill
After witnessing a dismal performance in defense in the pre-season fixtures, Liverpool are now keen to bolster their defense. The Dailymail is now reporting that the Reds might be in for Bolton defender Gary Cahill.
THT Verdict: Likely bid. Liverpool do have the wherewithal to go out and bring in new players and with the deadwood now slowly clearing out, they can give some serious thought to healing their defensive woes. Cahill would be an ideal signing for the centre back position.