THT Transfer Watch: News And Verdicts – August 8, 2011

Swansea Eye French Ace

Swansea are considering an ambitious move for former France striker David Trezeguet.

THT Verdict: Very, very unlikely. Trezeguet did move to a newly promoted club in La Liga last season but that was mainly because it was his wife’s hometown club. His form in Liga showed that he still has one or two good seasons left in him. He is more likely to move to a bigger club in Italy as a backup striker.

Lukaku to Undergo Chelsea Medical Today

Chelsea have finally landed long-term target Romelu Lukaku from RSC Anderlecht.

THT Verdict: With fees already agreed between the two clubs, boyhood Chelsea fan Romelu Lukaku is expected to travel to London for his medical today. Chelsea have signed a quality player, at the right time, as by the time he turns 21, he will quality as a home-grown player – which is a big thing, considering the 25-man rule. The fees is believed to be around 11m, rising up to 18-20m in future.

Leeds United Look to Take Bertrand on Loan

It is reported that Leeds are looking to bring in Chelsea defender Bertrand on a season-long loan.

THT Verdict: Quite a few clubs have shown an interest in signing the talented left-back, however, after the departure of Zhirkov, Chelsea are expected to let only one of Bertrand and Aanholt leave, if any. The move to a Premiership club makes much more sense for both the player and the club, having already spent time in the Championship.

Tottenham Expect Third Luka Bid

A third bid of around 30m pounds is expected from Chelsea for Luka Modric.

THT Verdict: Chelsea’s interest in Modric is no secret, as this has been going on for a long time now, with two bids of 22m and 27m already rejected by Tottenham. However, the West London club are expected to raise their bid to 30m or above in order to finally land the Croatian midfielder. We had previously mentioned that it will take a third bid of around 32-35m for Spurs to let Modric leave, and presently that seems to be the case. Chelsea have six central midfielders in Mikel, Ramires, Lampard, Benayoun, Romeu and McEachran, out of which two are very young, so it’s understandable that the club may be in the market for another midfielder.

Celtic Playmaker on Spurs Radar

Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung is reportedly attracting interest from White Hart Lane amidst reports that Luka Modric might still seek an exit from the club.

THT Verdict: Well any move for a creative midfielder will hinge on Modric. It is good if Spurs are preparing for life after Luka but at the moment the chances of an imminent transfer materializing are quite bleak.

Newcastle Set Sights on Norwich Frontman

It is reported that the Magpies are looking to lodge a bid for Norwich City striker Grant Holt. The 30 year-old was instrumental in Norwich’s success in the Championship last season.

THT Verdict: Unlikely. Norwich would look to keep hold of their big players for the upcoming campaign and with the experience that Holt brings to the first team, it is unlikely that the club would let him go. Newcastle on the other hand are looking to buy cheap which is deteriorating squad quality and leading to players’ venting their frustration on the club.

Spurs Eye FC Twente Striker

Tottenham Hotspur has shifted its attention to FC Twente’s Costa Rican striker Bryan Ruiz as they continue to their hunt for a new striker.

THT Verdict: Likely. Ruiz was earlier open to a move to England when Liverpool first registered interest in the player. If Spurs can shell out the asking price then this move is definitely on the cards. However, Redknapp would ideally like to offload Peter Crouch first just so that he doesn’t end up with a plethora of strikers in his squad.

Juventus make a 7 million Euros bid for Elijaro Elia

Elia’s agent has confirmed that Juventus have made a bid for the Dutch winger, the amount is rumoured to be 7 million Euros.

THT Verdict: In terms if technique, very few players come close to Elia’s level in his age group. However, his decision making and mentality still needs to improve in order to succeed in top level. Juventus do need a left winger and Elia fits the bill in Antonio Conte’s preferred 4-3-3 or 4-2-4 formation. Getting him for anything less than 10 million Euros will be a transfer coup for Juve.

Exit mobile version