Joe Cole to Hamburg
Joe Cole has been handed an ‘escape route’ by Hamburg. The 29 year-old has been a flop at Anfield and the former Chelsea director Frank Arnesen wants Cole at Hamburg.
THT Verdict – Liverpool will be pretty pleased to gift wrap Joe Cole to Hamburg. It is definitely a possibility and perhaps, a good chance for Cole to start over in a new league. His reputation has been tarnished in England.
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Kevin Phillips has joined Blackpool.
Kevin Phillips has joined championship-side Blackpool. The 37 year-old has made a free transfer from Birmingham City – who, like Blackpool, were relegated to the championship this season.
THT Verdict – An intelligent signing by Holloway. Kevin Phillips showed glimpses of his old best throughout last season in the Premier League, whenever he was given opportunities. He still has a lot to offer and an experienced head in the team could do wonders for younger players who wish to learn from him.
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Twitter –philmcnulty (BBC Chief Sports Writer)
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“I haven’t thought about it at all because [not letting me go] would definitely not be good for anyone. I have already told the chairman that last summer he said we would find a mutually satisfactory agreement if a club like Chelsea came in. I hope that eventually he will understand the situation and that we will reach an agreement and go our separate ways in an appropriate manner. I must say that I am genuinely disappointed about what Levy said to me. He didn’t care about what I was telling him. It all only convinced me further that I was right to consider moving on to another club. The chairman said, ‘Okay, we’ll sit and talk [about any offers]’. Now Levy doesn’t want to talk to me and said there is no possibility that I can leave Spurs. He threatened me – he said if I didn’t accept the club’s stance, they would make me sit on the bench or in the stands. There is no doubt that Chelsea want me – they sent a concrete offer to Tottenham. I know that the new Chelsea boss said he wants me in his team. Of course I am flattered by this interest in me – it’s a club that all players dream of joining, fighting for every competition available.” – Luka Modric
THT Verdict: It’s now very clear what the player wants, and he is clearly unhappy about the situation. He had an in formal agreement in place with Spurs, but that was duly ignored by the chairman. Levy clearly wants to get other clubs into the picture and start a bidding war, in order to cash-in as much as possible on the Croatian. It will be interesting to see what Spurs do now, if Chelsea come back to the table with an improved offer in the range of 30 million. This transfer is likely to go through eventually.
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Aquilani to Sunderland, Raul Meireles to Italy
Reports in the media suggest that Alberto Aquilani could be on his way out to Sunderland after the club agreed to meet Liverpool’s 14 million Pounds valuation. Also, according to the reports from Italy, Raul Meireles has been allowed to talk to the Italian Clubs Juventus and InterMilan.
THT Verdict – Likely. Liverpool would be happy to sell the player for the quoted price. But its difficult to understand why Sunderland would pay that sort of price for the Juventus reject. However, even if Sunderland bid anything between 10 to 12 million pounds, the deal should be done. Meireles could also be on his way out, after the player was not included in the squad that would be travelling to Asia. However, Our Analysis suggests that it would be in the best interest of the Club if they hold on to at least one of the players.
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Hodgson wants star striker to stay at the club
West Bromwich manager Roy Hodgson wants to keep hold of his star striker Peter Odemwingie amidst growing interest in the player.
THT Verdict – After having a fantastic season for The Baggies, where he amassed 15 goals, Odemwingie has alerted many clubs in the league for a possible departure. According to the manager though, he is quite happy at the club and would want to extend his contract with West Brom. The 29-year old club record goal-scorer from Nigeria will have to make a quick decision because this might be his last chance to play for a big club.
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Hugo Rodallega wants Arsenal move
Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega claims that Arsenal are one of the clubs vying for his signature and has expressed a desire to move the Emirates.
THT Verdict – The striker playing for his country right now at the Copa, has voiced his liking about Arsenal. There are other suitors also for the Latics striker, who has extended his contract by one year at the club. With Arsenal already having signed Gervinho as a support striker, it is unlikely that the Colombian will get a call from North London.
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Lyon wants their star Full-Back to stay
Interest in Aly Cissokho has been gathering pace but Lyon coach Remi Garde says he will do everything he can to keep the player at the club.
THT Verdict – The young Full Back has been a target for both Arsenal and Liverpool this summer. Though, Lyon wants him to stay till his contract runs out in 2014, it would be difficult if any of these English clubs offer good money for the defender. The Left Back who has played in Portugal and France before, would want to test his luck at a “serious” league if he wants to compete for places in the French National Team.
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Dynamo Kyiv sign Nigerian striker Brown Ideyed
The 22 year old has joined Ukraine’s most successful club for an undisclosed fee.
THT Verdict: With Ukraine League starting from this week, Dynamo needed reinforcements in their striking department and Ideyed is an interesting prospect. He first grabbed attention of European scouts during 2007 U20 World Cup. He scored 23 goals in 55 appearances in Swiss league before notching up 17 in 52 matches for Sochaux. Last season he tallied an impressive 15 goals in Ligue-1.