Chelsea Return With Second Bid for Modric
Reportedly, Chelsea have submitted a second bid in the region of 27m for Modric.
THT Verdict: Likely. The West London club is playing the game intelligently. The player wants to leave, ergo, a bit of restrain makes sense here, rather than breaking the bank. Things will become really interesting if Tottenham reject this bid as well, with Modric clearly stating previously that Levy has reneged on his promise and he will put in a transfer request if he isn’t allowed to leave amicably. It remains to be seen whether Levy cashes in on the Croatian or takes the risk of keeping an unhappy player within his ranks. We think it will take a third bid in the region of 30-32m for Spurs to let Modric go.
Wolves Sign Roger Johnson
Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson. The Blues have accepted a 7 million pound offer for the player.
THT Verdict: Great signing for the Wolves and a good move by McCarthy. Johnson was a coveted figure at the end of last season when Birmingham went down to the Championship and it was just a matter of time before he was snapped up by a club from the top flight. Wolves have surely taken a step in the right direction in bolstering their defense by acquiring the services of Johnson.
Stoke Sign Jonathan Woodgate
According to Skysports, Stoke City have completed the signing of Jonathan Woodgate on an initial one-year deal. Reports also suggest that the player is on a pay-as-you-play deal with the Potters.
THT Verdict: A good move for Woodgate. The player has been plagued with injuries which have consequently brought him down the ladder in Harry Redknapp’s selection. Ideally, the player would like to get some playing time before he sees an end to his career and Stoke might just be the place where he can do it.
Gokhan Inler officially a Napoli player
The Swiss International midfielder joins the Partenopei from Udinese for an undisclosed fee thus concluding a long running transfer saga.
THT Verdict: Inler is a quality player and will slot right into the centre of the Napoli midfield. Arguably one of the best signing in Serie A this season, Inler is an upgrade over Walter Gargano and the recently departed Michele Pazienza. His signing confirms Napoli’s ambitions for the coming season and may just be the regista Napoli need.
Paris St Germain To Offer 9m for Nicolas Anelka
French club PSG are ready to offer 9 million for Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka. There have been no big name departures from Chelsea as yet and Anelka could be the first.
THT Verdict: Likely. Chelsea will not get a better deal for Anelka, and shouldn’t think twice if newly-rich PSG do come in with a concrete offer to take Nicolas back to his first club. With the West London club looking to reduce the average age of the squad, the departure of Anelka makes sense. The Frenchman has duly justified the 16m Chelsea paid to acquire his services in 2008, now its time to amicably part ways.
Wigan Chairman Wants N’Zogbia Stay
Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has expressed his desire to keep hold of Charles N’Zogbia at the club for the upcoming Premier League season but also admits that it might be difficult to do so given that the player is entering the last year of his contract.
“We have to sell Charles N’Zogbia because he’s on the last year of his contract,” explained Whelan.
“We can’t keep him if a big club comes for him and he does deserve a big club because he’s that kind of quality player. We would love to keep him and pay him what he wants to stay with us but it’s a very difficult situation. He’s such a great player and we are such a small club sometimes we don’t go together.”
THT Verdict: N’Zogbia has grown to prominence at Wigan and has several suitors no doubt. Chances are he will be sold this season before his value goes down in the market unless ofcourse, Wigan tie him down to a new contract which looks unlikely at the moment.
Downing Favours Liverpool Move
According to Skysports, Aston Villa winger Stewart Downing has claimed that he would prefer a move to Liverpool over Arsenal and is hoping for a deal to be concluded soon.
THT Verdict: From the looks of it, majority of the Liverpool diaspora is skeptical about Downing’s arrival after seeing media reports linking Liverpool to Juan Mata. Downing would be a fit at both Arsenal and Liverpool given both clubs have target men in Gervinho and Carroll respectively. However, a player like Downing is a necessity for Liverpool while Arsenal will only seek him as a replacement to Nasri if he does leave.
Jean Francois Gillet joins Bologna
Gillet has been a legend in Bari for his eleven year career for them. The Belgian had often rejected offers from bigger clubs citing his love for the city of Bari. Bari’’s relegation and subsequent financial difficulties prompted his exit.
THT Verdict: Bologna has managed to replace Emiliano Viviano with a ‘keeper who is as good as him. Gillet is an excellent signing for the Rossoblu.