Stoke Eye Matt Taylor
The Potters’ boss Tony Pulis is looking to bolster his squad by acquiring the services of Bolton’s Matt Taylor, according to Skysports.
THT Verdict: Likley. Taylor has a good amount of Premier League experience under his belt and would no doubt be a good addition to Stoke. With the presence of Kenwyne Jones, a presence like that of Taylor’s will definitely help considering the player has a tremendous left foot to send in those crosses.
Fulham Sign John Arne Riise
London club Fulham have completed the signing of former Liverpool player John Arne Riise from AS Roma.
THT Verdict: A great signing by Fulham. Riise was a fantastic player while at Liverpool and is considered a legend in Liverpool folklore. The player has Premier League experience and will no doubt be a value-add to Fulham. A good move by new manager Martin Jol.
Koncheskey Joins Leceister City
Liverpool flop Paul Koncheskey has joined Sven Goran Erikkson’s Leceister City for 1.5 million.
THT Verdict: A news that Liverpool fans were waiting for surely. Paul Koncheskey, who was Hodgson’s buy, was one of the many flops at the club last season. Now with the arrival of new owners and a strong financial clout, Liverpool are sure to venture into the market to hunt for fresh talent who would fill the left back void. On the other hand, the club is making the right moves in order to get rid of the deadwood and Koncheskey is the first of many.
Chelsea To Make a Move for Cahill
New boss Andre Villa-Boas is reportedly set to make a move for Bolton’s Gary Cahill upon John Terry’s advice.
THT Verdict: There is a slight possibility of this move, if some reports are indeed true and Alex is on his way to Bayern; however, the fact that Cahill is English will make his fees shoot up and paying close to 20m for the Bolton centre-back doesn’t make perfect sense. Especially after selling someone asl good as Alex for 10-odd millions. This move is unlikely.
Spurs Bid For Granero
According to Dailymail, Tottenham Hotspurs have made a 12.3 million pound bid for Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero. The news, if true, would imply the exit of Luka Modric to Chelsea.
THT Verdict: Unlikely; but is a good deal for Granero and Spurs. Currently, Granero is in the US with the Real Madrid team for their pre-season tour and his inclusion in the team means that Mourinho is looking to keep him next year. But, Granero will be a utility player next year as he has very stiff competition. This deal, if happens, will be great for a player of Granero’s caliber who can hold onto the ball and move the ball in the right direction. And, Mourinho has admitted that Granero would be perfect for the tip in a diamond formation. Considering that Spurs play a 4-4-2, Granero could be an invaluable addition to the squad. But, we believe that it would be very difficult to sign Granero as he is has no intention of moving out from Real Madrid.
Aston Villa Eye Given & Rodallega
New boss Alex McLeish intends to spend the money the club received on Ashley Young’s sale to Manchester United wisely. The Scot has reportedly begun talks with Manchester City in order to engineer a move for Shay Given and at the same time, is looking to lodge a bid of around 15 million pounds for Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega.
THT Verdict: While a move for Given seems possible, Villa’s ambition to land Rodallega would be taking it a little too far. Rodallega was Wigan’s star player last season and played a vital role in ensuring the club’s survival in the Premier League hence it is understood that the club will not let him go unless they are sure to find an able replacement for the player.
Newcastle Eager On Crystal Palace Starlet
According to latest reports, Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has his eye on Crystal Palace right back Nathan Clyne. The England U-20 international has been watched by the Magpies for sometime now and Pardew intends to make a move for the player soon.
THT Verdict: Likely. It would be a good buy for Newcastle considering Clyne is still young blood and would have a lot to offer. Players from the lower leagues haven’t always struggled in the Premier League and hence there is no reason to believe that Clyne will not be a good fit in top flight English football.
Another Left-Back On Liverpool’s Radar?
The Metro reports that Liverpool might be looking at Wayne Bridge to resolve their left back problems. The Reds missed out on their earlier target Gael Clichy who has joined Wayne Bridge at Eastlands.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. After having seen Paul Koncheskey fail to make a mark at Anfield, the Reds are unlikely to make a move for another 30 year old player. There is still time left in the transfer window and Dalglish & Co will no doubt explore and exhaust all their options before turning towards Wayne Bridge.
Liverpool Gain Lead in Cissokho Chase?
Reports today are suggesting that Arsenal have ruled themselves out of the race for Aly Cissokho’s signature which gives Liverpool a chance to wrap up a deal for the full back.
THT Verdict: Likely. However, Liverpool have to act fast if they are to secure Cissokho’s signature. Left back has been a perennial problem for the Reds and for 10 million pounds, Cissokho can be a real bargain.
Ramsey Ready To Fill In Cesc’s Shoes
If Fabregas does the leave the Gunners this season, the club does have the inventory to replace him. And Aaron Ramsey has pointed out just that. The player was injury plagued for most part of last season but has now recovered and is fit to feature in Arsenal’s midfield if their captain does depart for Nou Camp.
‘At the end of last season I was just getting back into the swing of things. I put in a couple of good performances so hopefully now I can have a good pre-season and produce those types of performances week-in, week-out.’ – Ramsey
Pep Optimistic About Landing Cesc
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola remains confident of landing Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas even after the Catalan club had two bids rejected for the player.
It has been a very tough transfer window for Arsene Wenger. Barcelona were always going to come back for Fabregas; that was inevitable. But to add to the Professor’s woes, he now also has to convince Nasri to stay at the Emirates next season. It remains to be seen how the manager handles this situation but few would doubt his ability to take the right decision for the club.
City Turn Down Tevez Bid
When Carlos Tevez’ former club Corinthians bid 35 million for their former star, many thought it would be irresistible for Manchester City to turn this down. However, City have wasted little time in responding to the Corinthians bid. The club has immediately rejected the offer from the Brazilian outfit.
THT Verdict: With Champions League in pipeline for the Citizens next season, the club would want to hold on to their striker as they reach out for laurels. It is going to be tough for any club to nab Tevez this season.
Wolves Close In on Roger Johnson
Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to complete the signing of Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson on Wednesday after agreeing a £7m fee.
THT Verdict: This is expected to happen and will be an ideal signing for Wolves. Although 7 million is a huge price for a club like Wolves to pay, Johnson’s solidity and commitment at the back is unquestionable. He will be the club’s record buy and we expect him to be worth every bit of the money splashed out for him.
Stoke Chase West Ham Striker
Stoke are believed to be prepared to pay an initial £4million with a possible £2m in add-ons to secure Cole’s signature.
THT Verdict: This transfer is likely to happen. This would be a wonderful signing for Tony Pulis’ Stoke City. An English striker that was linked with top clubs a little while ago is a steal at the quoted price. It is a surprise that a bigger club hasn’t gone after him in this transfer window.