Dynamo interested in signing Yuri Zhirkov
“Almost all clubs from the Russian Premier League are interested in the signing of Zhirkov.” he said.
“By now we haven’t contacted neither Chelsea nor the player. It can be suspected how much Anzhi [Makhachkala] or Rubin [Kazan] offered for the player so we know what his price may be around.” – Dynamo Moscow executive director Roman Dyakov
THT Verdict: Zhirkov hasn’t really been able to settle down at Chelsea – injuries, Ashley Cole, Florent Malouda being the main reasons for this. One out of Malouda and Zhirkov could be sold, with Chelsea exploring the market for younger players. Yuri was signed for 18m, and if a Russian club comes in with a 14-15m offer, we might see the player head back to Russia, looking for more playing time – something which will be good for his place in the national team as well. However, if Malouda is sold, Chelsea may not let him leave, irrespective of the offers on the table.
Chelsea Again Linked to Sanchez
Fresh reports in the media today are once again linking Chelsea to Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. As per the Spanish media’s reports, Chelsea have submitted a 40m-fixed bid for Alexis Sanchez, which is substantially better than Barcelona’s 28m fixed plus 11m variables. However, the Catalans have the ‘I want to play for Barcelona card‘. It’s no secret the Chelsea needs a player such as Sanchez who not only can play on the right wing, but can also play centrally behind the central striker. At Barcelona, he would be one of many creative players; at Chelsea, he would be The One. However, it all comes down to the player’s wish and apparently that lies in sunny Spain. However, if a club comes along and offers a better deal to Udinese, like the one reported now, things can change, but at the moment it looks unlikely.
Manchester City Agree Tevez Bid
It has finally happened. Carlos Tevez’ wish of leaving England and returning home to South America has come true with Manchester City accepting a bid of over 40 million from Corinthians. Personal terms are yet to be agreed.
THT Verdict: Two seasons and two transfer requests later, City have finally decided to let their star striker go. No point keeping a player at a club against his wishes and Mancini should and has realized this. They have done a really good piece of business by getting over 40 million for Tevez and there is no doubt this is going into further purchases. We are likely to see Aguero at Eastlands.
Felipe Melo Set to Leave Juventus
Melo was not included in the Juventus squad which travelled to USA for a pre-season tour. He is not injured so in all likelihood this means Melo will be offloaded. Corinthians, Galatasaray and Paris St. Germain are being linked. There were talks about a 27 m Euros + Melo swap deal for Giuseppe Rossi.
THT Verdict: Melo was probably the best player for Juventus last season and its bit of a surprise that he is being sold. However, it seems like he doesn’t fit into new coach Antonio Conte’s formations which is why he is leaving. If he leaves Juventus will need to buy a defence minded central midfielder.