Redknapp Admits Adebayor
Spurs manager Harry Redknapp has confessed his interest in Emmanuel Adebayor, the player who has a fantastic scoring record against the Spurs.
THT Verdict: With a Peter Crouch exit imminent, it is likely that Redknapp will enter the market for a similar, yet powerful striker. Adebayor would be surplus to requirements at Eastlands and Spurs will have a go for the player soon.
Vargas on Liverpool Radar?
The Liverpool Echo reports that Fiorentina will make an approach for Anfield outcast Alberto Aquilani in the next few days. But a stumbling block could arise in the form of La Viola wanting to take him on loan for a year before completing a deal, as the Reds are keen to offload the £17m flop immediately.
THT Verdict: Uncertain – Our Analysis suggests that it would be in the interest of Liverpool to keep hold of the player. Aquilani, along with Charlie Adam, could fill the creative void that was created when Xabi ALonso left for Madrid. However, the club management would be in the best position to make a call on the player.
Manchester United Pip Arsenal to Campbell Signing?
In what began as a one horse race, Arsenal have now found themselves paying for being frivolous with a move for Joel Campbell. The 19 year-old Costa Rican is a wanted man right now and it seems that the Red Devils have stepped on the pedal to move ahead and sign the player.
THT Verdict: Not happening, the Cost Rican youngster is a highly rated striker, however the last thing the Red Devils need is another frontman. Ferguson is looking to send players like Diouf and possibly Macheda on loans due to the abundance of strikers at Old Trafford, so signing another forward wouldn’t be a priority right now.
Juventus Close To Completing Vidal Deal
According to Gazzeta Dello Sports, Juventus have an increased bid of 12 millon accepted by Bayer for the transfer of Arturo Vidal. The Old Lady has offered the player a 4 year contract amounting to 3 million per year.
THT Verdict: It was just a matter of time before Vidal joined Juventus. He will be a crucial addition following Melo’s departure
Mancini Wants Tevez Exit
The Carlos Tevez has been that has panned for about 2 seasons now and looks like Manchester City Roberto Mancini has had just about enough. The manager has stated that he would prefer Tevez’ exit from the club before the season starts; failure of which will see the Argentine lose his captaincy.
It is hard to see where Tevez will actually land up next season. His move to Corinthians fell through since the club could not agree to the terms laid out by City for the payment of the striker’s services. May be this has what has irked Mancini and he now prefers not to have his star striker and captain at the club.
Routeledge a Wanted Man
Newcastle United’s out-of-favour winger Wayne Routeledge has been attracting interest off late. While newly promoted side Swansea is said to be interested, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest are also reportedly in the running for the 26 year-old.
THT Verdict: Unlikely that Routeledge will leave the Premier League now that he is back to fitness. Lower league clubs Leicester and Nottingham can be ruled out of the race.
Stoke Keen On Crouch
According to the Dailymail, the Potters are plotting a move for Tottenham striker Peter Crouch. Looks like Tony Pulis is looking to bolster his attacking options to maximize returns from set pieces.
THT Verdict: Likely. Crouch is slowly becoming of age and Spurs will look to offload the player while they can get a good price for him. Besides, Redknapp has to bring in a stronger attacking force if he wants to break into the Champions League circuit. Hence, we might be seeing Crouch move to the Britannia stadium prior to the start of the season.
Spurs, Villa Join Pjanic Race
Fresh reports in the media today are reporting that Premier League sides Tottenham and Aston Villa have joined the race for Lyon’s 21 year-old playmaker Miralem Pjanic. Lazio are also said to be interested in the player.
THT Verdict: Tottenham might have a better chance of landing the player than Aston Villa and probably even Lazio. Pjanic has been rooted for big things and if Tottenham can build a squad strong enough to contest in the Champions League again, then the lure will be too hard to resist for the player. Besides, with the Modric saga hanging in the balance, there is no doubt Spurs would explore other options which can replace him.
Liverpool Sell Mavinga, Pursue Bueno
After a rather dismal spell at Anfield, French defender Chris Mavinga has finally departed the club to join French side Rennes. Mavinga joined Liverpool in 2009 but failed to break into the first team under Benitez and Dalglish.
On the other hand, the Reds are now pursuing Mexican U-17 player Marco Bueno. The youngster shone for his country in the recent U-17 World Cup and it is confirmed that the club has offered him a trial.
“We are conducting negotiations with Liverpool and possibly, on August 1, Marco Bueno will pay a visit to Liverpool,” said the club’s vice president.
“We have already practically closed negotiations with them. They want to buy 100% of the rights.”
THT Verdict: With Mavinga, it was a good piece of business by the club since the player was rather unhappy at Anfield. Lack of first team appearances and complaints against the Liverpool bosses of not fostering young, foreign talent left Mavinga frustrated but now he can earn regular first team football at Rennes with his home town serving as an added advantage for his growth.
Bueno is considered one for the future and seeing the success of Javier Hernandez in the Premier League, Liverpool are sure to pounce on any player who can replicate such a form. Comolli has always been on the lookout for young talent as is evident by the transfers conducted so far and signing Bueno will surely be a good move.
Rodney Strasser moves to US Lecce on loan
AC Milan youngster Rodney Strasser has been loaned out to Lecce after a stint of 4 seasons with the club.
THT Verdict: This is a good move for Strasser as it will give him necessary exposure to return to the Milan set-up as a better player. However, this move does not suggest that Strasser is likely to leave Milan, as the player prolonged his contract with the Rossoneri till 2015.