Manchester United & Bayern Munich Eye Lucas
No. It’s not the Lucas of Liverpool. It is Lucas from Santos. The 18 year old winger is said to be a target for Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
THT Verdict: For those who have watched Lucas in action will no doubt agree with the interest coming in from United and Munich. He was also tracked by Liverpool sometime ago but somehow due to passport and visa issues, a deal couldn’t really materialize. However, this is not the only problem that the interested parties could face. Santos have slapped a ridiculous asking price of 72 million pounds on Lucas which leaves very little room for negotiation in the first place.
Eboue Agrees Galatasaray Move
News coming in is that Arsenal full back Emmanuel Eboue has agreed a move to Turkish giants Galatasaray. A bid in the region of 4 million pounds is believed to have been tabled for the player.
THT Verdict: The word’s out at London Colney/Twitter, Eboue might actually move out. With Bacary and Jenkinson sure to be first and second choice respectively, it is almost the end of the road for Eboue, anyways. Until official confirmation from Sky or Arsenal, we can’t assume this deal has gone through.
Liverpool Fringe Players Targeted
Kenny Dalglish has stressed the importance of getting rid of the deadwood at the club and if reports are to be believed, then the Scot is a blessed man as there has been welcoming interest for Christian Poulsen, Dani Pacheco and David N’Gog. Poulsen is wanted by Fulham who have reportedly made a bid of 1.5 million pounds. Dani Pacheco is targeted by Norwich again while Bolton have made a bid of 3 million pounds for David N’Gog.
THT Verdict: These are names that need to be crossed off the list and any interest coming in should, ideally be acknowledged and responded to, by the club. Having already spent over 50 million this summer, the club needs to apply the brakes a little bit before it goes after further signings and selling the players hanging around with high wages versus a null future at the club is something of a roadblock.
Villa Agree N’Zogbia Fee
Fresh reports coming in state that Aston Villa have agreed a fee for Wigan Atletic winger Charles N’Zogbia believed to be in the region of 9.5 million pounds.
THT Verdict: A really good signing by Aston Villa. For the money they have got out of the Young and Downing sales, bringing in N’Zogbia for 9.5 million pounds is a very shrewd piece of business by the club. Although their spending will not end here, the club has made the right move in bringing in an apt replacement for Downing.
West Brom Close In on Foster
Looks like there is a mass exodus at St. Andrew’s after Birmingham City’s relegation from top flight. It is now reported that the Baggies are close to signing goalkeeper Ben Foster on loan.
THT Verdict: Likely. Foster can survive in the Premier League no doubt and it is the right move by West Brom in not experimenting with someone not accustomed to the league.
Spurs To Loan Out Defender
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has decided to loan out 25 year old defender Bongani Khumalo to Reading. The South African was recruited after an impressive World Cup campaign in 2010.
THT Verdict: Necessary. The player needs to get used to the English game and in order to earn a starting spot amongst the likes of Dawson, King and the rest of the Spurs backline, it is vital that he gains some first team experience in order to build his confidence and improve his technical ability and nous to suit the English game.
Birmingham Face Striker Crisis, Look to Nile Ranger
Having lost all three strikers to injury, Birmingham City boss Chris Hughton has now reportedly turned towards his former club Newcastle United for a favour by bidding for Nile Ranger.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. Newcastle are now struggling to keep hold of their strikers. Following the departure of Carroll and Nolan, the onus is now upon Lovenkrands and Ranger to bring in the goals. Alan Pardew will be quite unwilling to do business on this front.
Barton To Stay Put at Tyneside
Going against certain media reports stating his exit amidst interest from Manchester United, Joey Barton has quickly moved in to pour cold water over any such reports. The player remains confident that he come next season, he will still be a Newcastle player.
Newcastle United have sold couple of their biggest stars in Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan recently and it doesn’t really look like they are making up for their losses. It becomes all the more important that manager Alan Pardew keep hold of his existent team till the transfer season ends. Besides, the club still looking to make a high profile signing to mount a stronger challenge next season.
Pastore Heading Towards the Bridge, Modric Off Chelsea Radar
A move for Argentine playmaker Javier Pastore is arriving closer to completion, according to Palermo vice-president Guglielmo Micciche.
THT Verdict: Likely. Javier Pastore for 30m would be a perfect signing for Chelsea. Chelsea would have a kind of player that they don’t have presently, and the Argentine playmaker would give the West London club a lot of tactical flexibility. Soon Chelsea will have to replace Lampard with a goal-scoring midfielder, and Pastore can be that player. Chelsea CEO Ron Gourlay had stated that the club will sign two players in the next 10 days, and the Palermo midfielder could be one of them. At 22, he is at a perfect age to serve the club for a long time and will even have a good resale value if Chelsea wants to sell him in future.
Jewell Wants Arsenal’s Jay E Thomas
Another one of Arsenal’s young starlets is wanted. This time it is Jay Emmanuel Thomas. Ipswich manager Paul Jewell is set to sign the youngster soon, according to Skysports.
THT Verdict: With a considerable amount of talent already at Arsene’s disposal, he would be tempted to send JET on loan. But, with an ‘attitude problem‘, wherein the striker hasn’t really set the stage on fire with his incredible talent, it remains to be seen if he actually stays at the club. The Tractor Boys could do well with Thomas as a permanent signing with a decent 1+ (Pounds) Mil signing fees.
Caicedo To Make Lokomotiv Move
Former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo is set to join Lokomotiv Moscow from Levante for €10million.
THT Verdict: This deal is a disaster for Levante, who had a miraculous second half of the season under Luis Garcia, last year. The Ecuador international moved to Levante after failing to impress and was quite pivotal to their plans. Bought for a mere €1 million, Levante might gain financially but they will definitely lose a quality player. Caicedo on the other hand will be joining a bigger club and will be a decent addition to the team which secured just 34 goals in 30 league games last season and might help the team to cope with the loss of their top scorer – Oleksandr Aliyev.
Bellamy Doesn’t Want to Go Out on Loan
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy has refused to make a loan move for a second season in a row.
THT Verdict: It is a strange situation at the club for the striker, arguably the best striker for the club in the 2009-10 season, yet going completely out-of-favor on Mancini’s arrival. It would be good for the Welsh striker to make a permanent move out of the club and play first team football before he brings down the curtains on his career.
Boro Wants Arsenal’s Rhys Murphy
According to Skysports, Middlesborough are looking to make a move for Arsenal starlet Rhys Murphy.
THT Verdict: Rhys will certainly be in Arsene’s plan in a season or two. The striker has been a key figure in the reserve team and is certain to feature in the Carling Cup squad if he stays. A loan move sounds more logical, a transfer to a Championship side looks a bit unlikely.