Piquionne Targeted by Sunderland
Shortly after capturing teenage star Connor Wickham from Ipswich, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is set to continue his summer spending by a possible bid for West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne.
THT Verdict: Likely. Piquionne enjoyed a fairly good campaign in top flight last season and would no doubt welcome a move back to the Premier League. If the reports are to be believed, then Bruce’s confidence in the player shows that Piquionne is still a player who would fit in the English game comfortably.
Long Attracts Liverpool Interest
With all the hype surrounding Reading’s Shane Long, it looks like now Liverpool scouts are also interested in having a look at the player.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. With the imminent arrivals of Bueno and Nacho, it is unlikely that Comolli will go for another striker. Also, Long is 24 years old and this presents itself as a dicey situation for Dalglish of whether to field the player first in reserves or put him directly into the first team and against the big boys of the League.
Pardew Eyes Defoe
News from the Sun is that Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is looking to make a move for Tottenham striker Jermaine Defoe if he fails to land primary target Mevlut Erdinc.
THT Verdict: This move will only happen if Redknapp buys a striker first. However, with the probability of Crouch departing White Hart Lane on a high, Harry will have to weigh his options carefully if he wants to let go of Defoe too.
Liverpool Close To Signing Albacete Star
According to various media reports, the Reds are close to completing a move for Albacete’s 17 year old striker Nacho. The player was on trial with the club earlier in the summer and has impressed the coaches and Dalglish.
THT Verdict: Another good move by Comolli. Liverpool are close to signing Mexican star Marco Bueno and with a move for Nacho in pipeline, there is no doubt that FSG’s strategy of bringing in young blood is showing up. What remains to be seen is when these youngsters will be given a chance by Dalglish. Nevertheless, Nacho and Bueno now will give Dalglish further options to exercise on the striker front.
Aguero To Complete City Move
Latest reports doing the rounds is that Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero is close to completing his 40 million pound move to Manchester City this week. The player is set to be offered a five-year contract at 200,000 pounds per week.
THT Verdict: Well, looks like City have finally got their man. The English Premier League is surely one to watch out for next season and with this latest buy, Manchester City have sent out a clear message that they will be challenging for top laurels including the League title and the Champions League. If Tevez does stay at Eastlands next season then the Dzeko-Tevez-Aguero trio is going to be one tough nut to crack.