Roma sign Maarten Stekelenburg
THT Verdict: The departure of Doni meant that Roma lacked a quality player in the most important position of the pitch! In Maarten Stekelenburg, they have a more than competent replacement. The gigantic Dutchman replaced the legendary Edwin Van Der Sar quite well in the national team and there’s no doubt about his quality. Doni had been battling with Julio Sergio for a first team berth and of late wasn’t quite at his best. In Stekelenburg, Luis Enrique now as an assurance at the back. A fabulous move by Roma!
USA have named former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann as their new head coach
THT Verdict: With this appointment, Klinsmann becomes the first non-American coach since the sacking of Bora Milutinovic in 1995. His primary mission would be to help the Yanks to qualify for World Cup 2014. Klinsmann is well aware of the American football system. He went close to be nominated as the coach of the star and stripes in 2006 and later was in consideration to manage LA Galaxy in 2007. Klinsmann, who coached Germany to third position in World Cup 2006, has not worked in a dugout since the day he was sacked from his duties by the Bayern Munich officials following a string of poor performances. Klinsmann will surely relish this new challenge and his wealth of experience could prove to be very handy for the US national team in their future endeavours.
Cash Strapped Everton Eye Johnson Loan
Manager David Moyes is going through a dry spell this transfer window and with a shoestring budget to work with, there is little he can do bolster his squad. Now it is reported that Everton is looking to bring in Manchester City winger Adam Johnson.
THT Verdict: Tough to say if this move will happen. Johnson will be pushed down the ladder with Silva’s presence and the player has previously stated that he would have no qualms in leaving if he doesn’t see a future at Eastlands. However, if Mancini decides to keep him as back-up, then there is not much that the player can do.
Onuoha Targeted by QPR
Newly promoted side QPR are reportedly looking to generate a move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onouha.
THT Verdict: Targeting established and low cost Premier League players is usually a trend noticed in newly promoted teams. The presence of Onuoha in the backline will surely strengthen QPR’s defense. A good move by Neil Warnock.
City Eye Tevez-Eto’o Swap
According to the Telegraph, Manchester City are in talks with Inter Milan over a possible swap deal that would see Samuel Eto’o arriving at Eastlands and City striker Carlos Tevez moving the other way.
THT Verdict: Well, it is rumoured that Tevez’ agent is still trying to manufacture a possible move for the player and if this news is to be believed then it would be a transfer deal benefiting both parties. Eto’o was previously linked with Chelsea and for a brief period of time, Liverpool too. The player would be a good fit in the Premier League no doubt but considering the ages of both the players, Inter will benefit more from this transfer since Tevez is comparatively younger.
Pastore to PSG is a done deal
“As of midnight, Pastore’s sale to Paris Saint-Germain is practically official for €43m. It was well known that the clubs were in advanced negotiations, although Chelsea were still in the frame up until last night. As of Friday evening, at around midnight, we concluded the negotiation process. Pastore’s sale to PSG is practically official for €43m.” – Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini
THT Verdict: Brilliant deal for Palermo. PSG have a player who can turn out to be the next big thing in world football, but they have been made to pay through their nose for acquiring his services. And for Chelsea’s part, it’s good to see the club not allowing someone to hold them for ransom for a change, although they really needed a player such as Pastore. It’s time to look elsewhere and fill the obvious voids in the team.
Ben Foster joins West Bron on loan
“West Brom have signed Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster on loan for the season with Boaz Myhill going in the opposite direction.”
THT Verdict: Great move, although Ben Foster has failed to live up to his huge potential, still the Englishmen is a class act on his day and easily too good for the Championship. Last season West Brom progressed remarkably under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson and replacing the error prone Scott Carson with Ben Foster would be another step on the right path.
Valencia poised for a new deal with Man United
THT Verdict: Valenica’s comeback from injury in the title run in provided the impetus and United went on to regain the Premeir league crown. Good move by the Old Trafford management to tie up the hardworking Ecuadorian on a long term contract.
Villas-Boas has confirmed that Chelsea medical staff had traveled to conduct Oriol Romeu’s medical
THT Verdict: The Chelsea manager had already stated that a fees has been agreed with barcelona and why he wants to sign the young Spanish central midfielder. So, it was only a matter of time. However, flying your medical staff to South America to conduct a medical gives a clear idea that the club wants to waste no more time and wrap up pending deals at the earliest – which is a good sign for the Chelsea supporters.
Roberto Mancini has revealed Manchester City are still looking to sign two more players – a midfielder and a winger – in this transfer window.
THT Verdict: City have had their eyes on Samir Nasri for a long, long time. With his contract negotiations heading nowhere, Wenger and Arsenal will definitely have to take a call – sell him for 20m to United or City, or risk retaining him for an year and then seeing him leave for free! Another player linked to City has been Mata, as the richest club in the world was tipped to make a late bid for the Spaniard and scupper Arsenal’s apparent plans. A swap deal for Tevez with Sneijder going the other way cannot be ruled out. By the time this window is over, Manchester City will be one tough contender, both domestically and in the Champions league – make no mistake about it.