Doni Also Heading Towards Anfield
Agent of Roma goalkeeper Alexandre Doni has admitted that the player is close to joining Liverpool with just a few details to be sorted with his current club. If the deal goes through, Doni will be joining Liverpool on a Bosman signing on to a two-year contract.
THT Verdict: Excellent. Liverpool have tried and failed in landing an able back-up keeper for Reina in the past. Doni comes in with loads of experience in top flight football and can very well alleviate the coach’s worries of not having a No.2 who can live up to the Liverpool standards.
Liverpool Agree Adam Deal
Latest news across various media sources and social networking websites is that Liverpool have agreed a deal for Blackpool’s Charlie Adam. A lot of see-saw talk was going on between the clubs for the last 2-3 weeks but it all seems to be over now. It is reported that the deal involves a player swap and if it is true, then we might see N’Gog going the other way.
THT Verdict: Great signing for Liverpool. Anyone who followed last season’s Premier League will be well aware of Adam’s abilities. For a long time now, the Reds have been in the hunt for Xabi Alonso’s replacement; and although Adam doesn’t quite possess the finesse of Alonso, he sure does have a great future ahead of him once he comes under the tutelage of Kenny Dalglish. Sir Alex Ferguson himself quoted that ‘Adam’s corners itself are worth 10 million pounds.’
Manchester City Confirm Savic Signing
Partizan Belgrade defender Stefan Savic has agreed upon a 4 year contract at Eastlands and is set to undergo a medical at Manchester City, guardian confirms.
THT Verdict: Great signing for City. Savic is a much sought after player and had started to capture the attention of several clubs across Europe. It is safe to say that City are a bit lucky to land the 20 year-old Montenegro international. What remains to be seen is whether the player is one for the Premier League.
AS Roma Aiming to Sign Erik Lamela
Roma Sporting Director Walter Sabatini is reportedly negotiating a 12 m Euros worth deal for Erik Lamela.
THT Verdict: Lamela is one of the hottest prospects in Argentine football currently. River Plate is under considerable financial strain and will consider selling one of their most cashable assets. Under Luis Enrique, Lamela has every chance of fulfilling the potential that he possesses. For Roma it will be a good deal if they get him for anything less than 15 Euros.
Obi Mikel To Juventus?
It is reported in the media that new Chelsea boss Andre Villa-Boas has made John Obi Mikel available in the transfer market and the first club rumoured to show interest is Juventus.
THT Verdict: Absolutely unnecessary. Right now Juventus don’t need a player like Mikel in the squad. The team has no dearth of central midfielders and should they buy a new one it’s better to focus on players like Vidal who will come for a similar price and is considerably better. Mikel might struggle in the tactical nature of Serie A and Juventus will be making a grave mistake if they spend on the Nigerian.
French Side Lorient Wants Out-of-Favor striker Aliadiere
According to Skysports, Arsenal recruit Jeremy Aliadiere is attracting interest from Ligue-1 club Lorient.
THT Verdict: The former Arsenal striker is out of contract right now, training and playing with the Arsenal Reserves since the last two months. He had a very decent spell in Middlesbrough after he quite Arsenal. The pacy striker can play as Center Forward as well a Right-Winger who can cut in whenever required. Since, fitness would be an issue for him, he can suitable in the French Ligue rather than the Premiership.
Fulham fancy Riise from Roma
London club Fulham FC are looking to bring former Liverpool player John Arne Riise back to England, Skysports reports.
THT Verdict: Former Liverpool Full Back John Arne Riise is entering his last year of contract with Roma. He would fancy playing in London where his brother is plying the trade at this moment. For Fulham, it is a great deal, it will come at a low cost and would mean having a versatile full back like Riise who can double up as Left Winger and would even come handy in counter-attacks and spot-kicks.
Inter Complete Alvarez Signing
Italian giants Inter Milan have completed the signing of Ricky Alvarez after overtaking Arsenal in pursuit of the player. A fee of 1.8 million is said to have sufficed Varsfield. Zanetti’s relations with Alvarez is said to have worked in Inter’s favour.
THT Verdict: A great signing for Inter. They jumped in ahead of Arsenal to clinch the deal for the Argentinian.One club’s loss is another club’s gain. A great addition to the side, he brings in a lot of skill, pace and energy. He is capable of shooting from long range as well as assisting with crosses from the left flank.
Gilardino linked with Valencia
Alberto Gilardino’s days in Fiorentina seem to be numbered as several clubs has been linked to the former Azzurini star in last few days. Valencia is being tipped as the favourites to sign him.
THT Verdict: While Gilardino is not a world class striker, he is a competent player for a team looking to finish in top-4. Fiorentina will be keen to sell him and Valencia can striker a good deal if they get him for anything around 15 million Euros.
Tevez Doubts Future in England Again
Argentine striker Carlos Tevez has reiterated his desire to leave Eastlands yet again. However, with a 50 million pound price tag slapped on his forehead, chances are there will be very few suitors for the Manchester City captain.
THT Verdict: Chances are Tevez’s future might depend on Aguero’s move. If Aguero moves to Juventus, then Real might be an option for Tevez. Or it could be the other way round as well. Aguero recently admitted that Juventus have made an offer for him. It seems, the Tevez saga is set to begin again.
Liverpool’s 15 million Pound Downing Bid Rejected
The guardian reports that Aston Villa have rejected Liverpool’s 15 million bid for Stewart Downing. The player is valued around 20 million pounds and looks Alex McLeish will not go lower than the set price.
THT Verdict: Having already lost Ashley Young to Manchester United, McLeish knows that he will need the greens if he has to bring in two quality wingers if he has to replace Young and Downing. Villa will not budge from their price tag and if Liverpool are reluctant to pay more than 15 million then it is time Comolli & Co look at their other targets.