Inter Eye Chelsea Target
It is reported that the Italian giants Inter Milan have started a bidding war against Chelsea for Ajax full-back Gregory Van Der Wiel. The media suggests that an initial bid of around 7 million pounds is on the table.
THT Verdict: Expect a stronger bid to come through soon. Inter might have started with a lower bid but it might just be to test how cold the water is. They do face some stiff competition for the Dutch player and it remains to be seen where Van Der Wiel moves at the end of the day. Maybe Sneijder’s presence at Inter Milan will give the club an edge over rival competitors.
Blues close in on Pastore swoop
“At the moment it looks as if Pastore will move abroad. Real Madrid and Chelsea lead the race for his services.” – Palermo president Zamparini.
THT Verdict: Likely. If one were to believe Zamparini, then out of the two clubs he mentioned, Chelsea look more likely to sign Pastore. Real have a number of creative midfielders such as Ozil, Kaka, Sahin, and also Canales, while Chelsea are yet to add a player of this nature to their ranks.
Source: http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/54778/Blues_close_in_on_Pastore_swoop.aspx
Aston Villa closing in on £3.5m deal for unsettled Man City stopper Given
THT Verdict: Likely. Given’s game time at City was reduced to almost negligible with the emergence of Joe Hart. With Brad Friedel’s move to Spurs, the spot for the Villa no 1 is surely up for grabs. Shay Given is a proven Premier league performer and the move should suit both the parties concerned. However Given might have to take a wage cut, as Villa cannot possibly offer the same wages as the wealthy Citizens.
Source: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2012514/Aston-Villa-closing-Shay-Given.html
Liverpool to offer Lyon £12m for Brazilian winger Michel Bastos as Dalglish refuses to increase offer for Downing
THT Verdict: It’s unlikely that Bastos will move to England. He has been strongly linked with Juventus for last few weeks. It is being reported that Juve is waiting for him to get his French passport so that his transfer doesn’t block a non-EU slots. On 7th July, his agent made it clear that negotiations with Juventus was moving smoothly. This might be a ploy by Liverpool to bring down Downing price.
Sunderland Complete O’Shea Signing
Another Manchester United veteran, John O’Shea, has completed a move to Sunderland to join former Red Devil Wes Brown.
THT Verdict: Great move for Sunderland as they continue to recruit from the Red Devils. John O’Shea has served the Old Trafford club for more than 8 years and done so with great commitment and passion. However Sir Alex is looking to rebuild and youth seems to be the way forward, however the Irishmen needs constant game time which he will surely get at the Staduim of light. Expect Gison to follow Brown and O’shea, as Steve Bruce looks to reinvest the Henderson and Bent transfer kitty.
Chelsea youngster Jack Cork signs for Southampton
Southampton have signed England under-21 international Jack Cork from Chelsea on a four-year deal.
THT Verdict: Cork has spent around 13 long years at Chelsea. He has captained the Chelsea U18 and reserves team as well. He has also represented England at every level from U16 to U21. However, Cork could not find any first team opportunities coming his way at Chelsea In his own words, “I’ve been wanting to get away for a while and have been waiting for the right move.” He has already spent a season-long loan with the Saints in 2008/09. Since he knows the manager, the set up and the players, he finally decided to pen this deal. Hopefully this deal will serve him right.