Adebayor rejects move to Zenit
Adebayor has rejected all speculations linking him to a move to Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg.
THT Verdict: That certainly rules out one place where Adebayor can go this summer as he is unlikely to stay at Manchester City after returning from loan from Real Madrid. With Madrid looking unlikely to sign him on a permanent basis, Adebayor’s future still hangs in the balance.
Source: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11679_7004372,00.html
Nani speculated to move away from Old Trafford
The high flying Portuguese is being linked with a move away from Old Trafford ever since the signing of Ashley Young.
THT Verdict: Unlikely. The winger played a crucial role in United’s 19th title last season as he racked up most assists in the league for the season. Although the arrival of Young has increased the competition for places but given Sir Alex’s tendency to rotate players and Ryan Giggs’ reducing role on the wings, Nani would be an important player come next season and is hence unlikely to be sold.
West Brom Join The Race To Sign Ryan Bertrand
West Bromwich Albion are the latest club to show interest in Chelsea left back Ryan Bertrand.
THT Verdict: In Ryan Bertrand and Patrick Van Aanholt, Chelsea have two equally good, young left backs. One of them will be Ashley Cole’s long-term replacement, while it remains to be seen whether the other one would be happy to serve as a back-up, which looks unlikely, considering their talent. Another option is to mold one of them to play further up the pitch. Rather than making this tough decision now, the club would do well to send one of them on loan for a season, again. Ergo, a loan move is more likely than a permanent sale.
Van Der Wiel Wanted At Stamford Bridge
Finding a top quality right-back is one of the main priorities for the 33-year-old Blues boss, and he has been given plenty of cash to do just that this summer. It is believed van der Wiel, currently of Ajax, is the number one target, and the Stamford Bridge club will table an offer of £13million to land the 23-year-old.
THT Verdict: Likely. Jose Bosingwa is expected to leave the club in the summer, having failed to regain his pre-injury form. He has been inconsistent at the back and ineffective in attack. Chelsea need a right-back and Wan Der Wiel, who first rose to prominence during the world cup, will serve as a long term solution. He is 23, and is equally good in attack as he is in defense. At 13m, he would be a steal for Chelsea FC.
Chelsea “Target” David Villa To Stay At Barcelona
“Hopefully I can retire at Barca because that would mean everything has been great for me,” he told the club’s official website. I would like to have the chance to retire at Barca even though I’m only 29. It would be very nice. I want to be at Barca as long as possible.”
THT Verdict: Finally such rumors will stop. At 29, for 40m, Chelsea will not look to Villa to reinforce their striking department. There are younger and better value for money out there in the market. If at all the club is looking for experience, they will retain Drogba and Anelka rather than bringing in the Spaniard.
Source: http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/9707307/
Newcastle and Stoke Close In On Daniel Sturridge
The Daily Mirror is reporting that Chelsea starlet Daniel Sturridge is fielding an offer from Stoke, with Newcastle still interested in taking on the star.
THT Verdict: Unlikely, especially for 6m. In an age where young English players sell for 20-odd millions, Chelsea will never offload Sturridge for the kind of money that’s being talked about in papers. The club knows what the striker is capable of, especially after his exploits at Bolton, and would do well to reject the offers outrightly. No Chelsea player is expected to leave before the new manager, Villas-Boas, has a look at them when the team returns for training on 4th July.
Source: http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/toon-face-fight-for-6m-blues-striker—reports
Rovers Close In on Cisse
Latest reports from England suggest that Blackburn Rovers are leading the race to sign Bundesliga striker Papiss Cisse. Arsenal, Liverpool and Fulham are also said to hold on interest in the player.
THT Verdict: Cisse was the second highest goal scorer in Bundesliga last season and his flair and work ethic has attracted interest from all around Europe. And with Blackburn Rovers now been given the backing of the new owners, manager Steve Kean can confidently venture out in the transfer market. But, we all know how the last Cisse performed in the Premier League, don’t we?
Sunderland Move In On Gardner
According to Skysports, Sunderland have made a bid in the region of 5 million to capture Birmingham City’s Craig Gardner.
THT Verdict: Gardner would be a good addition to the Sunderland squad providing support to their front line comprising Gyan and Frazier Campbell. Sunderland will be looking to maintain their quality in depth after having lost Henderson to Liverpool and Gardner is a value-add in that prospect. The player had a fruitful season at Birmingham last season and at 24, still has a long way to go. As for Birmingham, looks like the blues have dawned on St.Andrews.
Liverpool Make Final 8 Million Offer For Adam
Sources on twitter and the English media are now suggesting that Liverpool have made a final 8 million pound take it or leave it offer for Blackpool midfielder Charlie Adam.
THT Verdict: Charlie Adam has been a long term target for Liverpool and has been coveted by Manchester United too. Somewhat a Alonso-esque type of player, Adam would be useful in helping spread the play and switch sides as and when required. This gives Gerrard more freedom to move up on the pitch and play closer to the striker Suarez and Carroll. Liverpool’s pursuit of Adam does remind one of Dennis the Menace troubling his dear neighbour Mr.Watson isn’t it? Looks like Ian Hollaway will give up eventually.