Milan in for Kucka?
The interest in the 24 year old Slovak international has been rekindled in the red half of Milan.
THT VERDICT: Not likely. Kucka flourishes in the center midfield position, which is filled to the brim with players at Milan. Inspite of this, even if he does sign for Milan this summer, he will most probably go out on loan. That prospect will not suit Juraj and in all probability, he is likely to stay put where he is.
Source: http://www.rossoneriblog.com/2011/06/28/milan-meeting-with-genoa-for-kucka/
Barcelona Could Return with 35 Million Bid For Fabregas
Looks like Barcelona are prepared to bag Cesc Fabregas this summer, one way or the other. The guardian claims that the club might return with an improved offer of 35 million pounds after an initial bid of 27 million was turned down by the London club.
THT Verdict: If a player doesn’t understand a basic fact that leaving a club where he is the captain, has a cult following and is central to all plan for a club where he would be just one of the lynchpins, if he manages to get enough playing time. At Arsenal, he has a chance to build a legacy. At Barcelona, the legacy is already established. If he doesn’t understand this, Arsenal should try to get the most from the deal. 45m would be a good price for the Gunner captain.
City Eye Partizan Belgrade Starlet
Manchester City have shifted their focus to Partizan Belgrade defender Stefan Savic. An opening bid of 7 million euros is believed to be made for the 20 year old player.
THT Verdict: After chasing the big names in world football, we finally see a name less present in the daily news coming under City’s transfer umbrella. Savic has blossomed at Belgrade after previously being handed a trial at Arsenal and is building a reputation for himself. The player has also attracted interest from Italy and Portugal. Hence judging by the physical nature of the game in these two leagues, it is easy to infer the quality of the player if he will be plying his trade in England.
5-Way Tussle For Neymar?
Reports in worldwide media sources is that 5 clubs have agreed to pay the release clause amount of Santos’ midfielder Neymar. The clubs reported are Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester City and Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.
THT Verdict: When the proposed transfer of Neymar first emerged in the Media, Real Madrid were touted to be the favourites for his signature. However, the presence of 5 other clubs now has indicates not only the financial clout of these clubs but also the talent of the player who is now coveted by several clubs across Europe. Neymar would no doubt be a marquee signing for any team, big or small but Santos are reluctant and will not let go off him on the cheap.
Marseille Could Re-sign Didier Drogba
Marseille president Vincent Labrune has suggested finances could dictate whether the club try to re-sign Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
THT Verdict: Likely. Chelsea has been linked to a plethora of strikers, before and after the arrival of the new coach. Before Villas-Boas came, the names which were doing the rounds were Lukaku, Neymar, Villas, and after his arrival Falcao and Hulk have been heavily linked. Drogba is 33 now, and can be expected to leave, if Chelsea sign another forward, which at the moment looks likely. He had previously expressed his desire to go back to Marseille, where he had enjoyed a fabulous season before signing for Chelsea, and may do so now.
Source: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11668_7008182,00.html
Trio Track Essien
Chelsea’s Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien is for sale and already attracting interest from various clubs. According to UK tabloid Daily Mail, Bayern Munich have now joined AC Milan and Real Madrid in the chase to sign the 28-year-old, who is worth at least 28 million Euro
THT Verdict: This may or may not happen. If Chelsea and Villas-Boas decide to sell him, it would be understandable. In Ramires, they have a similar player, who has settled well in England. Essien, after two injuries, has not been able to regain his form and last season, he mainly played on the basis of past reputation. If a club comes in with a big offer, or offers a player which Chelsea needs more, then it’s likely the Ghanaian will be sold. He is 28 now, and may himself look for one last move of his career, if he is not part of the new manager’s plans.
Stuttgart Defender Attracting Interest
According to Skysports, Tottenham is the latest club to have registered an interest in Stuttgart’s German defender, Serdar Tasci. The player also has admirers from Italy and Spain.
THT Verdict: Stuttgart suffered a terrible season in the top flight last season and it is rumoured that Tasci now wants to make a move elsewhere in order to prevent his career going on a decline. Tottenham presents itself as an exciting destination for the player and with Redknapp looking to bolster his defense, Tasci would be a good addition to the squad.
Varane Makes Madrid Move
Real Madrid have signed highly rated defender Raphael Varane from Lens for an undisclosed fee. The player has agreed to a six year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
THT Verdict: At just 18 years of age, Varane has created waves across Europe after emerging as the season’s best performer for Lens who are now relegated from Ligue 1. The player is said to have a strong aerial presence, good dribbling skills and can play in the defensive as well as central midfield slots. Madrid have surely signed a star for the future.
Sunderland Have Wickham Bid Accepted
It is reported that Sunderland have a 13 million pound bid for Connor Wickham accepted by Ipswich Town. The club however, is waiting to listen to other offers from bigger clubs in the Premier League space.
THT Verdict: The battle for Wickham has largely been contested by Sunderland and Liverpool. The Black Cats still have the greens from the Darren Bent transfer and can afford to place a 13 million bid for the player. However, only few would argue that the price is right. Liverpool consider the asking price to be on the steeper side and may be unwilling to pay up 13 million for Wickham’s services. Keeping this in mind, Sunderland do look as favourites.