Premier League Transfer Rumors: 16 Bits of Gossip for Nov. 21-27
While the 2010 Major League Soccer season has concluded, the January 2011 transfer window is looming near. Who will end up on top after all is said and done?
Will it be Chelsea? Manchester United? Liverpool? Arsenal? It is always a rat race for one of the most coveted crowns in international club football.
Here are a sweet 16 juicy bits of gossip over the week of Nov. 21-27 regarding some key players in the Premier League.
Manchester City Target Porto Striker Hulk
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Manchester City have reportedly singled out Porto striker Hulk as their major target for the January transfer window. According to reports, City are set to offer £20 million for the Brazilian international, who has been linked with top European clubs, including Manchester United.
The 24-year-old striker has been in top form this season, scoring 11 goals in as many appearances, to guide his team to the top of the Portuguese league. The Porto star has an impressive tally of 16 goals and five assists in all competitions so far this season, and will be looking to improve his record.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini was also eyeing Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko, but had to reconsider because of the £50 million price tag demanded by the German club. At £20 million, the relatively cheaper Hulk would be a much better option for Mancini.
Sources close to the club revealed that the Italian manager has been warned not to spend during the winter transfer window. However, Mancini is desperate to bring in an additional striker to lessen the burden on Carlos Tevez.
Manchester City look set to lose Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa Cruz, who are on their way out after a lack of first-team opportunities. The out-of-favour strikers have made it clear that they wish to leave during the upcoming transfer window.
Hodgson Monitoring Villarreal’s Joan Capdevila
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Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is reportedly monitoring Joan Capdevila, the Villarreal left back who recently rejected a new contract from that club. The 32-year-old will be out of contract next season and Hodgson will be hoping to bring him to Anfield.
Capdevila has been with the Spanish club since 2007, and has built quite a reputation as an exceptional attacking full back. He was looking for a two-year contract, but was only offered a year-long deal by the Yellow Submarines, which is why he is looking to go elsewhere.
Horacio Gaggioli, the player’s agent, told reporters, “There are offers on the table but we're waiting on Villarreal. He's happy there, but he would also like a contract that reflects his work on the field. We will have further talks in the future.”
According to Gaggioli, the player is waiting for a better deal to come along before making a decision. Hodgson will be hoping Capdevila signs for Liverpool, especially considering the prospect of a free transfer. Liverpool are also targeting another left back, Swedish international Oscar Wendt.
Manchester United Mulling Dimitar Berbatov-Gianluigi Buffon Swap
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Manchester United are considering offloading Dimitar Berbatov to Juventus in an exchange deal involving goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, according to the Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 29-year-old Berbatov has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford exit lately with Fenerbahçe also said to be lining up a move for him.
The Bulgarian got off to a storming start to the season, hitting seven goals in six games, but has since gone off the boil.
Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson dropped Berbatov from the Manchester United squad entirely for Saturday's game against Wigan.
He appears to have fallen behind Javier Hernandez in the Old Trafford pecking order, and with Wayne Rooney returning to fitness, Berbatov's first-team opportunities at Manchester United may become increasingly limited.
Manchester United are in the hunt for a 'keeper to eventually replace 40-year-old Edwin Van der Sar .
Adebayor Wants Out To Juventus
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Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor claims he has secured a move to Juventus.
The sulking Manchester City striker insists he will be quitting to join the Italian giants in the January transfer window.
As revealed in Starsport last week, Juve have opened talks with City officials about taking the Togo star on loan with a view to making the deal permanent.
Adebayor, 26, has been limited to just two league starts this term and has had several bust-ups with boss Roberto Mancini.
He was an unused substitute at Fulham on Sunday as Brazilian forgotten man Jo was allowed to partner Carlos Tevez in City’s 4-1 win.
It appears to have been the final straw for Adebayor, who joined City in a £25m deal from Arsenal in July last year.
Adebayor insists he is heading for the Serie A giants, who face City in the Europa League next month.
“I don’t know what I did wrong to Roberto Mancini, but he never makes me play," Adebayor said. "I’m going to change scene during the transfer window in January.
“And I can tell you that City have already reached an agreement with Juventus for a loan. I therefore expect to be able to leave in December.”
Juve already have one non-EU player in their squad – Serb midfielder Milos Krasic.
Serie A rules prevent Italian clubs signing more than one player from outside the EU. It is understood City are willing to let Juve sign him for a cut-price £12m.
Inter Milan Allocate €50m to Sign Arsenal Captain Cesc Fabregas
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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti has allocated €50 million to sign Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, according to Italian reports.
Inter and its under-fire coach, Rafa Benitez, desperately need reinforcements in January, and the Itasportpress website says the club will attempt to prise away the 23-year-old Spaniard.
The summer’s longest transfer saga ended with Fabregas remaining at Arsenal, despite a €40-million bid by Barcelona and a late move by Inter Milan.
Arsenal insisted their skipper was not for sale, but Inter believe the Gunners could be tempted by a huge bid.
Ibrahimovic, Balotelli and AC Milan?
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AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has responded to Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli's declared wish to play with him, by saying that it could only happen at the Rossoneri.
"During the negotiations with AC Milan, he often called me to tell me to come to City," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying in the Italian Corriere Dello Sport. "But I only had the Rossoneri in my mind.
"Sure, I'd love to play with Balotelli. But he must come where I play, that is AC Milan, not the other way around."
"Should he call me? No, he should call [AC Milan Vice-President Adriano] Galliani and come to an agreement with him."
Prior to Italy's friendly against Romania last week, Balotelli said, "One day I will return and play with Ibrahimovic…I don't know in which shirt it will be, but I know it will happen.''
Chelsea to Challenge Arsenal for Gary Cahill Following John Terry Injury
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With John Terry possibly out of action for up to four months, Chelsea are reportedly considering signing a new centre-back, with Bolton's Gary Cahill, who is also being chased by Arsenal and others, top of the list.
The Sunday Mirror claims that Chelsea could have to make to without Terry until March, as he is suffering from a back injury which can be cured only by rest.
With Alex out of the side too and Carlo Ancelotti having chosen not to replace Ricardo Carvalho in the summer, Chelsea's lack of depth in the centre of defence has been exposed.
Cahill has impressed greatly for Bolton over the past couple of years and scored five goals in 29 appearances last season to help haul Owen Coyle's side to Premier League safety.
The defender was thought to be in contention for Fabio Capello's World Cup squad until an arm injury ruled him out for much of the season.
He has since been awarded his first England cap in September against Bulgaria, pushing his buy-out clause up to £17.5 million.
Manchester United to Battle Manchester City for Benfica Left-Back Fabio Coentrao
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According to the UK media, both Manchester City and Manchester United are vying for the signature of Benfica left-back Fabio Coentrao.
The 22-year-old is in his second season starring for Benfica and has hit three goals in 14 games for the Portugese giants so far this term.
Coentrao has the versatility to play anywhere on the left and has the speed and crossing ability to cause problems going forward. He has 11 caps for Portugal to his name so far.
The Sunday Mirror claims that Manchester City are looking to sign Coentrao and if successful, it will mean an end to Wayne Bridge 's Eastlands career. Apparently, Manchester City will make a £20 million bid for the left-back in January.
However, Manchester City will face competition from some of Europe's top sides with Real Madrid and AC Milan among the clubs linked with Coentrao. Another club rumoured to be mulling a bid is City's bitter rivals Manchester United.
Aston Villa Target Arsenal Striker Nicklas Bendtner
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Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will reportedly make a January bid for frustrated Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.
According to The People, Houllier could have as much as £30 million with which to strengthen his squad in January and Bendtner is a major target, especially with John Carew on his way out of Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old Bendtner scored 11 goals for Arsenal in 30 appearances last season and led Denmark's attack at the World Cup. However, he suffered from a groin problem and only became available for selection again within the last few weeks.
In that time, Bendtner has started just two games, with summer signing Marouane Chamakh preferred by Arsene Wenger.
Bendtner expressed his frustration two weeks ago, saying "If the situation doesn't change, if I keep sitting on the bench at Arsenal, I must leave. It's as simple as that."
Bendtner was left out of the Arsenal squad for yesterday's North London derby against Tottenham.
This morning's News of the World claims that Manchester United have made an enquiry about Coentrao in case Patrice Evra decides to leave Old Trafford.
Bolton chairman Phil Gartside admitted last week that he may have to sell some of his stars in January.
However, if Chelsea do want to sign Cahill, they will face competition from a host of top clubs, including Arsenal.
Although Arsene Wenger purchased two centre-backs over the summer, Laurent Koscielny and Sebastien Squillaci, it is thought that he may want to add a solid and relatively youthful presence to the Arsenal back four, with Cahill fitting the bill.
Manchester City Want Real Madrid Centre-Back Pepe
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Manchester City are interested in Real Madrid centre-back Pepe, according to Spanish reports. The Portuguese defender is out of contract in 2012 and extension talks are not going smoothly.
And the Bernabeu outfit would reportedly be willing sell him next summer if there is no breakthrough in negotiations.
Pepe is currently earning €1.8 million a year, and the Spanish Sport newspaper has said that Real president Florentino Perez is not willing to pay him more than €3 million, even at the risk of losing the player.
There were even reports last month of the player holding secret negotiations with Chelsea.
Swansea City Plan Ambitious Loan Bid for Arsenal's Carlos Vela
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Promotion hopefuls Swansea City are looking to boost their ambitions by bringing in Arsenal youngster Carlos Vela.
The 21-year-old has again been limited to brief appearances for Arsenal this season, although he has scored twice against Shakhtar Donetsk and once against Bolton.
Vela came on for Arsene Wenger's side against Braga on Wednesday and was controversially denied a penalty.
Vela has failed to establish himself at Arsenal as yet and according to the Daily Mail, Championship side Swansea City would like to bring him to the Liberty Stadium.
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly keen to secure the services of the Mexican and Chelsea's young striker Daniel Sturridge, especially as Marvin Emnes has returned to parent club Middlesbrough.
Vela has played an impressive 33 games for Mexico, despite being only 21 years old, scoring 9 goals in the process.
Roque Santa Cruz to Blackburn Rovers
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English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers is planning a transfer deal with Manchester City FC in a bid to bring Roque Santa Cruz back to East Lancashire.
Santa Cruz initially made the lucrative move, believed to be worth £17million from Blackburn to City in 2009. However, since his expensive transfer move to the City of Manchester Stadium, the Paraguayan has enjoyed little time on the football pitch.
This is mainly due to a host of other striking options available to City manager Roberto Mancini.
City have lined up an enviable attacking line-up which includes world-class strikers like Carlos Tevez, Emmanuel Adebayor, Joao Alves Jo and Mario Balotelli.
Due to the presence of other quality marksmen, Santa Cruz has struggled to find his name on the team sheet and has only managed 25 minutes of playing time in the Premier League this season. His solitary appearance came while playing in City’s goalless draw against Birmingham City FC in mid-November.
A move back to his former club, Blackburn, may not be off the cards, also considering the fact that the striker’s family resides in the area.
It is reported that the former Bayern Munich star is currently rated at about £4 million, and Rovers will be more than happy to pay the price for a player who scored 29 goals in 57 appearances for The Riversiders.
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has been given the ‘green light’ by the club’s new owners, and Cruz’s signing will be his top priority in the January transfer window.
Rovers have been taken over in a £43 million buy-out by an Indian businessperson. The family, who also own Venkey’s London Limited, have announced that they are keen on investing in new players.
Venky's chairwoman, Anuradha Desai said, “New players will be arriving. Money will be available. We are not a selling club now. We are in the market for good players that can improve the team. We have a commitment to the fans and the club and we will be investing. New players will be arriving.”
The 29-year old striker desperately needs a fresh start with a new club, and a move to Ewood Park might be the only way to save his dwindling career.
Neymar Confirms Chelsea and Manchester United Interest
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Neymar Silva Santos Junior is a player name that’s been doing the transfer rounds for some time now.
Rated at anywhere around £20M – £25M, he is an undoubted talent tipped for potential greatness. The quote below given to the Spanish press is certain to be of interest to fans of both Premiership clubs.
“At the moment I am a Santos player," Neymar said, "but you never know. I follow the Premiership, The Champions League every week and it is true that Manchester United and Chelsea have interest in my services.”
Moyes Would Love to Sign David Beckham
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According to the UK Press Association, Everton manager David Moyes has confirmed he would love to sign David Beckham if the opportunity arises.
Former England captain Beckham, currently with the Los Angeles Galaxy, has had loan spells with AC Milan during the American league off-season over the past two years.
If Beckham decided he fancied a return to the Barclays Premier League, where he made his name for Manchester United, Moyes would be keen to see him at Goodison Park.
"I would hope that if David wanted to come, he would pick up the phone and call me," said Moyes.
"If he wanted to come back to the Premier League, he would only need to phone me or Phil (Neville) and we would be here for him. He knows how to get hold of Phil and he knows how to get hold of me.
"We would have to look into it financially, but if he came and said to me I would like to come and play I would have to go to the chairman and ask if we could do it, if we think we can make it work by selling enough shirts."
Roma Willing to Offer Liverpool Philippe Mexes for Dirk Kuyt
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AS Roma are keen on signing Liverpool midfielder Dirk Kuyt and are prepared to offer the Reds Philippe Mexes in an exchange deal for the Dutchman, according to the Italian Corriere Dello Sport.
The paper says Roma have been monitoring Kuyt for some time but cannot afford his €12 million valuation, so they are willing to throw in French defender Mexes.
Kuyt was linked with an Anfield exit in the summer, with his old boss Rafa Benitez eager to bring him to Inter Milan.
The 30-year-old confirmed there were negotiations with Inter Milan but insisted that he was happy to remain at Liverpool.
Kuyt’s contract with Liverpool expires in June 2012.
'Manchester United Boss Alex Ferguson Contacts Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero
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Manchester United have targeted Atletico Madrid striker Sergio Aguero, with Reds boss Alex Ferguson contacting the player personally in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford, according to German reports.
The Argentine has been in talks with Atletico for weeks about extending his current contract until 2016, but negotiations appear to have stalled.
Inter Milan, Chelsea and Bayern München are also in the race for the 22-year-old, but according to sources cited by the 4-4-2 Web site, Manchester United are prepared to offer as much as €35 million for the player.
Aguero is a prolific striker with incredible dribbling and shooting abilities. He has scored 58 goals in 152 games for Atletico Madrid since joining the side from Independiente in 2006.
He was voted FIFA young player of the year in 2007 and continues to improve his game.
