Transfer Rumors: Latest Updates On English Premier League Buzz
The Premiership race is as tight as it's been in recent years, With three of the Big Four--Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea--bunched at the top of the table with the likes of Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. With the mid-season transfer window just days away, rumors have swirled regarding ways teams plan to create separation in the standings.
Naturally, lines are already being drawn. Man U is shopping, and smaller clubs such as Everton, are deciding whether selling or retaining their talent is wisest. Manchester City is expected to juggle its rare wealth of riches to finally find itself at the top at season's end. Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool also look to be player.
Here are the biggest rumors circling the EPL just in advance of the January transfer window opening and surely providing plenty of intrigue. As if the on-field drama hasn't been enough.
Will Tottenham Keep Hold Of Bale?
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Gareth Bale has burst into the conscienceness of England's top league and the top leagues of all of Europe. His performance in the UEFA Champions League and strong work in the EPL has other teams thinking how he'd fit with their sides.
Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has spoken out against selling Bale. He's refuted comparison's to the sales of Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick in recent years and even gave Bale a new contract.
But that hasn't kept clubs such as Manchester United and Inter Milan from scheming. Bale's sharp attacks from the left are crucial in Tottenham's quest to repeat as Champions League qualifiers, but they'll get offers that are tempting at least.
Arsenal Keeps Everyone Guessing On Bendter, Denilson and Fabergas
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Arsene Wenger has denied shopping his own players. And those players have backed up their manager's sentiments. But Arsenal does have valuable assets to shop.
Striker Nicklas Bendter was linked to Italian club Lazio in the form of a loan. Bendter has struggled to find his place behind fellow Dutchman Robin Van Persie and Marouane Chamakh, acquired this summer, who has scored 11 goals.
Now, speculation has arisen that a decision could be made between shipping out Cesc Fabergas or Denilson, both outstanding attacking midfielders, to Barcelona.
Wenger denies it all. Arsenal may stay put, but rumors still hang over the club.
Emmanuel Adebayor May Need a Move
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Manchester City has taken some big swings in the transfer market recently, and not all of them have landed. Acquiring Adebayor's big frame from Arsenal in hopes of adding another attacking threat hasn't worked out as planned.
Instead, City has taken shape with one striker--Carlos Tevez--leaving Adebayor ineffective and unused. He's made eight appearances this season with only four starts.
Adebayor foolishly refused a loan to West Ham United. He could have revived his value and West Ham could use the striking force while trying to avoid relegation. Now, he could be out of the EPL altogether, as Italian club Juventus is expected to come calling.
Liverpool Looks To Make a Splash
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Normally right in the thick of the title chase, Liverpool has experienced a subpar campaign that has players and coaches scratching their heads. It's been rumored that the club is looking outside of Anfield for answers.
Japanese attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda dazzled the world with his free kicks in the World Cup and has been terrific for CSKA Moscow. But talents like this only stay in places like Russia for a short time. Arsenal could be Honda's next stop.
Manchester United May Look To Land Leighton Baines
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Despite Leighton Baines being under contract with Everton FC until 2014 and despite his statements that he is committed to his current sqaud, it won't stop Manchester United from putting its hat into the ring if it so desires.
The 26-year-old defender has played it cool, scoffing at speculation of his departure from the Toffees. But Man U isn't the only suitor. the German Bundesliga's Bayern Munich may be the biggest player in the pursuit of Baines.
Everton manager David Moyes claims Baines is staying put. We'll have to wait and see.
Almunia May Be Looking For a New Home
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Manuel Almunia has proven himself as an elite goalkeeper for Arsenal time and time again. But his elbow injury in September has given his backups a chance to prove themselves and they've been terrific in Almunia's absence.
This has lead manager Arsene Wenger to state that Almunia will have to fight for his spot with the Gunners. With Lukasz Fabianski and Wojciech Szczesny both playing admirably while Almunia heals, his value has diminished to Arsenal, but likely not to other clubs.
Manchester City's Crowded Midfield May See Changes
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With players such as Adam Johnson, Nigel De Jong, David Silva, James Milner and more working to man Man City's midfield, the diminutive Shaun Wright-Phillips may be the odd man out.It's a crowded and talented roster for manager Roberto Mancini to draw from and hasn't looked Wright-Phillips' way much.
The English speedster has only made three appearances in the Premiership this season and could be used by another club. Now City just needs to find suitors looking for a player able to make deep, dashing runs.
Dani Alves May Be On The Move From Barcelona
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Dani Alves, the Brazilian defender, recently rejected a new contract from Barcelona F.C., leading people to believe he may want out. Alves was on the short list of finalists for FIFA Player of the Year and is positively on wish lists around the EPL.
Alves has stated that he's happy in Nou Camp, but he and Barca must reach an agreement that works for both. No clubs have been seriously rumored in pursuit of Alves, but as the transfer window approaches, talks will likely heat up. Sir Alex Ferguson has to be wondering how Alves would look in a Manchester United kit.
Tottenham Thinks It's Landed Steven Pienaar
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In August, Arsenal expressed interest in Everton's Steven Pienaar, but nothing came of it. Now that Arsenal has vaulted itself firmly into the mix at the top of the EPL table, the Gunners could reopen discussions.
However, they may be chasing Tottenham Hotspur at this point, as Arsenal's London rival has leaked that it feels in control and is preparing a 2 million pound offer.
This is also a disappointment to Manchester United and Liverpool who were hoping the addition of Pienaar could benefit them.
Arsenal Will Sign Someone After All
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Arsene Wenger, Arsenal's manager, has kept the media and fans guessing about transfers. First, he left open the possibility that he would sign a big name, which is contradictory to his style. Then, he said such an acquisition would only happen as a result of a serious injury to a current Arsenal man.
But now rumors have mounted that Wenger has his eyes firmly set on Blackburn's Christopher Samba. The back line has been a hodgepodge since the August achilles injury to Thomas Vermaelen. Samba could be the answer in Arsenal's search for a defense that matches its attack.
What Will Be The Result Of The Carlos Tevez Debacle?
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The biggest name that's been firmly in the transfer discussion for some time now is Manchester City's Carlos Tevez. For more than a week, Tevez's transfer request accompanied by a letter to the fans has dominated headlines.
Tevez has since backed off his request, but is the damage irreparable? His play has been as fierce as always, but team unity is a huge question for a City side stockpiled with talent.
Surely, plenty of teams within and out of the EPL would love to add Tevez to their roster.
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