Sanchez Most Probably to Barcelona; McLeish Signs for Villa

Alexis Sanchez certainly seems to be the most wanted man in football right now, with top clubs around the world chasing his signature.

Transfer rumours have been linking him with major clubs over the past two years, but they have been reluctant to pay big money for him. The last season, however, seems to have brought the notion amongst clubs that he is finally ready to play for a top club.

The Chilean winger scored 12 goals from 27 matches last season for Udinese, thus propelling them to fourth position in the table. Barcelona and Manchester United are the two clubs now heading the list that includes Manchester City, and Italian Serie A clubs Inter Milan and Juventus. Both are reportedly ready to pay around £30 million, but everything rests on Udinese, who do have the prospect of offering Champions League football to Sanchez next season.

It has been seven years since Arsenal last lifted the Premier League trophy, but so far, only the media has criticised Arsene Wenger's decision to stick with young players. After yet another season without a trophy, the discontent now seems to be spreading into the dressing room as well. Cesc Fabregas was the major transfer story last season, with the Spaniard coming very close to ending his long stay with Arsenal.

Now, Samir Nasri has become the new rebel by admitting that he would consider a move to Manchester United. The Frenchman has only 12 months left on his current contract, which seems to have alerted Alex Ferguson. United are ready to offer the £110,000 a week contract that Nasri is currently demanding, although the chance to win trophies is even more enticing.

Nasri is yet to hold talks with Arsene Wenger, but that is a feeling that he would sign the contract provided Arsenal increase their offer of £90,000 a week.

Transfer stories are not limited to just players alone, and Alex McLeish has proved this by creating shockwaves across the Midlands. McLeish has completed the heavily criticised move from Birmingham City to Aston Villa. Many suspect wages to be the main reason for the Scot moving across town, which would have been just £800,000 per year in the Championship.

Now, McLeish has signed a contract worth £2 million a year, but he faces a tough task ahead to win the Villa fans. Villa fans seem to be more concerned about the style of play that McLeish brings along with him more than the rivalry because of his previous employers.

He has been relatively successful at Birmingham, but also has endured the fair share of miseries as well. He has relegated Birmingham twice in four years, although he has won both the promotion and the Carling Cup, their first major trophy after a long time.

Randy Lerner was extremely concerned about the fans' happiness prior to interviewing Steve McClaren. However, he seems to have realised that the board runs the club, and not the fans. Only time will tell if McLeish will repay his faith.