Analysing the Transfer Gossip (18th April, 2013)
There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?
Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul is on AC Milan’s summer wanted list, with the Italian giants lining up a £12m bid. The 25-year-old, who will miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, is under contract until 2017.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Milan have a chronic problem in goal with Abbiati past it, if he ever had it that is.
Does it make sense? Yes. Krul would be a big upgrade and could be affordable.
Is the price right? It’s hard to buy from Newcastle so it could run over £10m which would be borderline for Milan.
Will it happen? 6/10 – Milan aren’t the financial power they once were and Newcastle are tough negotiators but they found money for Balotelli when it was needed so it’s possible.
Alex Song is keen on a return to Arsenal after growing frustrated with his role at Barcelona, according to cousin and former Liverpool defender Rigobert. The 25-year-old moved to the Spanish club from the Gunners last season for £17m but has made just 15 appearances.
Full story: Metro
What’s the story? Surprise, surprise. Song, who was clearly not going to get a place in the Barcelona team but still forced his way out, is unhappy now that he isn’t playing.
Does it make sense? I think the Arsenal ship has sailed for him. Wenger doesn’t do comebacks (unless it’s Henry)
Is the price right? Barcelona have a thin squad and no real need to sell him for a loss. There’s no way Arsenal would pay £17m.
Will it happen? 0/10 – This is so un-Wenger like
Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala want to re-sign Queens Park Rangers defender Christopher Samba – just months after selling the 29-year-old to the west London club.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? QPR are going to have major problems unloading all of their highly paid players in the summer, something I will look at in more detail when they go down, and Samba is the highest paid of them all.
Does it make sense? Comments at the time from Anzhi indicated that they were happy to see him go, so it would be odd if they make a turnaround.
Is the price right? Anzhi couldn’t believe they got £12m when selling, so there’s no way they’d go that high. Maybe £4-5m given it’ll be a firesale.
Will it happen? 3/10 – Not unless it’s very cheap.
Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz is in talks over a move to Brazilian club Botafogo. The 31-year-old has been on loan at Malaga and has also attracted attention from Flamengo.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Santa-Cruz cost City the best part of £20m under the dirge collecting Mark Hughes. Sound familiar QPR fans? The man who cannot spend money. He’s done OK enough in limited time in Spain and Brazil is an enticing prospect.
Does it make sense? He could attract interest from other English and Spanish clubs, but winding down in Brazil sounds nicer than a relegation battle at somewhere like West Ham.
Is the price right? He’s a Bosman free agent.
Will it happen? 9/10 – Very likely.
FA Cup finalists Wigan Athletic want to sign out-of-contract Deportivo La Coruna striker Riki, 32, in a summer Bosman transfer move.
Full story: the Sun
What’s the story? Riki is a big solid central striker who has scored 12 goals for a resurgent Deportivo side in La Liga and looks a good fit for the English league.
Does it make sense? Yes. He’d be a big big upgrade on Franco Di Santo, he even scores goals!
Is the price right? Free is always a good price.
Will it happen? 8/10 – I like this fit.