Analysing the Transfer Gossip: 22nd 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?
Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski, 24, will wait to discover whether Manchester United keep Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez before deciding whether to move to Old Trafford.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
What’s the story? Oh will he now? That’s very good of him! Of course, small details like the clubs agreeing a fee or Ferguson desiring him could also be considered?
Does it make sense? It certainly does for Lewandowski. He won’t want to go anywhere that wouldn’t consider him to be a starter. He adds something a little different but he wouldn’t necessarily be the most obvious partner to van Persie. It might also depend whether Rooney’s future lies in midfield.
Is the price right? £30m or so surely?
Will it happen? 6/10 – He’d be a good signing but is he what they need?
Tottenham are keen to sign former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, 25, who has struggled to get into the team at Barcelona this season.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Tottenham’s main enforcer, Sandro, has been badly missed since his injury, with Scott Parker going off a cliff towards completely unusable.
Does it make sense? Not desperately although there is sound logic to it. Spurs need more depth and Song knows the league, great. But, if Song wants first team football that isn’t guaranteed when Sandro returns.
Is the price right? They paid £16m for him and would be happy to get it back but he could probably be got for less.
Will it happen? 3/10 – Spurs like a bargain, which Song isn’t.
Everton boss David Moyes wants to improve his attacking options for next season with a £5m deal for FC Copenhagen striker Andreas Cornelius, 20.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Cornelius has scored lots of goals in Denmark to pique the interest of Premier League clubs and Everton need a striker. Whether it’s Moyes buying him is another matter.
Does it make sense? Kind of. He’s a bit of a stab in the dark having not proven himself in a bigger league but he’s got the right build and some talent.
Is the price right? It’s about right, although it’s still a gamble.
Will it happen? 4/10 – maybe but it could just as easily be a Football Manager type link
Fulham have opened talks about a £5.1m summer deal for Roma goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, 30.
Full story: Goal.com
What’s the story? Fulham have quietly gone about some good business over the last few years and finding a successor to the venerable Schwarzer will be necessary in due course.
Does it make sense? Not convinced. Schwarzer still has a couple of years in him so if they sign Stekelenburg, in what is a bit of a sideways move anyway, they’d have to let him leave. They’ve got other areas that need attention first, I would argue.
Is the price right? £5m seems a hefty fee for Roma’s back up. They could probably shave a couple of million off that.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s agent Mino Raiola has encouraged Juventus to make an offer for the 31-year-old Paris St-Germain striker.
Full story: tuttosport.com
What’s the story? Huh? He’s only just moved to cash rich PSG where he is the unquestioned main man. He’s already been at Juventus and isn’t held in high regard by the fans after forcing his way out in the wake of the Calciopoli scandal.
Does it make sense? No. PSG paid a lot to get him and he is their marquee name. He’s also on a huge wage. Juventus couldn’t afford to pay his wages or a transfer fee and his departure left a nasty taste.
Is the price right? Well over £20m, maybe £25m. That’s just way too much for Juve too afford.
Will it happen? 0/10 – Nope. Je ne comprend pas!
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has called on his board to do all they can to keep top scorer Gary Hooper, 25.
Full story: Irish Examiner
What’s the story? Hooper attracted a massive bid from Norwich in January (£9m!) which they turned down. They might want to cash in this summer if they persuade someone to anti-up that much again, which is unlikely.
Does it make sense? I don’t get the fuss about Hooper. He’s a decent enough player who has scored a good but not Henrik Larsson number of goals in, let’s face it, a poor league. He could be worth a go but there’s better options for the money by some considerable degree.
Is the price right? It’s crazy.
Will it happen? 8/10 – Someone will be panicked in to offering way too much.
Cardiff plan to add Jamie Mackie from QPR and are targeting former players, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Ledley
Full Story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Mackie isn’t a Premier League player. He tries hard but has insufficient quality. Ledley is interesting. He’s done all he can at Celtic and has never played in the Premier League, so a return to the club that developed him is a good idea. Ramsey isn’t popular with Arsenal fans but Wenger has others to get rid of and has a soft spot for his Welshman.
Does it make sense? Ledley yes, the other two no.
Is the price right? Mackie might be surprisingly hard to get as he will be useful for QPR in the Championship so maybe £3m which is far too much. Ledley would be more like £5m which is about right and put your finger in the air to guess Ramsey’s price.
Will it happen? 2/10 – Mackie 7/10 – Ledley 0/10 – Aaron Ramsey