Analysing the Transfer gossip (23rd March) – Saturday special
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?
Manchester United want to sign Benfica’s Argentine defender Ezequiel Garay, 26, for £15m.
What’s the story? Manchester United have been linked with various defenders including Garay in the past. The Argentine has been in stellar form during Benfica’s unbeaten season.
Does it make sense? Not massively. I’m not convinced Garay would be a great fit for the Premier League. But having said that, he would be useful for them in Europe where his comfort on the ball would come in handy.
Is the price right? £15m is about what it would take but it’s a fair chunk of change.
Will it happen? 5/10 – He just doesn’t fit in the Premier League but Ferguson has his heart set on the big eared cup, so he might make a luxury move in pursuit of that. Plus, Ferdinand might be on his way.
Super-rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala are showing interest in Manchester City’s unsettled midfielder Yaya Toure, 29.
What’s the story? Anzhi have lots of money. This would be the acid test of Yaya’s motivations. Sure, they could offer him unparalleled wages but his agent is saying it’s not about the money. We shall see.
Does it make sense? This makes much more sense for City than Chelsea or Real. If they sell him to Russia, they can get more money and easily say that he’s gone just for the money. They wouldn’t lose face. I don’t get why Yaya would want to do this but money is a powerful thing.
Is the price right? This is the big question. Anzhi could look at Yaya as a statement of intent signing, in the same way that City did when he moved there, and pay a huge fee. There’s no reason for City to take less than £35m.
Will it happen? 7/10 – I can picture this. Anzhi are in a rush and Yaya could do for them what he has done for City.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will reject all offers for French playmaker Yohan Cabaye, 27.
What’s the story? The big boys will be circling around Cabaye who has been the epitome of consistency since moving to Newcastle. There’s no question that he’s their key player so if Newcastle, and Ashley specifically, are serious about competing, then they have to find a way to keep him.
Does it make sense? Well, here’s the thing. Obviously football wise, they really need to be keeping him but their recent success in the transfer market has been founded on buying cheap, selling high and buying cheap to replace.
Is the price right? If Arsenal or Chelsea come in offering £12-15m, it will be hard for them to turn it down. Anything more than that and it will be impossible.
Will it happen? 3/10 – I think he’ll stay. What is in Newcastle’s favour is that there are plenty of player’s in Cabaye’s position on the market in Europe right now at a lower cost. Mind you, he is the known package which explains the premium.
Tottenham have been warned that Roma striker Pablo Osvaldo, 26, is “virtually non-transferable”.
What’s the story? Osvaldo plays as the lone man up top for Roma and has all the physical assets that Premier League clubs desire. He’s a real target man, a box dweller.
Does it make sense? I don’t think so. Osvaldo isn’t exactly a prolific scorer, he’s only got 11 in the league this year. As a hold up man, he’s a good fit but Spurs really need goals more than hold up. They have had trouble putting teams away and have dropped silly points, especially if Bale doesn’t win games for them. They’d be better off pushing for Higuain or Cavani.
Is the price right? Well, considering that he is described as ‘virtually non-transferable’, it’s going to be a lot. A minimum of £15m is just too much for what Spurs need. Osvaldo is perfect for Roma which will increase the price yet further.
Will it happen? 1/10 – This just doesn’t fit Spurs’ recent buying profile. The days of overpaying for players seems to be behind them.
Everton have sent their scouts to run the rule over Real Mallorca and Israel striker Tomer Hemed, 25.
Tomer Hemed (R)
What’s the story? Everton need attacking help; the lack of consistent production up front has hamstrung them in their pursuit of the top 4.
Does it make sense? He’s cheap enough and offers a good physical presence but Everton have that type well covered. He’s only got 8 goals this year in Spain, albeit in a struggling Mallorca team. Perhaps, like Michu, he could be better suited to success in England.
Is the price right? He won’t cost much, maybe £3-4m.
Will it happen? 6/10 – Moyes, if he remains, is constricted by his budget and has to look for these kind of flyers.