Analysing the Transfer Gossip (24th 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?
Sir Alex Ferguson will build on Manchester United’s 20th title triumph with a £50m spending spree this summer. Everton left-back Leighton Baines, 28, Atletico Madrid forward Radamel Falcao, 27, and Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, 24, are on Ferguson’s wanted list.
Radamel Falcao
What’s the story? Right, so a £50m spending spree that includes a player whose value is £52m on his own in Falcao, another striker on top even of him to add to the four that they have and the more sensible Baines. United will be wary of doing nothing though and sitting back to watch City and Chelsea go wild isn’t an option.
Does it make sense? They could use Falcao or Lewandowski but obviously can’t get both. Baines kind of does but there isn’t much difference with Evra.
Is the price right? Obviously not. Falcao is £52m. He has a hard and fast release clause which Atletico have no reason to back down on. With the Goetze move, Dortmund have £32m in their pockets which means Lewandowski’s price will fly up towards a similar amount and Baines could easily be worth £15m. So these three would be near enough £100m, not £50m.
Will it happen? 7/10 – Falcao: I can see Ferguson spoiling Chelsea’s part after they took Hazard away from him last summer. Plus, it would allow van Persie more license to roam around and cause chaos. 6/10 – Lewandowski: They’ve been linked for a while but Dortmund will be reeling from Goetze going and might dig their heels in. 7/10 – Baines: Ferguson is a known admirer.
Real Madrid are prepared to offer a straight cash deal of £45m or a player-plus-cash deal, which will include either striker Gonzalo Higuain or winger Angel Di Maria, for Tottenham winger Gareth Bale, 23.
What’s the story? If Spurs don’t make the Champions League, Bale might fancy a move. Him opposite Ronaldo at Real is a daunting prospect. Spurs would be delighted at getting either Higuain or Di Maria in return with the cash but not one or the other.
Does it make sense? Not this deal. Bale is a destructive force like no other in England right now but if they can get Di Maria and cash, they would have to seriously look.
Is the price right? No. Spurs want Ronaldo type money. Let’s face it, Torres = £50m, Falcao and Cavani = £52m. Bale is worth more than that. He could easily be worth £60-65m given the decimating nature of his play. However, £30m plus Di Maria would be very hard to turn down.
Will it happen? 0/10 – No.
Manchester City are closing in on 26-year-old forward Edinson Cavani, rated at £60m by his club Napoli, after agreeing in principle terms with the player over a summer move.
What’s the story? The story that keeps on giving for the papers. Cavani is the best possible partner for Aguero and would give City a real edge.
Does it make sense? Yes. He has the physical presence and skill to thrive in England.
Is the price right? If Falcao is £52m, there is no reason to pay more really.
Will it happen? 10/10 – It looks that way.
Striker Lisandro Lopez, 30, has opened the door to a move to Tottenham in the summer after revealing that he is ready to quit Lyon.
What’s the story? He may well have opened the door to Spurs but that doesn’t mean they will want to step into his office.
Does it make sense? No. Noting more than a bench warmer at this stage compared to what they already have.
Is the price right? Maybe £6-8m which is a lot.
Will it happen? 0/10 – Spurs have cut out the overpaying.