By Chris Wright
I am the Rumourrection and I am the life. Here’s the round up…
Has Antonio had his head turned by City?
Rumour No. 1: Roberto Mancini is reportedly planning a sensational shopping trip around the upper echelons of Serie A with Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano said to be the Manchester City manager’s top target. Inter’s flying wingback Maicon and out-of-favour Roma right back Marco Motta are also said to be high on Mancini’s wishlist.
The loan deal to bring Motta to Eastlands is apparently close to completion, as the 23 year old allegedly said his goodbyes to his Giallorossi teammates after Roma’s game against Catania last night.
Wouldn’t you struggle with a steward wedged up your keister?
Rumour No. 2: Struggling Tottenham misfit David Bentley could be offered a lifeline by West Ham. The Hammer’s are keen to take the former Blackburn man on loan until the end of the season.
Fulham are also on stand by, should Bentley decide that he would like to give up the seat in Spurs’ dugout that he has made so adeptly his over the past two years.
The Best of the Rest: Fulham are also hoping to resurrect their loan bid for Roma’s Stefano Okaka. The Italian giants are stalling on the deal as they hold out for a £250,000 loan fee.
In more Fulham news, The Cottagers are looking set to tie up a deal for Egyptian star Mohamed ‘Gedo’ Nagy. The attacking midfielder is also attracting interest from Celtic and Sunderland after some great performances at The African Cup Of Nations.
Tottenham are keen to hijack Eidur Gudjohnsen‘s move to West Ham. Spurs delegates allegedly met the Icelandic star at Stanstead Airport, whilst he was en route to Upton Park, to discuss a move to White Hart Lane.
Liverpool have accepted Lazio’s offer to take young midfielder Damien Plessis on loan until the summer.
Blackburn Rovers have confirmed that Stuttgart midfielder Yildiray Bastürk has joined the club on loan until the end of the season.
Portsmouth hope to take Jamie O’Hara on loan from Spurs again after their transfer embargo was lifted yesterday.
Wolves will make a final £3.5 million bid for Hull midfielder Stephen Hunt today.
Manchester United flop Zoran Tosic has completed his loan move to 1. FC Köln.
Burnley boss Brian Laws has confirmed the club’s interest in signing striker Marcus Tudgay from Sheffield Wednesday.
Newcastle United have confirmed the capture of QPR winger Wayne Routledge and Toon manager Chris Hughton is also keen to take Everton’s James Vaughan on loan until the end of the season.
West Brom have made a £750,000 bid for out-of-favour Stoke centre back Leon Cort.