By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Van Persie Primed For Fenerbahce
Robin Van Persie’s proposed move to Fenerbahce has moved a step closer to actual happening, according to the Mail. The Dutch striker is keen on a move away from Old Trafford with a regular first-team berth no longer guaranteed.
Fenerbahce have already offered the Red Devils £4.7million for the 31-year-old, but this falls some way short of United’s £10million valuation. However, in all likelihood, the former Arsenal man will be leaving Manchester this summer, with Turkey the likely destination.
Likelihood rating:
/5
Chelsea Chase Chile Star Aranguiz
The Telegraph tells us that Chile star Charles Aranguiz is on the verge of a move to Chelsea. The 26-year-old was one of the stars of Chile’s triumphant Copa America campaign this summer with his performances in a central midfield catching the eye of Jose Mourinho.
The Internacional star had apparently been eyed by a number of Euro-giants including Arsenal, but with the Blues matching his £16.1million valuation, a deal looks likely.
Likelihood rating:/5
Liverpool and West Ham Eye Up Abdennour
The race for the signature of Monaco centre-half Aymen Abdennour is hotting up, according to the Express, with both Liverpool and West Ham interested in the Tunisian. The Monaco defender impressed for the Ligue 1 giants last season, with his performances in the Champions League against Arsenal catching the eye of a number of clubs.
The Express (via Spanish newspaper AS Diario) quotes an Abdennour ‘family member’ who says: “As of today, Abdennour has no favourite. Milan, West Ham and Liverpool have shown interest, but he wants to wait for an agreement between clubs before taking a decision.” However, with the likes of Atletico Madrid also sniffing around the 25-year-old, just where he’ll end up remains a bloody big mystery.
Likelihood rating:/5
Gunners Fail In Higuain Heist
Those totally 100% trustworthy Metro folk, tell us that Arsenal have had a megabucks offer for Gonzalo Higuain rebuffed by Napoli. The Gunners apparently offered £43,3million for the Argentinian striker, despite his woeful appearance in the Copa America final, but to no avail.
The bid was dismissed by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiism but the Gunners may (possibly) return with another offer for the player they almost signed a couple of seasons ago. However, with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott at the club, one wonders if Arsene Wenger would splash out that much cash on another striker.
Likelihood rating:/5
Stoke Go For Given
The Irish Independent reports that Stoke are looking to snap up Shay Given. The veteran glovesman was expected to join Middlesbrough after leaving Aston Villa this summer but apparently Mark Hughes has thrown his hat into the ring.
The 39-year-old has already lined out for Middlesbrough in a loan spell in 2013/14 and ‘Boro moss Aitor Karanka is keen to secure the services of the Republic of Ireland star. However, with Asmir Begovic expected to leave Stoke this summer, the Potters are eager for an experienced replacement. And with the chance to stay in the top-tier, Given may well eschew Karanka and move to the Britannia Stadium.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Bournemouth are eyeing a move for Saint-Etienne attacker Max Gradel, Man Utd remain confident they’ll sign Morgan Schneiderlin before their US tour while Spurs flop Roberto Soldado looks headed back to Spain.