Transfer Balls: Chelsea Chase Lambert, Man City Set For ‘New Mascherano’, West Brom Fancy Afobe

Alan Duffy

5th, May 2015

3 Comments

By Alan Duffy

Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…

Lambert Linked With Chelsea

Quite an odd one this, but according to the Mirror, Chelsea are preparing a summer bid for none other than Liverpool’s Rickie Lambert.  With veteran Didier Drogba headed for the exit door, Jose Mourinho sees Lambert the man to provide short-term back-up for Diego Costa and Loic Remy.

The former Southampton man has failed to set Anfield alight this season and is thought to be ready for a move in the summer. Availabe for around just £5million, the striker would be a risk-free option for the Blues. Still, file this one under ‘fantasy’.

Likelihood rating:piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400/5

Citizens Splurge On Kranevitter

The Mail reports than Manchester City are eyeing River Plater midfielder Matias Kranevitter. The 21-year-old has been likened to Javier Mascherano and has caught the eye of a number of top European clubs (including both Inter and AC Milan as well as City) with impressive displays for both club and country, at U20 level.

With the Citizens eager to inject some youth into their ageing squad, and with Kranevitter holding a European passport, the midfielder would be an ideal summer purchase for City after a disappointing season.

Likelihood rating:piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400/5

Stones Set For Stamford Bridge

The Metro tell us that Premier League champs Chelsea are also planning to swoop for Everton defender John Stones in the summer. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a fine season with the Toffees as well as lining out for England and if a big enough bid comes in for the former Barnsley man, then Roberto Martinez may be open to offers.

Chelsea are expected to offer a whopping £30million for a player Jose Mourinho sees as a long-term replacement for John Terry so this one could be more than just a rumour.

Likelihood rating:piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400/5

Baggies Bounce For Benik

With Premier League survival in the bag, West Brom boss Tony Pulis is now planning for next season, with the Mail reporting that former Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe is in the Welshman’s sights.

Afobe has bagged 32 goals this season for both MK Dons and Wolves and would provide the extra goal-threat Pulis wants at the Hawthorns. Considering he only cost Wolves £2million in January, the Championship side may well be keen to cash in on their striker.

Likelihood rating:piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400/5

Wenger Back In For Cabaye

PSG midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been perennially linked with a move to Arsenal and according to the Telegraph, the move is back on for a £10million fee. The French international has struggled to hold down a regular place in Laurent Blanc’s side and is now eyeing a move away.

With Mikel Arteta in the autumn of his career and Mathieu Flamini expected to leave the Emirates this summer, Arsene Wenger is keen on reinforcing his central midfield, although Cabaye hardly possesses the physical presence the Gunners could with.

Likelihood rating:piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400piesfavicon1_400x400/5

The best/worst of the rest:

Inter Milan himan Mauro Icardi is being watched by Chelsea, Southampton and Watford are keen on Tottenham winger Paul-Jose M’Poku while Swansea want St Etienne left-back Franck Tabanou.

Photo: Getty Images