By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Iker Itching For Emirates Move
Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas is talking up a move to Arsenal, according to the Sun, in a transfer which could see the Spanish giants finally go for Manchester United’s in-form glovesman David De Gea. The Sun gets its scoop from Spanish journalist Josep Pedertol, who said: “Iker Casillas is very clear, he wants to go to England at the end of the season.” The journo then Tweeted that the 33-year-old World Champion favoured a move to the red half of north London.
With Wojciech Szczęsny out of favour at the Emirates and David Ospina looking nothing more than a decent back-up ‘keeper, Arsene Wenger will no doubt be eyeing a bona fide No. 1 this summer. But at 33 years of age, is Casillas a little too old?
Likelihood rating:
/5
Adnan Headed To Everton
Remember those heady days when Manchester United wunderkind Adnan Januzaj was the subject of a media campaign to get the Brussels-born attacker to pledge allegiance to the England side? Well since then, the 20-year-old’s career has rather stalled and now the Express tells us that the winger is headed to Everton in a loan-deal.
Under Louis van Gaal, Januzaj has struggled to get adequate playing time and with Belgian national team coach Marc Wilmots suggesting that the youngster needs to become a regular starter with his club if he is to flourish with his country, a move to Goodison could be the sensible option. Indeed, the Express even suggests the Red Devils aren’t ruling out a permanent deal either.
Likelihood rating:/5
Red Devils Ready For Radja
Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport claims that Liverpool-target Radja Nainggolan is now set for a move to Old Trafford this summer. The 26-year-old Belgian has been a bright spark in Roma’s disappointing season and is looking for a new challenge.
The all-action midfielder would add some much-needed bite to the Red Devils’ midfield, and would compliment the likes of Ander Herrera in the centre of the pitch. A £29m fee is being quoted which seems like pretty decent value for the former Cagliari man.
Likelihood rating:/5
Bolasie Bringing All The Clubs To The Yard
The bunfight for Yannick Bolasie is growing, according to the Mirror, with Everton, Newcastle and Stoke all entering the race for the in-form wideman. Rated at £15m, Bolasie has apparently even consulted his mate Didier Drogba about his future plans.
Considering Crystal Palace bought the DR Congo attacker for just £300,000 from Bristol City, the south London club would be making quite a nice little profit on the player. However, Eagles’ boss Alan Pardew will no doubt he hoping to hold on to one of his star performers ahead of next season.
Likelihood rating:/5
Serie A Summer Move For Samir
Out of favour in recent months, Samir Nasri may well be part of a summer clear-out at the Etihad, with Roma a potential destination for the French playmaker. The Manchester Evening News reports that the Serie A giants are pondering a move for the 27-year-old who hasn’t started a league match since Cthe Citizens’ 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in early March.
Rudy Garcia’s Giallorossi have endured a poor campaign and the French tactician will be eager to bolster his under-performing squad. A world-class player on his day, Nasri has too often failed to deliver on a consistent basis, but a move to Italy could help kickstart his career.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Chelsea are mulling over a move for Atletico Madrid’s £43m-rated Antoine Griezmann, Arsenal are on verge of signing Charlton wunderkind Joe Gomez while Newcastle are now also in for much-coveted Middlesbrough striker Patrick Bamford.