By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Reds Reel In Clyne
According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are preparing an improved bid for Southampton’s Nathaniel Clyne. The Reds’ initial £10million bid was (not surprisingly) rejected by the Saints but Brendan Rodgers is eager to get his man, and may well stump up the (more than reasonable) £15million wanted by the south coast side.
The departure of Glen Johnson has highlighted the need for a quality right-back replacement, and with only a year left on his current deal, 24-year-old Clyne looks likely to leave St. Mary’s this summer. This one still looks reasonably realistic.
Likelihood rating:
/5
Gunners Back For Draxler
A long-term target for Arsenal, Julian Draxler could now finally be on his way to the Emirates. Or so says the Star. A number of injuries (perfect for the Gunners) have hampered the 21-year-old’s development but he remains one of Germany’s biggest young talents.
Arsene Wenger is reported as readying a £30million bid for the German international, but one wonders if Arsenal really need another attacking midfielder. Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City are also keeping tabs on the youngster.
Likelihood rating:/5
Tottenham Come For Casillas
Iker Casillas may be on his way to White Hart Lane, according to the Independent, who suggest that Reaml Madrid want to get rid of their legendary ‘keeper ahead of the arrival of David De Gea. And with Man Utd apparently looking to replace De Gea with Tottenham’s very own Hugo Lloris, the circle of life will be complete. Or something. All seems a bit too neat and tidy for my liking.
Louis van Gaal has already been strongly linked with a move for Dutch international Jasper Cillessen, so this is probably yet another steaming pile of speculative rubbish. But we love it, don’t we!
Likelihood rating:/5
PSG Move For Cech
A long-time target for Arsenal, Petr Cech could now be on his way to Paris, accoring to the Mirror. The Chelsea ‘keeper was expected to make the move across London to the Emirates, but now the Franco-moneybags are reported to have offered the 33-year-old a whopping £150,000 a week five-year deal.
A move to Ligue 1 would also suit Jose Mourinho, who would rather see Cech leave the country than join a Premier League rival. Watch this space etc.
Likelihood rating:/5
Everton Eager For Deulofeu Return
Sky Sports tell us that Spanish schemer Gerard Deulofeu is headed back to Everton in a permanent deal. The Barcelona-product enjoyed a decent 2013/14 season on loan with the Toffees before Barcelona brought him to Spain. However, the Catalans then loaned the midfielder to Sevilla for the season where he made 28 appearance, netting three goals.
La Liga rent-a-quote Guillem Ballbag has spoken on the deal, saying: “Deulofeu is going to be transferred to Everton. €3m with an option of FCB to re-buy him later on for a price. He didn’t want to go on loan.” At that price, this would seem like good business for Roberto Martinez after a disappointing 14/15 campaign.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Real Betis have snapped up former Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart, Manchester United will have to cough up £35million for Valencia’s Nicolas Otamendi while Spurs are eyeing a move for Chelsea’s Mohamed Salah.