By Alan Duffy
Transfer Balls: Rounding up the day’s football tittle-tattle so you don’t have to…
Citizens Doing Deal For Delph
The Mirror report that Manchester City are hoping to sign Fabian Delph for just £10million. The Aston Villa midfielder enjoyed a renaissance in 2014/15 and has now forced his way into Roy Hodgson’s England plans. The 25-year-old signed a short-term deal with the Villans in January despite rumours of his departure, but courtesy of a £10million release clause in that very contract, the midfielder could be off to the Eithad in a cut-price deal.
The Citizens are eager to inject some young English blood into their ageing squad and with another target, Jack Wilshere, unlikely to leave Arsenal, Delph may well be lining out for the Mancunian giants in August.
Likelihood rating:
/5
Magpies Swoop For Mitrovic
Newcastle are eyeing a move for Anderlecht striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, according to the Mirror. The Serbian forward bagged 23 goals last season for the Belgian side and now Steve McClaren wants to bring the 20-year-old to St. James’ Park to help re-energise the Magpies’ flaccid forward line.
Newcastle are apparently ready to stump up £12million for the hitman, but face competition for the player from the likes of Swansea City and Portuguese giants Benfica.
Likelihood rating:/5
Sunderland Focus On Lens
Newcastle’s Premier League rivals Sunderland have bid for Dutch attacker Jeremain Lens, according to the Mail. The Dynamo Kiev forward is eager to leave Ukraine this summer and has worked with Black Cats’ boss Dick Advocaat already, when the two were at PSV.
Sunderland have apparently already tabled an £8million offer for the 27-year-old Dutch international, who is able to play out wide or in a central striking role. Lens is hardly prolific, mind, netting just 10 goals in 49 games for Kiev.
Likelihood rating:/5
Spurs Mad For Mirallas
Tottenham are preparing a bid for Kevin Mirallas, according to the Mirror. The Lilywhites failed in their attempt to swap the Belgian wideboy for Aaron Lennon last January but with Lennon impressing in his loan move to the Toffees, Tottenham look set to try again.
The north Londoners are also willing to stump up £7million in a straight cash deal for the attacker, although one wonders whether Mirallas is really the kind of player to fire Mauricio Pochettino’s side back into the top four.
Likelihood rating:/5
Villans Bid For Begovic
Sky Sports (amongst others) tell us that Stoke City have turned down a bid from Aston Villa for Asmir Begovic. The 27-year-old glovesman is about to enter the final year of his current deal with the Potters, with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United as well as Villa circling for the Bosnia-Herzegovina international star. However, Villa will apparently need to return with an improved offer if they are to land the ‘keeper.
Tim Sherwood is eager to give Brad Guzan some competition for the Villa no.1 shirt while Begovic may well be looking for a new challenge. Although not sure he’s leave a side like Stoke for the Villans, who just about dodged relegation last season.
Likelihood rating:/5
The best/worst of the rest:
Arsenal want Chelsea youngster Charley Musonda, Everton boss Roberto Martinez has promised more signings this summer while Swansea are eyeing a move for Portuguese international forward Eder.