And then there were two – Spain slowed the game down and Russians were out of depth in the patience game. Hiddink’s team can go home with their heads held up high and Aragones will now lead Spain against Germany in the Euro 2008 final on Sunday.
Today’s column is a short one – let’s get started:
PSV and Tottenham have reached a 7m deal for keeper Heurelho Gomes, subject to personal terms and a medical.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Spurs have finally got their keeper, so that’s one set of rumours that will die down. Now it remains to be seen who will be Tottenham’s #2, and whether anyone will buy Robinson.
Liverpool have announced that their deal with Udinese for full-back Andrea Dossena will be completed next week.
Rumor Rating: 5 – No snags are expected so Liverpool should wrap up the deal and bring in John Arne Riise’s official replacement in the squad. Thing is – is he good enough?
Liverpool have also been linked with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing, rating at 12m.
Rumor Rating: 2 – Now that Tottenham have signed their fill of wingers-cum-playmakers, I suppose it’s Liverpool’s turn to get linked with Middlesbrough’s most-wanted player. I don’t think Liverpool are seriously interested, but even if they are Boro could price them out and force them to look elsewhere.
Manchester City can’t seem to finalise the Ronaldinho deal (apparently he wants to play for a bigger club) but they’re close to singing CSKA Moscow’s Jo.
Rumor Rating: 3 – We’ve heard this ‘they’re close to’ bit for a month now. Just sign him already.
The Daily Mail suggests Everton want to sell Andy Johnson to raise cash for transfers. Suitors include half a dozen bottom-half Premier League sides.
Rumor Rating: 2 – How much Everton need to strengthen is a different story but if they sell Johnson, who will replace him in the squad?
Miguel Veloso‘s agent has blabbed to the press about how a member of Arsenal’s technical staff have been in touch with his player.
Rumor Rating: 3 – This doesn’t ‘really’ classify as a proper rumour but Veloso would plug a Flamini-sized gap in Arsenal’s squad, that’s for sure.
Liverpool have asked Pompey to pay more money upfront if they want to bag Peter Crouch for 9m.
Rumor Rating: 4 – I expect Redknapp to get his man, although one wonders why Liverpool would need to scrap over pennies? It’s not as if they’re bringing in expensive players…
A Premier League return is possible for Thomas Gravesen – with Stoke looking to bag the former Everton and (gasp!) Real Madrid midfielder and Celtic open to release him on a free transfer.
Rumor Rating: 2 – If Real Madrid buying Gravesen was stupid, so is Stoke paying exorbitant wages for a player who feels that he deserves to be playing with a big club. Better to bring in a young midfielder on loan – it’s not as if Gravesen is going to last for long.
The Times reports that West Ham have talked to Palermo about bringing in Edison Cavani on loan.
Rumor Rating: 3 – You should check out Cavani on Football Manager if you get the chance – good, strong striker with a lot of potential. Don’t see why Palermo would be up for sending him out on loan or why he would come to West Ham – if he’s good enough to be starting West Ham he should be good enough to start for Palermo. Unless West Ham want to buy him, which would be a good idea.
That’s it for today folks – there are a couple of articles going up today about Tottenham and Liverpool in the transfer rumours section, be sure to check them out. Graham Fisher will cover over the weekend and possibly on Monday as well.
You should check out Cavani on Football Manager…what on earth has is stats on a football game got to with how good(or in this case…how shite)he really is?
Freddy Adu and Adel Taarabt go onto become two of the greatest ever players in history of Football Manager…nuff said.
My sentiments exactly. Usually a good website to round off the transfer rumors of the day but spoilt my read with that ridiculous comment. Also Spurs should definitely go in 4 Veloso with Arsenal. Its not the first time we would go toe to toe with Arsenal in the transfer market and come up trumps. Plus we need a solid defensive midfielder and he could b our man.
Greeokos – you are talking shite. When have Spurs ever got the better of Arsenal in the transfer market? Luka Modric maybe? We were interested in him two years ago and pulled out when the money got silly so you come in for him with a higher bid. Don’t kid yourself thinking any player would choose Spurs over Arsenal, like all Spurs fans you are delusional!
You guys are right – I did feel a little silly putting in that comment and in hindsight should have taken it out before publishing.
Not a defense of Football Manager but one could easily point out players that the game has identified pretty accurately.
Having said that, I think Cavani has the physical attributes to succeed in the Premier League, but unless West Ham are buying he’s not going to them.
As for Greekos’ comment – lol. Spurs need more than a solid defensive midfielder, they need a natural leader in midfield. Someone like Ballack (in style, not the player himself). Age + experience + ability. Veloso isn’t the one for you guys. Barry would be, but doesn’t look like you lot are going for him (or that he’d come in any case).
And Moyes confirms that Andy Johnson is not for sale.
Thuram leaves Barcelona for PSG.
adebayor is staying at arsenal
why not west ham????????
i dont want adebayor to stay at arsenal i think hes good but ill rather sell him for 35 mill then get Daved Villa for 30mill
….and then we find out that Thuram has a heart condition so PSG won’t be taking him…
Adebayor for 35 mil?! And Spurs fans are the ones that are delusional?
haha agree with that last comment 🙂