With the start of the Premier League season less than a week away, clubs have done most of their summer shopping. However, there are still yet some big deals to be completed. Safe to say, this is when to start expecting the unexpected, because a few twists and turns could be a-comin’.
England
United Making Moves For Mesut?
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said after yesterday’s Community Shield win over Chelsea that he was happy with his squad and didn’t need to make any additions, but he didn’t give a firm answer on the topic of Mesut Ozil, opening the way for speclation by the Guardian and others that a move for the Werder Bremen playmaker could be in the works.
Analysis: Things could get very interesting with this one in the next few weeks, given his conttract situation, his relative inexpensiveness, and who’s been linked with him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s still at Werder when the window closes, but given what he could be for United, they would be wise to act swiftly, if they aren’t doing so already.
Chelsea Consider Cech Cover
According to the Guardian, Chelsea are targeting Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic as a backup for Petr Cech. Given that the 23-year-old Bosnian has been in England since 2003, he would qualif]y as a home-grown player.
Analysis: Though Cech should be fit for the season opener, he has had injury issues at various times throughout the last few seasons, and with both Hilario and Ross Turnbull having their struggles in the preseason, it’s a good idea to nab the most capable cover possible in case Cech goes down for even a handful of matches.
Villa Look To Cool Young Speculation
Aston Villa will look to put an end to speculation linking winger Ashley Young to Tottenham by offering the 25-year-old a new contract. Young, who has less than two years left on his current deal, is already the club’s top earner at 65,000 pounds per week. (The Guardian)
Analysis: I didn’t see the Tottenham rumors coming to anything, but given how easily speculation can unsettle a player, a team, and supporters, especially when there’s already one transfer saga going on, this is a wise move by Villa.
Rovers Ready Guiza Raid?
Blackburn have made a move for Fenerbahce striker Dani Guiza, but former club Getafe are also interested in the 29-year-old. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Blackburn have taken Mame Biram Diouf on loan from Manchester United, and he figures to have a prominent role. But given their lack of production from the front line last season, Sam Allardyce would do well to add a proven talent like Guiza.
Blackpool Close On Sylvestre
Blackpool could today finalize a deal for French midfielder Ludovic Sylvestre, who is set to sign from Czech side Mlada Boleslav on a two-year deal. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: It’s about time Blackpool made some headway in the market. They could certainly do have a little more good luck in the next few weeks on that front, because immense heart alone won’t be enough to keep them up.
Russia
McGeady Set For Spartak Switch
Celtic winger Aiden McGeady looks to have decided to move to Spartan Moscow in a 9.5 million pound deal. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Spartak are in the Champions League, and the Russian Premier League is a very competitive and high quality league, so this is a very good move for him, provided he doesn’t struggle mightily with settling into the new situation.
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