England
Liverpool Call On Another Cole?
The Daily Mail says that Liverpool have made an inquiry for West Ham striker Carlton Cole and have been quoted a price of 12 million pounds for Cole, who’s also been targeted by Stoke City.
Analysis: Liverpool do need to add another scoring option, especially in the event Fernando Torres has more injury problems this season. Cole would be a solid addition, but West Ham could drop a couple million off of that asking price.
Everton Join Remy Race?
The Daily Mail says that Everton could splash 13 million pounds on Nice striker Loic Remy, and to fund the move, the Toffees will sell Yakubu to West Ham.
Analysis: More speculation and still no substance. Not to say that it isn’t plausible- Everton have made a late big-money signing each of the last two summers, and Yakubu would be a tad bit easier for West Ham to land than Remy has been- but I hope I won’t be the only surprised one if the window ends with Remy still at Nice.
Hammers Move For Miralem
However, West Ham might have taken themselves out of the equation for Remy and Yakubu by agreeing a season-long loan deal for Ajax striker Miralem Sulejmani. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Sulejmani hasn’t lived up to expectations at Ajax (certainly doesn’t help that Luis Suarez is, well, Luis Suarez), but he is only 21, and if he has his head on straight, this will be a lot better deal than splashing cash on Remy, Yakubu, or someone else.
Cheyrou On West Ham Wishlist
According to the Daily Mail via reports from France, West Ham have been given the go-ahead by Marseille to make a bid for midfielder Benoit Cheyrou.
Analysis: Cheyrou has been a key player for Marseille in the three seasons he’s been there, and prior to that he starred for two more of France’s top sides in Lille and Auxerre. His wealth of experience and his ability to produce and create goals on a regular basis would make him a great bargain buy for Avram Grant.
Ireland In Villa Talks
Sky Sports says that Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has met with Aston Villa officials today to discuss a move. Ireland has been rumored to be part of City’s potential deal for James Milner, so this could hasten the completion of the long-anticipated deal.
Analysis: It will be a blow to lose Milner, but Ireland will give Villa supporters something to feel good about. Ireland should be a very motivated man this season, and that could pay some big dividends for Villa.
Stoke Swoop For Sunderland Star Jones
According to Sky Sports News, Stoke City are in talk for Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones
Analysis: Not a prolific striker, but he can notch 10-plus goals a season and set up several more, and that could make a difference of a couple of spots in the table for Stoke.
Sunderland Agree Onuoha Deal
Sky Sports says that Sunderland have agreed terms with Manchester City over a deal for defender Nedum Onuoha. The versatile Onuoha will initially move to the Stadium of Light on loan.
Analysis: Another solid defensive addition for Sunderland. Fixing the back line has been the priority for Steve Bruce this summer, and their numerous additions should pay off in better results this season.
Spain
Barcelona Closing On Ozil?
Reports from Spain say that Barcelona have agreed a deal for Werder Bremen star Mesut Ozil.
Analysis: Barcelona is his preferred destination, but we’ll see. Chelsea are also in the race, but he’d have the most immediate impact at Manchester United.
Germany
Schalke Swoop For Robinho?
German media reports say that Schalke could make a bid for Manchester City outcaast Robinho.
Analysis: Robinho would love to return to Santos, but unless City are willing to loan him again, he will have to consider other options. Schalke are in the Champions League and should challenge for the Bundesliga title again, and if they could indeed pony up what City want or close to it, it’d be worth it to consider it. Nothing to get excited about right now though.
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