Obviously, the big rumor out there is that Kaka has already agreed to terms with Manchester City, with a transfer fee in the neighborhood of £70 million. However, most of the mainstream media has yet to report on this story. As such, we’ll store that one away in the file until it becomes more than just an unsubstantiated rumor.
Instead, we’ll focus on these tidbits. Chelsea might not be sitting out the shopping period after all, but they might have to sell before they can buy. West Ham is also in the selling mode, and it looks like one of their best players could be on the move. The red side of Manchester has been quiet so far, and it looks like it will stay that way. And an AC Milan legend could be on the move yet again.
Bidding War for Silva
One of the hottest prospects in football could be Fluminense center-back, Thiago Silva, who has been offered a contract with Chelsea, and is being chased by Manchester City, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. Silva’s contract expires in the summer, so Fluminese will be looking to offload him.
Analysis: So much for Chelsea sitting out the window. Silva didn’t do so well during his initial go around in Europe, so he could be looking for redemption. He’ll give the club some insurance in case Carvalho is out longer than expected.
Arsenal Wants Kalou
Fresh off breaking Chelsea’s heart last weekend, Arsenal have lined up an £11 million bid for Salomon Kalou.
Analysis: Despite being heated rivals, the two clubs have done business before, most recently in the summer of 2007 when Diarra went to Arsenal from Chelsea. Arsene Wenger likes Kalou and tried to get him over the summer. Chelsea might have to sell off some assets if they want to get David Villa, Thiago Silva, Amr Zaki, or Karim Benzema, and Kalou, who seems to be firmly behind Joe Cole in the Chelsea pecking order, could be a prime candidate to move.
Spurs and Villa in for Ashton?
West Ham could be preparing to hold a fire sale of their own as they try and raise money to pay for the Carlos Tevez judgment. The big name on the list is oft-injured striker Dean Ashton, who was linked with a £15 million move to Spurs over the summer.
Analysis: Buyer beware! Ashton is like the British version of Saha. He’s talented but he’s never healthy. Other names that could be on the move include Nigel Quashie, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte, Calum Davenport, Danny Gabbidon and Jonathan Spector.
Shevchenko On the Move Again?
AC Milan are getting ready to dump Andriy Shevchenko, who made a much ballyhooed return to the San Siro over the summer. Sheva has barely played this year, and he is believed to have handed in a transfer request.
Analysis: Apparently, you can’t go home again. At least not when you’ve stopped being able to score goals. Sheva’s running out of places to go. Why not try MLS? His wife is an American model, after all.
No One’s Leaving — Says Sir Alex
Analysis: While it might not be beneficial to Manucho, Danny Welbeck, Rodrigo Possebon, or Darron Gibson to sit on the bench, it certainly helps the club. United will have a ton of matches from here on out, what with the usual league and cup commitments, as well as a trip to the World Club Championships. They’ll need as many players as possible.
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