There are a lot of big names in today’s transfer news and rumors, so keep on reading for tidbits from England, Spain, and Italy.
Spain
Real Madrid Presidential Hopefuls Outline Targets
You know the Real Madrid presidential campaigns are on in earnest when the promises are flying around like gangbusters. While Florentino Perez is talking of not-so-secret secret deals with Cristiano Ronaldo, Cesc Fabregas, and Xabi Alonso (The Mirror), rival Eduardo Garcia has Didier Drogba in mind. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Ronaldo and Fabregas seem to be out of the question, and selling Alonso would be silly for Liverpool, unless Real offer a couple of boatloads of cash. As for Drogba? That could depend on who Chelsea’s new manager is.
Barcelona After Vidic?
According to a Spanish news source, some of Nemanja Vidic’s ‘people’ have contacted Barcelona to see if they’d be interested in a move for the Manchester United defender. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: I don’t see Vidic leaving, but Jonny Evans is waiting in the wings, so United have a ready-made replacement if Sir Alex does allow such a move to happen.
England
United to Move for Ribery?
Kaka may be out of the question for Manchester United, but Sir Alex Ferguson could consider making a 62.5m bid for Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery – but only if Ronaldo does leave. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: If, if, if. That’s a lot of money, but United could sell Ronaldo to Real, buy Ribery, and still have money for at least one more pretty good player.
Premier League Interest in Genoa Duo
Success comes at a price, and for Genoa, their run at a Champions League place could see some of their top talents be targeted in the summer. Two that are in the news today are striker Diego Milito, who has caught Manchester United’s eye (Tribal Football), and 16-year-old prospect Stephan El-Shaarawi, who is wanted by Arsenal. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Milito might not fit the age bracket that Sir Alex Ferguson might prefer, but he certainly knows his way around goal, and he would be an inexpensive alternative to signing Carlos Tevez. And for Arsenal, if getting a jump on El Shaarawi works out as well as it has for the Gunners and a few other youngsters, like the aforementioned Fabregas, the price quoted would be a bargain.
Manchester United Interested in Croatian Prospect Bedalj
United raided Eastern Europe in January for a couple of the region’s top prospects in January, and they could be set to do it again this summer, with Dinamo Zagreb’s Milan Badelj on their radar. (Tribal Football)
Analysis:
Tottenham Interested in Bordeaux’s Chamakh
Several months ago, Tottenham were linked with Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenaghi. Now, Spurs are being linked with an 8m move for frontline mate Marouane Chamakh. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Chamakh, who’s been at Bordeaux his entire career, is having one of his best seasons at the club, and while he’s got the itch to leave (and likes Tottenham), Bordeaux might not be so quick to let him go ahead of a season that could be all kinds of special.
Italy
Cassano to Switch Samp for Juve?
Sampdoria star Antonio Cassano could be making the step back up to one of the big-timers. Juventus could be set to land Cassano for 10m plus starlet Sebastian Giovinco, but who comes in after the impending sacking of Claudio Rainieri could determine whether or when the move happens. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Basket case he may be, Cassano’s a fine player, and he’s having possibly the best season of his career. With that in mind, he’s not going to come cheaply, but he’ll be worth the price – and his quirkiness.
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