England
Arsenal Offered Portuguese #1
Portuguese side Sporting Braga have approached Arsenal about signing keeper Eduardo. The 27-year-old, who had an impressive showing in Portugal‘s World Cup run, could be signed for £3.4m, which is his release clause. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: As the article says, there would be an odd man out if Mark Schwarzer also joins up at Arsenal, but it could be said that Eduardo fits the bill well as both a short and long-term solution. Eduardo might be short on overall experience, but he’s got a great future ahead, not to mention 10 years on Schwarzer. £3.4m for someone who could be a mainstay in goal for the next several seasons? That’s a bargain.
Sunderland Set For Upson Swoop
Sunderland are getting ready to make a £7m bid for West Ham center back Matthew Upson, according to the Sun.
Analysis: Sunderland bought two center backs last summer in Michael Turner and Matthew Kilgallon, and the end result was a defense that shipped in 37 goals away from home. Steve Bruce has already added Paraguayan center back Paulo da Silva this summer, so if he lands Upson as well, we should expect to see Sunderland much, much better at the back come this upcoming season.
Holloway’s High On Bournemouth’s Brett
Ian Holloway and Blackpool are set to make a £700k bid for highly-rated Bournemouth striker Brett Pitman. The 22-year-old was third on the League Two scoring charts last season with 26 goals, helping Bournemouth make a return to League One after two seasons in League Two. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: To say the least, it’s quite a step up from League Two to the Premier League, and counting on him to have a big impact immediately might be asking a bit much, but with an eye for goal like he has, the future’s certainly bright for him. With a tight transfer kitty, this is a smart signing for both the present and the future.
Boyd Signs On At Boro
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has signed on to join the ever-growing Scottish contingent at Middlesbrough. The prolific 26-year-old has penned a two-year deal to make the move to Teesside. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Well, Rangers and Celtic may never join the Premier League, but with a flock of former SPL players and a Scottish manager in Gordon Strachan, one could say Boro getting promoted would be about as close as it gets.
In all seriousness, Boyd’s signing significantly boosts Boro’s promotion hopes. Having someone who’s as deadly in front of goal as he is just what a side who didn’t have nearly enough of that last season needs.
Italy
Milan Deny Melo Swap Move
There had been talk of AC Milan looking to make a swap deal with Juventus that would see Felipe Melo move to Milan and striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar move to Turin, but AC Milan president Adriano Galliani has denied that such a move is in the works. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: Given that a first season at Juventus that had some bumps and his part in Brazil’s World Cup exit, right now is a hot time to link Melo with a move elsewhere. However, Juve invested a lot in him, and we’ve already seen what Luigi Delneri can do with someone like Antonio Cassano, so even if this is just the beginning of the speculation, I don‘t expect Melo to go anywhere this summer.
Germany
Hamburg Bag New Keeper
Hamburg SV have signed keeper Jaroslav Drobny on a free transfer. The veteran Czech keeper, who was previously also on the books at Fulham and Ipswich Town, was Hertha Berlin’s #1 for the last three seasons. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Frank Rost has been a solid #1 for HSV, who have consistently been one of the better defensive teams in the Bundesliga in his three and a half seasons there, but he’s 37, so his time is short.
Whether or not Drobny’s coming in to push him for the #1 jersey right now or take it over in another season, keeper is one position where you are certainly better off having two experienced, quality players who are both capable of starting at any time.
Portugal
Portugal Land Moutinho
FC Porto have signed Sporting midfielder – and captain – Joao Moutinho. Along with €11m (£9.1m), Sporting receive defender Nuno Andre Coelho in exchange for the 23-year-old, who wasn‘t a part of Portugal‘s World Cup squad. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Well, I think it goes without saying that he won’t receive a positive reception when he makes his return to the Estadio Jose Alvalade next season. As if the captain making a move to an archrival isn’t enough to make the blood boil, the manner in which things apparently went down also might not sit too well with many Sporting fans.
Turkey
Fener Fancy Klose
Fenerbahce are interested in Miroslav Klose, and a bid could soon be forthcoming for the Bayern Munich striker, who’s one goal away from tying Ronaldo for the most career World Cup goals. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: Perhaps Klose has enhanced his opportunities to be more of a presence in Louis van Gaal’s plans next season by having another fine World Cup (minus the sending off against Serbia), but as I’ve said before, the time is right to move abroad.
Is Fenerbahce that place? He’d likely have better options if he so chooses to leave, but for what it’s worth, they would able to offer a handsome salary and the chance to play in the Champions League.
Brazil
Deco Close To Fluminense Switch
Chelsea midfielder Deco could soon wrap up a return to his native Brazil, as Fluminense have revealed that the 32-year-old has already agreed a contract with the club. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Brazil has been a good landing point for the likes of Ronaldo, Robinho, and Adriano, who were all in need of a career rejuvenation when they returned home, and it could do the same for Deco. His time at Chelsea hasn’t gone nearly as well as might have been expected after a hot start at the club, but he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
