If you have a thing against strikers (whether you’re a former/current defender or you love 0-0 draws), then you may want to skip today’s roundup, since it’s an especially striker-centric one.
Manchester United have just signed one striker, but they may well not be done bringing new goal-getters to Old Trafford. Meanwhile, there’s no new news on strikers coming into Manchester City, but at least one is on his way out.
What else is going in the world of transfer news and rumors? Check out today’s tidbits here, and make sure you get caught up on all of the latest signings with our summer transfer lists.
England
Obertan Close To United Switch, Huntelaar Next?
Bordeaux winger Gabriel Obertan has undergone a medical at Manchester United ahead of his £3m switch to the club. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: It’ll be interesting to see what United decide to do with him once they sign him, whether they loan him out to Bordeaux or another Ligue 1 side, if they send him to a Premier League or Championship side to prepare him for English football, or if they let him hone his skills with the reserves and see if he’s worthy of a few opportunities come Carling Cup and FA Cup time.
United could also be set to make a €23m bid for Real Madrid striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. (Goal.com)
Analysis: If United do land him, the person that might benefit the most is Dimitar Berbatov, because it could light a fire under him to have a great season with a couple of new strikers in the mix.
Everton Return For Jo
Manchester City striker Jo is set for another loan spell at Everton next season, after spending the second half of last season at Goodison Park. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: It was highly unlikely that he was going to be able to make any real impact at Manchester City next season, so it’s a good move for Jo to go back to Everton. He did well there in his loan spell last season, and with a year of Premier League football under his belt, the best could be yet to come from him.
Wigan Bid For Scotland
Wigan have tabled an offer for Swansea City striker Jason Scotland. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: A large part of Wigan’s struggles in the second half of the season can be attributed to the goals drying up, and if they’re to keep a reasonable distance between themselves and the bottom three, it’s imperative to add some firepower this summer.
Spain
Sevilla Close On Zokora, Target Liedson
Sevilla are closing in on a deal for Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora. Zokora has reportedly agreed a four-year contract, and the two clubs are set to agree on a £7.75m fee. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Looked for a bit like the move might not happen, but this is as great a move as it gets for Zokora. Besides being able to get regular football again, he gets to play in the Champions League.
Sevilla are interested in Sporting Lisbon striker Liedson. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Liedson may be on the other side of 30, but he’s got the pedigree to be able to form the same prolific partnership with Fredi Kanoute that the likely departing Fabiano has. He’s scored at least 15 league goals in five of his six seasons at Sporting, and he’s also been a solid scorer in Europe, with 19 goals in 35 European matches.
Italy
AC Milan Sign Onyewu
AC Milan have signed American defender Oguchi Onyewu on a free transfer. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: I’d have to say that I’m a bit surprised by this one, but there is the opportunity for Onyewu to establish himself at the club and get regular first-team opportunities. If he can do that and acquit himself well in Serie A, that will provide him with invaluable experience ahead of the World Cup.
France
Lyon Agree Lopez Fee
FC Porto have accepted Lyon’s €24m bid for striker Lisandro Lopez. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Usually Lyon are big sellers and not big spenders, but if Lopez’s track record is any indication, is going to prove himself well worth the investment.
Bordeaux Move For Senderos
Bordeaux are ready to make a £5.2m move for Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: This would be a good move for both sides. Bordeaux would get a defender who’s still young but has a wealth of experience at the highest levels, and Senderos would get Champions League football and a chance at regular football with World Cup qualifying and the World Cup in mind.
Turkey
Besiktas Go For Quaresma
Besiktas are set to table a £9m offer for Inter Milan winger Ricardo Quaresma. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Besiktas would offer Champions League football and the chance to earn himself a move back to one of Europe’s elite leagues, but a return to Portugal could well be in the cards. He could certainly do a lot worse, like rotting on the bench at Inter.
Russia
Zenit Bid For Pandev
Zenit St. Petersburg have made a £12m bid for Lazio striker Goran Pandev. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: They’d certainly be able to give him a nice-sized deal, but it may be hard to lure him if he’s looking to play in the Premier League or for one of Serie A’s top sides and get Champions League football.
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