Another day, another several notable names linked with moves as the start of the summer transfer window edges closer by the day. Which rumors are worth buying, and which would should you throw out with the weekend trash?
England
Liverpool’s Alonso a Manchester City Target?
Manchester City are set to make a bid for Liverpool’s Xabi Alonso, which could be in the range of 18m. (News of the World)
Analysis: Dear Rafa Benitez,
Don’t. Even. Think. About. Selling. Alonso. GOT IT? (And I’m not even a Liverpool fan, by the way.)
That is all.
Signed,
Eddie Griffin
Liverpool to Sign Heerenveen Star Pranjic
Liverpool are close to sealing a 6m deal for Heerenveen midfielder Danijel Pranjic. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Aside from giving Liverpool another option on the left flank, Pranjic offers the versatility to be able to play defensively, so he has a great chance to nail down a favorable place in Rafa’s rotation.
Allardyce Admits Longtime Interest in Portsmouth’s Crouch
Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce has admitted that not only did he seriously weigh up a move for Portsmouth striker Peter Crouch, but he’s also held an interest in Crouch since his tenure at Bolton. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: There’s a good chance that Santa Cruz could be off in the summer, and with Portsmouth’s precarious financial position, Big Sam could finally get his man.
Coventry Interested in Hearts’ Driver
Championship side Coventry City are paying close attention to Hearts winger Andrew Driver. Hearts value the 21-year-old at 2m, but Coventry will try to make a deal happen for less. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Coventry actually made a January bid of 1m, which was rejected, so their offer in the summer will have to be closer to Hearts’ valuation, or they’ll have to go looking elsewhere.
Scotland
Celtic to Move for Newcastle’s Owen?
Celtic are set to offer Newcastle striker Michael Owen a 50k per week, incentive-laden, pay-as-you-play deal. (News of the World)
Analysis: Ambitious offer, and not unreasonable either. Owen’s record is one thing, but his injury problems make giving him a big contract outright a serious risk. This one’s pretty simple – if he plays, and he does well, he earns his money. And Celtic would offer him Champions League football, which he’d no doubt relish. But, because England is likely the first option no matter what, Celtic are probably a long shot at this point.
Spain
Barcelona’x Xavi Laughs Off Real Interest
Barcelona playmaker Xavi has been one of the big names thrown about as part of the Real Madrid presidential promise jabbering, but he’s very, very happy where he is. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: In other words, “dream on, Real.”
Malaga After Barcelona’s #2 Keeper
Malaga are going after Barcelona backup keeper Albert Jorquera, with a view of him being their future #1. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Save for a couple of loan spells, Jorquera has been at Barcelona since his youth, and he doesn’t have much to show for it in appearances. This is an excellent opportunity for him to show what he can do as the #1 for a solid side that could very well be playing in Europe next season.
France
PSG Star Sessegnon’s Future Uncertain
PSG midfielder Stephane Sessegnon has recently been linked with Chelsea, and his agent says said that a summer move could be in the cards, with interest coming from England, Spain, Italy, and Germany. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: In his first season at PSG, the former Le Mans man has played a large role in helping PSG make the quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup and pushing for a Champions League place. PSG would no doubt prefer to hold on to such a key player, but it might all depend on what direction they go with their next manager, and how well they finish the season.
Daily Links
On the latest episode of the Soccerlens Podcast, Stephen Darwin and his guests discuss the Champions League semifinals, the Ligue 1 title race, and much more.
Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea – Chelsea Trounce Gunners to Clinch Third
Chelsea took out their Champions League anger on Arsenal at the Emirates, blasting the Gunners 4-1 to seal third and stay in the hunt for second.
Roy Hodgson Should Be Premier League Manager of the Year
Fulham are in position to make the Europa League, and Roy Hodgson deserves the highest of accolades for the club’s achievements.
The Offside’s Weekend Quiz: African Players
Many African talents have made an indelible mark on European football over the last several years, and if you want to do well on this weekend’s quiz over at The Offside, hopefully they left an indelible mark on your memory.
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