We’re less than a week away from the start of the new Premier League season, and though many clubs have solidified their squads for the most part, there are still a lot of moves to come in the next three weeks before the summer transfer window closes.
The two Merseyside clubs looking to be eying up a couple of talented midfielders from abroad, while Hull City are picking up some real steam in the transfer market after hitting brick wall after brick wall for much of the summer. Steven Muoyokolo had to be feeling pretty lonely as the lone name in Hull’s ‘in’ section in our summer transfer lists, but fortunately, he’s finally got a few other new faces to keep him company.
Along with the latest transfer tidbits, we’ve got the latest and greatest from around the football blogosphere to start the week.
England
Liverpool Interested In Honda
Liverpool are one of several clubs tracking VVV Venlo captain Keisuke Honda. The 23-year-old Japanese international midfielder, who can also play at left back, has netted three times in the first two league matches for the newly-promoted Eredivisie side. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: He was the star of VVV’s promotion run last season, and if he can keep up the start that he’s had to the season, it won’t be long before he’s off to a top European club. He’s got a cannon for a foot, that’s for sure.
Everton Chase Sessegnon
Everton could be set to make a £15m move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Stephane Sessegnon. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: As Everton showed last summer with their purchase of Fellaini, they’ll shell out a sizable fee for the right player. From my assessments, Sessegnon fits that category, but you can judge for yourself here.
Kalinic Granted Work Permit
Croatian striker Nikola Kalinic has been granted a work permit to complete his £6m move to Blackburn. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Good for Blackburn to be able to get this done quickly so that he can be able to play a part for his new club in their Premier League debut against Manchester City this weekend. It’s actually a little fitting that his debut could come against City, as he’s filling the hole left by new City signing Roque Santa Cruz.
Hull Agree Hunt Fee & Close On Ghilas
Hull City have agreed a fee for Reading winger Stephen Hunt. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Hull’s attack really suffered when Geovanni stopped performing at the level he was at the start of last season, but having a playmaker like Hunt in the fold will ensure that Hull won’t have to live and die by Geovanni’s form this season.
Also according to Sky Sports, Hull are also close to a deal for Celta Vigo striker Kamel Ghilas, who recently had a 1.7m move to Blackburn fall through.
Analysis: Of course, having a creator and playmaker like Hunt in the squad is made all the better when you have forwards for him to set up opportunities for, and finally Hull are taking care of that need by adding Ghilas and new loan signing Jozy Alditore, who was granted his work permit today. Phil Brown’s side are still going to be looked at as relegation candidates, but their chances for survival have gotten a boost over the last few days.
West Brom Sign Mattock
West Brom have signed England U-21 defender Joe Mattock from Leicester City. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: It was only a matter of time before Mattock left Leicester City, but I figured it’d be for a Premier League club rather than another Championship club.
Spain
Barcelona Admit Fabregas Interest
Barcelona sporting director Txiki Bergiristain has revealed that the club could make an attempt to land Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas next summer, but they haven’t yet asked Arsenal about his asking price. (The Mirror)
Analysis: There’s a chance he could have the itch to leave next summer if Arsenal have another barren season, but even so, it’d take a very, very, very large bid to sign him.
Italy
Fiorentina Sign Zanetti
Fiorentina have sealed a deal for Juventus midfielder Cristiano Zanetti, with Zanetti returning to his former club for a fee of €2m. (ESPN Soccernet)
Analysis: Fiorentina needed to add some steel to their midfield after selling Felipe Melo to Juventus, and they’ve found that and some valuable experience without having to spend much in the acquisition of Zanetti.
Juventus Eye Gago
With Zanetti off to Fiorentina, Juventus are considering a move for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Thanks to the multitude of new faces at Real, Gago’s place doesn’t appear to be guaranteed, despite the fact that he’s been a key player since he arrived. He’s a quality young player though, and Juve would do well to land him.
Germany
Bayern Target Kaladze
Bayern Munich are in talks with AC Milan about a deal for defender Kakha Kaladze. (Goal.com)
Analysis: It wouldn’t hurt for AC Milan to keep Kaladze just to ensure that they have more than enough depth at the back, but he’ll have a chance for a lot more regular first-team football at Bayern.
Daily Links
Chelsea Defeat Man United On Penalties To Win Community Shield
Chelsea thwarted Manchester United’s hopes of winning a third straight Community Shield with a 4-1 penalty shootout win at Wembley yesterday.
Football Media Premier League Fantasy Football League
Don’t forget to sign up for the Football Media fantasy league so that you can get in on the fun (and a few prizes as well).
2009/10 Premier League Table Predictions
The Gaffer at EPL Talk has posted his Premier League table predictions, and it’s sparked quite a debate.
Which Title Race Looks More Interesting?
Cast your vote in the Offside’s poll about whether the title race in the Premier League or La Liga is more interesting.
Is Jack Wilshere Ready For Regular First-Team Football?
Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere has had an impressive pre-season, but is he ready to play a significant role for the Gunners when the real action begins?
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