It’s a new week, and in case you were in need of your fill of transfer news and rumors after a weekend that was light on the football (no thanks to the weather), we’re here to help stuff you to the brim with a big batch of Monday transfer tidbits.
From a possible swap deal to kill two birds with one stone for Liverpool, to Portsmouth trying to once again succeed with their buy low, sell high method of business, to a Scottish swoop into the Swedish league, you won’t have any reason to be hungry for more after you’re done with today’s transfer roundup.
And as always, don’t forget to check out our updated transfer lists to see all of the latest confirmed signings from several of Europe’s top leagues.
England
Liverpool Target Jones and Onuoha
According to The People, Liverpool are weighing up a swap deal that would bring Kenwyne Jones to Merseyside and send Ryan Babel to Sunderland.
Analysis: Getting cash for Babel would be fantastic, but adding another quality striker would do them just as well. Considering that Jones seems to be on the open market and that Sunderland are also looking for some new attacking options of their own, perhaps there could be some legs to this one.
Also according to The People, Rafa Benitez is also targeting a loan move for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.
Analysis: Onuoha might have the chance to have more regular first-team opportunities at Liverpool, at least in the short term, than he would at City, but City might not be so willing to nicely assist a rival like that.
Pompey Put £14m Tag On Kaboul
Portsmouth have told would-be suitors Manchester City and Sunderland that they‘ll have to pony up £14m for defender Younes Kaboul. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Kaboul’s a talent, yes, but wanting that much would appear to be trying to take advantage of City and Sunderland’s (though not at the level City can, of course) willingness to throw cash around to help their troubled financial situation.
Duo In For Rodallega
Stoke and Birmingham could be set to battle it out for Wigan striker Hugo Rodallega, who could be up for sale for £10m. (The Mirror)
Analysis: When you’re barely above the relegation zone, selling your top scorer might appear to be mailing it in. However, the funds would help bring in additions that could help Wigan more than keeping Rodallega would.
Fulham Agree Okaka Deal
Fulham have agreed terms with Roma on a loan deal for striker Stefano Okaka, and the deal will go through once Fulham agrees terms with the 20-year-old. (The Sun)
Analysis: With Bobby Zamora out for an extended spell, bolstering their front line quickly was a must for Fulham, and this also serves as a chance for Okaka to build off of a solid showing in the Europa League and show that he is one to watch for the future.
Sunderland Close On Cabanas Deal
Sunderland could soon tie up a deal for Paraguayan striker Salvador Cabanas. The 29-year-old, who has 10 goals in 44 appearances for his country, would arrive on loan for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Cabanas has been a prolific scorer throughout his career, and as is the case with Humberto Suazo, it’s about time he gets a chance to show his skills in a top European league.
Coyle Targets Weiss
New Bolton boss Owen Coyle has his eyes on a loan swoop fro young Manchester City winger Vladimir Weiss. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Weiss has impressed in three Carling Cup appearances, but he needs regular football so that match fitness won’t be an issue ahead of the World Cup, so if that’s on offer at Bolton, this would be a smart move for him.
Wolves Hopeful On O’Hara
Wolves are after a loan move for Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara, but due to O’Hara having had a loan spell at Portsmouth and his couple of appearances for Tottenham prior to the loan spell, a move to Wolves or another Premier League club would need a green light from the Premier League. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Considering that Portsmouth’s financial difficulties were behind O’Hara not being able to stay at the club longer, there shouldn’t be a problem for him to get approval to move elsewhere this month.
Forest Join Moses Race
Nottingham Forest have offered Crystal Palace £3m for highly-rated young forward Victor Moses. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: It’s likely that he’ll wind up moving to an established Premier League side, but it doesn’t hurt to try, especially when there’s the prospect of playing regular Premier League football as soon as next season, which he likely wouldn’t see for a little while if he moved to Manchester City, Tottenham, or Liverpool.
Italy
Napoli Target D’Agostino
Napoli are set to offer 5.5 million euros and co-ownership of midfielder Luca Cigarini to Udinese for midfielder Gaetano D‘Agostino. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: Napoli are on a 12-match unbeaten run that has pushed them into fourth in Serie A, but being able to land D’Agostino – provided he rediscovers last season’s form (and a reunion with former Udinese teammate Fabio Quagliarella could be the thing to do it) – could be just the move that helps tie up a Champions League place.
France
Marseille Confident On Mancini
Though talks with Inter over a loan move for midfielder Mancini were put on hold over the weekend, Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo remains hopeful about being able to wrap up a deal soon. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: A move to Marseille would greatly benefit both club and player. Mancini’s career needs a jumpstart after a disappointing season and a half at Inter, and Marseille’s ambitions would get a real boost from the addition of a proven talent like Mancini.
Scotland
Celtic Sign Hooiveld
Celtic have made their first signing of the January window, as they’ve completed a deal for defender Jos Hooiveld. The 26-year-old Dutchman has penned a three-year deal with the club, and he arrives from Swedish champions AIK for a fee around £2m. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Given the path that Hooiveld taken to get this move, making stops in the Dutch second division, Austria, Finland, and Sweden, it’s safe to say that one thing that Celtic fans won’t have to question about him is work ethic and determination.
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