You know too many days can’t pass without Cristiano Ronaldo being mentioned with Real Madrid, even if he’s already said he’s going to stay at Manchester United.
The in-form winger is in the transfer gossip pages today, but there are several more big names and big clubs to discuss in today’s transfer news and rumors roundup. We’ve got plenty of tidbits from England, Spain, Italy, and France in today’s roundup, so let’s get it started, shall we?
Spain
Real and United Agree Ronaldo Transfer?
Oh here we go again. A respected Spanish news source has claimed that Manchester United and Real Madrid have agreed a £71.5m deal for Cristiano Ronaldo. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Maybe, maybe not, maybe, maybe not. It’s hard to seriously consider anything coming from a Spanish news source, so until something concrete actually happens, this one goes into the trash bin.
England
United Line Up Valencia to Replace Ronaldo
Of course, with Manchester United all set to sell Ronaldo and everything, they need someone to replace him. And apparently United already have a £20m deal agreed (in principle, of course) for Wigan’s Antonio Valencia, provided Ronaldo goes to Madrid. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: This rumor and the one above it go hand in hand, basically. Valencia’s future would seem to lie at either Manchester United or Real Madrid, but it all depends on Ronaldo. For now though, this one goes on the backburner, near the trash bin.
Liverpool Eye £12m Swoop for Middlesbrough’s Downing
It’s looking more and more likely that Middlesbrough are bound for the Championship, and with their drop, some top names could be on the move. One of them could be Stewart Downing, who could be the subject of a £12m bid from Liverpool. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Boro have held on to Downing with all their might for a long time, but relegation could put them in a difficult position. Downing could choose to stay and fight to bring Boro back up, but it’d be hard for club and player to turn down a great offer if it comes in..
Bolton Put £20m Price Tag on Arsenal Target Cahill
If Arsenal want to land Bolton defender Gary Cahill, he’s going to cost the Gunners £20m, according to Bolton manager Gary Megson. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Arsenal will be in the market for a new center back in the summer, and Cahill certainly gets a lot less attention at Bolton than he would at Arsenal. His sale would generate some extra transfer funds for Bolton, but Megson’s clearly intent on keeping his prized asset.
Merseyside Rivals to Raid Ligue 1?
David Moyes and Rafa Benitez could be looking towards France this summer for a couple of reinforcements. Everton are looking at Nice forward Loic Remy (Tribal Football), who has netted 11 times in his first season at the club, while Liverpool are considering a bid for versatile PSG defender Sylvain Armand. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: The £10m price tag for Remy might be a little more than Moyes would like to spend, but he’s certainly a promising young talent, and Everton need to bolster their strikeforce.
As for Armand, he’s yet another PSG man that’s been in the transfer news recently. Looks like they’re going to have a tough time holding on to their key assets in the summer, to say the least.
Fulham Set to Pounce for Darlington Prospect
Young Darlington striker Curtis Main has impressed at a trial at Fulham, and the Cottagers could be set to make an offer for the talented 16-year-old. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: By bolstering their youth ranks with young talents like Main, Fulham are building towards sustained success, and earning a place in Europe will only make them a more attractive option to young talents around England and abroad.
Cardiff Pair to Make Step Up?
After missing out on a chance at promotion, Cardiff could be set to sell two top players to Premier League clubs. Stoke could be set to rival Everton for midfielder Joe Ledley, while Wolves could b leading the queue for striker Ross McCormack. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: It’d be a big blow for Cardiff to lose both of Ledley and McCormack, but the money received could go a long way to strengthening their squad for another promotion push.
Italy
Inter Keen On Chelsea’s Mikel?
Jose Mourinho could be looking to bring one of his former Chelsea players to Inter in the summer, hoping that a £15m bid for midfielder John Obi Mikel could tempt the Blues to sell. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Mikel’s been a key player for Chelsea this season, and Mourinho would be the last person that Chelsea would want to sell to. But, anything can happen.
France
Le Mans Star Wants PSG Move
Le Mans midfielder Mathieu Coutadeur has drawn the attention of the likes of Arsenal with his performances this season, but the 22-year-old says his preferred destination would be PSG. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: PSG raided Le Mans last summer for now-Chelsea target Stephane Sessegnon, and that’s worked out well, so the second time could be a charm as well.
Daily Links
Akon to Be Musical Director for World Cup 2010
American music star Akon is set to lend his talents to the music for World Cup 2010 in South Africa. Way to reach out to a wider audience, eh FIFA?
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Looking to find out who your favorite Premier League club will be playing against this summer? Find it here.
Tuesday Portrait: Paolo Maldini
There are several reasons why Run of Play is one of the best blogs out there, and the Tuesday Portraits are one of them.
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