Many a football fan around the world is in full-on rejoicing (or relief, for some) mode, with the focus shifting back towards club action on the pitch.
However, there are still more than two weeks to go in the summer transfer window, so there’s still plenty of business yet to be concluded in the market. As always, you can keep up with the latest summer signings with our updated summer transfer lists, and we’ve got the latest top transfer news, rumors, and signings here in today’s roundup.
England
United In For Neuer?
Manchester United could try to pip Bayern Munich to the signature of Schalke 04 keeper Manuel Neuer, with a 5m move in the cards if Bayern don’t up their bid for the 23-year-old. (ESPN Soccernet)
Analysis: Neuer has been a little prone to mistakes, but he’s high on talent and potential. Some might wonder why United would be trying to get such a highly-rated young keeper when they’ve already well-stocked with keepers. Ben Foster would appear to be next in line after Van der Sar hangs up his gloves, but nothing is or should be assured, especially with Foster’s injury problems in mind. Besides that, Tomasz Kuszczak might not be at United much longer if he has his eyes on regular first-team football.
Chelsea Close On Matic, Eye Huseklepp
Chelsea have agreed a 4m fee with MFK Kosice for young Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic, and a deal could be wrapped up in the next few days. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Hopefully they’ll send him out on loan (back to Kosice, perhaps) to ensure that he gets regular first-team football. He’s broken into Serbia’s senior squad, and being able to get regular starts and further impress could help him be in the frame for Serbia’s World Cup squad next year.
Another name on Chelsea’s radar is Norwegian attacker Erik Huseklepp, who plays for SK Brann. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Huseklepp likes long walks on the bench, reading a good book by the fireplace, ice fishing, and scoring from tight angles. Okay, I don’t know about the first three, but the last one is true times a few. He certainly helped his stock yesterday with a Man of the Match performance for Norway against Scotland, in which he scored his first international goal.
West Ham Move For Chamakh
Arsenal have pulled out of the race for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, but there’s still a good chance he winds up in London. Fulham have offered Diomansy Kamara in a straight swap offer, but West Ham have trumped their offer with a bid that includes an initial 4.3m in cash and a 50% sell-on clause. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: That 50% sell-on clause is pretty attractive, because if Chamakh does well in the Premier League, Bordeaux could net a very sizable windfall in a few years.
Brown And Moses On Harry’s Wishlist?
Harry Redknapp is pondering a move for Celtic midfielder Scott Brown, according to The Guardian. The 24-year-old Scot would cost around 8m.
Analysis: Celtic would no doubt be reluctant to let such a key player go with the start of the season and Champions League qualifiers against Arsenal coming up. However, if their Champions League exploits don’t go favorably, a deal could very well happen in the days before the transfer window closes.
Redknapp is also considering a 5m bid for highly-rated Crystal Palace starlet Victor Moses. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Moses is set to be a key player for Crystal Palace this season, but the club are in an unfavorable financial position right now, so selling him for a fairly sizable fee would help raise some much-needed funds.
Sunderland Sign Cattermole
Sunderland have signed Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole. The deal is worth 6m initially, but it could rise to 8m based on add-ons. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: I didn’t think a fee of that size would be able to land him this summer, but with Cattermole’s desire to be reunited with Steve Bruce helped push this one along.
Bentley To Manchester City?
According to a source close to The Spoiler, there’s a 70% chance Tottenham winger David Bentley signs for Manchester City.
Analysis: Bentley wasn’t already in too favorable of a position at Tottenham, and his drunk driving arrest doesn’t help that in the least, so it might not be long before a move is forthcoming.
Hull Land Hunt and Ghilas, Negredo Next?
Hull City have completed the signings of Reading winger Stephen Hunt and Celta Vigo striker Kamel Ghilas (Times Online).
They’re also waiting on a decision from Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo (Daily Mail), who’s expected to choose between Hull and Zenit St. Petersburg as soon as today.
Analysis: Zenit have the lure of more money and European football, but the pull of the Premier League could tip the scales in Hull’s favor.
Blackburn Close On Rothen
Blackburn are closing in on a 2m deal for Paris Saint-Germain winger Jerome Rothen, who could wrap up his move to Ewood Park early next week. (Daily Mail)
Analysis:
Germany
Voronin Back To Hertha?
Hertha Berlin have contacted Liverpool about bringing striker Andriy Voronin back to the club on another season-long loan deal. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Hertha declined to push through a permanent deal for Voronin despite him scoring 11 league goals in 27 appearances for them last season, but
Daily Links
Mexico’s Late Goal Sees Off USA At Azteca
The USA went up early in yesterday’s World Cup qualifier against Mexico, but in the end, it was more of the same old, same old for the U.S. at Azteca.
5 Premier League Youngsters To Watch This Season
EPL Talk takes a look at five Premier League starlets we should have our eyes on this season.
Sport Is A TV Show Premier League Preview
It’s not like your average Premier League preview. It’s better.
10 Ways To Meet Football Players
Want to meet your favorite footballer? Here are a few tips, though some are riskier and more expensive than others.
Add Sportslens to your Google News Feed!
