Even though the new Premier League season has gotten underway, several clubs are still very much looking for squad reinforcements.
Everton and Aston Villa have rounded out the top six each of the last two seasons, but if both are to maintain their lofty places, it looks apparent that a few purchases need to be made after both laid eggs at home to start the new campaign.
As it happens, both are mentioned in today’s roundup, and so are a few other sides who got off to winning starts. Keep it locked here for all of the latest transfer news and rumors, and make sure you keep updated with all of the latest confirmed signings with our summer transfer lists.
England
United Return For Shawcross?
According to The People, Manchester United could make a move for Stoke defender and former United prospect Ryan Shawcross, who’s also been linked with Liverpool.
Analysis: Shawcross has been very impressive in his time at Stoke, and United would do well to add more quality depth at the back, given the injury concerns they had last season and have started this season with. United have first option on him, so that puts them at an advantage.
Arsenal Target Van der Vaart
The Daily Mail says that Arsenal could make a move for Real Madrid attacker Rafael Van der Vaart, who could be available for just £6m.
Analysis: Not that they exactly need to add more firepower, judging by Saturday’s merciless mauling of Everton, but it certainly wouldn’t hurt their cause if they added Van der Vaart, who would be a real steal at £6m.
Everton Interested In Guti
Goal.com says that Everton could make an offer of €10m for veteran Real Madrid midfielder Guti.
Analysis: Though he’s no spring chicken, Guti still has plenty in the tank, and I think he’d be a hit at Goodison Park. But even though his playing time may not be as plentiful as it was previously due to the new arrivals at Real, it’s hard to see him being all that keen on leaving the club.
Villa Eye Warnock
Aston Villa are weighing up a £7m move for Blackburn left back Stephen Warnock. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: After that woeful home performance against Wigan yesterday, I don’t think this will be the only target on Martin O’Neill’s list over the next few weeks.
Sunderland Close On Mensah
The agent of Lyon defender John Mensah expects the Ghanaian international to wrap up a season-long loan move to Sunderland today. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Sunderland were solid at the back in recording a clean sheet in Saturday’s away win at Bolton, but defense is certainly one area where it doesn’t hurt to have as much quality depth as possible.
Stoke Move For Huth And Collins
With Shawcross potentially close to an exit, Stoke are looking for someone to fill the void that he’ll leave. One Daily Mail report says that West Ham could be set to sell James Collins to Stoke in a £5m deal, while another Daily Mail report says that Middlesbrough’s Robert Huth could arrive for £2.5m this week.
Analysis: Can’t really go wrong either. Both have proven their worth in the Premier League,
Spain
Zaragoza To Snatch Negredo?
Hull could be in for heartbreak with their pursuit of Real Madrid striker Alvaro Negredo. It looked like Hull were favorites to land Negredo, but Real Zaragoza have made their move, and Spanish reports say that Negredo could sign with Zaragoza as early as tomorrow. (Goal.com)
Analysis: It’d be pretty disappointing for Hull to miss out on Negredo, because he could have a massive impact for them, but it wouldn’t be surprising, given Hull’s mostly poor luck this summer when it comes to buying strikers.
Italy
Roma In Toni Talks
The agent of Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni says that Roma have made contact about a move for his client. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Toni is currently sidelined due to an Achilles injury, but when he returns, things don’t look too favorable for him to have a regular starting place again, so it’s no surprise that he’s been in the transfer news so much this summer.
Germany
Hertha Close On Voronin?
According to News of the World, Hertha Berlin are ready to pay £3m to seal a permanent deal for Liverpool striker Andriy Voronin.
Analysis: Voronin did come on as a sub in today’s match against Tottenham, so he may still have some place in Rafa Benitez’s plans, but if he’s looking for regular first-team football, his best option is Hertha, no doubt.
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