Monday was another light day on the transfer news and rumors front, but we still do have some top clubs looking to make reinforcements before time runs out.
Defense is still the order of the day, as a few Premier League clubs are in the market for additions at the back, while a couple of top European clubs are looking to add some quality on the flanks.
We’ll be back this evening with all of the day’s top transfer headlines, so hopefully we’ll have a nice amount of tidbits to bring you, and perhaps a few new summer signings as well.
England
Chelsea In For Mexes
Chelsea could make an offer of 14 million euros plus Ricardo Carvalho for Roma center back Philippe Mexes (Goal.com), and a move could also be forthcoming for AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf (Goal.com).
Analysis: Mexes’ agent has already rubbished the Chelsea rumors, and to add to his comments, I don’t see Roma selling another key player this summer after selling Alberto Aquilani. As for Seedorf, I don’t see Milan selling him either.
Liverpool Eye New Center Backs
Liverpool monitored Athletic Bilbao center back Fernando Amorebieta in Bilbao’s match against Barcelona on Sunday evening. The 24-year-old is rated at £10m. (The Sun)
Also on the center back front, Liverpool will have to pay £7m for Dynamo Kiev center back Pape Diakhate, according to the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham might have exposed the need to add reinforcements in other areas, but with injury concerns in mind, Liverpool do need to add quality in the center of defense. You do have to wonder how much more they’ll spend this summer though, after shelling out a lot of money to bring in Aquilani and Glen Johnson.
Everton Target Banega And Kapo
According to the Daily Post, Everton are close to signing Valencia midfielder Ever Banega on a season-long loan deal.
Everton are also preparing to make a £1.5m offer to Wigan for attacker Olivier Kapo. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: The best bit of business Everton could do right now would be to agree a deal with Manchester City for Joleon Lescott and turn that money around to add to the squad. But I digress…
Spurs Must Sell To Buy Petrov
Harry Redknapp will have to offload someone if he is to make a move for Manchester City winger Martin Petrov. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: The latest reports say that Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley could be sold to Aston Villa to help make way for Petrov and Celtic’s Scott Brown. Bentley and Jenas have been linked with Villa throughout the summer, but Villa’s poor showing against Wigan could help things finally get in motion.
Wigan Still In For Diame
Wigan manager Roberto Martinez remains hopeful about completing the signing of Rayo Vallecano midfielder Mohamed Diame, who was all set to complete his move to Wigan before an issue came up in his medical. (The Sun)
Analysis: A heart issue was reportedly the hiccup in the deal going through, but it must not be one that could cause serious problems or is something that can be taken care of, otherwise Wigan wouldn’t still be trying to get him signed up.
Burnley Move For Bikey
Reading defender Andre Bikey has passed a medical at Burnley ahead of completing a £2.8m move to the club. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Burnley focused on the back with their pre-season signings, but it doesn’t hurt to add more Premier League experience and quality depth there after having some struggles in their opener at Stoke City.
Spain
Barca Target Riera
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona are lining up a bid for Liverpool winger Albert Riera.
Analysis: I don’t see Liverpool letting go of Riera unless Barcelona stump up a fee that represents a significant profit over the £8m they paid for him last summer.
Germany
Govou In Stuttgart’s Sights
VfB Stuttgart could move for Lyon’s Sidney Govou as a replacement for Martin Lanig, who recently went down with torn knee ligaments. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Govou is currently wearing the captain’s armband for Lyon, so he’s still very much in a prominent role for the club. A thigh injury looks to keep him out of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Anderlecht, which is a negative for Lyon but a positive for Stuttgart, as he won’t be cup-tied if they do move for him.
Daily Links
SL’s Chris Mann previews the new Serie A season, which gets underway on Saturday.
UEFA Unveils Club Football Award Nominees
UEFA have released their awards nominees, and as you should’ve expected, it’s full of representatives from a certain few clubs.
Premier League Opening Weekend Attendance Figures
No surprise who was at the top of the list, eh?
Ten New Premier League Signings Who Will Struggle This Season
The Spoiler takes a look at which faces in new Premier League places will not live up to the hype this season.
Celtic v. Arsenal Preview (+ An Arsenal-Centric Podcast)
If you’re an Arsenal fan, here’s the latest weekly podcast from the Arsenal FC Blog and a preview of today’s Champions League showdown against Celtic. Speaking of that match, we’ll have live commentary of it right here on SL.
Is Joleon Lescott The New Berbatov?
And no, we’re not talking about his finishing abilities, in case you’re wondering.
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