Manchester City are pulling out all the stops to strengthen their squad this summer, and while one Spain-based player is all but signed, sealed, and delivered, City might not yet be done raiding La Liga.
That’s the biggest bit of news on a quiet Saturday morning (unless you happen to be in the vicinity of a vuvuzela or two), but we’ve also got the latest on Aston Villa’s search for a goalkeeper and more in today’s roundup of transfer rumors.
England
City Step Up Silva Efforts
According to the Mirror, Manchester City are set to offer Valencia star David Silva a five-year contract worth £160k per week to entice the Spanish winger to make the move to Manchester.
Analysis: Silva might prefer a move to a club who’s already in the Champions League, and the desire to stay in Spain has been oft-mentioned when it comes to Silva as it was with David Villa, so we’ll see if City’s ambition and deep pockets can lure him in the end.
No Villa Move for Frey – Yet
Aston Villa haven’t made an approach for Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, according to one of the player’s representatives. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Well, if they’re looking for a long-term replacement for Brad Friedel, it can’t get much better than Frey. He’s got experience at the highest levels, and while it seems like he’s been around almost forever, he’s only 30, so he’s still got several great years ahead of him.
Quartet Target Former Gunner
Blackburn, Everton, Fulham, and Liverpool are all interested in a move for former Arsenal man Gilberto Silva. The veteran Brazilian midfielder is available on the cheap, given Panathinaikos’ current financial issues. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Having a player with his level of experience and success would be a real asset, and even though he’s getting up in years, if he’s still doing the job for his country, there’s no doubt he can once again do the same in the Premier League.
No Roy, No Move for Sidwell?
Aston Villa midfielder Steve Sidwell wants to know whether or not Roy Hodgson will remain as Fulham’s manager before finalizing his switch to Craven Cottage. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Well, you can’t fault Sidwell for wanting to know what direction the club is going before committing his future, since he’ll be on his fourth club in five seasons. At the same time, you certainly can’t blame Roy Hodgson if he leaves for Liverpool, either.
West Ham To Beat Birmingham for Konchesky?
Former West Ham man Paul Konchesky could well make a return to Upton Park, as the Hammers could be set to swoop in and snatch the Fulham defender from Birmingham City’s grasp. (The Mirror)
Analysis: His previous experience at West Ham didn’t end well, but with a different regime and a different manager, it’d be easy to put the past in the past. Birmingham have a ton of ambition, and European football could be more of a possibility quicker there, but the chance to stay in London could be what swings this one in West Ham’s favor.
Wolves Land Mouyokolo
Wolves have completed the signing of Hull City defender Steven Mouyokolo for an undisclosed fee. The 23-year-old has penned a four-year deal to make a swift return to the top flight following Hull City’s relegation. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Mouyokolo was a fixture in Hull City’s starting XI over the last few months of the season, and though he’s still very much one for the future, that experienced gained will help him be valuable for Wolves in the present.
Italy
Juve Close To Martinez Capture
Juventus have all but clinched a deal for Catania attacker Jorge Martinez. Juve will reportedly fork out around €12m for the 27-year-old Uruguayan, who scored nine goals in 25 appearances for Catania last season. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: He’s not exactly a household name, but there’s no disputing his talent, as shown by this fine goal against Inter. It’s a real shame that we aren’t able to see him display his skills in South Africa, as he wasn’t picked in Uruguay’s World Cup squad.
France
Champions Eye Anderson Swoop
Marseille are targeting Manchester United midfielder Anderson. The 22-year-old Brazil international suffered a serious knee injury in February, an injury which could see him out of action until September. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Perhaps Sir Alex Ferguson might be willing to give Anderson another season and see if he can prove his worth after regaining his fitness.
Now that you’re up-to-date on the latest transfer headlines from around Europe’s top leagues, don’t forget to check out the updated summer transfer lists to get caught up on the latest confirmed signings from the above leagues and several more.
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