Who’s being linked with moves in today’s transfer gossip pages? In today’s transfer news and rumors roundup, we’ve got a little something from several top European leagues to get you over the Wednesday hump.
England
Manchester City Deny Messi Move
Manchester City are denying that they’ve made an approach for Barcelona star Lionel Messi, after reports that City had offered 150m to buy out the remainder of Messi’s contract. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: So if they had made an approach for him, would they have let us know? Not particularly relevant either way, really, since he wouldn’t leave his comfy, cozy situation at Barca for Manchester City right now.
Redknapp to Target Villa Star Barry?
Harry Redknapp is reportedly eying Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry to strengthen his midfield. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: I don’t see Barry wanting to leave Aston Villa for Tottenham, especially if Spurs don’t wind up in Europe.
Spurs After Juventus Forward Iaquinta
Tottenham have been linked with many a striker already, and their latest target is Juventus man Vincenzo Iaquinta. Spurs have already reportedly contacted Iaquinta and are in discussions with Juve over a fee for the 29-year-old. (Setanta Sports)
Analysis: Iaquinta’s already come out and said that he doesn’t want to leave Juve, so even if the two clubs can find an agreement fee-wise, Iaquinta could nix the deal.
West Brom Interested in Rangers’ Ferguson?
West Brom are reportedly interested in a move for Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson, who could be set to leave the club after the scandal that saw him lose his club captaincy and his Scotland place. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Ferguson may well have a future at Rangers, but if they do decide to let him go in the summer, West Brom would be a solid option. They’re a good bet to bounce back into the Premier League (and hopefully stay there for a little while next time), and adding his experience and quality would be a big addition to their promotion push.
Spain
Barcelona to Make Big-Money Bid for Villarreal Star Llorente?
Barcelona are going to move for a striker in the summer, and one of their top targets is said to be Villareal’s Joseba Llorente. The 29-year-old has scored 11 league goals this season for Villareal this season and netted four times in Villarreal’s run to the Champions League quarterfinals. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Llorente’s proven himself to be one of La Liga’s top strikers over the last couple of seasons with his success at Valladolid and Villarreal, but I don’t really see him being a serious option unless Barca can’t land Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and even then, the £28m would be a little too much in my eyes.
Madrid Rivals to Battle for Swiss Star Barnetta
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid could be set to battle it out for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Barnetta’s quite a talent, and he’s got age on his side as well. The chance to play in the Champions League and for one of La Liga’s top sides would no doubt be appealing, but if he does land in Madrid, I think it’d be with Atletico. Real seem to have their sights set on huge names this summer, so Barnetta would seem to be on their ‘backup options’ shortlist.
Italy
Fiorentina Closing In on AZ Alkmaar’s Dembele
Fiorentina are close to sealing a deal for AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele. The Belgian international scored 10 league goals for the Dutch champions this season. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: This is a great signing for the future, certainly. Dembele has a large amount of experience at a high level at a young age, as the 21-year-old already has 19 caps for his country and has been making regular first-team appearances on club level since the 2004/05 season.
France
Bordeaux In Talks to Make Gourcuff Move Permanent
It has been revealed that Bordeaux are in talks with AC Milan to make loan star Yoann Gourcuff a permanent signing. Gourcuff has had a stellar season in helping put Bordeaux on the cusp of the Ligue 1 title. (Setanta Sports)
Analysis: Even if they are able to complete a permanent deal for him, it’s likely only a matter of time before he moves elsewhere, but at least if they can complete a permanent deal for him, they can turn a solid profit when he makes a move.
Russia
Fiorentina’s Mutu to Move to Zenit?
With striker Pavel Pogrebnyak potentially on the way to Arsenal or another Premier League club, Zenit St. Petersburg could be targeting Fiorentina’s Adrian Mutu to replace him. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Considering how key of a player Mutu has been for Fiorentina over the last few seasons, I question whether or not they’d want to sell him. But, £11.5m is a nice number, and with them making moves for Dembele and Hernan Crespo, maybe Mutu is expendable.
Greece
Olympiakos to Make Bid for Loan Star Derbyshire
Olympiakos could be set to offer Blackburn £3m to make striker Matt Derbyshire’s loan stay a permanent one. Derbyshire had a big hand in helping Olympiakos secure the league and cup double after his loan move to Greece in January, and he’s revealed that he wants to remain in Greece. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Given what he did in a half season in Greece and how key he was to their successful finish, £3m is a bargain.
Daily Links
Werder Bremen and Shakhtar Donetsk are contesting the UEFA Cup final today in Istanbul, and Soccerlens is bringing the action live from start to finish.
Premier League 2009/10 Kit Launch Dates
Want to know when your favorite Premier League club will be revealing what kits they’ll be sporting next season?
In case you need a laugh today, looking at this compilation of woeful misses should help, unless your favorite club is somewhere in this list.
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