Well, it’s a new week again, but today’s roundup is a little shorter than some of the past few Monday roundups. Still, there’s plenty to talk about, so let’s get to it!
Italy
So, is Jose Mourinho prepared to just wait it out for Frank Lampard? In talking to TVI, he says it seems more likely that Lampard will see out the final year of his contract with Chelsea and not join Inter this summer.
Rumor Rating: 3 – He also said that he’s going to be patient when it comes to Ricardo Quaresma, admitting that he’s interested in him, but that he doesn’t know if there will be an offer, much less if Quaresma will come to Inter.
According to News of the World, Juventus are interested in Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie.
Rumor Rating: 2 – Earlier this summer, Van Persie was critical of Arsenal’s wage structure, but he wouldn’t have to worry about that at Juve. But, I don’t think Arsene Wenger wants to be embroiled in another transfer situation with one of his key players.
Roma, who are closing in on a €15m deal for Julio Baptista, are also reportedly in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Florent Malouda.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Yet another name from the summer 2007 transfers who could be on their way out already, but as opposed to making a profit like they did with Steve Sidwell and Tal Ben Haim, Chelsea will likely take a loss on Malouda when he’s eventually sold.
England
Aston Villa have made a bid for Valencia striker Nikola Zigic, and the 6’7 Serb is set to make a decision in the next few days, according to club director Juan Sanchez.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Zigic dented the net only once last season at Valencia after transferring from Racing Santander, but before going to the Mestalla, he had a pretty good track record of scoring regularly wherever he’s been, from the Yugoslavian lower leagues to Racing.
According to French reports, Liverpool are interested in young PSG striker David Ngog, and have made a bid for the 19-year old Frenchman.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Interesting tidbit – his cousin is Jean-Alain Boumsong. Hopefully his time in England turns out much better than his cousin’s, for Liverpool’s sake.
Everton could go after Celtic’s Scott McDonald if they can swing a deal for Andy Johnson soon. The 24-year old Australian led the SPL with 25 goals last season in his first season at Celtic after three good seasons at Motherwell.
Rumor Rating: 3 – Everton does need a quality scoring option behind Yakubu, but Celtic might not be looking to sell McDonald unless the Toffees pony up a much, much larger fee than the £700k that Celtic paid for him.
Manchester City are interested in Lens forward Aruna Dindane. Dindane is set to be out until around October after having his knee operated on, but City are just one of several clubs with an interest in the 27-year old Ivorian.
Rumor Rating: 4 – Even after spending big money on Jo, adding another quality option up front isn’t a bad idea, considering that was a weak spot for City last season, to say the least.
West Brom and Middlesbrough have joined Bolton in being interested in Levante’s Riga Mustapha.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Riga could be available for free if he can cancel his contract with Levante, due to not being paid for eight months.
Birmingham City are currently in talks with AZ Alkmaar over a one-year loan deal for Kemy Agustien. The versatile Dutch U-21 international has been told he’s surplus to requirements, and his agent said that negotiations are set to continue on into this week.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Agustien broke into AZ’s first team this past season after spells at Willem II and Roda JC, and he scored two goals in the first three league matches, but none for the rest of the campaign.
Germany
VfB Stuttgart are in talks with Chelsea over a move for defender Khalid Boulahrouz. The Dutch international has had a previous spell in Germany, playing at Hamburg SV from 2004-06 before he moved to Chelsea.
Rumor Rating: 5 – He spent last season on loan at Sevilla, and his chances of making an impact at Chelsea are pretty slim. If/when he does make the move, he’ll be replacing club captain Fernando Meira, who’s decided to leave Stuttgart.
Well, it wasn’t as packed of a day as I thought it would be, but whatever the case, we’re at the end of today’s roundup.
I promise, or at least hope, that tomorrow’s rumor mill brings a lot more your way, but until then, chime in with your thoughts on today’s tidbits, chip in with ones you’ve heard or read, and don’t forget to check out the updated summer transfer lists.
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