It’s the weekend again, so it’s time to turn the focus to the action on the pitch, but there’s still a fair share of gossip to report on from the transfer pages.
The current holder of ‘The Rumor That Won’t Go Away’ title is the Joleon Lescott to Manchester City saga, but another situation that persists involves Chelsea and AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
Meanwhile, there’s a potential new signing for Bolton, a denial on the Hull striker front, and of course, we’ve always got the latest summer signings.
England
Everton Finally Give In On Lescott
According to the Daily Mail, Everton have agreed to sell defender Joleon Lescott to Manchester City for £22m plus add-ons.
Analysis: Well, there’ve been more than a couple of reports during the saga saying that a deal was close, so this one will remain in the speculation category until there’s actually official statements and the like.
Pato To Chelsea Rumors Resurface
According to The Mirror, Chelsea have informed AC Milan that they’re ready to wait until next summer to make a £40m move for striker Alexandre Pato.
Analysis: Probably. Maybe. Who knows?
Bolton Close On Emana
According to Sky Sports, Bolton are close on a deal for Real Betis midfielder Achille Emana.
Analysis: It looked like he was on his way to Valencia recently, but it appears that move didn’t materialize. In any case, it’s Bolton’s gain.
No Nugent Approach For Hull
Hull City manager Phil Brown has said that he is looking to strengthen his front line before the transfer window closes, but he hasn’t made an approach for Portsmouth striker David Nugent. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Hasn’t yet doesn’t mean that he won’t. Hull’s options aren’t plentiful at this point after missing out Alvaro Negredo, so a move for Nugent at some point in the next week or two isn’t out of the question.
Portsmouth Move For Smith
Portsmouth are looking to beat Reading for Watford striker Tommy Smith. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Portsmouth’s current financial straits mean that any permanent signings have to be of the inexpensive variety, but Smith could be a good buy if he can produce the same quality performances in the Premier League that he has in the Championship. Smith had 17 goals and nine assists in league action last season, and he’s started this season in fine form with a goal and four assists in Watford’s first three Championship matches. He does have some Premier League experience, having played a regular part for Watford in their short stints in the top flight in 1999/2000 and 2006/07, so he’s not exactly a Premier League novice.
France
PSG Target Donovan
Paris-Saint Germain are interested in Los Angeles Galaxy attacker Landon Donovan. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: It’s still hard for me to see Donovan going anywhere until after the season, especially with the Galaxy in position to make the postseason for the first time since 2005. But hypothetically, this could be a good move for him, as he’d get a chance to play for a quality side in a top European league.
Scotland
Hibs Sign Stokes
Hibs have signed Sunderland striker Anthony Stokes. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Stokes never quite made the breakthrough at Sunderland, but this is an opportunity that could allow him to really get his career back on track. He scored 14 goals in 16 games in a loan spell at Falkirk in the 2006/07 season (under now-Hibs manager John Hughes), and that past experience and success should have him confident about being able to make a big impact at Hibs.
Portugal
Porto In Kleber Talks
FC Porto officials have flown to Brazil for negotiations with Cruzeiro over a move for striker Kleber. (Transfer Market Web)
Analysis: Despite signing River Plate’s Falcao earlier in the summer and having a few established forwards at the club already, there’s nothing wrong adding more quality to the front line, especially when there’s still a question mark about just who will step up to fill the hole left by Lisandro Lopez’s departure.
Daily Links
Soccerlens Podcast: The Premier League, Serie A, And Samuel Eto’o’s Mobile Phones
On the opener of the new season of the Soccerlens Podcast, host Stephen Darwin is joined by twofootedtackle’s Chris Nee as they discuss a number of topics. A must-listen as always.
2009/10 La Liga Preview: Will Real Madrid And Barcelona Live Up To Expectations?
Chris Mann previews the upcoming La Liga campaign, and there’s more to watch than just Real and Barca duking it out for the title.
What Football Dreams Would You Make Come True If You Won The Lottery?
My answer? Go on a world football tour, see every stadium, club, and match I’ve always dreamed of seeing and then write a book about my travels. Or perhaps buy Luton Town. Or both.
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