England
United Debate Defour Move
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United are considering a move for Standard Liege midfielder Steven Defour.
Analysis: For the sake of timing, it’d be best for United to make this one happen this summer, but we’ll see.
Liverpool Close On Konchesky?
Early Wednesday, Sky Sports reported that Liverpool were closing in on a deal for Fulham defender Paul Konchesky. However, he can’t be added to the summer transfer lists yet, as according to comments later in the day by Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson, it’s only gone as far as contacting Fulham to see if the 29-year-old left back would be available and that the chances of a deal is ‘very much up in the air’.
Analysis: Konchesky’s potential arrival would likely make Emiliano Insua the odd man out. I do have my questions about letting go of a promising talent whose best is ahead of him, but experience and steadiness are two invaluable assets for a team in transition.
Fulham Line Up Salcido
However, a deal could be imminent, as Fulham have already lined up a replacement for Konchesky. The Cottagers have agreed a £1.6m fee with PSV for Mexico international Carlos Salcido. (BBC Sport)
Analysis: Salcido would be a solid replacement for Konchesky. He brings a lot of experience, both domestically and internationally, and he also can slot in at both left back and center back. Interestingly enough, he actually scored one of his six international goals at Craven Cottage, in a 2-1 win over Ghana in a friendly in March 2008.
Birmingham’s Increased N’Zogbia Bid Turned Down
Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish confirmed Wednesday that the club has made an improved offer for Wigan midfielder Charles N‘Zogbia after seeing an initial £8m turned down. (BBC Sport)
However, the Guardian reported late last night that the Blues’ new bid of £9m had also been turned down by the Latics.
Analysis: I see Birmingham as being only a few players away from being able to be looked as a dark horse for a European place. One of those players is a creative influence like N’Zogbia, and if it costs them an extra 1-2m to land him, then by all means, do it. It’s a big investment to make, but given his age and the impact that he could have over the coming seasons, it’s one worth making.
Obinna Nears Hammers Switch
Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna has had a medical at West Ham ahead of completing a loan switch to Upton Park. The 23-year-old Nigeria international spent last season on loan at Malaga, scoring four goals in 26 appearances. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Obinna has been linked with a Premier League switch for a while, and he was set for a move to Everton two years ago but wasn’t granted a work permit. However, that shouldn’t be a problem this time around, as Obinna has been racking up regular caps for Nigeria since then.
Blackburn Eye Avdic
Blackburn are interested in Elfsborg attacker Denni Avdic. The 21-year-old Bosnian-born Avdic, who has one cap for Sweden, is the current top scorer in the Swedish top flight with 17 goals in 20 games, and his agent says that the club has received two offers for his client. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Mame Biram Diouf could be set to see his playing time increase after netting a hat trick in Tuesday’s Carling Cup win over Norwich City, and Nikola Kalinic is already off to a better start than in his first season at the club. But it’d still help Sam Allardyce to increase his attacking options with another talented young goal getter, and if there’s a time to sign Avdic, it’s right now, given the blistering form that he’s in.
Spain
Hercules High On Trez
Newly-promoted La Liga side Hercules are reportedly preparing to make an offer for Juventus striker David Trezeguet. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Hercules just spent a little more than £3m to land Paraguayan striker Nelson Valdez from Borussia Dortmund, but if they could pull off a deal for Trezeguet, it would be a significant boost to their hopes of staying up this season. Trezeguet may be on the wrong side of 30, but he no doubt still has much to contribute despite falling down the pecking order at Juventus the last couple of years,
Italy
British Duo Considering Camoranesi
Sky Sports says that Everton and Rangers are pondering a move for Juventus midfielder Mauro Camoranesi.
Analysis: If Juventus are looking to sell, Everton might have the edge. They don’t have a ton of money to spend, but they’re in a slightly better position than Rangers, given that their signing of Nikica Jelavic last week would seem to render spending £5m or so on Camoranesi unlikely.
Germany
Bremen Bringing In Silvestre?
According to the Daily Mail, Werder Bremen look to be set to win the race for free agent defender Mikael Silvestre.
Analysis: Allowing four goals to Hoffenheim and three to Sampdoria is more cause for concern than reason for panic at this point, but that being said, it’s a good idea to bring an experienced commodity like Silvestre in to help add quality depth, at the very least.
France
Bordeaux Loan Maazou
Bordeaux have signed striker Moussa Maazou on a season-long loan deal. The Niger international, who turned 22 on Wednesday, had a successful loan spell at AS Monaco last season, scoring eight goals in 22 appearances. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Bordeaux already had to deal with the departure of Marouane Chamakh to Arsenal, but the sale of Yoann Gourcuff to Lyon and the potential sale of Fernando Cavenaghi to Sunderland made the need to bolster the attack before the end of the transfer window a must.
Turkey
Robinho Rejects Fenerbahce Move
Manchester City forward Robinho has turned down the chance to join Fenerbahce, with his sights set on a move to either Italy or Spain. (BBC Sport)
Analysis: In the end, he could well stay at Manchester City, and he could do well there, but I think it’s better for all involved that he moves on. It’ll be interesting to see just who these options are, but one can assume that they are among the better teams in Serie A and La Liga.
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