And then there were two – Spain slowed the game down and Russians were out of depth in the patience game. Hiddink’s team can go home with their heads held up high and Aragones will now lead Spain against Germany in the Euro 2008 final on Sunday.
Today’s column is a short one – let’s get started:
PSV and Tottenham have reached a 7m deal for keeper Heurelho Gomes, subject to personal terms and a medical.
Rumor Rating: 5 – Spurs have finally got their keeper, so that’s one set of rumours that will die down. Now it remains to be seen who will be Tottenham’s #2, and whether anyone will buy Robinson.
Liverpool have announced that their deal with Udinese for full-back Andrea Dossena will be completed next week.
Rumor Rating: 5 – No snags are expected so Liverpool should wrap up the deal and bring in John Arne Riise’s official replacement in the squad. Thing is – is he good enough?
Liverpool have also been linked with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing, rating at 12m.
Rumor Rating: 2 – Now that Tottenham have signed their fill of wingers-cum-playmakers, I suppose it’s Liverpool’s turn to get linked with Middlesbrough’s most-wanted player. I don’t think Liverpool are seriously interested, but even if they are Boro could price them out and force them to look elsewhere.
Manchester City can’t seem to finalise the Ronaldinho deal (apparently he wants to play for a bigger club) but they’re close to singing CSKA Moscow’s Jo.
Rumor Rating: 3 – We’ve heard this ‘they’re close to’ bit for a month now. Just sign him already.
The Daily Mail suggests Everton want to sell Andy Johnson to raise cash for transfers. Suitors include half a dozen bottom-half Premier League sides.
Rumor Rating: 2 – How much Everton need to strengthen is a different story but if they sell Johnson, who will replace him in the squad?
Miguel Veloso‘s agent has blabbed to the press about how a member of Arsenal’s technical staff have been in touch with his player.
Rumor Rating: 3 – This doesn’t ‘really’ classify as a proper rumour but Veloso would plug a Flamini-sized gap in Arsenal’s squad, that’s for sure.
Liverpool have asked Pompey to pay more money upfront if they want to bag Peter Crouch for 9m.
Rumor Rating: 4 – I expect Redknapp to get his man, although one wonders why Liverpool would need to scrap over pennies? It’s not as if they’re bringing in expensive players…
A Premier League return is possible for Thomas Gravesen – with Stoke looking to bag the former Everton and (gasp!) Real Madrid midfielder and Celtic open to release him on a free transfer.
Rumor Rating: 2 – If Real Madrid buying Gravesen was stupid, so is Stoke paying exorbitant wages for a player who feels that he deserves to be playing with a big club. Better to bring in a young midfielder on loan – it’s not as if Gravesen is going to last for long.
The Times reports that West Ham have talked to Palermo about bringing in Edison Cavani on loan.
Rumor Rating: 3 – You should check out Cavani on Football Manager if you get the chance – good, strong striker with a lot of potential. Don’t see why Palermo would be up for sending him out on loan or why he would come to West Ham – if he’s good enough to be starting West Ham he should be good enough to start for Palermo. Unless West Ham want to buy him, which would be a good idea.
That’s it for today folks – there are a couple of articles going up today about Tottenham and Liverpool in the transfer rumours section, be sure to check them out. Graham Fisher will cover over the weekend and possibly on Monday as well.
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