The big news of the weekend thus far is the completion of the formality that was Cristiano Ronaldo’s world-record £80m transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid. In case you hadn’t heard though, Ronaldo has signed a six-year deal with Real, and he’ll officially be unveiled as a Real player on July 6.
But, that’s not the only transfer news from the weekend thus far. With the sale of Ronaldo, United have quite the sizable summer transfer kitty, and a chunk of it could be spent on a 5’7” Argentine forward (but not one who can’t seem to leave well enough alone).
Of course, if you want all the specifics, you have to keep on reading, so hop to it! And just so you know, the summer transfers lists are all up-to-date with the latest signings, including Ronaldo’s move to Real and many other recently completed moves.
England
United In Contract Talks With Aguero?
According to Marca, Manchester United have been in discussions with the representatives of Atletico Madrid star Sergio Aguero to see (Tribal Football)
Analysis: The obstacle with any move for Aguero would seem to be the fee (or perhaps rival interest from Chelsea). I think we’ll find out within the next week or so how serious this one is, but it’d seem that United are going to have to pay and club record and then some if they want to get him.
Tottenham Bid For Obinna
Tottenham have made a £6m bid for Inter Milan striker Victor Obinna. The Nigeria international nearly moved to Everton last season, but he was unable to get a work permit. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Obinna wasn’t able to get a work permit for a loan move to Everton last summer, but his chances could be a lot better this time around after representing Nigeria in the Olypmics last summer and making appearances for Nigeria in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Tottenham Put £18m Price Tag On Bent
Tottenham have placed an £18m price tag on striker Darren Bent, who has been strongly linked with a move to Sunderland.
While a sale of Bent might not be as imminent as it appeared, midfielder Tom Huddlestone will be on his way out soon, as Tottenham have accepted three bids of £8.5m for the 22-year-old. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Bent won’t be leaving for that price in the end, but come on. I can understand that Levy doesn’t want to take a big loss on someone that cost 16.75m only two summers ago, but I can’t say
As for Huddlestone, I’d have to put my money on him signing with Villa, since they’ve been the name most prominently linked with him this summer, but it certainly won’t be Everton, as they’ve ruled themselves out of the running.
Fulham Interested In Jo
Fulham are interested in Manchester City striker Jo. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Jo didn’t have the best of spells at Manchester City last season, and with City signing Roque Santa Cruz and Carlos Tevez (and perhaps Samuel Eto’o) on the way to City, his future at the club rates as slim to none. But he did have more success at Everton in his loan spell, and he did prove that he can hold his own in the Premier League.
Bolton’s Bodde Bid Rejected
Swansea have rejected a £2.5m bid from Bolton for midfielder Ferrie Bodde. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Swansea’s asking price is reportedly double that, and I’m not sure I see Bolton splashing out that much for him. Even if the bid is improved to 3-4m, that might not be enough, because Swansea no doubt fancy their chances to make a run at promotion next season, and losing Bodde would be detrimental (as was his injury layoff last season) to those hopes.
Burnley Bid For Fletcher
Burnley have made a club-record £2.75m bid for Hibs striker Steven Fletcher. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Can’t hurt to try, but that falls a little short of what Hibs want for Fletcher.
Spain
Barcelona Close On Kerrison
Barcelona are close to a £12m deal for highly-rated Palmeiras striker Kerrison. After he signs, the 20-year-old could be used to help sweeten Barcelona’s move for Valencia striker David Villa. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Being able to get a free-scoring forward like Kerrison could certainly soften the blow of losing Villa. No telling how much they’d have to shell out for a permanent deal if Barca send him out to Valencia on an extended loan deal, but there could be some sort of ‘we sold you David Villa’ discount in there, no?
Italy
AC Milan Make Adebayor Approach
AC Milan have made an approach for Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Yes, they can have him, provided they can convince Edin Dzeko to get red and black colored hearts out of his eyes to join up with Arsenal as Adebayor’s replacement. Or hey, how about signing Adebayor and Dzeko and loaning Dzeko to Arsenal for next season?
All Dzeko-related moves aside, Adebayor doesn’t need to be at Arsenal next season, that much is true. As I said recently, the amount of interest this summer isn’t nearly what it was last summer, so Arsenal best cross their fingers and hope that AC Milan make a serious bid to sign him.
Portugal
Benfica To Sign Saviola
Benfica have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for striker Javier Saviola to sign the Argentine striker for €5m. (Goal.com)
Analysis: This is a good move for Benfica even if Blackburn target Oscar Cardozo moves this summer. Saviola has had some rough times over the last few seasons, but he’s only 27, and I think he’s still got plenty of goals left in the tank.
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