Manchester City have been after a top Premier League-based defender all summer, and they’ve finally landed one. But one isn’t going to be nearly enough, as they’re stepping up their efforts to land another one in short order.
Meanwhile, Robbie Keane could see his return to Tottenham come to an end a lot quicker than he might have expected, which may make him further regret leaving for seemingly greener pastures around this time last summer.
It might not be a good day to be Keane if he’s one to read the papers (or look over his shoulder at the tall, skinny guy coming to try to take his place), but it is if you’re Obafemi Martins, who’s going to undoubtedly greener pastures.
Along with the specifics on the above tidbits, we’ve got all of the latest signings to report here and to add to our updated summer transfer lists, and make sure to check back here this evening for a recap of all of the day’s big transfer headlines.
England
City Sign Toure
Manchester City have signed Arsenal center back Kolo Toure for a fee in the region of £16m. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: More so than their 29 forwards being able to produce consistently, being strong at the back is the real key to City being a serious threat this season and beyond, so being able to land a top-class Premier League defender like Toure is more important than having signed more forwards than what Mark Hughes will know what to do with.
Everton To Snub New Lescott Offer
Everton have received an improved bid of £18-19m from Manchester City for Joleon Lescott, with the bid set to be rejected after a meeting of the club’s board. (ESPN Soccernet)
Analysis: I don’t see Everton being the least bit tempted unless City go well over £20m, and even City offer something in the region of £25m or more, they might not be tempted enough to actually let him go. Perhaps Lescott will have to get on his knees and plead for a move, but even that might not be enough.
Keane To Villa?
Aston Villa could be poised to make a swoop for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: How’s this for a little irony? Defoe left Tottenham because Keane and Dimitar Berbatov were the preferred partnership, but now Keane could well be the odd man out thanks to Defoe being part of the preferred pairing.
Spain
Barcelona In Talks For Chygrynsky
Barcelona are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk for defender Dmitri Chygrynskiy. (Tribal Football)
Analysis: Chygrynsky came on as a second-half substitute in Shakhtar’s Champions League qualifier against Timisoara on Wednesday night, which could well put this one in doubt.
Italy
Parma In Bojinov Talks
Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov could soon make a return to Serie A, as Parma have opened talks with City over a deal for the Bulgarian. (ESPN Soccernet)
Analysis: After loaning Cristiano Lucarelli to Livorno, Parma have a hole to fill up front as they prepare for a return to Serie A, and if Bojinov can avoid the injury problems that have plagued him since his move to City, he could play a key role in helping Parma stay clear of the drop zone. He’s still just 22 and has a few seasons of Serie A experience under his belt, so the future’s bright for him if he can just stay injury-free.
Germany
Record Fee For Ribery?
If Bayern Munich are going to sell star Franck Ribery, it’s going to cost any potential buyer a similar amount to the €94m that Real Madrid spent on Cristiano Ronaldo, according to Bayern president Franz Beckenbauer. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Unhappy as Bayern may be with Ribery’s open desires to move to Real Madrid, they’re determined not to be undersold. It’s hard to see Real forking out this much on another player this summer, but maybe Franck will get his dream move next summer.
Wolfsburg Agree Martins Fee
According to reports in Germany, VfL Wolfsburg have agreed a fee of €10.5m (£9m) for Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: The lack of concrete Premier League interest for Martins does surprise me a little, but he should be able to flourish at Wolfsburg. They already have a prolific partnership in Grafite and Edin Dzeko, but you don’t buy someone for €10.5m without the intention of using them on a regular basis.
Hleb Holds Out For Stuttgart?
Barcelona’s Alexander Hleb could be set to turn down a loan move to Inter Milan in favor of a loan return to former club VfB Stuttgart. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: He was none too happy about his lack of playing time at Barcelona last season, and his situation might not be much more improved if he moved to Inter, whereas he’d more than likely have a far more prominent role at Stuttgart.
Werder Still After Pizarro
Werder Bremen are still holding out hope of permanently signing Chelsea striker Claudio Pizarro and are set to re-open talks with Chelsea over the next few days. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Despite the fantastic season that he had at Werder last season (28 goals in all competitions), the chances are high that he could be relegated to the same bit-part role that he had in his first season at Chelsea if he remains at Stamford Bridge. I see him going back to Werder when all’s said and done, whether it’s on loan or permanently.
France
Lyon To Sign Gomis
Lyon have pulled out of their pursuit of Nice striker Loic Remy, but they’re still going t land a top Ligue 1 striker, as they’ve agreed a €13m deal for St. Etienne’s Bafetimbi Gomis. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: St. Etienne fans can’t be too pleased about one of their stars being sold to their rivals, but Lyon had no problems stumping up a sizable free for Gomis despite his league goals tally dropping from 16 in 2007/08 to nine last season.
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