England
United Eye Danish Keeper
As reported here earlier, Manchester United are interested in Danish keeper Anders Lindegaard, who plays for Norwegian side Aalesunds FK. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Well, I didn’t get to gauge his goalkeeping skills much, but what is apparent from this video of last year’s Norwegian Cup final against Molde (and potential future teammate Mame Biram Diouf) is that he‘s not short on fire and that he has a way with the air guitar.
Parker To Push For Spurs Move?
According to the Guardian, West Ham midfielder Scott Parker wants to listen to Tottenham’s offer, despite his club’s refusing Spurs’ initial bid and co-owner David Sullivan saying that no bids of any price would be considered.
Analysis: You can’t fault Parker for perhaps wanting a crack at the Champions League, but it’s safe to say that this could get ugly, and soon.
Stoke Set Sights On Santa
As reported here earlier, Stoke City could make a move for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, according to the Guardian.
Analysis: Santa Cruz’s wages could be an issue, but it’d be a lot better for him to be somewhere he could be a key player and make a real difference instead of warming the bench like he would for the most part again this season at City. How much he’s worth at this point is debatable, but I think all he needs is to be fit and to be given a chance to rediscover his scoring touch, and if the pieces fall into place, anything would be a bargain.
Wigan Target Suazo
Wigan are set to make a £7m bid for Monterrey striker Humberto Suazo, according to the Sun.
Analysis: Suazo impressed in his first taste of European football in a loan spell at Real Zaragoza in the second half of last season, scoring six goals and assisting on three more to help the club stay up, and his scoring record speaks for itself. Wherever he’s been, he’s done the same thing: score, score, score. He’d be a fine signing for Roberto Martinez, but it’d be a lot better to see him play with Hugo Rodallega instead of replacing him.
Latics Line Up Stam
FC Twente right back Ronnie Stam was set to have a medical at Wigan Athletic yesterday ahead of completing a £2m move to the club. (Clubcall)
Analysis: The purchase of Stam could be considered a bargain, given that he’s only getting better and stands to improve even more with a move to the Premier League, and it will shore up the hole left by Mario Melchiot’s departure for a lucrative Qatar move.
Baggies Close On Boaz
Hull City have accepted West Bromwich Albion‘s offer for keeper Boaz Myhill. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Myhill helped Hull move from League Two to the Premier League, and Hull would no doubt love to have him stay and help their push to return to the top flight, but he’s a keeper worthy of immediate top flight football, and the fee (reportedly £1.5m) will help the financially-struggling club.
Bristol City Move For James
Bristol City have contacted the agent of free agent keeper David James and offered the England international a one-year deal. James had been set to hold talks with Celtic earlier in the week but backed out due to family reasons. (The Guardian)
Analysis: I’m not sure how keen James would be on a step down to the Championship when he could move to a Premier League club, but it’d be an intriguing opportunity. Bristol City should be in the thick of the promotion hunt this season, and the addition of James could be what pushes them past several other promotion contenders.
Italy
Lazio Close On Garrido
Lazio are in discussions with Manchester City to land left back Javier Garrido for £2.5m, according to the Guardian.
Analysis: After making 21 Premier League starts in his first season, Garrido made only 18 in the last two seasons, but he’ll provide Lazio with a capable replacement for Aleksandar Kolarov, whose arrival at Manchester City helped expedite an inevitable departure.
Germany
Bayern To Bid For Dzeko?
Despite VfL Wolfsburg director Dieter Hoeness saying that Edin Dzeko isn‘t going anywhere this summer, German media sources are reporting that Bayern Munich will still do their best to land the Bosnian striker, with a part-exchange offer of striker Mario Gomez and midfielder Anatoliy Tymoschuk potentially in the cards. (Goal.com)
Analysis: Well, it wouldn’t be a bad offer. Gomez can be inconsistent, and is only a year older than Dzeko, is a proven commodity in the Bundesliga, and could flourish in a side that’s all about attacking, and Tymoschuk brings experience, quality, and versatility. Still, I don’t think it would be enough to persuade Wolfsburg to part with Dzeko, not this summer at least.
Scotland
Celtic Sign Kayal
Celtic have signed Israel international midfielder Biram Kayal from Maccabi Haifa. The 22-year-old, who has 13 international caps, has penned a four-year deal with the Hoops. (Sky Sports)
Analysis: Celtic’s summer spending has been done with both the present and the future in mind, and Kayal is another example of that. Five of Celtic’s seven summer signings are 24 or younger, and all five will have at least some role in the side this season and all have the potential to be key players in the near future.
Turkey
Besiktas Eye Carew
Besiktas are interested in Aston Villa striker John Carew. The Norwegian spent the 2004/05 season at Besiktas, scoring 14 goals in 27 appearances. (Goal.com)
Analysis: He’s not going anywhere, simple as that.
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