Transfer Rumors: Liverpool make approach for West Ham’s Cole

England

Liverpool Make Cole Enquiry

Liverpool have made an enquiry about West Ham striker Carlton Cole. (Sky Sports).

Analysis: West Ham might be keen to hold on to Cole, but it’s safe to say that Liverpool can’t live and die by the Torres if they’re to be taken seriously this season. With Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea all scoring with regularity thus far, Liverpool’s output, or lack thereof, and need for a solution from somewhere – and fast – are only further highlighted.

Chelsea’s Begovic Bid Rejected

Chelsea have had another bid for Stoke city goalkeeper Asmir Begovic rejected, with their latest offer believed to be 4.5m pounds. (The Guardian)

Analysis: Unfortunately Begovic has already become a tad unsettled, but he’s not going anywhere. Stoke have no need to sell, and especially for little more than what they paid for him. Besides, based purely on potential, Begovic will cost more than what Chelsea are likely willing to pay for a backup keeper.

Tottenham Bid For Young.

Tottenham have reportedly made a bid of 16m pounds for Aston Villa attacker Ashley Young. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: I shudder to think about the backlash if Villa sell Young, or even seriously consider it. I think (note the emphasis) it’d take a fair bit more than 16m, and even if say, Robbie Keane, David Bentley, and Jermaine Jenas were all included in a swap deal, it wouldn’t remove the bad taste of selling two of the club’s best players in one summer.

Hughes Tips Hand On Given?

Fulham manager Mark Hughes hinted that the club are attempting to land Manchester City keeper Shay Given, but added that if their efforts are unsuccessful, that Mark Schwarzer won’t get his desired move to Arsenal. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: It’d be a good move for both, as Given needs to be a #1 somewhere, and it’s fair to say that he isn’t a dropoff from Schwarzer, in the least.

Stoke Close On Gudjohnsen

Stoke City are in talks with Monaco to over a deal for veteran attacker Eidur Gudjohnsen. The former Chelsea and Barcelona man was set to sign permanently with Tottenham after a loan spell there last season, but it fell through, but he now looks set for another Premier League return. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Gudjohnsen will add experience, a winning attitude, and hopefully a lift both in skill and spirit that will help them overcome a tough start to the new season.

Newcastle Moving For Utrecht Star?

Dutch sources say that Newcastle are set to make a move for FC Utrecht star Ricky Van Wolfswinkel. The 21-year-old already has 12 goals in 10 appearances this season, including a hat trick Thursday that dumped Celtic out of the Europa League. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: It’d be bad timing for Utrecht to sell him right before the deadline, especially with their European ambitions in mind. Besides, no rush to move yet- if he keeps scoring like he has been, his value will quickly skyrocket, and so will the caliber of his opportunities. We likely won’t see him among the https://sportslens.com/summer-2010-football-transfers-lists/47624/”>2010 summer transfers, but I think we’ll see him on the move at some point next year.

Spain

Real Target Toivonen

Real Madrid have made an approach for PSV Eindhoven striker Ola Toivonen. The Sweden international has also recently been linked with Liverpool, who reportedly had a bid rejected for the 24-ywar-old. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Flashy, world-renowned, revered, reviled, and feared megastar he is not, but then again, look amongst Real”s summer signings. Jose Mourinho knows talent, and Toivonen is very skilled at putting the ball in the net, so much so that Liverpool need to be doing their best to land him despite him being cup-tied.

Scotland

Celtic Close On Stokes

Celtic have sgreed a fee for Hibs striker Anthony Stokes. The 22-year-old Irishman netted more than 20 goals in his debut season for Hibs after moving from Sunderland last summer. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: The rich get richer, and they don’t have to spend much doing it. With Stokes and Gary Hooper, Celtic will have two young strikers who could be the backbone of much success this season and beyond.