We’re edging towards the final week of the January transfer window, and while you’ll likely hear more about a few new signings tomorrow, Sundays seem to be set aside for speculation from the tabloids.
England
Manchester City are prepared to offer £70m plus either Jo or Elano for Valencia’s David Villa in the summer. (Tribalfootball))
Analysis: The cash offer is a little lower than the 90 million euros that Valencia are after, but it could be worth considering.
City are also intent on adding another Brazilian playmaker to their squad, and while they couldn’t lure Kaka for £100m, they’ll try to lure Werder Bremen star Diego for £25m and a £180k per week contract. (Daily Mail)
Analysis: Diego would certainly bring some entertainment to the Premier League, and not just by his brilliant skills on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Shay Given could be on the verge of a move to Eastlands, if a fee can be agreed. And if Given is dealt to City, then Newcastle will look at David James to replace him. (Daily Star)
Analysis: While Newcastle may well do business with City, Portsmouth, as mired in the muck as they might be right now, will be just a little reluctant to let go of James, I think.
Arsenal could table a £7m offer for Micah Richards, who may or may not be up for sale by Manchester City. (News of the World)
Analysis: It’d be a bit silly for City to sell Richards right now, even if he hasn’t been playing his best. Producing within is more important than spending millions on this player and that, and hopefully money won’t make them completely forget about their successful academy sector.
Manchester United and Real Madrid are battling to sign Brazilian wonderkid (they make ’em by the truckload, don’t they?) Wellington, a 17-year-old Sao Paulo midfielder. (The Mirror)
Analysis: United’s recent success with attracting and developing Brazilians could lure young Wellington, what with the quick amount of time that it’s taken the da Silva twins and Rodrigo Possebon to break into the squad.
Tottenham are apparently going to sign Carlo Cudicini on a free transfer today. (News of the World)
Analysis: Not counting it out, but until something official comes through, then I’m not paying it any mind.
Everton and Wigan are after £7m rated striker Mohamed Tchite, who plays for Racing Santander. (News of the World)
Analysis: He excelled in Belgium for two of the country’s top sides, Standard Liege and Anderlecht, and he’s done relatively well in his first season and a half in Spain, so I think he could be up for the challenge of the Premier League.
Fulham are lining up a £7m bid for Reading midfielder James Harper. (The Mirror)
Analysis: Harper’s contract at Reading runs out in the summer of 2010, and though Reading may make a swift return to the Premier League, this could be an ideal time to cash in.
Major League Soccer
First it was Alessandro Del Piero, now the L.A. Galaxy are mulling over a move for Michael Owen. (The Mirror)
Analysis: As opposed to splashing an unholy amount for Del Piero, Owen would be available on a free in the summer, but I’m not sure if he’d want to jump ship to the U.S. just yet.
If you’ve spotted a juicy rumor that we missed, post it in the comments along with a link to the source.
And if you want to keep up with all of the latest confirmed transfers, check out our updated January 2009 transfer lists.
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