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There’s always plenty of transfer talk throughout the season. So how much of it makes sense, and how much of it is just rumour?
Liverpool insist they have received no approach from Barcelona for 30-year-old goalkeeper Pepe Reina. The La Liga giants are reportedly still confident of securing an £8.4m swoop for the Spanish shot-stopper on a two-year deal.
What’s the story? Interesting that this is being reported by a local paper rather than a national. They would be expected to be more in the know about their club.
Does it make sense? As I said yesterday the feeling in town is that for whatever reason, Brendan Brent doesn’t really rate Reina.
Is the price right? £8.4m is about 9-10m Euros which although a decent chunk is about right, certainly considering Liverpool will have to replace him.
Will it happen? 8/10 – I’ll take this up from yesterday given it is the local press.
Arsene Wenger and his board are believed to be at odds over whether Arsenal should launch a summer move for QPR striker Loic Remy, 26, or Vitesse forward Wilfried Bony, 24.
What’s the story? There isn’t a story. Wenger has absolute authority over all footballing decisions. He would never allow the board to interfere.
Does it make sense? Remy is more of a known Premier League package even with a small sample. Both are quick and strong as well as good finishers. They both offer something the club doesn’t have.
Is the price right? I guess this might be the debate. Remy can be had for £8m but Bony could be more expensive. Vitesse aren’t rich but they’re not poor and could be capable of holding out.
Will it happen? 9/10 – Remy: He’s cheap enough and has done OK in England. 6/10 – Bony: A little raw but he could intrigue Wenger.
Arsenal are believed to be keeping tabs on 24-year-old Stuttgart goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.
What’s the story? Is Wenger committed to his current keepers? It’s hard to tell and thus he is linked with every conceivable alternative.
Does it make sense? Meh. I wouldn’t have thought there was much difference between Ulreich and what they have. If they want a proper keeper they’d be better off investing properly rather than going cheap and cheerful.
Is the price right? £5-6m is about right.
Will it happen? 3/10 – I don’t see Ulreich being the choice.
England midfielder Frank Lampard, 34, looks set to be offered a one-year deal to stay at Chelsea.
What’s the story? This could depend entirely on whether Lampard breaks the Chelsea goal scoring record this season. If he does, he might well be tempted to take a two year deal elsewhere.
Does it make sense? Yes. When he plays they are noticeably better and even if he only plays the smaller teams, he can still do damage against them to allow the others to rest.
Is the price right? One year would be good for Chelsea but Lampard would surely prefer two?
Will it happen? 5/10 – if they offered two he’d sign then and there, if just one it will depend on the goal scoring record.
Ajax defender Toby Alderweireld, 24, has reportedly snubbed Liverpool and Tottenham to seal a transfer to Roma.
What’s the story? This would be a surprise. Roma won’t be in the Champions League next season. Mind you, it’s likely that Spurs won’t and Liverpool certainly won’t. However, he’s said in the past that he fancies England.
Does it make sense? This would be a huge coup for Roma and Serie A generally if they can out bid two big English clubs.
Is the price right? Vermaelen £10.5m, Vertonghen £10.5m, Alderweireld…
Will it happen? 7/10 – all of them. I can’t really split them, they all seem just as likely as each other.
Arsenal, Tottenham, West Brom, Fulham, Aston Villa and Swansea are believed to be keeping an eye on the contract situation of Manchester City’s 22-year-old midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim.
What’s the story? Erm, OK, sure? Half the Premier League is interested in someone who isn’t even a regular starter whilst on loan in Norway?
Does it make sense? He’s still got a year left so they’d have to pay. I can’t see how he’s an upgrade on what any of these have given his lack of pedigree.
Is the price right? A few hundred thousand or so?
Will it happen? 4/10 – possibly, but I don’t get why.
