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As we move in to the off-season, an unprecedented amount of managerial movement around Europe will surely see an already frantic transfer market go in to overdrive. This will give plenty of opportunities for transfer rumour and gossip. So how much of it is realistic?
Part Two is here - Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 2nd July: Part Two
Chelsea could make a move for AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy, with the 20-year-old likely to command a fee in the region of £30m.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Chelsea are interested in a proper striker, and El Shaarawy is more of a forward, at his best behind a striker or as a wide forward. Unless, that is, Chelsea always play the ball on the ground in which case he could he excellent.Does it make sense? To some degree. He’s got outrageous skill and is a potent finisher, but would it make them slightly one dimensional?Is the price right? Yes. You’re paying for the talent and his single season of production, but it’s still fair.Will it happen? 5/10 – Milan have said that they would sell for the right bid. A somewhat contrary decision given the relationship he has with Balotelli, but Chelsea probably would need to decide once and for all if they can sign Cavani.
Bayern Munich are interested in Chelsea and Brazil centre-back David Luiz, 26.
Full story: Daily MailWhat’s the story? There is a lot of talk about Chelsea moving David Luiz on the assumption that he won’t fit in with Mourinho. But Mourinho has used his type in the past and made them world class. Just look at Ramos and Lucio.Does it make sense? Not necessarily. Even though he has elite talent, Bayern are already pretty well stocked for this type of defender.Is the price right? Hard to see how Chelsea could sell for much less than £35m, but would Bayern really want to pay that?Will it happen? 3/10 – The David Luiz challenge will appeal to Mourinho too much.
And new Manchester United boss David Moyes will return to old club Everton with a £16m bid for left-back Leighton Baines, 28.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? United have already put in an opening bid for Baines which was turned down. It’s telling that he is the only Everton player they have bid for so far.Does it make sense? They still have Patrice Evra so it’s not a need, but he would offer them something a little different at left back with his excellent delivery. Evra gets in to good areas, but can be a little raw when it comes to crossing.Is the price right? This doesn’t exactly seem like a need, so £16m is fairly hefty. It’s just about justifiable given his age and position.Will it happen? 6/10 – Everton have said he’s not for sale, but that won’t worry United.
Swansea are prepared to spend almost £20m to buy Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony, 24, and Blackpool winger Tom Ince, 21.
Full story: the Independent
What’s the story? This is part good, part not so good. Swansea are looking to upgrade the attack and have room for new options, particularly with European football on the horizon.Does it make sense? Yes, football-wise. Bony is an elite physical specimen and has shown he can score goals relentlessly in Holland. He’d be perfect as the lone front man in Swansea’s system. I don’t want people to think I’m down on Ince. He’s a good player with some potential and would look good on the right of Swansea’s attacking three cutting in on to his left foot, but he’s too expensive, considering he still hasn’t proved himself at a higher level.Is the price right? £8m for Ince is absurd. It’s the problem with buying British. The £10m for Bony seems right.Will it happen? 9/10: Bony – It seems to be on the verge. 5/10: Ince – It would be very un-Swansea like to pay so far over the odds for a player they could easily get elsewhere for less.
Newcastle director of football Joe Kinnear wants to make his first signing since taking on his new role at the club by Friday, with a second bid planned for Saint Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Full story: The Journal
What’s the story? I’ll believe this when I see it. Newcastle have been linked to him in the past, but we’d need evidence that Kinnear is willing to explore the overseas market first.Does it make sense? It certainly does football-wise. Aubameyang as a lone front man would be an excellent option for Newcastle. He has the talent to play in European competition, and with him getting service from the likes of Ben Arfa, Cabaye and Marveaux, he could get himself over the 20-goal mark.Is the price right? St. Etienne want £16m, which is fair value for him.Will it happen? 6/10 – I’m not convinced just yet, but then perhaps it’s too easy to buy in to the feeling propagated by the media that Kinnear is some kind of dinosaur and will want to sign only players he’d heard of previously.
Tottenham want to sell midfielder Tom Huddlestone, 26, with Sunderland considering a £5m bid for the midfielder.
Full story: London Evening Standard What’s the story? Huddlestone has the talent to be a starter and has had a few runs as the main man at Spurs; but with Paulinho coming in to run the show at White Hart Lane, he’s not going to see the time he needs.Does it make sense? This doesn’t seem like a Di Canio signing. Huddlestone is technical, but not the hardest working. Di Canio seems to prioritise endeavour over everything else.Is the price right? Yes, £5m is good value.Will it happen? 2/10 – I think he’ll go, but not to Sunderland. Perhaps Newcastle if they sell Cabaye. Perhaps Stoke.
