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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?
It’s a big day of gossip today so you are treated to three parts! Part One is here, Part Two is here.
Tottenham are preparing an offer for Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, 22, but believe the £25m price tag is unrealistic.
What’s the story? I looked in more detail at Benteke to Spurs here and felt the price would be a concern.
Does it make sense? Benteke would give Spurs a new dimension upfront, and they lacked second options last season at times, particularly against deep defences.
Is the price right? Yes, for Villa, but not really for Spurs. It’s about the right sort of price, but Spurs have got themselves in trouble paying big money for players coming off one good season before (Pavlyuchenko, Bentley, Richards). If he backs this season up with another like it they wouldn’t hesitate.
Will it happen? 6/10 – I think it’ll be Spurs or Villa.
Wayne Rooney, 27, still wants to quit Manchester United and Chelsea believe they can land the unsettled £25m striker.
Wayne Rooney
What’s the story? Although David Moyes said Rooney wasn’t for sale, he didn’t say that he no longer wanted to leave.
Does it make sense? United don’t sell their star man to other English teams. Beckham went to Real Madrid, Stam to Lazio, van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid and Ronaldo to Real Madrid. Notice the pattern?
Is the price right? No. He’s worth more than that. However critical the response to Rooney sometimes is, when he plays as a striker he scores goals.
Will it happen? 3/10 – I can’t see him going unless the relationship with Moyes, which is built on sandy land, collapses and the board sanction selling in England.
Midfielder Joey Barton, 30 has reached an agreement on a return to Marseille as QPR continue with plans to restructure their squad.
Joey Barton
What’s the story? I like the term ‘restructure the squad’ which essentially means ‘sell all our garbage’.
Does it make sense? Barton did well at Marseille last season and QPR would be delighted to see him leave.
Is the price right? I don’t think QPR will care really. They want his wage off the bill and more importantly, him nowhere near the club.
Will it happen? 9/10 – QPR will find a way, even if they have to pay Marseille.
Manchester City target Alvaro Negredo, 27, is edging closer to a move away from Sevilla, with coach Unai Emery saying it would be “best for everyone” if he left.
Alvaro Negredo
What’s the story? This Negredo story is funny. Look at this; on the 11th he wanted to leave to try new things, then on the 12th the move had broken down because he was happy in Sevilla, now on the 13th the manager thinks he should leave. It just goes to show you, always be wary of what you read. Unless it’s on The Football Space!
Does it make sense? I have no idea what’s going on. He has said he wants to leave though, and City can offer him the Champions League football he craves.
Is the price right? £17m. Good value for both teams.
Will it happen? 5/10 – Who knows?
Arsenal could make a bid to bring Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, 25, to North London.
Tim Krul
What’s the story? Arsenal want a keeper and seem to have missed out on Julio Cesar to Napoli. Krul was on my list of five keepers that Arsenal need to look at.
Does it make sense? Yes. Krul is a big man who can take control of the box. He’s also an excellent shot stopper.
Is the price right? Mignolet cost £11m and he’s not quite at that level so something like £9-10m.
Will it happen? 3/10 – Who can say with Arsenal? They started the summer promising big spend on big players, the likes of Higuain, Fellaini, Rooney and Jovetic and have not spent anything yet and missed out on a keeper who would have cost £1.5m.
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