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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 Three is here.
Chelsea are lining up an £11.2m offer for Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, 29, a long-term target.
What’s the story? Somewhere Roberto Mancini is chuckling. He wanted De Rossi at Man City last summer. Chelsea seem to be signing every talented player they can right now.
Does it make sense? Signing De Rossi can never be a bad thing. The problem would be where Ramires, Van Ginkel and Oscar fit in. Add in games for Lampard and it’s a tricky balancing act. Mind you, the fact that De Rossi is better means that he is an upgrade.
Is the price right? It seems incredibly cheap considering he has four years left on his contract. Even with him being 29 now it should be nearer the £17m mark.
Will it happen? 5/10 – Can’t really link De Rossi leaving Roma with any certainty, but he seems more willing than ever to consider it.
Manchester United boss David Moyes is set to turn his attentions to Lazio and Italy attacking midfielder Antonio Candreva, 26, if United miss out on Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara, 22.
Antonio Candreva
What’s the story? No one seems to know what’s happening with Thiago at the moment so it’s understandable that United are being linked to others.
Does it make sense? I wouldn’t say Candreva has the qualities to provide a serious passing upgrade for United. He’s certainly a trier with incredible fitness and chipped in with 6 goals, but he’s not the most sophisticated player. Would work well in a three man midfield with Carrick and Thiago for example, but he doesn’t seem to be what they want for a two man.
Is the price right? £12m?
Will it happen? 3/10 – I don’t see this. He’s a good player but not the right type for what United want.
Norwich City boss Chris Hughton is plotting a £6m move for Juventus’s Italy striker Fabio Quagliarella, 30.
Fabio Quagliarella
What’s the story? Norwich are showing admirable ambition in the market this summer and do need to add a big body upfront having lost Grant Holt.
Does it make sense? Kind of. He has good size and strength but at 30 he’s a little older than their other signings.
Is the price right? It’s about right. He’s still capable of getting 10-12 goals.
Will it happen? 4/10 – I’m not convinced by this just yet. Juventus are probably willing to sell him, it just depends whether he fancies Norwich rather than staying in Italy.
Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out a move for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, 26, and is preparing to up his offer from £30m to £35m.
Luis Suarez
What’s the story? So what if he does? Liverpool want more money, and unless he’s lying, Suarez has said the only reason he wants to leave Liverpool is to get out of England.
Does it make sense? Football wise it would be a great signing for Arsenal. Reputation wise it would also. However, Liverpool can’t sell him in England, even if he was willing to go. What does it say about them, a club which is so beholden to its history, if they sell their star to a club with a reputation for selling theirs?
Is the price right? No. Again, how can Liverpool consider selling him for what they paid for Carroll?
Will it happen? 1/10 – Slightly up from zero. It seems like Real selling Higuain to Arsenal is holding up Suarez’s move to Madrid.
Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, 26, is on the verge of joining Sunderland after the clubs agreed a £5m fee.
Tom Huddlestone
What’s the story? Huddlestone has always had quality. He’s a good ball striker and technician and has a nice range of passing, Sunderland need that.
Does it make sense? Yes. He needs to be the starter somewhere again and Sunderland had a paralysing lack of quality in central areas last season.
Is the price right? Spot on.
Will it happen? 9/10 – Hard to see how it won’t.
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