'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
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 One is here.
Roma boss Rudi Garcia has pleaded with the club’s board to prevent Chelsea from signing midfielder Daniele De Rossi, 29.
Full Story: Metro
What’s the story? It had been presumed that Roma’s signing of Kevin Strootman was in order to replace an expected sale of De Rossi but, this is Daniele De Rossi, a one club man.
Does it make sense? Roma are about to sell Marquinhos for something up to £35m to PSG so they don’t exactly need to sell De Rossi. Partnering him with Strootman would make for an excellent partnership in central midfield, maybe one of the best on the continent.
Is the price right? The reported fee of £12m was clearly absurdly low. De Rossi is a £20m+ man even at 29.
Will it happen? 5/10 – Up in the air at the moment, could easily go wither way.
Japanese playmaker Keisuke Honda, 27, has spoken of his hopes of playing for AC Milan, who are reportedly interested in signing him from CSKA Moscow.
Full Story: Gazzetta dello Sport
What’s the story? Honda is running in to the last six months of his contract at CSKA Moscow and will want to try his hand in a bigger league.
Does it make sense? It makes decent but not breathtaking sense. Milan have the lively combination of Balotelli and El-Shaawary upfront together at the moment but it’s possible they may see Honda fitting in to a 433.
Is the price right? Probably worth £15m but there won’t be much motivation for anyone to pay more than £6m considering his contract situation.
Will it happen? 10/10 – It sounds inevitable when looking at the Italian media.
Hull boss Bruce is aiming to bring in QPR forward Adel Taarabt, 24 to add some creativity to his Premier League newcomers.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? Oh dear. Look away now Hull fans.
Does it make sense? Hull do need creativity and flair in an otherwise uninspiring attack. However, Taarabt is not the answer. He has done nothing in two seasons in the Premier League at a club he seemed to mostly enjoy playing for, never mind one he’d have absolutely no connection to. He’s got one trick and is the definition of inconsistency and selfishness. They don’t need that headache.
Is the price right? QPR supposedly wanted £4m for him, but it’s a waste of time for Hull. Although they need creativity, Taarabt isn’t particularly creative. He gets in decent areas and has a few touches but he is more likely to smash the ball over the bar than find a teammate.
Will it happen? 4/10 – It might do you know. Hull need players and Taarabt is the kind of overrated player who someone will bite on and regret it.
Hull have also made an approach for 27-year-old Sunderland striker Danny Graham, who only joined the Black Cats in January for £5m.
Full story: The Times
What’s the story? Oh dear, sorry Hull fans, I’m just the messenger.
Does it make sense? I like Danny Graham. I like him at Championship level only though. In the Premier League he hasn’t got enough subtletly or skill to effective. He tries hard and he’s a great teammate, but he’s not going to score 10-15 goals without bountiful supply which he won’t have at Hull.
Is the price right? Swansea did well to get £5m for him. How can Hull pay more than about £3.5m? But, they might do.
Will it happen? 7/10 – Steve Bruce likes a player who tries hard and works for the team.
West Ham are preparing a £3m bid for West Brom midfielder and Scotland international Graham Dorrans, 26.
Full story: The Sun
What’s the story? West Ham aren’t really doing much that’s making them much better at the moment. Dorrans was great in the Championship but never really showed that kind of form in the Premier League.
Does it make sense? Not really. West Ham already have a bunch of decent enough midfielders and I don’t think Dorrans is any better than them.
Is the price right? £3m is about right for Dorrans, possibly a little much. He doesn’t really fit in at West Brom anymore so they’re not going to be putting up a massive fight.
Will it happen? 7/10 – This is the second time we’ve seen this and it’s an Allardyce type signing.
