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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?
Chelsea are planning a £10m bid for Roma’s Italy international Daniele De Rossi, 29, as Jose Mourinho looks to strengthen the Blues’ midfield.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? £10m?! We’ll get to that later. De Rossi is a lifelong Roma fan and player so tempting him away would be hard, however he has intimated that he might be willing to leave for a crack at the Premier League.Does it make sense? De Rossi would be an immense signing for Chelsea, providing the drive and power from defensive midfield that a young Michael Essien provided in the Mourinho heyday. He’d bring steel to a side with a ridiculous amount of talent.Is the price right? No. Where’s £10m come from? Maybe three times that.Will it happen? 5/10 – It might do but not at this price. He’d possibly be the best signing Chelsea could possibly make.
Premier League newcomers Crystal Palace are waiting to find out whether new Manchester United manager David Moyes is willing to let Wilfried Zaha return to Selhurst Park on loan. Fulham and West Ham are also keen on the England international, 20.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Zaha has been brought to United to offer pace and threat to wide areas in a manner that the club really lacked last year. However, he is very raw and would benefit from starting somewhere else in the league for the season.Does it make sense? Returning to Palace wouldn’t necessarily be a good idea. Going in to a new environment would be a good idea, forcing him to adapt to the challenge could really push him hard enough to improve rapidly.Is the price right? A loan is a really good solution for all involved.Will it happen? 8/10 – He’ll be out on loan somewhere. I wouldn’t have thought sending him down to London is the greatest idea though.
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp wants to sign Tottenham’s England midfielder Scott Parker, 32, as the Hoops aim to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Full story: London Evening Standard
What’s the story? This was rumoured in January. Redknapp would be looking to Parker to bring some determination and professionalism to a hilarious QPR outfit that could be trying to sell everything in sight.Does it make sense? Yes. He’s lost his legs so isn’t viable in the Premier League anymore. His Euro 2012 efforts seem to have ruined him. However, he still has the quality to play well in the Championship and more importantly, Redknapp can bolt the captain’s armband to him and see him lead a more professional approach.Is the price right? Spurs would probably take a small fee, maybe £1m.Will it happen? 9/10 – Still paid well, possibly a route to coaching, still in London, club captain, good level for him to play at.
Arsenal and Manchester City could compete to sign forward Stevan Jovetic after Fiorentina hinted they were open to selling the 23-year-old for the right price.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? Well, they were linked to Jovetic a few weeks ago but it seemed to have gone a little cold. However, City have missed out on Isco so could turn back to him. Arsenal are about to tie up Higuain but having Jovetic behind the Argentine could be amazing.Does it make sense? Fiorentina are signing Mario Gomez so the idea of Jovetic partnering him is exciting for Viola fans. Can they afford to sign Gomez if not selling Jovetic?Is the price right? Supposedly £23m. That’s a good price for a player capable of being involved in 30+ goals.Will it happen? 5/10 – Could easily go to either but if Fiorentina are making a statement signing in Mario Gomez it’s tough to see how they let Jovetic go. However, they may well have bought Gomez with money top be made from selling Jovetic.
Chelsea are considering whether to make an improved offer for goalkeeper John Ruddy, 26, after Norwich turned down a £5m bid earlier this week.
Full story: the Guardian
What’s the story? Now this is what you call a luxury signing. Chelsea already have two of the top ten goalkeepers in the world under contract that they are having problems to fit in to the team.Does it make sense? No. Chelsea don’t need yet another goalkeeper. Ruddy could very well get in to England’s World Cup squad if they qualify, but not from Chelsea’s bench. Norwich cannot jusitfy selling him, because they were so much better with him in the team.Is the price right? Norwich can’t really sell for anything less than the £11m Sunderland got for Mignolet, but Ruddy isn’t worth paying that much for. Norwich would either need to spend the money on a replacement and another player or trust Bunn and invest it in a striker.Will it happen? 2/10 – There’s no logical deal that works for both teams but Chelsea do do things their own way.
Manchester City want to sign Sevilla and Spain striker Alvaro Negredo, 27. The deal could cost up to £28m.
Full story: Daily Express
What’s the story? Negredo is a reliable goalscorer and City are clearly in the market for a striker.Does it make sense? Yes. City have missed out on all of the uber elite strikers so are having to readjust their targets to the step below. However, Negredo is a quality player and a very consistent performer in La Liga who can finish off opportunities which the City creatives will be providing plenty of.Is the price right? No. This is too much really. Negredo doesn’t have the physical gifts to justify the big big money. Needs to be £10m less. But then, Fernandinho cost a least twice as much as he should have so it doesn’t bother City.Will it happen? 8/10 – It’s a good match and City are willing to bid against themselves.
