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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 manager Jose Mourinho has made a £35m move for Zenit St Petersburg’s Brazil forward Hulk, having missed out on top target Radamel Falcao. Hulk, 26, almost joined the Blues last summer but a deal could not be agreed with his then-club Porto, who were demanding £40m, and he joined Zenit instead.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Really? I’m baffled by this. Chelsea are prioritising a striker, understandable if it’s Cavani or Lewandowski. But Hulk? Hulk? He’s not as good as Lukaku for starters and his game is so one dimensional for a highly regarded player. Maybe it’s just me who doesn’t see the appeal of having an in cutting wide forward whose main trick is battering the ball with his left foot as your central striker. Plus, he’s really lazy. This is Mourinho we are talking about.
Does it make sense? You may have got the impression that I don’t think so.
Is the price right? £35m for a one trick pony with no hold up skills, marginal pace, no real aerial threat to be played out of position?
Will it happen? 5/10 – Maybe. No idea why. But maybe.
Wayne Rooney, 27, is set to stay at Manchester United after the club dropped a big hint by making the striker the centrepiece of their new kit advertising campaign.
Full story: Daily Star
What’s the story? Yeah, either that or he’s their most recognisable face around the world whilst they try to sell a bunch of new shirts and want their fans to buy them in the hope that he stays? Other than perhaps van Persie, who could they use as their poster boy? Antonio Valencia? Alex Buttner?
Does it make sense? Unless United have a replacement lined up, it doesn’t make sense to sell him football wise but he and David Moyes aren’t exactly best friends.
Is the price right? £30m or leave the table.
Will it happen? 3/10 – He’s probably going to stay, but this is by no means the indicator.
Aston Villa have placed a £40m price tag on in-demand Christian Benteke in an effort to put off Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Tottenham, who are all keen on the 22-year-old striker.
Full story: Daily Mirror
What’s the story? Villa want to scare everyone off, Benteke wants to go. It could get ugly.
Does it make sense? Villa cannot sell Benteke this summer. Unless someone is bonkers enough to offer this kind of money that is. He’s just so critical to them. He was my league MVP because his goals kept the club in the league.
Is the price right? Obviously £40m is too much, and if Villa have quoted that it is to get teams to go away.
Will it happen? 6/10 – I can see something developing here. If a team misses out on its other striker targets, he becomes a very attractive option.
Juventus are set to step up their efforts to sign Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez, 29, if they fail to prise Arsenal and Chelsea target Stevan Jovetic away from Fiorentina.
Full story: Daily Mail
What’s the story? Some reports in Italy have Tevez above Jovetic on Juventus’ priority list. Perhaps City have had enough of his malingering.
Does it make sense? Yes. He’d be a good compliment to Fernando Llorente, as would Jovetic. They could be happy with either of them, and if anything Tevez will probably be cheaper.
Is the price right? Jovetic is £23m apparently. Would Tevez be much more? City have to cover the Fernandinho-sized hole they’ve created for themselves with a sale or two and Pellegrini won’t be playing with two strikers next season.
Will it happen? 6/10 – This is slowly warming up. If Arsenal win the Jovetic race then it’s certainly possible.
AC Milan may make a move to bring Real Madrid playmaker Kaka, 31, back to the club next season. The Brazilian is said to be a favourite of Milan president Silvio Berlusconi.
Full story: Tuttosport
What’s the story? There could be a bit of a clean out at Real Madrid if they are able to get Bale and Suarez and Kaka would be near the front of that queue. Milan could do with his experience to help guide their sparkling youngsters in attack.
Does it make sense? It’s not necessarily the most obvious fit but if any club can rejuvenate Kaka, it’s AC Milan.
Is the price right? I guess Madrid would take £10m to get his wage off the bill.
Will it happen? 8/10 – A return to the club where he had his best years could be just what he needs.
