Prem Talking Points: Movers And Shakers
We are now half way through the January transfer window, and there is expected to be much business done after few high-profile deals so far.
The British press have moved into overdrive in the last few weeks, with some rumours believable and others pure fantasy. So lets try to distinguish fact from fiction.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho clearly wants a defender. While the board are reluctant to throw money at another striker, a centre-back or a versatile defender may just be permitted. If so, expect Bolton’s Tal Ben Haim to jump ship before his contract expires in the summer.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson seems fairly content with his lot. Should Bayern Munich decide that Owen Hargreaves can leave for a reasonable price, Fergie may just decide to move in for his long-time object of desire, but otherwise it should be a quiet two weeks at Old Trafford.
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez needs players more than ever after the unfortunate injuries sustained by Luis Garcia and Mark Gonzalez. The Reds have been linked with Javier Mascherano for some time and if Fifa allow the transfer (a player is not allowed to play for more than two clubs in 12 months), the move could be on. Rumours that run and run, such as the one linking Liverpool with Blackburn’s Lucas Neil, generally have an element of truth about them, so watch this space…
Arsene Wenger has already made it clear that Arsenal will not be making any signings in January, so no point in speculating.
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce, ever the wheeler dealer, may make a couple of additions but appears to be more worried about keeping what he has. The loss of Ben Haim would be a huge blow but who would put it past Big Sam to pluck another diamond out of the rough in the next two weeks? Vikash Dhorasoo may just be that diamond but he will have to impress more than he apparently did in a recent trial at Fulham. Cottagers boss Chris Coleman says he will not be following up his interest.
There could also be more comings and goings at Portsmouth. In already are Arnold Mvuemba on loan from Rennes and Djimi Traore from Charlton. But Souleymane Diawara is unlikely to join from the Addicks as has already played for two clubs in the last 12 months.
Everton will not be signing Joey Barton despite fresh speculation on Tuesday. Manchester City do not want to sell their tough-tackling midfielder.
Tottenham boss Martin Jol is said to be one of the many managers interested in Watford’s Ashley Young. But surely not at £10 million. The player apparently wants to move to White Hart Lane, and a player-plus-cash offer including Callum Davenport and Wayne Routledge could be forthcoming.
Reading are reportedly keen on Bobby Zamora but while West Ham may be ready to offload other players, their top scorer is unlikely to be leaving. Steve Coppell may sign one or two but expect few comings or goings, especially after a scan on Kevin Doyle’s hamstring injury revealed that he will only miss around four weeks.
Manchester City have handed a trial to Francesco Coco. The 30-year-old is out-of-favour at Inter but if he can reproduce some of his old pre-injury form, City boss Stuart Pearce may just have himself a player.
Reports linking Real Madrid outcasts Ronaldo and Antonio Cassano with Newcastle should surely be treated with the contempt they deserve. Both players are on handsome salaries at the Bernabeu and the north-east is chilly this time of year. Peter Crouch has been another name mentioned, but again, don’t believe the hype. The lanky England international will not be leaving Anfield. No doubt manager Glenn Roeder would love to get his hands on Birmingham’s Matthew Upson, but so would most clubs.
Neil appears destined to leave Blackburn, perhaps sooner rather than later. But don’t be surprised to see manager Mark Hughes bag the Reds’ Stephen Warnock as part of the deal. The signing of former player David Dunn from Birmingham would be romantic, but there must be serious questions over his fitness. A loan deal perhaps?
Vincenzo Montella and Clint Dempsey have already joined the Fulham. Alexei Smertin may just follow them from Dinamo Moscow, while the rumours linking Chris Coleman with Everton’s Simon Davies seem fairly concrete. Expect at least two more arrivals at Craven Cottage.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate may just make a swoop, but it remains to be seen who. There appears genuine interest in West Brom’s Zoltan Gera, while there are reports of a £6 million move for Benfica’s Manuel Fernandez, previously on loan at Portsmouth.
Reports of an Aston Villa move for Craig Bellamy appear wide of the mark as Liverpool boss Benitez would surely be unwilling to let him go. Shaun Wright-Phillips is a dream, but perhaps an unreachable one. Watford’s Young is a possibility, but surely not at the prices quoted. But whatever happens, expect movement at Villa Park.
It would seem Sheffield United boss Niel Warnock has done most of his business with the signings of Matthew Kilgallon, Mamadou Seck, Jon Stead and Luton Shelton. But he may have one other signing up his sleeve.
Reports last week that a deal to bring Lyn Oslo whizz-kid Chinedu Ogbuke to Wigan appeared to be a red herring. But Wigan are in real trouble and manager Paul Jewell is expected to make at least two more signings. Alan Smith is a target but Ferguson seems intent on keeping him at Old Trafford. No go there.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has already splashed out for Luis Boa Morte, but Watford’s Young does not seemingly favour a move to Upton Park. Rumours linking Middlebrough’s Mark Viduka are surely fanciful given that Curbishley already has six strikers at his disposal. For the same reason, Darren Bent is unlikely to arrive. What the Hammers need is defensive solidity, although the latest reports are that Arsenal’s Lauren has rejected a move.
There is definite interest from Charlton in Sevilla’s Kepa and a loan move may be sealed in the near future, while Colchester’s Greg Halford is another realistic target. Leeds United’s David Healy may be out of the club’s price-range, however. Former boss Curbishley may just be willing to allow Marlon Harewood to leave West Ham.
Tottenham’s Davenport continues to be linked with Watford but any deal may be dependent on Young. Fulham’s Collins John is a no-go after the striker rejected a move to Vicarage Road.
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I guess english media think England=World
