Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 12th July: Part One

As we move into 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?

Manchester City are close to beating off competition from Chelsea for Fiorentina forward Stevan Jovetic, 22, but will have to pay the £30m asking price.

Stevan Jovetic

What’s the story? It seems like most others clubs are dropping out of the race for Jovetic now, although I wouldn’t put it past Arsenal getting back involved at some stage. If they’re willing to bid £30m on Suarez they obviously have it there.

Does it make sense? Yes, but it’s unknown how high up the priority list he was at the start of the summer. It would mean Aguero playing as the lone striker which although not a bad thing, doesn’t sound like what City had in mind when bidding for Cavani.

Is the price right? £30m is a lot for a player who doesn’t necessarily look like a 20 goal man, however, Jovetic has all the skill and creativity that City need to fashion more chances.

Will it happen? 8/10 – City certainly seem to be in pole position at the moment, but then, Arsenal were last month.

Tottenham are to offer Aston Villa the choice of Benoit Assou-Ekotto, 29, Scott Parker, 32, Jake Livermore, 23, or Tom Huddlestone, 26, along with £20m in exchange for their 22-year-old Belgium international striker Christian Benteke.

Christian Benteke

What’s the story? Ooooh, nothing whets the appetite like getting someone else’s junk for your star man. Contain your excitement Villa fans, I know this must be like being a kid in a candy shop.

Does it make sense? Parker certainly doesn’t. Huddlestone and Livermore probably don’t because Villa rate Ashley Westwood very highly in the same role. Assou-Ekotto would make the most footballing sense as Villa could definitely do with a left back but whether he’ll put in the work that Lambert requires is debatable for a man who is open with his distaste for his profession.

Is the price right? Villa have apparently set the bar at £25m so this would work with Assou-Ekotto or Huddlestone price wise.

Will it happen? 5/10 – Spurs are the most likely destination for him if he leaves, but I’m not convinced he will leave.

Fulham are considering a move for Liverpool‘s Uruguay international defender Sebastian Coates, with Brendan Rodgers prepared to sell the 22-year-old after he failed to make an impact in two years at Anfield.

Sebastian Coates

What’s the story? This idea was first floated by The Football Space last month in this article on Liverpool players who need a loan.

Does it make sense? Rodgers is unlikely to sell him, but a loan to get him more settled in to the Premier League. Fulham need to do something about their flimsy central defence.

Is the price right? Liverpool paid nearly £9m for Coates, so a sale price is difficult to find.

Will it happen? 7/10 – Rodgers hasn’t been afraid of getting rid of players he doesn’t rate.

Promising 17-year-old left-back Luke Shaw is set to reject offers from Manchester United and Chelsea and sign a new contract with Southampton.

Luke Shaw

What’s the story? Shaw is one of the best of England’s dearth of young talent. Southampton are making ambitious moves in the transfer market this summer so it’s a good place to be.

Does it make sense? Yes. Southampton have lost Bale, Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain at a very young age so tying down Shaw is great business.

Is the price right? Southampton are spending £12.5m Wanyama so they don’t need to be tempted to sell Shaw who seems happy at St. Mary’s.

Will it happen? 10/10 – He loves being at Southampton who are showing genuine ambition at the moment.

Sunderland have managed to sign 28-year-old Italian midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini for £6.8m despite Juventus’s original valuation of nearly £11m. The club are also closing in on Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, 26, who is unsettled at White Hart Lane.

Emanuele Giaccherini

What’s the story? Giaccherini is a real coup for Sunderland and bizarrely different from the bits and bobs signings they’ve made elsewhere.

Does it make sense? Giaccherini is a hard runner and gritty battler so will bring some fight to Sunderland. He’s not particularly subtle though. Huddlestone does need to start somewhere and Sunderland desperately need a player who can pass the football.

Is the price right? £6.8m would be a good price for his professionalism and desire. Huddlestone would be a good signing for £5m or so.

Will it happen? 9/10 – Giaccherini 6/10 – Huddlestone: he’s got quality on the ball but does he work hard enough for Di Canio?

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