Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 2nd July: Part Two

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 - Analysing the Transfer Gossip – July 2: Part One

Tottenham have made a £17m offer for Valencia and Spain striker Roberto Soldado, 28.

Roberto Soldado

What’s the story? Spurs want a striker. We know this. And now Soldado is added to the list with Villa, Negredo and Benteke that they seem to be trying to choose from.

Does it make sense? Yes. Soldado is an all around striker and an exemplary finisher.

Is the price right? Yes. £17m seems good value. Kind of surprised Spurs didn’t get involved in the bidding for Mario Gomez at £15m.

Will it happen? 5/10 – First reports of this. However, Valencia are stuck in no man’s land at the moment between ambition and need to pay for the white elephant new stadium. They’ve sold Silva, Villa and Mata over recent years. Would Soldado be the final straw for their fans?

West Brom could become French striker Nicolas Anelka’s sixth different Premier League club. The 34-year-old is a free agent after leaving Juventus.

Nicolas Anelka

What’s the story? Hmmm. West Brom moving for a striker who has shown himself to be a malcontent elsewhere? Peter Odemwingie anyone?

Does it make sense? I really don’t like this. West Brom are normally excellent in the markets, especially at giving chances to players to prove themselves. This is just a big contract for a player who has done it all.

Is the price right? Free is OK, but it all depends on the wage. West Brom haven’t paid huge wages up to now and Anelka is not worth changing that policy for.

Will it happen? 7/10 – I guess so, but it’s such a strange lurch away from their strategy.

Liverpool are not targeting 23-year-old Paris St-Germain centre-back Mamadou Sakho, despite the France international being “flattered” by their apparent interest.

Mamadou Sakho

What’s the story? Sakho is coming in to the last year of his contract at PSG. At one point he was very highly rated but some bad mistakes mean his star has waned.

Does it make sense? Hmm. Sakho is really similar to Daniel Agger so it’s not a complimentary fit. They could do with an enforcer more. A good Skrtel would do the trick.

Is the price right? Probably down from the £30m of a few years ago to more like £5-6m now.

Will it happen? 4/10 – I guess he has some characteristics that Rodgers likes, but he’s really not different enough to justify the signing.

Newly promoted Crystal Palace have contacted Liverpool to enquire about taking midfielder Jonjo Shelvey on loan. Palace manager Ian Holloway took the 21-year-old player for two months on a temporary basis in late 2011 when he was in charge at Blackpool.

Jonjo Shelvey

What’s the story? How good is Shelvey? He scores goals, but not enough to be a forward. And his passing range isn’t subtle or accurate enough to play in central midfield.

Does it make sense? It’d be a good signing for Palace but presumably the link is from his time with Holloway at Blackpool.

Is the price right? A loan makes huge sense for Palace who need to replace Zaha’s goals, although he didn’t score as may as you’d think. £15m for 8 Championship goals anyone?

Will it happen? 5/10 – Not so sure. Liverpool only really need to loan him if they want him long term. Not convinced they do.

Galatasaray have made a £1.25m loan offer with a £5m option to buy outright Manchester City defender Aleksandar Kolarov. The 27-year-old is also wanted by Juventus and Inter Milan.

Aleksandar Kolarov

What’s the story? Kolarov is a pure left wing back. Can’t play any other position but he does have excellent ball striking which makes him a good crosser and free kick taker.

Does it make sense? Not for Juventus who have just spent £7m on Asamoah to play the position. Galatasaray don’t really need him but then he could he hidden at left back in the Turkish league. Inter make most sense.

Is the price right? £6m for Kolarov seems fair.

Will it happen? 10/10 – He’s going.

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