Analysing the Transfer Gossip – 5th July Part One: Hulk, Damiao, Pepe and more

Manchester City are ready to listen to offers for Brazilian right-back Maicon. The 31-year-old is behind Pablo Zabaleta and Micah Richards in the Etihad pecking order.

Full story: Daily Mail

What’s the story? Maicon was the best right back in the world three years ago, a dominant presence in Inter’s Treble winning side and in Brazil’s World Cup team. Now, he’s third in line at City. He’s never recovered from that mauling by Gareth Bale.

Does it make sense? Strangely, I’m not sure it does. Richards is not reliable when it comes to staying clear of injury, so there’s no guarantee he’d be available if Zabaleta got injured. Not until City sign some defenders anyway.

Is the price right? Maicon is probably worth spending a few million on for clubs outside the top few leagues.

Will it happen? 5/10 – Not convinced City would let him leave without a replacement in mind.