Todays transfer rumours
Who? - Kasper Schmeichel - Quite likely Where is he? - Manchester City Who is he linked with? - Leaving
Manchester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel accepts that he may have to leave the club in the search for regular first-team action. The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at Coventry City, played in Manchester City's first seven Premier League games of this season before being dropped in favour of Joe Hart. "I spoke to Sven last week and explained to him that I want to play first-team football," said Schmeichel. "He said that he can't promise me that, so if I'm honest it looks like my future might not be at City. "I have got three years left on a good contract so I could bide my time, but I am a footballer and I want to play. It is as simple as that. "The future is exciting. I could go anywhere in Europe to play my football - Spain, Italy or stay here in England. "I am looking forward to it but for now I am not thinking about that. I am a Coventry player at the moment and my job is to help Coventry to be safe."
Who? - Shaun Wright-Phillips - Speculation Where is he? - Chelsea Who is he linked with? - Manchester City
Shaun Wright-Phillips could be making a surprise return to Manchester City in the summer. The England star has struggled to hold down a regular starting place in the Chelsea side. Instead, Avram Grant has utilised the pace of Wright-Phillips late on in games as a substitute. 10 million could tempt Chelsea to sell a player they signed for almost double that fee three years ago from City. The player himself would accept the transfer, particularly after the rapturous reception he receives whenever he makes an appearance at Eastlands. The fact that City, thanks to the funds of Thaksin Shinawatra, can now match the big wages Wright-Phillips currently earns at Chelsea will no doubt further persuade the winger to agree terms.
Who? - John Arne Riise - Speculation Where is he? - Liverpool Who is he linked with? - Newcastle United
Liverpool left-back, John Arne Riise, has not been offered a new deal at Anfield, which has sparked rumours of a move to Newcastle. The Norweigan has been left frustrated this season, playing second fiddle to the Brazilian, Fabio Aurelio, who Rafa Benitez has favoured in the left-back role. Kevin Keegan has made sorting out that position a main priority in the summer, having been less than impressed with current player, Jose Enrique. Money will not be a problem for Keegan, who has the full backing of multi-millionaire owner, Mike Ashley. A projected fee of 5 million would be enough to persuade Liverpool to sell their unsettled star, whose contract expires in 2009.
Who? - Steven Davis - Quite likely Where is he? - Fulham Who is he linked with? - Rangers
Fulham midfielder, Steven Davis, looks likely to make a permanent move to Glasgow Rangers in the next transfer window. The Northern Ireland international has been on loan at Ibrox since January, having been surprisingly frozen out by Fulham. 23 year-old Davis has certainly made the most of the move, standing out in the Glaswegian side's UEFA Cup win at Sporting, and has impressed Rangers manager Walter Smith enough for him to consider a 3 million transfer. Davis has said he wants to wait until the end of the season to decide his future, although he did admit: "What I can say is that I will listen to Rangers first. If they are an option, then it's something I will consider." Blackburn and Middlesbrough are also monitoring the situation.
Who? - David Villa - Speculation Where is he? - Valencia CF Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Spanish international striker, David Villa, has fueled speculation that his future may lie at Highbury. The Valencia star covets a move to the Premiership and believes that Arsenal are the team for him. Villa said: "..the team I'm most attracted to is definitely Arsenal. Their brilliant one and two-touch football and the whole style of rapid counter-attack...is the one that suits my game best of all." Villa would cost a hefty 20 million, although with Eduardo on the sidelines until next year, Arsene Wenger may be forced to act.
Kasper Schmeichel will find no shortage of admirers if he leaves the City of Manchester Stadium and as for Shaun Wright-Phillips going back to City this has been doing the rounds for some time and much will depend on weather Sven stays as t weather the move becomes reality.
Other rumours that have been doing the rounds for a while are the Riise to Newcastle and Villa to Arsenal ones and the former i believe will happen as Keegan builds a new squad for the new season, bt though from a personal point of view i would love to see Villa in an Arsenal shirt next season i feel: 1:) Liverpool could be a more likely bidder and 2:) Arsene would not be to happy parting with 20 million!
As always it will be wait and see.
