Transfer rumours
As always at this timof year the transfer grapevine is in full swing as players and agents get busy in the hope of a new deal or a new club, here are some of the latest rumours circuating, as always some are more believable then others,but any true fan always gets a buzz from the thought that a superstar could some be in his clubs colours.
Who? - Daniel Alves - Speculation Where is he? - Seville Who is he linked with? - Manchester United, Chelsea
Sevilla full-back Daniel Alves has emerged as a surprise target for Manchester United, with Chelsea also known to be interested. The Blues had an offer turned down for the Brazilian defender last summer and would surely rival any interest from Sir Alex Ferguson. The 24 year old is widely seen as one of the best in his position and, with Gary Neville in the latter stages of his career, could be an ideal addition to United's squad. Alves is keen on the move and said: "I was upset when Sevilla turned down the Chelsea offer. But if I leave this summer and get a deal which makes me as happy then perhaps it was not a disaster. I know Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea and United want me and I'd be honoured to go to any of them."
Who? - Samuel Eto'o - Speculation Where is he? - Barcelona Who is he linked with? - Chelsea
Barcelona's star striker Samuel Eto'o has dropped a big hint that he could leave the Nou Camp this summer. Barcelona's domestic season has faltered of late and the Catalan giants now find themselves in third place in La Liga, 11 points behind rivals Real Madrid. Chelsea are long-term admirers of the Cameroon hitman and will have taken notice of his recent comments. Said Eto'o: "I want to win titles and if I can't do it here then it will be in another club. But in Spain my cycle has finished. I have touched the ceiling in Barcelona so if I leave I will go abroad. I will go to whoever pays the most.' Roman Abramovich's billions could well ensure that Chelsea are that very club.
Who? - Diomansy Kamara - Quite likely Where is he? - Fulham Who is he linked with? - Various clubs
Fulham misfit Diomansy Kamara looks certain to leave the club in the next transfer window. The Senegalese forward moved to Craven Cottage in a 6 million move from West Brom last summer, but has failed to perform as the Cottagers battled relegation. Three goals in a season is not an impressive return for any striker, yet there is no shortage of teams reportedly interested in signing the 27 year-old. Fabrizio Ferrari, Kamara's agent, said: "I'm aware of the reports about Sevilla but he also is admired by Atletico Madrid. In Italy, there is perhaps Palermo, Roma or Napoli interested."
Who? - Thierry Henry - SpeculationWhere is he? - Barcelona Who is he linked with? - Arsenal
Thierry Henry could be leaving Barcelona in the summer transfer window, according to reports from Spain. The Frenchman moved to the Nou Camp from Arsenal at the end of last season, but has struggled to settle due to family issues. Newcastle United are among the clubs linked with a move for him, and a Barca source told the News of the World: "If we receive a proposal then then we will speak to the player. We have not opened the door for Henry, but we have not closed it." Henry made a name for himself at the Gunners, but has struggled with European teams before, notably Juventus, whom he played for before signing for Arsene Wenger's side.
Who? - Marek Hamsik - Speculation Where is he? - Napoli Who is he linked with? - Chelsea
Chelsea are set to make a bid for Napoli striker Marek Hamsik in the summer transfer window. Reports suggest that the Blues, who have been keeping an eye on the player since January, sent scouts out to watch him in action last weekend. Manchester United and Liverpool are also said to be interested in him, but a potential stumbling block for all three clubs is that Napoli coach Edy Reja is keen to keep him in Italy. Hamsik began his career with Slovan Bratislava in 2004, scoring one goal in the only game he played for them. In that same year he moved on to Brescia, where his ten goals in 65 appearances attracted the interest of Napoli, whom he signed for in 2007. He has scored twice in just seven appearances for the Slovakia national team.
Who? - Diego Capel - Speculation where is he? - Seville Who is he linked with? - Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur manager Juande Ramos looks set to make a move for Diego Capel, who currently plays for his old club Sevilla. Capel has a clause in his contract which stipulates that he can leave for 8million, and Ramos is thought to be keen on meeting that fee. However, he is likely to face a battle for the winger, as Real Madrid are also known to be interested. "I've heard of the interest and am flattered Ramos is impressed with me enough to look at me," Capel told the Daily Mirror. Capel has been with Sevilla since turning professional in 2004. He has scored three goals in 33 appearances since then.
Who? - Jonas Gutierrez - Speculation Where is he? - Real Mallorca Who is he linked with? -Portsmouth
Portsmouth are set to battle it out with Valencia and Sevilla in the race to sign Jonas Gutierrez. The Real Mallorca winger, who has the nickname Spider-Man after once donning the superhero's mask to celebrate a goal, has been a reported target of Harry Redknapp's for some months now, with rumours of his interest first emerging last summer. However, with Sevilla's Daniel Alves expected to join Barcelona in the summer and Valencia targeting a UEFA Cup run next season, it is thought the Spanish duo are prepared to enter the race for the 6million-rated Argentine as well. Gutierrez began his career with Velez Sarsfield in 2001, before moving on to Mallorca four years later. He has won two caps for his country.
Who? - Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes - SpeculationWhere is he? - Manchester United Who is he linked with? - Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is keeping an eye on the status of Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes. The Manchester United veterans, aged 34 and 33 respectively, have been used sparingly this season as Sir Alex Ferguson has looked to give first team experience to the likes of Anderson and Nani. Hughes, a former United legend himself, would be very keen to land the midfield duo should they become available. "If players like Giggs and Scholes came on the market, then everybody would be interested, irrespective of age", Hughes stated. "We have done well in the last two or three years to be able to bring the right quality at the right price and they have always been able to produce for us. I have got to keep on doing that."
As i said at the start these are rumours and to me taken as seriously as you wish,but my peronal favourite as a lifelong Gunner is the return of Henry, i feel he left with unfinished business at the Emirates but though my heart says come back my head says it is unlikely as i believe Wenger would see it as a step back, but the sentimentalist in me would love to see the great man fit and well and doing what he was best at, scoring for Arsenal.
