The transfer talk goes into overdrive today with more links than a very dodgy conspiracy theory.
Spanish publication Marca report that both Barcelona and Manchester United are in for Fiorentina’s Colombian wing-back Juan Cuadrado. Barca are hoping the player will ask for a move as they don’t fancy paying the full €40m that the Italians are demanding.
However, things have been complicated as United have stepped in with a €38m bid. The Colombian is well fancied by Luis Enrique (pic above), but their needs are not as strong as they were with news of Dani Alves remaining at the Nou Camp. He’ll sign for Barcelona of course.
Tuttosport in Italy claim that Arturo Vidal has a verbal agreement to join Manchester United. It’s another twist in the never-ending story that has become this transfer saga. They have a report from a Chilean newspaper which claims Vidal has already agreed personal terms. The fee is reported to be £47m with wages of £250k a week. This has Sneijder, Thiago, Lucas Moura and Fabregas all over it and we can fully expect him to extend his contract with Juventus in the coming days.
Keeping it European, L’Equipe tell us that Marseille’s Mathieu Valbuena (pic above) is a wanted man.
No, he’s not a fugitive, he is desired, longed for and lusted after. The smallest footballer on the planet, measuring in at two foot four inches had a great World Cup and must have been thrilled with his performances. Players playing that well on such a big stage would expect to be linked with the elite of European football. Valbuena is linked with a move to West Ham or QPR. Both clubs are in talks with the French club vying for his tiny signature.
The Southern Daily Echo report that Ronald Koeman has finally found the lock for the exit door at St Mary’s and is refusing to sell Morgan Schneiderlin (pic above) and Jay Rodriguez to Spurs. Southampton, who are currently operating with a first team squad of four, have finally realised that they might need some players for next season and have rebuffed Tottenham’s attempts to sign the pair.
QPR are back in the news as the Daily Mirror report of a move for Elche’s Colombian midfield enforcer, Carlos Sanchez. The player who is nicknamed ‘The Rock’ due to his hard man stature and, of course, his role in the Tooth Fairy, is available for around £4m. Sanchez starred in the World Cup for Brazil and his all action style is thought to be suited to the rough and tumble that is the Premier League.
Sunderland are in negotiations with Luis Pedro Cavanda of Lazio according to the Daily Mail. The Belgian defender is wanted by Gus Poyet which probably explains why they are in negotiations. This stuff writes itself.
We’re off to console Mathieu Valbuena.
