Liverpool are the most prolific team in today’s transfer extravaganza.
The Independent kick things off by telling us that Isco is a target for Manchester City now that James Rodriguez has joined Real Madrid. Isco played under Pellegrini at Malaga and both parties have a healthy respect for each other. That’s all they’ve got. No quotes, no links, just circumstances. Why let the truth get in the way of a good transfer rumour, eh?
Liverpool feature in the Daily Mirror as they report that Brendan Rodgers is lining up players everywhere. Following significant investment so far, he is now targeting Dejan Lovren from Southampton, Dortmund’s Marco Reus (pic above) and they are also looking to muscle in on the Arturo Vidal negotiations with Manchester United. Lovren has long been linked with the Reds and his supposed transfer has been imminent for ages now. We’re not sure the papers understand the meaning of the word imminent.
Marco Reus is apparently available for £25m and despite being linked with Bayern Munich, Rodgers sees him as a marquee signing that will make a real statement of intent. He’ll sign for Bayern.
Arturo Vidal (pic above) being linked with Manchester United is the longest running transfer saga of the window, but now Liverpool have barged into the negotiation room flashing crisp twenties and bottles of Cristal shouting “Eh Arturo, like what ya see? Those Mancs have got nothin’ on us, NOTHIN’!’
To which Vidal said “What about that world record £750m kit deal with Adidas?” “……..eh…..your Ma!!!” replied Liverpool as they ran back out the door.
Another Real Madrid player linked with a move away is gifted French central defender Raphael Varane. The Independent report that Varane is unhappy at the Bernabeu due to him being on lower wages than most of his team-mates.
70 euros a week and a free meal in Nando’s is not cutting it any more for the Frenchman and he wants to be reunited with the man who gave him his big breakthrough at Madrid, Jose Mourinho. Mourinho is monitoring the situation apparently… in a castle we imagine, whilst stroking a cat.
Inside Futbol report that Arsenal’s Costa Rican striker, Joel Campbell (pic above), is the subject of flirtatious glances by AC Milan. New Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi, who knows a thing or two about being a good striker, is very keen on bringing Campbell to the San Siro to help revive the fortunes of a once great club. Campbell spent last season on loan with Olympiakos and was expected to return to the Emirates after proving to be quite good during the World Cup.
Harry Redknapp (pic above) wants to bring the average age of the QPR side to 71 by adding Samuel Eto’o to his ranks of pensioners according to the Daily Mirror. Following the signing of Rio Ferdinand, aged 64, Redknapp wants to now bring in Eto’o, aged 76, as QPR re-enter the Premier League. Eto’o, who is on holiday in Blackpool with his carers, is said to be open to the idea providing his agent can strike a deal.
Tottenham want Ron Vlaar from Aston Villa say the Daily Mail. Vlaar, who was excellent for the Netherlands at the World Cup, is wanted by Mauricio Pochettino and he is prepared to offer them Michael Dawson or Lewis Holtby plus cash in return. Southampton are also interested in the big Dutchman.
We’re off to meet Raphael Varane for lunch in Nando’s.
