Arsenal, Liverpool, West Ham, Newcastle United, Everton and Manchester United are the talk of the papers today.
All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
Arsenal target Ibrahim Afellay has added to fuel to the fire linking him with a switch to the Emirates after praising his link up with Robin van Persie. The Dutch stars are preparing for Euro 2012 and scored two goals each in a 6-0 demolition of Northern Ireland this weekend. The Barcelona winger could cost as little as £8 million, and Arsenal would love to reverse the trend of players going from North London to the Spaniards. After an injury hit season Barcelona would be open to a sale to allow Afellay to re-ignite his career, and Tottenham have also been linked with the winger. One problem for his latest transfer hint, Arsenal are by no means assured of keeping Van Persie, although you feel signing Afellay could help persuade him to stay.
It’s a tough time for Swansea City fans at present as they come to terms with Brendan Rodgers departure and wait for a new manager to be installed. Gylfi Sigurdsson, who would have become their record transfer signing, has admitted the uncertainty has made him reconsider his future. Liverpool have been strongly linked for obvious reasons, and the Icelandic midfielder praised the Anfield side, hinting he would love a move there, and clearly has a good relationship with Rodgers, revealing he phoned him to congratulate him on his move. Several other clubs including Manchester United and Newcastle United were previously linked and there could still be a twist ahead.
Positive news for West Ham fans in this morning’s papers, with the Mirror linking them with a move for Wolves winger Michael Kightly. Kightly finally broke free from his injury nightmare this year, turning in a number of impressive performances, although it was not enough to save his side from relegation. Clearly it was enough to impress the Hammers, who are said to be preparing a move. Kightly was born in the Essex area, a hotbed for West Ham support and used to play for Grays Athletic, and would likely welcome a move down south.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Brazilian defender Douglas who plays for FC Twente in Holland. The 24-year-old said he feels the time is right to test himself at a higher standard and says he has offers from five clubs. Mysteriously he claims Newcastle are not the biggest club in the running for his signature, but won’t reveal who are, while the Mirror report that both Tottenham and Chelsea are admirers. Douglas is a former teammate of Newcastle powerhouse Cheik Tiote.
The Leighton Baines transfer saga has taken another twist, with the revelation Italian club Napoli are interested in signing him. Everton are believed to have upped their valuation of him to £20 million, after initial reports last month priced him between £7 million and £13 million. Manchester United are chasing the left-back, to put pressure on Patrice Evra in that position, but Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be refusing to do a deal £20 million believing he is overpriced.
image: © jikatu
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
