Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Glasgow Rangers are the talk of the papers today.
All the transfer news and gossip you need to know from the last 24 hours…
Andre Villas-Boas has so far made two new signings at Spurs in Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jan Vertonghen and is looking to add a third. His hunt has led to his former club Porto, with him eyeing winger Christian Atsu. The 20-year-old Ghanaian was loaned to fellow Portuguese side Rio Ave last season and is rated highly. He would be a cheaper alternative to the man they were linked with yesterday Willian, and while interested in Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, a deal there remains unlikely.
The Mirror report a fresh twist in the Robin van Persie saga, revealing that Juventus are ready to can their move for the striker and switch attentions to Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko instead. Juve are still keen on the Arsenal striker but unwilling to meet Arsenal‘s valuation. Dzeko has stated he is happy at City, but if Roberto Mancini does decide to bring in a new striker, namely Van Persie, Dzeko is most likely to be moved on. City have already rejected a £15 million from the Turin club for the Bosnian, who Juventus value higher due to his younger age and better fitness record.
Reports in Italy have linked Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar with moves to Spurs and Arsenal. The Brazilian Champions League winner is out of favour at the San Siro after Inter signed Udinese stopper Samir Handanovic. Cesar is keen on a move to the Premier League, and a move to Tottenham would be more likely, with the club targeted a goalkeeper at present. Their move for Hugo Lloris remains in limbo with Daniel Levy reported to be accusing Arsenal of trying to sabotage their move with a ‘fake bid’ pushing his price up. However the Italian reports suggest Arsenal are ahead in the race for Cesar’s signature.
Paul Lambert is keen to add depth to his Aston Villa squad, targeting Ipswich Town defender Aaron Cresswell. Ipswich boss Paul Jewell is reluctant to lose the left-back, but concedes if the right offer came in the club would not stand in his way. Cresswell is 22-years-old and was signed from Tranmere a year ago, and the Tractor Boys are believed to be holding out for £3.5 million for his signature.
And finally, a remarkable development at Glasgow Rangers, with Robbie Savage offering to end his retirement and play for them. Just when they thought it couldn’t get any worse! Seriously though if Savage is genuinely up for it then Rangers should snap his hand off as at 37 he could certainly still do a job in the Scottish Third Division, and most importantly, he’d play for free.
image: © lawkeven
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
