Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Everton and Wigan Athletic are the talk of the papers today.
All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
Liverpool are targeting former Swansea City forward Fabio Borini report several of the morning’s papers. Brendan Rodgers has worked with him twice before, previously at Chelsea when he was in their youth team. Borini is now a full international with Italy after scoring 10 goals in 26 games for Roma last season. His contract is a complicated one, he is owned by Parma who loaned him to Roma who bought fifty per cent of his rights. Such an arrangement has become commonplace in Italian football. Borini was on loan at Swansea and helped their promotion to the Premier League and if Liverpool can get him he would be a shrewd addition to the squad.
The papers are continuing to push Manchester United‘s interest in Porto whizkid James Rodriguez. The winger’s agent has said the situation is ‘complex’ which itself can give United hope, for the only straightforward situation would be the Colombian’s wish to stay at Porto. The 20-year-old would cost around £25 million, and there is a buyout clause too of above £45 million which is complicating the deal. Porto would not want to lose Rodriguez and Hulk who is Chelsea-bound, so we suspect this one won’t come to fruition, unless United do decide to sell Nani.
The Sun is reporting that Aston Villa want to sign Ibrahima Balde. Balde is the latest in a line of top notch Senegalese strikers and is only 23. He plays for Spanish side Osasuna and scored seven times in 13 starts last season in La Liga. He is also said to be interesting promoted side Reading, as well as Sunderland and Norwich City.
One former Aston Villa man who could be heading back to the Premier League is Swedish defender Olof Mellberg. The Mail claim that Everton are ready to swoop for the centre-back after contract talks with Greek champions Olympiakos broke down. The 34-year-old gave a timely reminder of his qualities, forcing two goals against England in Kiev, and has now retired from international football. David Moyes has been busy at Euro 2012 scouting and Mellberg, available cheaply, could be the right man at the right price.
An Everton player who could be leaving Goodison is striker Victor Anichebe. It has been reported that Wigan Athetic are eyeing the forward as a replacement for Victor Moses. The 24-year-old Nigerian is rated at around £4 million and could provide useful funds for the Toffees. Anichebe scored four times last season but only made five starts and it is thought he would be keen on more regular football.
image: © mollyig
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