Reading, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Newcastle United are the talk of the papers today.
All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
Premier League newboys Reading are eyeing a swoop for Liverpool outcast Joe Cole, according to this morning’s papers. Cole had just one season at Anfield, a disappointing spell, and was moved on by Kenny Dalglish to go out on loan to Lille this season. He has had a decent time over in France, scoring four goals in 32 appearances, but is unlikely to make a permanent move. Ambitious Reading would present a new challenge for him, and the club have also been linked with Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe. The Star report that Reading would not be able to match Cole’s £70,000 a week wages, and would look instead to take him on loan.
Manchester City are not about to rest on their laurels now they have been crowned champions of England, they are determined to make a mark in Europe. In doing this, the Mirror report they want to sign Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini, who has previously been linked with Manchester United. City are said to be preparing a £16 million bid for the 27-year-old central defender, who has just won the Italian title with Juventus. The paper report that City are also willing to offload Alexander Kolarov and Nigel de Jong this summer.
The Sun report that both Manchester City and Chelsea are on alert to sign Ezequiel Lavezzi. Lavezzi impressed in the Champions League for Napoli this season and is rated at £20 million. Which is quite ridiculous when you consider that is what Liverpool paid for Jordan Henderson last summer. Inter Milan and PSG are both said to be interested too, and if he does move on from Naples, a bidding war could push his price a lot higher. Napoli finished fifth in Serie A this season, leaving their stars vulnerable to sale with no Champions League football to offer next season.
Tottenham Hotspur are targeting Sevilla striker Arouna Kone, report The Mirror. The striker has been on loan at Levante this season, netting 15 goals, and is out of contract this summer. Stoke City are also interested as are Atletico Madrid, and the paper report that Harry Redknapp has been in touch with the striker’s representatives to ask him to delay his decision until the Champions League final. After this Spurs will know their status for next season, and put together a more attractive offer. A striker on a free is hardly what Spurs fans would have had in mind, but Kone has had a good season, and presents good value, after all Demba Ba has proved that you don’t have to be a big money striker to guarantee goals.
Speaking of Demba Ba, the Mail write that Newcastle United are preparing for his possible exit this summer. They report that Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal are all interested in signing him, ready to meet his release fee clause of £7 million. If they do, the Toon are ready to make a bid for freescoring Dutch striker Luuk de Jong. The 21-year-old striker scored 25 times for Twente last season, and has been linked previously with Liverpool. Newcastle would be keen to tie up a deal before Euro 2012, and his price increases.
image: © k1ngk0ng
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