Soccer Zone

Holiday

2011-06-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

Unfortuantely (sort of) I'm heading to the Canary Islands on holiday, so may not be able to post for a week until I get back. But I ensure you I'll be posting multiple times on the day I get back on all football transfer updates.

See you in a week!

Transfer News: Christiano Ronaldo

2011-06-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Shocking news emerged today how Manchester City are after Ronaldo, but he will only leave for £400,000 p/w wages and the captains armband. The already-most expensive player in the world has been lined up by the Blues as the key weapon to push for the Premier League title next season. It's thought that City will offer Real Madrid a whopping £150million for the player.

It's a huge deal, and would push Manchester City forwards, but isn't it too much money? Ronaldo already rejected £350,000 p/w wages, and asked for the £50,000 more, but of course this is just showing his greed and hunger for money. Would you see Messi asking for this money? No. This shows just how money has influenced the game nowadays.

Do you think Ronaldo will go to Manchester City? What are your thoughts on the whopping sums needed in order to secure his services?

Have your thoughts below.

Transfer News: Manchester United

2011-06-09T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Champions have certainly been preparing for next season straight away, already lining up several stars. Blackburn defender Phil Jones has hit the headlines, after his planned move to Old Trafford has just about been confirmed for the 19 year old. A deal of around £16million has reportedly been confirmed, and you can expect a statement by the club within the next 24 hours. Still, it could be a risk, spending a large sum of money on an unproven youth, who is considered as backup incase Skipper Rio Ferdinand or Vidic gets injured.

Next, Ashley Young has been a target for a few weeks, and it's been rumoured that his agent met with United officials earlier today. Although he was strongly linked with Liverpool in January, it looks as if the Red Devils will be winning the battle for his signature. This is expected to be around £15million for the England winger, who's been on form in recent months.
Manchester United have been searching for Van Der Sarr's replacement for several months, and Atletico Madrid Goalkeeper David de Gea is the target. If United are able to captured the young Spanish 'keeper then their transfers would be approaching the £50million mark, even with several other targets in mind.

Their top target still consists of Wesley Sneijder a longterm target for the Mancs. However, Inter won't sell unless they get at least £40million +. The Dutch playmaker has been in superb form, and Ferguson believes he'll fill Scholes' shoes nicely.
Samir Nasri has also been linked with Man Utd since his stalling of a new contract at Arsenal. The French Winger is reported to be displeased by the unhinging and selling of the Gunners, with Fabregas expected to leave this summer to join former youth club and European champions, Barcelona.

What are your thoughts on these targets? Who will they get? Who else do you think will head to Manchester? Have your thoughts below.

Transfer News: Henderson to Liverpool, Jones to United

2011-06-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

It looks confirmed earlier today that Jordan Henderson will be joining Liverpool from Sunderland, for a fee believed to be around £20million. However, the fee hasn't been confirmed, and there's allegations that the fee is more in the region of £13million, with David N'Gog also being offered to seal the deal.

Henderson, 20, made his England debut earlier this season, having had a decent season for the Black Cats. However, a £20million deal for a somewhat untested 20 year old is a major risk, after having already paid big sums for Andy Carrol and Luis Suarez in the January window. Or perhaps the scouts know what they're doing, and want to mimic Manchester United with the bringing-ins of youth players.

This comes on the same day when it looks like Manchester United have signed Blackburn defender Phil Jones. This is also a surprising move, with Sir Alex Ferguson offering around £16million for the highly-rated, yet lowly proven 19 year old, beating off competition from Arsenal and Liverpool. Although it has yet to be confirmed by the Premier League Champions, expect a statement of his capture in days.

It's thought that Jones will provide cover for the injury-prone Ferdinand, since the England star has missed much of the season due to a knee injury. However, this means Chris Smalling will miss out, even after a good first season at Old Trafford. Still, £16million is still major money, considering he's only going to be cover.

Are these clubs taking a huge gamble by spending big money on lesser known youth players? Or have their club scouts got the decision right and it'll pay off? Have your throughts below.

Transfer News: Cesc Fabregas

2011-06-06T05:45:00.000-07:00

Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas has been open to negotiations for the last two years, but without yet another trophyless win with Arsenal, he's almost definately leaving this year. But where will he end up?
Barcelona have longed for him in this period, and Frabregas has said he'd love to rejoin his old team again. However, they are reluctant to meet Arsenal's demands of 50million Euros.
Next, we have Real Madrid. This surprise approach is intriguing definately, as they haven't shown any interest up until now. Real feel that it'd be perfect to snip their rival's Barcelona to their number one target, and he'd fit in nicely in the heard of Real's defence. Also, Real don't have to worry about valuation, since they're pretty much all about money anyway.
Next, Milan and even Manchester City are also keen on him Spaniard. However, these seen less likely as Fabregas stated that if he does go, he wants to move back to Spain.

It looks more than likely that Barcelona will get hold of their once-was possession, but if they fail to meet the pricetag, then rivals Real could snap him up. This could have an interesting outcome to it.

Where do you think he'll end up?

Thanks.

Transfer News: Newcastle United

2011-06-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

As it's my favourite team, and a team with a lot of transfer rumours, these are the ones that stand out:

French Midfielder Yohan Cabaye has allegedly told his manager, and teammates, that he will be leaving French champions Lille to play alongside fellow French International Hatem Ben Arfa at St James' Park. Although not official, this already seems a definate as it was confirmed by Lille Manager, Rudi Garcia.

Newcastle are also after Gervinho, but so are several other teams, including Valencia. Gervinho also stated that he wants to play in Europe if he leaves Lille, perhaps ruling a move to the Magpies out. However, fellow Ivory Coastian Cheick Tiote is reportedly trying to convince him to join.

Shane Long of Reading is also on the Toon hitlist, as well as Ipswich's Connor Wickham. The latest rumour is with Celtic star Izaguirre beng considered for a £10million offer.

With £35million to spend, maybe more, could Newcastle build a strong team this summer to do serious damage next season? What are your thoughts on these transfer rumours? Will they be good for the team?

Transfer News: Berbatov

2011-06-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

So, after being left behind in Wembley, Dimitar Berbatov reportedly wants to leave Manchester United. Newcastle are keen to sign him. However, a bid of around £12million may be necessary, but could they afford his wages? This is one of the reason Joey Barton can't get a new contract, with Mike Ashley's policies with wages a huge problem.
However, Berbatov was a Toon fan when he was a kid, and said he often slept in his memorable Shearer top. With him having the prospect of playing for his childhood club, could he take a paycut?