Man City are close to signing yet another ‘big name player’ (well, at least a premier league ‘big name player’ - probably) in the form of Arsenal’s 28 year old Ivorian centre-back, Kolo Toure.
City have spent most of the summer bolstering their team thanks to the copious cash-injections of their owner, the ‘trillion dollar man’ , Sheikh Mansour. Currently, however, the team seems to be more top heavy on fire-power than defence, with signings such as Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor making them a considerable threat in front of their opponents goal.
But what about in front of their own goal?
Last season City conceded 50 goals in 38 premier league games, compared to the 24 goals both Man Utd and Chelsea conceded. Mark Hughes undoubtedly realises that if the predictions of City ‘breaking the top four’ are to become reality, then their goals conceded record must dramatically improved.
To this end, they’ve been linked a number of other ‘big name’ central defenders this season, most notably John Terry and Joleon Lescott, but thus far haven’t been able to snag either even though they’ve thrown bags of money at both player and club.
So is Kolo Toure a good buy?
Last season Toure struggled to maintain a regular starting place at Arsenal and at 28 he’s undoubtedly coming to the end of his prime. However, He has been the backbone of the Arsenal defence for years, amassing a total of 326 games and scoring 14 goals since signing with the gunners in 2002. He has experience of playing the ‘big games’ in both the premier league and the champions league and could definitely bring a lot to help galvanise the City defence.
But, according Arsene Wenger, nothing is yet finalised: "We have seven centre-backs and I am in the position where I have to play some in midfield but of course Kolo is a very good player and we will see what will happen in the next 24 hours."
transfers Archives
Posted by KJB on 29th July 2009 @ 12:00 | Tagged under: transfers |
(2) Comments
Posted by KJB on 31st July 2009 @ 14:38 | Tagged under: transfers |
Add Comment
Portsmouth have successfully swooped in for both right-back Steve Finnan and defensive midfield Aaron Mokoena this morning.
Finnan had failed settle in last season at his La Liga club Espanyol and consequently has terminated his contract in order to join the club. It is thought Finnan is to be the direct replacement for Glen Johnson, who was sold to Finnan’s old club Liverpool earlier this summer.
According to Paul Hart on the club website: “It whetted my appetite to think that we could get a player Steve’s calibre here. He’s really looking forward to coming here and we’re looking forward to seeing him play.”
Mokoena left Blackburn at the end of last season after failing to secure another contract and has delighted Paul Hart by putting pen to paper in a three year deal for Pompey.
“Aaron’s a strong player who bites in the table and he’s the sort of character we’re going to need in the coming months,” Hart explained. “I watched him play for South Africa in the Confederations Cup over the summer and he did great.”
Finnan had failed settle in last season at his La Liga club Espanyol and consequently has terminated his contract in order to join the club. It is thought Finnan is to be the direct replacement for Glen Johnson, who was sold to Finnan’s old club Liverpool earlier this summer.
According to Paul Hart on the club website: “It whetted my appetite to think that we could get a player Steve’s calibre here. He’s really looking forward to coming here and we’re looking forward to seeing him play.”
Mokoena left Blackburn at the end of last season after failing to secure another contract and has delighted Paul Hart by putting pen to paper in a three year deal for Pompey.
“Aaron’s a strong player who bites in the table and he’s the sort of character we’re going to need in the coming months,” Hart explained. “I watched him play for South Africa in the Confederations Cup over the summer and he did great.”
Posted by KJB on 31st July 2009 @ 23:20 | Tagged under: transfers |
(6) Comments
Bundesliga Champions Wolfsburg have snapped up Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins from Newcastle on a four year deal.
Bought in 2006 Martins scored a total of 35 times for the club and will join Grafite and Edin Dzeko in the Wolfsburg strike force.
Bought in 2006 Martins scored a total of 35 times for the club and will join Grafite and Edin Dzeko in the Wolfsburg strike force.
Posted by KJB on 1st August 2009 @ 11:09am | Tagged under: transfers |
Add Comment
Rumours linking Liverpool to Vanencia's David Villa are rife again, as well as further links to Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani. But on the home front, the Daily Star reckon Javier Mascherano will now stay at Anfield, after Barcelona completed the signing of Ibrahimovic.
There are contradicting rumours coming from Everton, with the Independent suggesting they'll turn down a bid for Joleon Lescott if it exceeds £30 million, whereas the Daily Mirror suggest Everton have made a bid for Arsenal's Phillippe Senderos as a direct replacement for Lescott.
There are contradicting rumours coming from Everton, with the Independent suggesting they'll turn down a bid for Joleon Lescott if it exceeds £30 million, whereas the Daily Mirror suggest Everton have made a bid for Arsenal's Phillippe Senderos as a direct replacement for Lescott.
Posted by KJB on 4th August 2009 @ 19:58pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(6) Comments
So is this the shape of things to come during the build up to the new Premiership season?
The last 48 hours have seen a flurry of transfer action ranging from interesting gossip, accepted fee's and completed deals. The most interesting of these being the premature report of Liverpool capturing Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani for £15.3m by Spanish newspaper Marca, thereby suggesting that Xabi Alonso's departure from the club was set stone. Today it seems the rumours had some grounding as reports are coming in that Real Madrid have in fact agreed a fee with Liverpool for the Spanish midfielder.
Elsewhere are the top of the league, the Daily Mail suggested that Chelsea were on the brink of a £100 million spending spree, reportedly set to chance their arm in the transfer market on AC Milan's veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Bayern's star winger Franck Ribery and Athletico Madrid's highly-rated wonder kid, Sergio Aguero. In my mind £100 million isn't got to get them far in accomplishing their goal, with Bayern holding out for 'Ronaldo-esque' type money for Ribery and Athletico unwilling to part with one of their best players.
Elsewhere in the Premier League:
Darren Bent passed his medical at Sunderland and is expecting to make the move official come tomorrow.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Leeds Utd youngesr Fabian Delph.
Lescott wants to leave Everton and is on verge of handing in a transfer request, whilst the Toffee's are chasing Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos.
Fulham have reportedly signed South African midfield Kagiso Dikgacoi.
Barcelona have apparently made a £12 million offer for Man Utd's Johnny Evans - after the Eto'o and Ibrahimovich deal earlier in the month, nothing the Spanish giants do can surprise me now.
Arsene Wenger will not go beyond £6 million for potential target Marouane Chamakh, but has been left with an offer to think about by AC Milan, who have apparently launched a £30 million bid for star central midfileder Cesc Fabregas.
And finally, Newcastle centre-back Sebastien Bassong wants to leave the club to join a Premiership team, growing particularly fond of Harry Redknapp's Tottenham outfit by all reports.
Phew! A lot of intel there as dawn of the new season approaches, expect more transfer market tidal waves to be hitting your shores in the coming days!
The last 48 hours have seen a flurry of transfer action ranging from interesting gossip, accepted fee's and completed deals. The most interesting of these being the premature report of Liverpool capturing Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani for £15.3m by Spanish newspaper Marca, thereby suggesting that Xabi Alonso's departure from the club was set stone. Today it seems the rumours had some grounding as reports are coming in that Real Madrid have in fact agreed a fee with Liverpool for the Spanish midfielder.
Elsewhere are the top of the league, the Daily Mail suggested that Chelsea were on the brink of a £100 million spending spree, reportedly set to chance their arm in the transfer market on AC Milan's veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, Bayern's star winger Franck Ribery and Athletico Madrid's highly-rated wonder kid, Sergio Aguero. In my mind £100 million isn't got to get them far in accomplishing their goal, with Bayern holding out for 'Ronaldo-esque' type money for Ribery and Athletico unwilling to part with one of their best players.
Elsewhere in the Premier League:
Darren Bent passed his medical at Sunderland and is expecting to make the move official come tomorrow.
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Leeds Utd youngesr Fabian Delph.
Lescott wants to leave Everton and is on verge of handing in a transfer request, whilst the Toffee's are chasing Arsenal centre-back Philippe Senderos.
Fulham have reportedly signed South African midfield Kagiso Dikgacoi.
Barcelona have apparently made a £12 million offer for Man Utd's Johnny Evans - after the Eto'o and Ibrahimovich deal earlier in the month, nothing the Spanish giants do can surprise me now.
Arsene Wenger will not go beyond £6 million for potential target Marouane Chamakh, but has been left with an offer to think about by AC Milan, who have apparently launched a £30 million bid for star central midfileder Cesc Fabregas.
And finally, Newcastle centre-back Sebastien Bassong wants to leave the club to join a Premiership team, growing particularly fond of Harry Redknapp's Tottenham outfit by all reports.
Phew! A lot of intel there as dawn of the new season approaches, expect more transfer market tidal waves to be hitting your shores in the coming days!
Posted by KJB on 12th August 2009 @ 19:53pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(3) Comments
Earlier today, Sunderland manager Steve Bruce swooped in for Wigan central midfielder Lee Cattermole in a deal thought to be around £6m, offering the England Under 21 International a five year deal.
Cattermole was signed by Bruce from Middlesbrough back in July 2008 for approx =£3.5m when he was manager of his former club Wigan. Bruce obviously considers him talented enough to take him to his new club and it's thought that Cattermole will go straight into the squad to will play Bolton on Saturday on the opening day of the season.
However, the loss of Cattermole didn't seem to affect the Latics manager Roberto Martinez in slightest. "It is far more than the club paid for him last year and the third highest fee in Wigan Athletic history."
What say you? Good signing?
Personally I think Cattermole is a tough, battling midfielder the likes of Sunderland need to boss around the midfield and break up opposition play and quite frankly the kind of player Sunderland is need of.
With so many clubs now vying for a top spot, it's shaping up to be the most competitive years in the Premier League and midfield battles may dictate most tight matches.
We'll know for sure just how competitive the Premier League will get, come Saturday.
Cattermole was signed by Bruce from Middlesbrough back in July 2008 for approx =£3.5m when he was manager of his former club Wigan. Bruce obviously considers him talented enough to take him to his new club and it's thought that Cattermole will go straight into the squad to will play Bolton on Saturday on the opening day of the season.
However, the loss of Cattermole didn't seem to affect the Latics manager Roberto Martinez in slightest. "It is far more than the club paid for him last year and the third highest fee in Wigan Athletic history."
What say you? Good signing?
Personally I think Cattermole is a tough, battling midfielder the likes of Sunderland need to boss around the midfield and break up opposition play and quite frankly the kind of player Sunderland is need of.
With so many clubs now vying for a top spot, it's shaping up to be the most competitive years in the Premier League and midfield battles may dictate most tight matches.
We'll know for sure just how competitive the Premier League will get, come Saturday.
Posted by KJB on 13th August 2009 @ 19:35pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(4) Comments
It's been a particularly vibrant day in transfer market for most Premier League clubs, with Wolves renewing their loan deal with young Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne, Birmingham snapping-up former Liverpool left-back Gregory Vignal, Portsmouth loaning 21-year-old midfielder Anthony Borre and Hull sign Republic of Ireland International Stephen Hunt from Reading and Algerian striker Kamel Ghilas from Celta Vigo.Mancienne became Wolves' seventh capture of the summer and it is thought that the spending spree has yet to come to an end with Chief Executive Jez Moxey stating, "It's been a long, hard summer in terms of preparing for the Premier League and bringing in new players, and we’re still looking for more even now."
Mancienne spent two months at the club last season and during the 10-game spell is thought to have sufficiently impressed manager Mick McCarthy during his stay at the club to secure the deal.
Former Liverpool and Rangers left-back, Gegory Vignal impressed Birmingham manager Alex McLeish so much during trials he offered the 28-year-old a one-year contract, after failing to do the same whilst on trials at both QPR and Southampton last month.
"He's a good athlete, mobile, strong and aggressive," McLeish explaining the deal on Birmingham's official website. "At Rangers when we won the league it was a very successful campaign for him, so I know what he can bring us."
Another loan signing from Pompey sees 21-year-old Belgian midfielder Anthony Borre join the club in a one year deal. "He’s threatened to do so much for quite a while - now's the time for him to come up with the goods," Paul Hart advised.
A double swoop for Hull, signing Republic of Ireland winger Stephen Hunt for what the Royals claim is a "sizeable fee". Hunt reckons his experience with Reading bring a lot to his new club, "I know how difficult the second season syndrome in the Premier League can be from Reading, so, hopefully I can bring my experience of that here."
Tigers boss Phil Brown also added striker Kamel Ghilas to his strike force for around �£2m, signing the 25-year-old Algerian up to a four year deal at the club. "Kamel is a product of our scouting network," Phil Brown said, "We've worked long and hard scanning Italy, Spain, Germany and a few other places.
"A lot of people may not know Kamel now, but that will change over the course of the season."
Posted by KJB on 23rd August 2009 @ 12:30pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(3) Comments
Various reports this morning suggest that both Liverpool and Arsenal are in the hunt for highly-rated Real Madrid attacking midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart who is currently thought to be out of favour with the Spanish team thanks to their summer of big spending.
Earlier in the week, Van der Vaart expressed his desire for Premier League action: "I really want to come to England.
"There are a number of clubs with offers where I can go, in Germany, Spain and Italy. I have also had a request from Martin Jol to go back to Ajax. But none of those options appeal to me. I want to go to the Premier League and I know where I want to play."
Judging by the video above, I think he'll be a welcomed addition of the current array of Premier League stars.
Posted by KJB on 24th August 2009 @ 20:00pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(3) Comments
It was inevitable, wasn't it? With an unhappy player and Manchester City throwing substantial fees at clubs, not many doubted that Mark Hughes would eventually get his man. But David Moyes didn't make the deal all that easy, clutching onto the player for all of his worth. However, after Everton's 6-1 defeat against Arsenal on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season Moyes blasted Lescott claiming he had a "poor attitude", which gave City a lifeline they were more than willing to snap up.
According Everton's website: "After the earlier bid, there was a change in the player's attitude. It was in the best interests of Everton if they allowed him to leave."
So what can we make of this?
Joleon is undeniably a good player, but certainly not £24m good. City overpaid for the centre-back, few can deny that but if they are in a position to do so and if does potentially weaken a rival, then perhaps it was worth every penny.
Everton got the better end of this deal by far, but will they be able to replace a defender of Lescott's quality in this age of over-inflated transfer fee's?
I know the Toffee fans think if anyone can value in the transfer market it's David Moyes, but with only 7 days until the transfer deadline, he'll have to work against the clock.
Posted by KJB on 24th August 2009 @ 21:15pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(4) Comments
The Marouane Chamakh deal has been somewhat perplexing. Earlier in the summer, the Bordeaux player s was strongly linked to Arsenal, but neither team could agree upon a fee and now West Ham are the picture to capture the young Moroccan striker.
Moreover, earlier today he was quoted in French newspaper Lâ'Equipe about a possible move: "I stick to what I said - the balance is more in favour of Bordeaux. I refused West Ham. Frankly, there’s no comparison."
Chamakh is obviously a player with some talent, bagging 14 goals last season for the French champions - 14 goals West Ham desperate could especially with having only fit striker in their squad.
However, it is thought Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola must sell players in order to afford the transfer fee, with central defender James Collins attracting attention from both Aston Villa and Stoke. So too has England International Matthew Upson, but Zola would allow his star player to leave only if he received an offer of "Joleon Lescott proportions".
It seems the purchase of Chamakh is still up in the air, with the player already saying he refused a move to London and Zola still hopeful of a further summer buy. Just another interesting piece of business we must keep our eyes on until the end of the transfer deadline.
Posted by KJB on 25th August 2009 @ 20:55pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(1) Comment
Did you know that Paddy Power had a new weekly Football Prediction Tournament? No? Well let's break it down.
- Select one team to win from this weekend's Premier League Fixtures
- If they win, you're through to the next round. If not, you're out.
- It continues like that until the Last Man Standing, who wins a massive £10,000! That's right £10,000!
Details: £10 to enter, with a new tournament every week!
Join the 292 players already playing and GET INVOLVED!!!!!
Click the link below and follow the instructions!
Posted by KJB on 27th August 2009 @ 20:00pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(1) Comment
It seems Stephen Warnock's move from Blackburn to Aston Villa is pretty much a done deal now too, after he walked onto the pitch before Villa's second round home tie with Rapid Wien waving the Aston Villa scarf and clapping the fans.
It's thought that the left-back has signed a four-year contract keeping him at the club until 2012 and he's enthused about the deal, telling the Villa website: "The main aim is pushing for that top four spot in the Premier League. That’s the ambition of the club."
I'm a bit sceptical about the deal myself. On the one hand I don't really rate the player all that highly, but the other I realise he's probably the best left-back currently on the market that Villa can afford at the moment.
On the whole I'm just glad O'Neill's building the squad and recognised the left-back position as a vulnerable area, although with Bouma set to come back from injury and Shorey, I have to wonder about team selection.
Posted by KJB on 27th August 2009 @ 20:20pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(2) Comments
In a night of transfer wheeling and dealing, it seems Everton are set to snap up unhappy Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin as a direct replacement for Joleon Lescott.
The 31 year old centre-back is expected to undergo a medical and sign a 3 year contract as early as tomorrow.
"All the formalities have been completed," said Everton chief executive Robert Elstone.
"After Sylvain made it clear his preferred destination was Goodison, the chairman moved quickly to finalise the deal and Sylvain is now on his to Merseyside to undergo a medical."
With Distin and considerable change in the bank, is Everton have come up smelling of roses post-Lescott.
What do you think? Have Everton taken a step forward, or a step backwards?
The 31 year old centre-back is expected to undergo a medical and sign a 3 year contract as early as tomorrow.
"All the formalities have been completed," said Everton chief executive Robert Elstone.
"After Sylvain made it clear his preferred destination was Goodison, the chairman moved quickly to finalise the deal and Sylvain is now on his to Merseyside to undergo a medical."
With Distin and considerable change in the bank, is Everton have come up smelling of roses post-Lescott.
What do you think? Have Everton taken a step forward, or a step backwards?
Posted by KJB on 27th August 2009 @ 20:40pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(3) Comments
Even more transfer news!
Stoke have signed Middlesbrough's hard-working centre-back Robert Huth today, with team mate Tuncay expected to join him once personal terms have been agreed.
The German International joins the Potters for a fee £5m that could rise to £6m and is over the moon with the switch: "It was a no-brainer to come here once I found out they wanted to sign me. I'm grateful for the chance to play in the Premier League again."
Stoke are delighted with the signing too: "This is a fantastic signing because Robert gives us international pedigree as well as Premier League experience," Stoke Chief Executive Tony Scholes said.
"Manager Tony Pulis has been looking to strengthen the squad with the intention of taking us to an even higher level after we achieved 12th place in the Premier League last season.
"We are confident Robert is the type of player who can help us achieve that aim."
Both of these signings seem like a good bit of business to me. I reckon Pulis has selected players to strengthen his squad well and may even improve upon their 12th place finish this season.
What do you think?
Stoke have signed Middlesbrough's hard-working centre-back Robert Huth today, with team mate Tuncay expected to join him once personal terms have been agreed.
The German International joins the Potters for a fee £5m that could rise to £6m and is over the moon with the switch: "It was a no-brainer to come here once I found out they wanted to sign me. I'm grateful for the chance to play in the Premier League again."
Stoke are delighted with the signing too: "This is a fantastic signing because Robert gives us international pedigree as well as Premier League experience," Stoke Chief Executive Tony Scholes said.
"Manager Tony Pulis has been looking to strengthen the squad with the intention of taking us to an even higher level after we achieved 12th place in the Premier League last season.
"We are confident Robert is the type of player who can help us achieve that aim."
Both of these signings seem like a good bit of business to me. I reckon Pulis has selected players to strengthen his squad well and may even improve upon their 12th place finish this season.
What do you think?
Posted by KJB on 30th August 2009 @ 10:00am | Tagged under: transfers |
Add Comment
Tottenham Hotspur officials confirmed this morning that attacking midfielder Luka Modric has broken his leg, after a tackle during yesterday's victory against Birmingham.
Speaking after the game Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was convinced the Croat has only spained his ankle, but a following x-ray told a different story and now Redknapp will be without one of his most creative players for quite some time.
Will this be a terminal blow in Harry's push for the top 4?
Speaking after the game Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was convinced the Croat has only spained his ankle, but a following x-ray told a different story and now Redknapp will be without one of his most creative players for quite some time.
Will this be a terminal blow in Harry's push for the top 4?
Posted by KJB on 27th August 2009 @ 19:34pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(1) Comment
Aston Villa have agreed a fee with Man City for club captain Richard Dunne who must now travel to Birmingham in order to agree personal terms.
There has been speculation about Dunne's future role at the club every since both Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure arrived at the club and it seems to be set in stone that the transfer will be completed by the weekend.
And Villa need him. After selling Zat Knight to Bolton earlier this summer and Martin Laurson retiring from the game at the end of last season, Martin O'Neill's side are with just two first-team centre-back's in the squad; Curtis Davies and Carlos Cuellar.
As a Villa fan myself, I think this is a very good signing and he will certainly help baton down the hatches at the back.
There has been speculation about Dunne's future role at the club every since both Joleon Lescott and Kolo Toure arrived at the club and it seems to be set in stone that the transfer will be completed by the weekend.
And Villa need him. After selling Zat Knight to Bolton earlier this summer and Martin Laurson retiring from the game at the end of last season, Martin O'Neill's side are with just two first-team centre-back's in the squad; Curtis Davies and Carlos Cuellar.
As a Villa fan myself, I think this is a very good signing and he will certainly help baton down the hatches at the back.
Posted by KJB on 31st August 2009 @ 10:20am | Tagged under: transfers |
(1) Comment
Everton are closing in on bargain buy Dutch centre-back John Heitinga after agreeing a £5m fee with Athletico Madrid.
Everton manager David Moyes confirmed agreeing a fee with the club, but added: "We have not as yet agreed personal terms."
"I hope we will be able to that soon, but we have not as yet concluded that part of the move."
Posted by KJB on 31st August 2009 @ 19:44pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(2) Comments
It has been confirmed this evening that Sunderland have completed the signing of Hull centre-back Michael Turner for an undisclosed fee.
Hull manager Phil Brown had already resigned himself to losing the backbone of his defence, stating the offers were "getting towards a ridiculous valuation."
Brown purchased what turned out to be Turner's replacement, ironically from the Black Cats, Paul McShane, yesterday.
What does this mean for Hull?
Turner was one of two players who played every minute of the 38 games played last season in the Premier League and was Hull's most hard-working defender, guarding the back and menacing opposition defences during set pieces.
In my opinion, it's a great signing for Steve Bruce and devastating loss for Phil Brown. Brown will find it difficult to find a suitable replacement, despite signing McShane, and could prove the difference between relegation and survival come season end.
Meanwhile, Bruce has strengthened his side considerably over the summer transfer window, purchasing quality players such as Lee Cattermole and Lorik Cana who have made an immediate impact in the side already.
Will Hull try to fill the gap with less than 24 hours to go before the transfer deadline? Are there anymore shock signings to come before 5pm tomorrow?
Posted by KJB on 1st September 2009 @ 19:25pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(3) Comments
...or lack thereof.
The headline is somewhat overstating matters, with the deadline wheeling and dealing minimised in this time of *ahem* recession. Indeed, none of the 'big 4' clubs in the English Premier League felt the need to strengthen their squad any, not even big-spending Man City who flat-out debunked rumours of a transfer deadline swoop for unused Spurs winger David Bentley (and rightly so - City have more than enough cover for the right wing anyway imo)...
Some fans may feel pleased at the confidence of their club's managers for not bringing in new talent, but I imagine some Liverpool fans may feel somewhat bitter at the lack of fresh faces, with heavy criticism of both their American owners and lack of squad depth fresh on their lips. But I'd also imagine they're not in the least bit surprised.
Perhaps the most notable signing from today's deadline is Spurs purchase of Portsmouth's 25-year-old attacking midfielder Niko Kranjcar, who will undoubtedly come straight into the squad as a replacement for the injured Luka Modric who broke his leg this past weekend. This is a signing that must be getting under the skin of Pompey fans, perhaps losing their last 'big name' and are now left with sub-par replacements that have thus far yet to prove their worth in the Premier League. Could this be a relegation battle Portsmouth are destined lose already in the season? It's too early to tell, but it doesn’t look good.
Another interesting signing comes in the form of John Heitinga, who signed for Everton for just over £6m, somewhat of a bargain in most people's eyes and value for money as a replacement for Joleon Lescott who moved to Man City earlier in the transfer window for £22m.
Although Aston Villa completed the signing of West Ham centre-back James Collins earlier in the day, the fans will undoubtedly wondering more about what exactly happened to the Richard Dunne deal which was reportedly set to sign for the Villains at the end of last week. Sky Sports Sources earlier claimed the deal had gone through today, but there is no official word of this by any party involved so we must assume that Villa missed out on the former Man City captain.
The full round up shapes up like this:
In: Aston Villa (J Collins), Birmingham (Tainio), Bolton (Klasnic), Burnley (Nugent), Everton (Heitinga), Fulham (Elm), Hull (Sonko), Portsmouth (Ben-Haim, Williamson, Yebda), Stoke (D Collins), Tottenham (Kranjcar)
Out: Manchester City (Ben-Haim), Portsmouth (Kranjcar, Nugent), Stoke (Sonko), Sunderland (D Collins, C Edwards, G Leadbitter, T Tainio), West Ham (J Collins)
Posted by KJB on 1st September 2009 @ 21:30pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(4) Comments
It has emerged earlier this evening that Aston Villa's proposed move for Richard Dunne from Man City has been delayed by the Premier League.
Villa agreed a £6m fee for the 29-year-old centre-back and finalised personal terms all before the 5pm deadline, but Premier League officials have requested extra time to "ratify the deal."
It is thought that the deal will be formally agreed this coming Wednesday.
Posted by KJB on 2nd September 2009 @ 20:00pm | Tagged under: transfers |
(2) Comments
Well, um, 2 of the big 4 at least.
Whilst Arsenal and Chelsea didn't spend big (at least not for them) over the summer, this has seen a flurry of contract signings which will keep some of their more promising stars at their respective clubs just that little bit longer.
Arsenal today confirmed that both Nicklas Bendtner and Denilson have put pen to paper and signed long-term contracts with the club. 21-year-old Bendtner was in the final year of his previous deal and was delighted to sign on the dotted line.
"It means a lot that I can commit my future to Arsenal because I have a great affection for this club," the Danish striker told the clubs official statement.
Naturally, the talented Brazilian midfielder Denilson is also delighted with his new deal. "We have a hugely talented group of players here, and I am convinced that with everyone working together we'll be able achieve great things.
"It's a special time to be part of this club and I'm delighted to have signed a new long-term deal."
Meanwhile, London rivals Chelsea also signed a number of their star performers up to long-term contracts this week, beginning with John Terry who has signed a new 5 year that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2013/2014 season and earlier today the club also confirmed wrapping up talented left-back Ashley Cole up to a five year deal thought to be around £120,000 per week.
Latest Comments
Mr. Muhammad Shabbir: Dear Sir,
I hope you will be fine.
I have get yo... (read more)
Mr. Muhammad Shabbir: Dear Sir,
I hope you will be fine.
I have get yo... (read more)
KJB: One game and one month into 5 year deal it's ... (read more)
GunnerJoe: If the lad has been kicked, I can understand him n... (read more)
Jezza: No way that amount of time should've been add... (read more)
Jezza: Already? Jesus!... (read more)
RedDevil: I think the title 'Bitter Blues' is just... (read more)
RedDevil: Quit already, did he? Not all that surprised here.... (read more)
Jezza: That acca's looking a pretty decent punt mate... (read more)
KJB: I just wish I could share your optimism!... (read more)