Today’s top transfer gossip
Chelsea defender Alex has completed a move to PSG. Although the exact transfer fee involved is not known, BBC has touted it to be around the £4.2m mark. Speaking to the BBC, Carlo Ancelotti stated, “He is a great professional. It was a good opportunity given his price. He has a lot of experience because he played in the Dutch and English leagues and also with his national team. “ (bbc)
AC Milan will not be signing Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez in this transfer window after they sealed the signing of Maxi Lopez from Catania. Club president Adriano Galliani was quoted by the Daily Mail as saying, “At 1830 I was convinced we were very close to sealing the Tevez deal. I did my best, it was a day where I had my heart in my mouth, but no more could be done. We had everything set for Tevez to come, but the situation changed.” However, Galliani also went on to add, “Who knows with Carlitos – there is only a few months (until the summer transfer window )and that’s it. I’m happy with how we are left with City, we have a very good relationship.” For now though, Tevez looks set to stay put at the Etihad, a scenario that both the club and the player were looking to avoid. (Daily Mail)
Spicy Rumour of the day:
Highly rated Lille winger Eden Hazard has alerted PSG by stating that a move to the French giants would tempt him. The Daily Mirror states Hazard saying, “Of course, the interest from Paris is tempting. Paris Saint-Germain are a great club. And especially with a coach like [Carlo] Ancelotti, that makes you even more keen. Only God know where I will be playing my football in 2012 though.” A host of clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Arsenal were believed to be interested in the Belgian, although PSG now may just have the edge. (Daily Mirror)
Sounds Realistic:
After Chris Samba’s latest comments criticizing the club hierarchy, the Daily Mail suggests that Blackburn are looking for a replacement for the Congolese and have zeroed in on Sporting Gijon’s Alberto Botia. Samba seems to be edging towards an exit and is unlikely to play for Rovers again. Blackburn could well use that cash to see a deal through, although clubs have to make an offer for Samba first. (Daily Mail)
After completing the signing of Alex, PSG are looking to sign Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, reports the Daily Mail. The Portuguese’s contract is up in the summer and the Blues are reportedly keen on a sale now. This deal has a very good chance of going through, especially with Bosingwa unwilling to sign an extension with the Blues. (Daily Mail)
Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has quashed rumours linking Craig Gardner with an exit. Speaking to the Daily Mail, O’Neill stated, “He’ll just have to be homesick for another couple of months at least. There have been inquiries about him but no-one has forced us to make a decision about him and I’d be pretty well certain that he’ll stay beyond January and deep down he accepts that.” The midfielder will definitely not be sold now and will have to stay put at least till the summer. (Daily Mail)
Newcastle outcast Alan Smith is on the verge of completing a loan move to MK Dons, reports the Daily Mirror. The former Manchester United player was deemed to be surplus to requirements at the Sports Direct Arena and the Magpies have decided to ship him out, although the said daily· suggests that they will still be paying the bulk of his wages. A Dons’ insider admitted that Newcastle gave the club a pleasant surprise and was quoted by the said daily as saying, “Karl (Manager) has always taken a keen interest in his career over the years. He realised Alan wasn’t starting for Newcastle and put in a cheeky offer for the player – not expecting for one minute it would be taken seriously. Everyone at MK Dons is thrilled and believe their new star signing will provide the promotion push they need.” Smith will also be expected to leave Newcastle permanently in the summer, although he may choose another club that can offer him higher wages. (Daily Mirror)
No Way Jose rumour:
According to the Daily Mail, Bolton have lodged a enquiry for Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and are willing to bid around £5m for the 19-year old. However, Palace are believed to be holding out for £10m, probably due to immense interest from some of the bigger clubs like Liverpool and Newcastle. Bolton are unlikely to match that price and Zaha looks set for a stay at Palace for now, with perhaps a move to a bigger club imminent in the summer. (Daily Mail)
(TheSportsCampus)
