Football transfer news

?After 12 years and almost 200 appearances, Danny Rose looks set to depart Tottenham after being made available for transfer.

Though Rose and the club have not always seen eye-to-eye, he has played a vital role in one of the most successful Spurs teams in history. The 29-year-old was a vital cog in the team that reached the ?Champions League final last campaign, taking part in 37 games in all competitions and picking up 5 assists in the process. 

But with Spurs in desperate need on funds, to offset the costs of the signing of Tanguy Ndombele and their new stadium, the defender is poised to be moved on from north London. In transfer windows gone by, Rose has been the target for a litany of top European clubs. 

However, a lot has changed since then, so who stands the best chance of securing the Englishman’s signature before the close of the summer transfer window? Time to see who the runners and riders are…

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Everton

??Everton were first linked with ?Rose in 2018, before a more recent report speculated that Spurs planned to offer the left-back in an ?audacious player-plus-cash deal for Toffees star Lucas Digne. 

Digne won the Merseysiders’ player of the season award last campaign, making any deal to let the Frenchman leave the club extremely unlikely. 

Everton are also not going to want to accommodate Rose and Digne in the same team, owing to the fact that they play the same position. 

Add to that, the fact that Leighton Baines is still plugging away aged 34, and that ?new signing Fabian Delph is capable of deputising at left-back if required, the likelihood of Rose popping up at Goodison Park this summer is extremely slim. 

Likelihood Rating: 2/10

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Leeds United

?The odds on this happening are really not as high as you might think! 

Yes, ?Leeds may be plying their trade in the ?Championship next season, and yes, Rose may have started a Champions League final two months ago, but hear me out…

Leeds are his boyhood club and have, in Marcelo Bielsa, one of the most well respected and exciting coaches in world football. A transfer to Elland Road would also allow Rose to move back to the north of England, closer to his friends and family that he admitted missing in ?an? 2017 interview.

One stumbling block may be wages, with the left-back certain to have to take a significant pay cut in order to make a move back to West Yorkshire possible. Still, you never know Leeds fans, Rose may be coming home. 

Likelihood Rating: 3/10

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Paris Saint-Germain

Rose was one of Thomas Tuchel’s top targets last summer, although a move ultimately failed to materialised. It may be a different story this transfer window, with PSG keen to bolster their ranks ahead of their pursuit of European glory. 

Rose’s odds to move to Le Parc des Princes ?have been slashed over the past few days, though it is not exactly clear why.

?PSG already have Juan Bernat and Layvin Kurzawa as cover for the left-back positions, so it is difficult to see where the Englishman will fit in. 

Though Rose is capable of operating in a more advanced role when required, Bernat or Kurzawa would likely need to be moved on this summer.

Likelihood Rating: 5/10

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Juventus

Though it may be hard to imagine currently, there was a time in which Rose was very strongly linked with a move to Serie A champions: Juventus.

I Bianconeri is a club that may well interest the England international, as it represents a guilt edge opportunity for him to win his first major trophy – a feat that he has come close to doing a number of times whilst at Spurs.

The recent arrival of Luca Pellegrini does offer Juventus more cover at left-back and thus decreases the chances of a move, however due to Pellegrini’s lack of experience, Maurizio Sarri may fancy taking Rose with him from London to Turin.

The Englishman could be a well-suited back-up for first-choice left-back: Alex Sandro, though this move would still be surprising.

Likelihood Rating: 5/10

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Manchester United

Rose was last linked with Manchester United back in January 2017, but the defender’s new found availability – combined with the Red Devils desire to sign anything with a pulse – may reignite the move.

Luke Shaw made the left-back his own last season, earning significant plaudits from his teammates and winning the club’s player-of-the-year award in the process. However, aside from the impressive Shaw, United are fairly short in that area of the pitch and lack a natural left-sided defender to provide genuine competition.

Rose could certainly play this role, but with the Harry Maguire transfer saga still not at a conclusion, it is unlikely that a move for the Spurs man will be at the top of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s to-do list.

Likelihood Rating: 6/10

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?Arsenal are closing on three signings this summer, with the most likely deal to be completed first the one for French defender William Saliba – as the Gunners look set to ‘win’ the race for the highly-rated defender.

Other transfers in the offing include those for Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos and Celtic’s Kieran Tierney, the latter of whom has been at the centre of a repetitive and painful saga that has yet to find an acceptable conclusion between the two clubs.

Arsenal set to win race to sign William Saliba. Close to completion after Saint Etienne centre-back opted for #AFC. Loan back to #ASSE next season. Also working on loan for Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos & continue pursuit of Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney #RMFC #CelticFC

— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) July 17, 2019

The news is certainly something of a respite for ?Arsenal fans, however, as the ever-reliable ?David Ornstein has stated that Unai Emery’s side will pip late incomers ?Tottenham to the signing of AS Saint-Etienne centre half Saliba. The move is apparently ‘close to completion’, after the Frenchman’s expressed his desire to head to the red part of north London.

One of the major sticking points for the Gunners was their unwillingness to loan the 18-year-old back to the Ligue 1 side for next season, but it seems as if they’ve caved in to Les Verts’ demands.

Also in the pipeline are a loan move for Ceballos, with Arsenal now the front-runners to secure the Spanish star on loan – a move which would appease supporters given the interest shown in the ?Madrid midfielder from bitter rivals Spurs.

More frustratingly, however, is the move for Tierney. Ornstein stated that it is a deal Arsenal are to ‘continue’ their ‘pursuit’ for and, while few would bet against the deal being completed, it feels like it has been stuck at 98% like an old dial-up internet connection aiming to load a basic webpage.

It’s welcome relief for the club’s fans to see incomings on the horizon, yet the one that is closest to completion is in fact a player who wouldn’t even wear red and white next year. Whatever is to transpire though, time is running out, with the ?Premier League window set to slam shut just over three weeks’ time.

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?Barcelona are still holding a firm interest in Real Betis left back Junior Firpo, with recently re-signed Marc Cucurella heading straight back for the Camp Nou exit door – with a loan to Getafe.

If the move goes through as expected, Jordi Alba will once again be the only recognised left-back at the club – with Ernesto Valverde seemingly having made his mind up on who will join the club to fill the void.

According to ?Marca, that is fellow Spanish international Firpo, who shone for his country as the Under-21’s lifted the European Championship title last month. While Firpo will add immediate cover for Alba, it is also thought he could be the legendary ?Barcelona star’s long-term replacement.

The player is expected to jump at the chance to join the ?La Liga champions, with the only stumbling block remaining an arrangement over the 22-year-old’s fee – as his current release clause sits at €50m.

Negotiations shouldn’t prove an issue, with Marca adding the two clubs hold a solid relationship, while Betis have already secured an apparent replacement after Alfonso Pedraza joined on loan with an option to buy.

Barça’s pursuit of Firpo comes off the back of beINSPORTS’ ?Ruben Naria claiming that Getafe are edging closer to a deal for Cucurella – this after La Blaugrana exercised their buyback option with Eibar for €4m after the player initially signed for the club following a loan spell.

Marc Cucurella va a ser nuevo jugador del Getafe CF en las próximas horas. Las negociaciones están muy avanzadas y el Barça ha dado el visto bueno para cerrar la operación. El cuadro azulón se ha movido rápido y se ha adelantado al interés de varios equipos de la Bundesliga.

— Rubén Uría (@rubenuria) July 17, 2019

Ever since selling Lucas Digne to ?Everton last summer, Barça have been on the hunt for a new left back, with Betis academy graduate Firpo the man they’ve targeted.

The Spaniard has made 43 appearances across two seasons for the club, netting five times and dazzling La Liga with some fine displays down the left hand side.

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Pre-season is now in full flow, and clubs are looking to get their transfer business done ahead of their respective leagues resuming. 

Fans love to hear about the rumours of big-money signings. It shows ambition, and brings excitement that your club can attract the best players.?

Yet it is not all about the most expensive players as there are some absolute bargains to be had elsewhere. And when we say bargains, we mean freebies….players who don’t actually have contracts or any cost attached to them!

Here’s eight such players who could be rather handy and cost you diddly squat..

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Mario Balotelli

The Italian forward seems to have been around forever, but he is still only 28. Having moved from club to club across a variety of countries, he is now looking for a new club after his contract with Marseille ended last month.

It would be a gamble to sign Balotelli given his widely-publicised off-field indiscretions. ?Yet he does offer quality on the pitch, scoring eight goals in 15 Ligue 1 appearances for Marseille last season to show that he is far from a spent force. Perhaps a gamble worth taking.

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Fernando Llorente

Llorente only netted two league goals in as many seasons for Tottenham, hardly eye-catching numbers. He also missed from three yards in the Champions League semi-final against Ajax last season, before Lucas Moura spared his blushes. He is probably still thanking Moura to this day for that.

He does possess positive attributes though. The way he unsettled Matthijs de Ligt in the Champions League was impressive, ?whilst he also held the ball up well when he got his chance due to Harry Kane picking up an ankle problem. Four league assists last season highlight his ability to bring others in to the game. 

He is 34, but pace has never been his strength, so his age should not be a concern. Llorente may still have a couple of good years left in the game.

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Dani Alves

Alarm bells might start ringing with Alves when you hear about his age. He is 36. However, he does not appear to be done just yet.

The full back, who has won the Champions League on three occasions, recently captained Brazil to the Copa America title, as they beat Peru 3-1 in the final. This shows that he has plenty still to offer.

The experience that he brings with him after winning trophies in Spain, Italy and France would be invaluable for any side. Expect him to get another big move in the coming weeks.

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Hatem Ben Arfa

Ben Arfa has had his fair share of issues throughout his career. ?Falling out with managers has become common place, whilst he has struggled with weight problems at times as well.

However, one thing is for certain: he is supremely talented. Fans of the Premier League will remember him dazzling for Newcastle in their superb 2011-12 season, and he has been producing moments of magic in France since then.

Last season he scored seven goals and provided two assists in Ligue 1 for Rennes. Now he is seeking a new challenge and he will surely receive an offer before the window shuts.

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Daniel Sturridge

It had all looked so good for Sturridge. He scored 22 Premier League goals in the 2013/14 campaign, nearly taking Liverpool to the title, and continued that form in to that year’s World Cup, netting in the opening game against Italy. Sadly, that tournament went downhill quickly for England, and the same can be said for Sturridge’s career. 

In the six seasons since, Sturridge has scored just 19 league goals, and has been plagued with injuries. It was no great shock to see him released by Liverpool this summer. 

His next career move is crucial. The forward is 29 and needs to hit the ground running when he finds a club. He has proved that he can do it before and will hope that he can produce at the top level again.

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Gary Cahill

Cahill endured a nightmare season last year, as Maurizio Sarri cast him aside when he walked through the door at Chelsea. 

The England international is a proven winner though, having claimed two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy in his career. Having hardly featured last season, he will have to get back up to speed quickly.

Will his level have dropped that much in one season? That remains to be seen, but Cahill has experience on his side, and will believe that he can get back to his best. He may get the chance to prove it next season.

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Yacine Brahimi

Brahimi impressed at Porto last season, enjoying his highest scoring league campaign with the club, netting ten goals. He also made his mark in the Champions League, as the side reached the quarter-finals before exiting to the eventual winners, Liverpool.

After five seasons in Portugal, he is looking for his next move. At the age of 29, it is fair to assume that he is currently at his peak. As he is available on a free, expect someone to snap him up before too long.

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Filipe Luis

Chelsea fans may remember Luis, though perhaps not too fondly. The Brazilian left back did not make too much of an impact in his one season at Stamford Bridge, before returning to Atletico Madrid ?in 2015.

That does not make Luis a poor player. He has shown his class for Diego Simeone’s side over the years, helping the team to a La Liga title and two Europa League triumphs.

Now approaching his 34th birthday, Luis is coming towards the end of his career, yet his reading of the game could entice clubs to make a move to acquire his services.

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?Football is back underway! Well, sort of.

But, anyway you know what is still underway and will continue to be so? Yes (Wilfred) indeedy, your quotidian batch of rumours from across Europe!

The usual suspects will make an appearance while a few other lesser-known entities pop up with some speculation here and there. Oh, what joy.

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Inter After Lukaku (Shock) Without Paying the Full Amount Up Front? (Shock Horror)

?Yes thats right, Inter would like to sign ?Romelu Lukaku. In other news, the Pope wears a pointy hat, anything after Shrek 2 was an abomination and Shkodran Mustafi is still crud.

Its almost laughable at this point, but ?Inter are becoming the Italian Arsenal. Full aware of the selling club’s asking price, but doing everything in their power to avoid paying it as requested. Yep, this time Inter are willing to pay the £75m asking price but only if they can pay £60m over three years, with the further £15m depending on how well the ?United forward fares in Serie A.

£40m will be paid up front, with the rest spread over the next 24 months, according to ??The Sun. ?

Oh Inter, the gift that just keeps on giving.

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Misery Continues for Newcastle as Fabian Schar Offered to AC Milan

The expression of digging the knife in deeper doesn’t apply here, because at this point it is the handle that is being forced further into ?Magpies’ supporters stomach’s.

Tuttosport (via ?Sport Witness) claim that Fabian Schar is one of a few players on ?Milan’s wishlist and, while the report is rightfully questioned over it’s legitimacy, Sport Witness also mention another report from CalcioMercato which states the Switzerland international has been offered to the Serie A side by an agent.

If that’s the case and Newcastle want around €15m, well, we might have to start printing off missing posters for a certain London businessman.

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Idrissa Gueye Finally Set for Everton Exit as PSG Remain ‘Confident’ of a Deal

Unquestionably a fine holding midfielder, Gueye has been attracting a number attention from Paris Saint-Germain for some time, with the French giants failing to seal a deal during the January window.

Nevertheless, it appears as though they are set to get their man, as Le Parisien (via ?GFFN) state there is confidence that a deal will be struck immediately after the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday.

Its added that United remain keen along with ‘other clubs’, but few would look past this one getting signed, sealed and delivered in the coming days.

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Eric Bailly Set for United Chop (if Maguire Deal Happens) as AC Milan Consider Swoop

Speaking of United, their continued efforts to prize Harry Maguire away from Leicester appearing to be reaching some kind of conclusion, and should it pan out as we expect, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will need to trim his defensive options.

The ?Mirror claim that should the Englishman join the club, Eric Bailly will be the casualty, with Tuttosport stating that Milan are interested in signing the Ivorian defender.

Phil Jones (who scored a goal this pre-season), Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and first choice centre half Victor Lindelof will all keep their places should the England international come through the door. However, ask a United fan who they’d rather lose and I bet you it isn’t Bailly..

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Josh Onomah Set for Bundesliga Switch After Being Left Out of Spurs’ Asia Tour

All aboard the Bundesliga train!!!

Deemed not good enough for the first team, Mauricio Pochettino has demoted Josh Onamah to the Under-23’s, seemingly spelling an end the to his time in north London. Having spent the last two seasons on loan, it appears a move to Germany is on the cards, according to ?The Sun.

They state Borussia Monchengladbach, Mainz, Augsburg and Frankfurt have all shown an interest in the winger. You can forgive ?Tottenham fans for forgetting he was on the books, since he never made a ?Premier League appearance for the side.

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Leicester Going Head-to-Head With German Club for Hoffenheim Star

Oh yes, who doesn’t love a two-horse race for one signing, brings some added excitement to an otherwise tedious story.

In this case, the ?Foxes are after Hoffenheim’s Nadiem Amiri claims Bild (via ?Sport Witness) with Bayer Leverkusen also keen on the highly-rated attacking midfielder. The 22-year-old caught the eye after starring for Germany in the Under-21 European Championships and has an enticing release clause of only €14m.

Not much more is said in Bild’s report, other than that Leicester are interested, therefore its a matter of sitting back and waiting to see how genuine the claim is. Stick the kettle on for this one.

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Marc Overmars Insists He’s Happy With Ajax’s Dealings…But More Could Arrive

How do you go about losing your two best players? Buy more!

Ajax certainly have done that, bringing in Razvan Marin, Lisandro Martinez, Quincy Promes, Kik Pierie and Bruno Valera. Edson Alvarez is supposedly next through the door, which director of football Overmars confirmed to ?AD, while Steven Bergwijn of PSV Eindhoven is a player Overmars admitted to having an interest in.

Importantly, the former Arsenal man explained he was pleased with Ajax’s signings, and should no more leave then no more need come through the door. However, that may change with David Neres, Donny van de Beek and Hakim Ziyech all of interest to European sides, something Overmars confessed regarding Neres.

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