Reports in the Spanish media suggest that Barcelona are lining up a colossal bid to snatch 23-year old German center-back Mats Hummels from German champions Borussia Dortmund. Manchester United have been long time admirers of the youngster and are keen to also get in on the action, however, having already tempted star playmaker Shinji Kagawa away from Dortmund, the club are unlikely to want to do business with them.
The Daily Mirror reports that West Ham United winger Pablo Barrera is set to leave the club this summer and return to Mexico where he will sign for Cruz Azul. Barrera failed to settle at Upton Park after making a £4 million move a couple of seasons ago. The Hammers are keen to cut their losses, and this one looks certain to go through.
The Daily Mail also has some Hammers news, reporting that Sporting Gijon’s central defender Alberto Botia is being courted by Big Sam Allardyce. The 23 year old, who started out in the Barcelona academy, had an impressive last season with Sporting, and would be a good fit at West Ham should he decide to switch to the Premier League.
Daily Star reports that recently promoted Southampton are looking at free agent Tomas Sivok as a defensive reinforcement. The Saints are preparing for life in the top tier, and feel that signing the 28 year old Czech Republic defender would help them in their bid to stay in the Premier League. Sivok is primarily a defensive-midfielder, but can also play at the back if the need arises. His contract with Turkish club Besiktas ended this year, and it remains to be seen if he is ready to take a possible wage cut to play with the Saints.
Any talks of Norwich keeper John Ruddy heading to Aston Villa to link up with former Manager Paul Lambert and of England no.3 Jack Butland replacing him at the club have been put to rest by the 25-year old signing a new 4-year contract with the Canaries.
Danny Murphy has joined last season’s relegated side Blackburn Rovers on a two-year deal, the club website announced yesterday. The 35 year-old has skippered Fulham for the past four seasons, having played for Tottenham and Liverpool in the past. The veteran midfielder is Steve Kean’s first signing this summer as the Rovers look to bounce right back into the top tier of English football. The Rovers manager said about the signing, “Being able to bring Danny on board is a massive boost for everyone and I couldn’t be more delighted.”
The Daily Mail report that Fulham are looking to sign young midfielder Aaron Ramsey from London rivals Arsenal to fill the void left by the departed Murphy. The Wales Captain, Ramsey, did not have a great first season with the Gunners after moving up from midfield into Cesc Fabregas’ advanced playmaker role, but given the fact that he is only 21, one feels that Arsene Wenger would definitely hold on to the player, who has a lot of potential.
Reports in Italian newspaper La Nazionale suggest that Fiorentina’s versatile midfielder Juan Manuel Vargas would stay at the club after his suitors failed to match the club valuation of·£12 million. The clubs chasing Vargas were believed to be Liverpool, Aston Villa and Bayern Munich. The 28 year old can play in any position down the left wing and would be a great addition to any team because of his versatility and quality.
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