Transfer gossip round-up
With the Christmas season approaching and the transfer window due to open January 1, the papers are filling their back pages with endless gossip. Amazing that our beloved media can find room, what with the apparent demise of Rio Ferdinand and impending heavy defeat to Chelsea. Take it all with a pinch of salt is Rant’s advice.
Chelsea line up £33 million Villa but Spanish star prefers United
Roman Abramovich’s wallet will open at the compartment marked Euros. Lots of them. That’s if today’s Mirror is correct, which claims cash-strapped Valencia will sell prize asset David Villa to the London outfit in January. But the player, clearly of sound mind, wants a move to Old Trafford instead says the paper.
Reds move for Suarez in £35 million move
The Times reports that United, along with neighbours Manchester City, is about to bid for 22-year-old Ajax striker Luis Suarez. The forward, signed from FC Groningen in 2007, is Martin Jol’s club captain after the departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Arsenal. The reported fee, which is the same amount United refused to pay for Karim Benzema this summer, would be a club record.
Ferguson opts for Neuer
Schalke’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is firmly in the box marked ‘Ferguson target’ according to today’s Daily Mail. The paper, low on quality, high on scandal, claims that United will bid around £12 million for the 23-year-old stopper Ferguson has earmarked as Edwin van der Sar’s Old Trafford successor. The bid, which may come as early as January, would end Ben Foster’s spell at Old Trafford the paper adds.
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