Real deals: The transfers that look like happening
THE JANUARY transfer window is slowly clicking into gear. With time running out for managers to bolster their squads here are three deals likely to beat the deadline.
STEVEN PIENAAR
The South Africa international (right) is one of a quartet of Everton midfielders who would comfortably slot into a top four side. With Harry Redknapp’s appetite for accumulating diminutive playmakers showing no sign of abating , a move to N17 has been mooted. But with Chelsea short of creative types, Roman Abramovich may well opt to gazump Spurs.
VERDICT: West London bound.
GARY CAHILL
The Bolton centre-half has been earmarked for a move to bigger club for well over a year now. With Arsene Wenger a known admirer the the Gunners have been linked. Bolton boss Owen Coyle has slapped a £20m price-tag on Chahill’s (right) head, but with David Wheater already lined up as a replacement for the England international, Wenger is in a decent position to be able to drive down the asking price.
VERDICT: Wenger to take a gamble.
CHARLIE ADAM
Adam’s (right) talents deserve a grander stage. Ian Holloway is willing to let his main man leave for a top six club, but on current form, neither Aston Villa nor Birmingham, who have both had bids of £2.5m rejected, fit that bill. He’ll probably leave in January but not for Villa Park or St Andrews.
VERDICT: Staying put – for now.
WHEALER DEALER |
LATEST TRANSFER GOSSIP
PHILL NEVILLE has emerged as a shock target for Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp. Spurs are understood to be close to agreeing a £1.5m fee for the 33-year-old who has 18 months left on his Everton contract.
MAYNOR FIGUEROA, the Wigan left-back, is interesting West Ham. The Honduras international could be a replacement for Valon Behrami who was the subject of a £3m bid from Fiorentina.
WOLVES are looking to bolster their striking options by bidding £1.5m for Reading’s Wales international striker Simon Church.
RUSSIAN sides CSKA Moscow and Rubin Kazan are battling it out for the signature of Manchester City’s Jo. The Premier League side are believed to be asking for around £8m.
CHAMPIONSHIP pacesetters QPR are in the race to sign Blackpool’s Israeli defender Dekel Keinan. Cardiff are also interested.