Every day we’re hearing a different name, a different club and a different dog being linked with moves here, there and everywhere.
But we’re fed up at the SportsJOE Towers being sent on this endless wild goose chase. So we’re starting our own, too. Why should the national papers get all the fun?
The biggest news this morning is that two top Premier League clubs – and Arsenal – are chasing mad after Borussia Dortmund midfielder, Marco Reus. Chelsea and Man City are leading the charge for the German sensation probably just to spite each other and it’s said that Arsene Wenger has got involved in the race because the Gunners are short on attacking midfield options. (Daily Star)
Meanwhile, Aston Villa star, Fabian Delph, is set to turn down a move to Real Madrid. The English man, who missed out on a Ballon d’Or nomination after an injury-plagued season, is said to be waiting for news on Christian Benteke’s future before deciding his own despite Carlo Ancelotti’s eagerness to find a replacement for Toni Kroos. (SportsJOE source)
Manchester United might well be supporting the blue half of the city this week as their hopes of acquiring midfielder Kevin Strootman look to hinge on Roma’s Champions League fate. Should City knock the Romans out of the group stage, Strootman will more than likely think “to hell with this, I need Champions League football” leave the club… for Manchester United. (Daily Mirror)
Tension could be on the rise on Merseyside this Sunday with news that Tony Hibbert is allegedly pondering a cross-city move to Liverpool. The Everton right back has been mistreated, having to sit behind Seamus Coleman every week and he has impressed Brendan Rodgers’ thirst for tiki-taka who sees the 33-year-old as a ready-made replacement for both Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard. (Friend of the family)
Another day and another striker is being linked with Liverpool. At least they’re looking, eh. Jackson Martinez has been banging them in for FC Porto this year and he could just be the man to feed off of Tony Hibbert… (TalkSPORT)
Liverpool are also rumoured to be launching a bid of up to €50m for Palermo forward Paulo Dybala. The International Business Times have run with the striker’s interest in a move to Arsenal but Arsene Wenger already spent that sort of money on a player one time so, you know, that’s him done. Forever.
Aston Villa are reported to be putting the naming rights of the Holte End up for grabs in another blood-sucking scheme of Randy Lerner’s. Grant Holt swears it’s nothing to do with his uninspiring loan spell there at the end of last year. Local businesses have all cut their phone chords after a number of club legends moved quickly to disassociate their name with anything to do with Villa Park. (Daily Mirror)
Ronnie Deila is still adamant that Celtic are not out of the race for Norway wonder kid Martin Odegaard despite Liverpool and Real Madrid interest in the 15-year-old. (Daily Mail)
The Scottish champions aren’t stupid though and they’re aware that the deal might not come through for them so they’ve lined up the next best thing on their list of interested parties. It’s not a big list as you can imagine but they have found a fool-proof back-up plan in the shape of a welcome return for Regi Blinker. (Wexford Whispers)
