Source: Daily_Mail
Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, James Milner and Javier Mascherano in summer sagas
Every year we watch as a number of transfer sagas unfold - and this summer is proving to be no different. [LNB]The big clubs are squabbling over the best talent the Premier League has to offer. Some trying to hold on to their stars, others trying to bolster the team ahead of the new season. [LNB]Sportsmail takes a look at how some of the major stories have played out - and what the likely outcome is going to be. [LNB]CESC FABREGASThe Arsenal captain looked destined for the exit when he approached Arsene Wenger to tell him he wanted a move to Barcelona before heading to South Africa. [LNB]The Catalan club tabled a £29million offer in early June which was swatted away by the Gunners and they haven't budged from that price since. [LNB]And despite being pictured in a Barca shirt during Spain's World Cup celebrations, Wenger is confident of keeping hold of his talismanic midfielder.[LNB] Enlarge Enlarge Captain's job: Fabregas looked certain to leave - he's even 'posed' in a Barca shirt[LNB]He said: 'He is a very important player for us, he is our captain and we have worked very hard for him to be the future of our team.'[LNB]And the financial situation for the Spanish giants, if they are to up their bid, isn't great. The latest figures revealed that Barca had lost more than £64.3m last season and have a net debt of £369.5m. [LNB]SPORTSMAIL VERDICT: The time may have already passed for this move to take place. Fabregas set his stall out early, but Arsenal have dug their heels in to secure the future of their best player. A move is likely - but not this year. [LNB]JAVIER MASCHERANOThe Argentina captain failed to secure his Liverpool future before the end of the season and now looks certain to be heading for the exit. [LNB]Disappointed at the departure of boss Rafa Benitez, Mascherano has ignored contact from new Reds boss Roy Hodgson. [LNB]Hodgson said: 'Yes, he wants to leave the club. He has made that perfectly clear. I think he wanted to leave a year go.'[LNB] Enlarge Enlarge Italian reunion: Mascherano looks set to rejoin Rafa after a fine World Cup[LNB]Barcelona were mooted to be interested before the end of last season but a £24m bid from Benitez at European Champions Inter Milan is imminent. [LNB]Mascherano would be a perfect fit for Nerazzurri's current playing system and allow him to play alongside fellow Argentineans Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Diego Milito. [LNB]SPORTSMAIL VERDICT: Mascherano's three-and-a-half year spell at Anfield is over. Inter are waiting on funds from the sale of Mario Balotelli to Manchester City, expect the Argentinean to move soon after. [LNB]JAMES MILNERThe dispute remains over whether Milner has demanded a move out of Villa Park, the midfielder denies he has told Martin O'Neill he wants out. [LNB]But O'Neill is adamant Milner is angling for the exit and said recently: 'James and his agent came to see us before the World Cup and intimated that they would like to go.[LNB] Enlarge Villan of the piece: Martin O'Neill claims Milner is angling for a move to Eastlands[LNB]'Manchester City have put themselves into a different stratosphere at the moment, of course I understand that. A lot of players want to be part of that.'[LNB]The bottom line of this story is that if City can match Villa owner Randy Lerner's £28m valuation, Milner will be playing at Eastland's next summer. [LNB]SPORTSMAIL VERDICT: A case of when, not if. The only stumbling block could be the price put on the international's head - City are wary of clubs holding them to ransom. [LNB]FERNANDO TORRESDespite having three years remaining on his contract, it seemed likely the Spain international would make a £60m move to either Manchester City or Chelsea in time for the start of the new season.[LNB]Interest blossomed last term after the 26-year-old, who has bagged 72 goals in 116 appearances with the Reds, suffered a torrid time as Liverpool struggled in domestic and European competition. [LNB] Together again: Torres will be hooking up with Steven Gerrard next season[LNB]But the change in managerial staff, plus the arrival of new signing Joe Cole has persuaded the striker to stay. [LNB]Liverpool boss Hodgson said: 'He's told us he's looking forward to getting back to work and playing for us next season.[LNB]SPORTSMAIL VERDICT: If Liverpool are to stand any chance of progressing from the mire they found themselves in last season, it's vital they keep their marquee players. But the club will need to show real progress this term if Torres is to remain beyond the 2010-11 season.[LNB] Club-by-club Premier League guide to every transfer deal in summer 2010Sign up to our FREE Fantasy Football game - with £40,000 in prize money up for grabsPremier League countdown: The shape of things to come this seasonPremier League kit special: The strips your team will be wearing next season[LNB]
