Source: Daily_Mail
Didier Drogba swap could tempt Spurs to part with Luka Modric - THE INSIDER
Simon Jones is Sportsmail's man on the inside of all the major transfer moves this summer. [LNB]His column, published every weekday, offers an insight into the deals which will be done and those that won't - and why. [LNB]A 5/5-rating means The Insider reckons it's a done deal; 0/5 means The Insider has his mortgage on it not happening.[LNB]Don't miss your daily Insider instalment here.[LNB] JERMAINE BECKFORDEverton to Leicester THE INSIDER says: 3/5[LNB]DIDIER DROGBA Chelsea to TottenhamTHE INSIDER says: 2/5[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]The former Leeds United striker had an indifferent first season in the Premier League following his Bosman switch to Goodison Park. [LNB]He scored ten goals in 38 games overall but at times struggled with the increased demands on technique and the physical nature of the Premier League. [LNB]Everton had intended to allow him a season to bed in but had to use him more than necessary after failing to sign another new striker last summer.[LNB]Beckford is determined to build on his season and show how he has developed but he is the subject of attention from ambitious Leicester and Nottingham Forest. [LNB]Both clubs know that Everton are susceptible to offers as their finances are in a poor state and will test the water with bids of around ?3million. [LNB]Leicester are determined to find a striker and have courted Bristol City's Nicky Maynard, LA Galaxy's Robbie Keane and West Brom's Shane Long. [LNB]They do have designs on Beckford's teammate Victor Anichebe but recognise Beckford's goalscoring pedigree for the Championship plus his season in the top flight could be more what they need. [LNB]Forest have signed Matt Derbyshire and Ishmael Miller but neither are prolific and Beckford and his other teammate Yakubu are what they need if wages can be agreed.[LNB]At 33, Didier Drogba is not a Daniel Levy signing as the Tottenham chairman always wants players who have good re-sale value. [LNB]The added problem is that he would probably come attached to an offer for Luka Modric. [LNB]Levy has made it plain that he does not wish to sell Modric but is concerned at the growing rumblings from behind the scenes at his club.[LNB] It is apparent that Modric wants to go to Chelsea and manager Harry Redknapp recognises that while that situation exists it is not always to the benefit of the team if a player becomes distracted by what might have been. [LNB]The money that Chelsea are willing to offer is also of benefit to Redknapp. He believes Modric is worth around ?40million. If Chelsea went to ?30m and still offered Yossi Benayoun that wouldn't really appeal but if they put Drogba into the equation it may do.[LNB]Tottenham want a striker. Emmanuel Adebayor, as revealed in Sportsmail, is one they have tried for but he is hoping Real Madrid come back for him. [LNB]Drogba is wanted by Andre Villas-Boas but on a one year contract extension - Drogba wants two. Talks are ongoing but Drogba's camp could lose patience.[LNB] Inter Milan and AC Milan are also monitoring events. Nicolas Anelka, though, may be deemed more expendable by Chelsea's new coach.[LNB] TOMASZ KUSZCZAKManchester United to CelticTHE INSIDER says: 3/5[LNB]ZAVON HINESWest Ham to Burnley THE INSIDER says: 4/5[LNB] [LNB]The Poland goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak played for United reserves in their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal last night but is now third choice behind David de Gea and Anders Lindegaard. The criticism building around De Gea is not swaying Sir Alex Ferguson from his belief that the 20-year-old Spaniard will become an Old Trafford great as he still sees enough in the ?17m keeper's attitude, performances and training to confirm his opinion. That is not helping Kuszczak of course who was hoping for more of a break after a few fleeting appearances towards the end of last season and in pre-season. He had been linked with West Bromwich Albion but the opportunity for them to sign Ben Foster and then bring in a cheap back-up such as Marton Fulop has ended hopes of moving to the Hawthorns. Leicester, Wigan, West Ham and Turkish side Galatasaray have also been credited with interest in the 29-year-old but it has all come to no avail. However, Celtic's inability to find a goalkeeper within their budget has led them into talks with United. Fellow Pole Lukasz Zaluska has been too inconsistent for Celtic, Newcastle's Fraser Forster could yet come into consideration, while Sunderland's Craig Gordon is not fit so the deal could fall into place if the price is right.[LNB]Eddie Howe is being given licence to improve his squad and is trying to bring in good young players with pace to make his side difficult to handle in the Championship. [LNB]It is also important that he resists growing interest in players such as Jay Rodriguez which may be difficult if Premier League clubs step in.[LNB] So far Southampton have been the main suitors, as revealed by Sportsmail, they succeeded in a ?1.8m bid for left-back Danny Fox but have been rebuffed in their bids for Rodriguez so far. [LNB]They may yet return although are competing with Portsmouth for Bari's Erik Huseklepp.[LNB]Burnley have also signed young Bournemouth star Danny Ings who was wanted by a host of Championship clubs and hope to conclude a loan deal ahead of Ipswich for young Stoke City full-back Ryan Shotton.[LNB]Terms for Hines were agreed yesterday and he is due to have a medical ahead of finalising details today. [LNB]He has often flattered to deceive at Upton Park with excellent pace but often lacking composure. [LNB]He struggled with a series of injuries over the last 12 months making only 15 appearances in a difficult season but, after turning down a new deal at West Ham, arrives on a free transfer although due to his age a tribunal will determine a compensation fee.[LNB]Don't miss your daily instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline. THE INSIDER: Arsenal in the hunt for ?10m Jadson, while Newcastle eye MaigaThe Insider: Liverpool striker Ngog closer to Bolton move but Barton looks set to bypass StokeTHE INSIDER: Eto'o exit could lead Inter to Tevez while Sunderland eye loan deal for Kranjcar The Insider: Tuncay weighs up Premier League return as Sven eyes yet another Foxes signing[LNB] [LNB] [LNB]
