Source: Daily_Mail
THE INSIDER: Didier Drogba down Manchester City priorities, Javier Mascherano too pricey
Simon Jones is Sportsmail'sman 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 instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.[LNB]Javier MascheranoLiverpool to Inter Milan - The Insider says: 2/5It's no surprise that Javier Mascherano is looking to leave Liverpool. The noises from him and his agent have been similar for the past year. He has held off contract talks with Liverpool and there were murmurings he was ready to ask for a transfer just before the World Cup kicked off. [LNB]He is now contemplating putting that request into Liverpool formally but it may make little difference. Liverpool have been wary of Mascherano's situation for some time and will be prepared to sell but he is 26, the captain of Argentina and they bought him for £18million. [LNB]Reds alert: Mascherano (left) will only leave Anfield for a hefty fee[LNB] [LNB]He will not be allowed to leave cheaply. Barcelona want him but can't afford the asking price and Inter Milan are keen but know it would not make good business sense to spend that much when you have good defensive players already. [LNB]That may spell a frustrating wait at Anfield for Mascherano unless another top side enters the bidding with £30m.[LNB]Steven Pienaar Everton to Tottenham - The Insider says: 2/5The Sportsmail columnist has yet to resolve his contract dispute with Everton and at this stage, with no further talks planned, looks set to see out his contract and leave for free next season. [LNB]Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is a big fan but David Moyes has slapped a £15m price tag on the South African's head and that is prohibitive to any deal. [LNB]Prohibitive: Everton have warded off suitors with a big price-tag for Pienaar (right)[LNB]Possible players in return have been mentioned such as Robbie Keane, Jermaine Jenas and David Bentley but Everton would prefer to deal in hard cash if they sell at all. [LNB]Pienaar has interest from other clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United but he is further down their list of priorities.That could changethough if they offload players. Aston Villa are also keen depending on James Milner's situation.[LNB]Didier DrogbaChelsea to Manchester City - The Insider says: 1/5Roberto Mancini is working hard at bringing in a striker. The trouble is every time City come knocking an extra £10million goes on the valuation of players. [LNB]Edin Dzeko and Mauro Balotelli remain at the forefront of their thinking, Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be a costly exercise and Drogba will be discussed - but it is unlikely to get beyond that. [LNB]Taking flight? It's not likely for Chelsea striker Drogba just yet[LNB]The Ivory Coast striker will be questioning his future with Chelsea looking at Fernando Torres and a few clubs will wonder whether it is worth chancing a bid. [LNB]Yet at 32 and pricey, Drogba does not fit City's profile of targets, there is also the small matter of Chelsea not wanting to help one of their main rivals. They would listen if City offered silly money but that is not likely to happen.[LNB]John MensahLyon to Sunderland - The Insider says: 2/5The Ghana captain had a good World Cup and Sunderland will have been heartened by him making the right noises about a return to the Premier League. He could play a role too in their pursuit of Asamoah Gyan but they are reluctant to pay the asking price Lyon are demanding. [LNB]Instead they would prefer to organise another loan with a view to a permanent at the end of that. Mensah has attracted a lot of interest in Germany with Schalke and Hamburg among those interested but he knows a good season in England could set up his career if Sunderland can't afford him come next summer.[LNB] Mensah test: Ghana defender John Mensah (right) impressed at the World Cup[LNB] More from Simon Jones - The Insider... THE INSIDER: Fancy Zlat? Manchester City target Barcelona striker, Wigan offer escape to Alcaraz and Hammers keep knocking on Dorrans08/07/10 THE INSIDER: David Ngog on West Brom radar, Aston Villa to test Scott Parker's loyalty at West Ham and Dusko Tosic to leave Pompey07/07/10 THE INSIDER: Manchester United must work hard to capture Wesley Sneijder but Rafik Halliche will not be heading for Arsenal06/07/10 THE INSIDER: Nadir Belhadj's Lazio move in doubt, Dan Golsing too risky for Newcastle and West Ham lead chase for Pablo Barrera 05/07/10 THE INSIDER: Tottenham tracking Barcelona starlet Gai Assulin while Besiktas tempt Manchester City's Roque Santa Cruz towards the Eastlands exit 02/07/10 THE INSIDER: Roy Hodgson hoping Brede Hangeland follows him to Liverpool as Arsenal line up £10m Germany ace Per Mertesacker01/07/10 THE INSIDER: Sol Campbell makes Celtic wait, Robbie Blake heads for Bolton and Manchester City don't need Landon Donovan30/06/10 THE INSIDER: Magaye Gueye to join Everton as Pompey pair head for Lazio and Benfica get tough over Man City target David Luiz29/06/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE [LNB]
