Source: Daily_Mail
THE INSIDER: Real Madrid deal still on the cards for Steven Gerrard
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 instalment of The Insider every weekday through the transfer window here at MailOnline.[LNB]Steven GerrardLiverpool to Real Madrid - The insider says: 3/5 There is no hiding Steven Gerrard's disappointment at Liverpool's season and the club's fall from grace over the past 12 months.[LNB] That has left him unsure of where he should start next season and Real Madrid will be at the front of the queue to test his resolve to stay at Anfield. [LNB] National service: Gerrard (right) is concentrating on the World Cup for now[LNB]Rafa Benitez is still awaiting assurances over Liverpool's transfer budget and that will have a knock on effect. [LNB]Gerrard and Fernando Torres still believe in Liverpool and want to win trophies with the club but Gerrard, at 30, has grave concerns about whether he can ever achieve his ultimate dream of winning a league title. [LNB]It may be easier to win one with Real. He will play in the World Cup, take time to consider his next move and hope that by that time Liverpool will have sorted out their budgets and Benitez's future. Then his choice will be clearer. [LNB]Boaz Myhill Hull to West Brom - The Insider says: 4/5The former Aston Villa goalkeeper had an outstanding season last term despite the Tigers' relegation and deserves to stay in the Premier League. [LNB]He has been the target of several clubs who would initially want him as an understudy to their own No 1s, notably Tottenham and Bolton, but he wants a move where he has a chance of going straight in as first choice. [LNB] Staying up: Top-flight sides have shown interest in Myhill after Hull's relegation[LNB]West Brom have concerns about the long-term future of Scott Carson and have been searching for a top keeper to either rival or replace the England international. [LNB]David James and Kieren Westwood have both been considered but Myhill represents good business at 27 and around £1.5million. [LNB]Hull would like more money but may need to take what is on offer quickly to ease fears of administration.[LNB] West Brom, meanwhile, should finalise a deal for defender Pablo Ibanez today. [LNB]Stephen Ireland Manchester City to Aston Villa - The Insider says: 4/5There is plenty of interest in Ireland but most clubs are waiting to see what City do with their bid for Aston Villa midfielder James Milner. [LNB]The likelihood is that he will be included in any deal with Villa keen to bring in a midfield replacement of proven quality and bank a substantial cash amount to compensate for Milner's loss.[LNB] [LNB] Decision time: Several Premier League clubs have been linked with Ireland[LNB]Ireland is also wanted by Sunderland and has admirers at Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham but the latter clubs all have budget restrictions and the problem factor that City do not want to sell to any rivals.[LNB] Ireland would fit in well at Sunderland but would prefer a club better placed to challenge for honours and the prospect of teaming up with pal Richard Dunne would certainly suit. [LNB]His wages may be a stumbling block for Villa but they hope a compromise would be reached. [LNB]Robert KorenWest Brom to Blackpool - The Insider says: 1/5Value: Koren's price could rise after the World Cup[LNB]Blackpool manager Ian Holloway is determined to keep attacking flair as part of his team's blueprint next season and is working hard to find players of Premier League quality within a limited budget. [LNB]Slovenia captain Koren represents good value as a free transfer and still just 29 years old. [LNB]He has offers from Europe, notably Italy and Germany, but wants to stay in England. [LNB]Blackpool's problem is that they will struggle to offer wages to compete with their new rivals and that will be the reason a move for Koren will flounder.[LNB] Koren will now more likely wait until after the World Cup before weighing up his options.[LNB] A good performance against England on June 23 could open the door to more conducive offers. [LNB] More from Simon Jones - The Insider... THE INSIDER: Spurs struggle for Everton's Steven Pienaar, Wigan cool on Mauro Boselli, Fulham put high price on Bobby Zamora01/06/10 Portsmouth boot sale now open! The stars in shop window at Wembley14/05/10 THE INSIDER: Spurs court Kyle Naughton suitors, Birmingham join Boselli queue, Stoke's battle for Huseklepp and Wolves step up pursuit of Rover Roberts29/01/10 THE INSIDER: Hammer time for Bentley, Fulham go to the Poles, Slory set for Albion and Sunderland want Babel28/01/10 THE INSIDER: Cassano to replace Robinho, Pienaar to desert the Toffees, Pelle (no, not that one) in the Premier League and Arsenal opt for Azpilicueta27/01/10 THE INSIDER: Anderson on his way at Manchester United, Marc Janko added to Birmingham wish list and Fulham target Egyptian star Mohamed Nagy26/01/10 THE INSIDER: Liverpool leading the race for Milan Jovanovic, Aston Villa not right for Joaquin Boghossian and Everton join the Hunt for Dutch striker Klaas25/01/10 THE INSIDER: Pavlyuchenko Spurs price isn't right for Birmingham, Adam Johnson City move stalls, James Beattie keen on Fulham, Luke Young's West Ham lifeline22/01/10 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE[LNB][LNB]
