Old enemies reunited at the old enemy – Harry Redknapp is reported to be looking at bringing both Emmanual Adebayor and Nicklas Bentdner to White Hart Lane. The pair who famously came to blows during a League semi-final three years ago are both unsettled at their clubs and could be tempted by the big wages on offer. Unlikely as it seems, the deal could go through as Harry is famous for ignoring football’s unwritten rules and firmly believes that a footballer’s past should have no bearing on his future.
Football.co.uk probability rating: 50%
Fergie and Dalglish on collision course – It looks like the first United v Liverpool battle of the 2011/12 season will take place off the pitch with both clubs expressing an interest in signing Aston Villa and England winger Stuart Downing. The player is said to be unsettled at Villa and see a move away from the Midlands as the spark that he needs to reignite his career. A bid of around £15 million should be enough to secure his signature and once again the lure of Champions League football could be the deciding factor.
Football.co.uk probability rating: 80%
Barton out of the Toon – When Newcastle returned to the Premier League last August, Joey Barton was seen as the driving force behind their solid start to the new campaign with even talk in some quarters of an England call up. However his failure to maintain that initial level of performance has seen him slip further down the pecking order at St James’s Park and it is rumoured that both parties are looking how best to move him out of the exit door. A return to his native city with Everton seems the most likely move and if David Moyes can find the required £6 million then a deal could be struck
Football.co.uk probability rating: 75%
Different Samba beat to hit the Emirates - The European base of the Brazilian national team could be rocking to a new Samba beat come August. Arsene Wenger is determined to plug the huge hole formally known as the Arsenal defence with the giant frame of Christian Samba. The Blackburn captain has long been admired by the Frenchman and he sees him as the perfect partner for Thomas Vermaelen. Blackburn are not keen to let one of their most prized assets leave, but a bid north of £10 million is likely to prove too difficult to resist.
Football.co.uk probability rating: 90%
Bubbling Under for next week
Charlie Adam could make a call on whether to stay at Blackpool or to start a bun fight amongst the Premier Leagues big guns.
James McCarthy is considering his future with Wigan putting a £20 million price on his head.
Radamel Falcao, Porto’s Europa League hero, is said to have told Andre Villa-Boas he would want to leave if the £26 million get out clause in his contract is met.
If you hear any gossip, rumour or supposition, we want to know as soon as you do. Simply e-mail us at transferrumours@press.co.uk and best or most improbable could appear in next week’s column.
Source: DSG
