Football.co.uk probability rating: 90%
Barca and Arsenal squabble over Fabregas value – The long expected Fabregas will he/won’t he saga is about to enter its crucial valuation stage. Arsenal are unwilling to talk unless the bid approaches £60m whilst Barca’s president has been vocal in expressing his view that the Arsenal captain is not worth even £35m. Both sides are adamant that their opening positions are also their final ones and that they have little or no room for manoeuvre. So you can expect a compromise around the £45m mark will be struck and Fabregas will finally put us all out of our misery and return to the club of his dreams.
Football.co.uk probability rating: 75%
Liverpool to offload high earners – The second coming of King Kenny has, thus far, been defined by some high value purchases. However the club’s American owners are keen to recoup some of their outlay and also reduce the ever growing wage bill. There are some obvious candidates for the exit door including Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic and Alberto Aquilani; however one of the few successes of last season, Raul Meireles looks likely to also be sacrificed. Several clubs in Italy and Spain are watching the developments and a bid of around £15m could see the 28 year old Portuguese midfielder on his way out of Anfield.
Football.co.uk probability rating: 60%
United and City go head to head, again! – When the two sides from England’s premier football city meet in the Community Shield at Wembley in early August there is a strong chance that Alexis Sanchez will be playing. The question is; for which side? Fergie has been a long time admirer of the Chilean star whilst Roberto Mancini has recently thrown the City hat in the ring. Whether the Italian is using City’s financial muscle to drive up the price United would have to pay or is genuinely interested remains to be seen, but their interest has pushed the Udinese’s valuation of the player up to nearly £45m. The popular view is that United will not want to be seen as Manchester’s smaller club, so they will grit their teeth and pay the asking price to secure his signature.
Football.co.uk probability rating: 80%
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