HERE’S YOUR DAILY dose of transfer gossip from the madness of the summer transfer window and who better to guide us through the latest wheelin’ and dealin’s than ‘Arry himself.
Just don’t use the words wheelin’ or dealin’, alright?
Ben There, Done That: Christian Benteke is inching his way ever closer to Anfield. Liverpool have triggered the £32.5 million release clause by bidding for the Belgian attacker. But does this mean for poor Rickie Lambert?
Evans Above: Jonny Evans, who this time last year was talked about as a potential Manchester United captain under Louis van Gaal, is now a bit of a forgotten man. Even with the club’s defensive problems, it says much that he’s being allowed move to Everton for £8 million.
Like A Rolling Stone(s): Well, where did this come from?
The 21-year-old is looked upon as a long-term replacement for John Terry, or so it seems. He’s young, already close to a century of appearances for the club and made his England debut last year. But a bit of a rough deal for the Toffees. They lose Stones to Chelsea and it seems increasingly likely that James McCarthy will move on eventually. Still, they will have gained Jonny Evans and Tom Cleverley. Every cloud.
Stew’s Down With Boro:
Liverpool paid £20 million for Stewart Downing four years ago. He only stayed two seasons before being shipped off to West Ham and now, at the age of 30, he’s decided to move down a division and head home.
It all started with Middlesbrough, his home-town team. From there, he signed for Aston Villa in 2009 and everything got a little out of hand.
But he’s back in the bosom of the local community and all for a cool £5m.
On Me Ped, Son: Barcelona attacker Pedro is a bit of an unsung hero at the Camp Nou. He’s never been a superstar but he’s certainly been consistent and incredibly loyal. But word is that he feels it’s time to possibly move on from the club and both Liverpool and Chelsea are said to be very interested in meeting the £22 million valuation.
From Ser, With Love: Sergei Ramos is not going anywhere, so says Rafael Benitez. The club’s new manager says the defender is ‘an integral part of the team’. So, with the 29-year-old also on tour with the side in Australia currently, a move to Manchester United appears dead in the water, especially as the Premier League side refuse to budge on the David de Gea situation.
My Baby’s Got The Benz (Oh, No): Manchester United were seemingly in the market for Karim Benzema but were probably told, in no uncertain terms, that he wasn’t for sale. Real don’t have much in attack, as evidenced last season when the BBC was broken up occasionally. So, unless a high-profile, big-name attacker comes on the market, the Spaniards won’t be allowing Benzema leave – not even for a reported £40m.
Interesting how the42 just took a Sh:t on Stewart Downings move, rediscovered his true form for most of last season only for an unwilling manager to keep playing attacking football, good luck to ya Downs, thanks for your time as a hammer!
Martinez said they made no bid for evens.
Really is the summer of over priced English players,Stones 20 f#cking million?I don’t see the appeal,he’s light weight,not physical and takes one too many touches at the back.The English media are going mad for him because he ‘plays it out from the back’.Overrated young English liability in my opinion.
Absolute class act…..i guarantee that he’ll be as good as Rio Ferdinand.i wouldnt accept 30m for him…….
You’ve probably seen more of him than me Fran.Just haven’t been overly impressed anytime iv seen him.Iv obviously seen his bad games.
Well i support them so i have seen loads of him but i grant you that means im gonna defend him as well.I think the only English CB better than him is John Terry and i genuinely wouldnt even entertain less than 30m for him.Youve gotta consider what the sterling saga has done to transfer fees for homegrown players as well
Fran did Everton originally sign him as a RB as back up to Coleman then he converted to CB?always thought that for some reason.
He played RB for Barnsley because of how good his feet were and because he was so slight in the physical lower leagues but the plan was always to move him to CB once he filled out.hes 6′ 3″ so he was always seen as a CB in waiting
Stones is a fantastic player. Generally CB’s are getting lighter as the game evolves, Miranda, marquinhos, Dante, consielny a few lean & mean examples.
Have to say, great to see a good conversation in the comments section, i.e. respect for opinions! Knowledgable and balanced, well done boys
Ah sure it’s all about the love brotha,too many agros on this site unfortunately.
Yea we know about Rafa and his facts !