Porto striker Hulk has issued a 'come and get me' plea to Chelsea, declaring he is the man to replace Didier Drogba. His agent said he is 'open for talks any time' and the Daily Mail are making it their lead story. He is likely to cost around £30 million, and has the added bonus of being able to play on the wing. In numerous matches against English clubs he is yet to catch fire, but his record in Portugal is superb, and he scored 21 goals for the club this season.
The Mirror are reporting that Manchester United have begun discussions with Everton about signing left-back Leighton Baines. Baines, 27, would add much-needed competition for Patrice Evra's left-back spot, and the paper has reported that United are willing to offer an initial £12 million. Everton are reluctant to sell one of their prize-assets, but if they can tempt United into parting with £15 million, then the paper report a deal could be struck. The money would be enough for Everton to seal their transfer targets this summer, including Steven Pienaar.
Tottenham are keen on a deal for West Brom defender Jonas Olsson. The Swede has just one year left on his contract, and spoke last year of his confidence that he could play for a top club. Without a permanent manager, it is a concerning time for Baggies fans, who will hope that a new boss could persuade Olsson to stay. Everton, Villa, and West Ham are all also reported to be interested.
Ambitious QPR are keen on signing Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong, who found himself on the bench for much of last season. We think that the Dutch international would be keen to stay for at least another year, but his contract is up next summer, and City may seek to get some cash back for him while they can. Mark Hughes was the man who brought him to City, and he is hoping to persuade him to make the move down south.
Ryo Miyaichi had a superb start on loan at Bolton, but soon faded, causing Arsenal to feel that perhaps he is not quite ready to break into their first team just yet. An extra spell on loan could do him good, and Owen Coyle has already begun talks with the Gunners about persuading them to loan him out next season. The sticking point is their Championship status, and Arsenal may prefer him to get experience in the Premier League. It may be too soon to commit, and there is no rush for player or club to commit just yet. Miyaichi would surely benefit from joining back up with Arsenal for pre-season, and going from there.
image: © ericthefish
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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