All the rumour, gossip, and news you need to know from the last 24 hours
We jokingly suggested two months back that Newcastle winger Hatem Ben Arfa's outstanding form would see him linked with a big money move to Chelsea. That was at a time the Blues wanted to sign Ba, Tiote and Krul. We're not saying we can predict the future, but in this case it has come true. Sort of. The Mail claims the Frenchman is a target for new manager Roberto di Matteo. The thought of Eden Hazard on one wing and Ben Arfa on the other is enough to worry even the meanest of defences, and the paper say the Blues are preparing a bid of £18 million, but Newcastle are likely to want more.
Italian newspaper Gazetto dello Sport report that Chelsea are ready to move ahead with their interest in Stefan Jovetic. The Montenegro playmaker can also play as a striker and is a versatile attacker who would surely suit the new Chelsea vision. He scored 14 in 27 this season for Fiorentina, and would cost around £20 million and is only 22. He has been linked with a move to Chelsea ever since January, and after bouncing back from an injury his stock his high and the Viola may be tempted to cash in if the price is right.
It is no surprise that CSKA Moscow playmaker Alan Dzagoev is in demand after his impressive performances at Euro 2012 so far, and Arsenal are the first club to be credited with a solid interest in the attacker. German newspaper Bild reports that he could be a replacement for Andrei Arshavin and the fact his contract expires in December only adds intrigue to the issue. The Mail say the Russians may be forced to accept a low bid this summer because of it, making him a real steal.
Reports have emerged this morning linking Manchester United midfielder Anderson with a move to both AC Milan and Inter Milan. The Brazil international has had a mixed time at United and all three clubs are looking to bounce back from disappointing trophyless seasons. United could look to do a deal with Inter for Wesley Sneijder, if they are keen on a sale, while Milan could be the more likely bidders thanks to a big income from the prospective sale of Thiago Silva to PSG. Anderson would have to convince both clubs of his fitness after an unfortunate past couple of years.
Liverpool are pushing ahead with their interest in Barcelona prospect Tello, who impressed in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen this season. He is out of contract at the end of next season and if Barcelona cannot convince him to sign back on, they could be tempted to cash in for him, with him rated at £7 million. The Mail claim Liverpool are one of several interested clubs, including Valencia, Malaga, and Benfica. The 20-year-old winger would be an excellent addition and would surely fit into Brendan Rodgers football blueprint and could be a bargain.
image: © carca
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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