Monday's Rumour Mill

Premier League

One of the Bender boys

As the transfer window officially opens for business today, many clubs are completing deals they hope will help them maintain their Premier league status, Norwich for example have finally signed Sporting Lisbon striker Ricky Van Wolfswinkel supposedly to replace the ageing Grant Holt. In contrast Tottenham are looking past the immediate future, with the apparent signing of two of Croatia’s brightest youngsters; Tin Jedvaj and Alen Halilovic. The deal could be worth up to €20 million according to Dinamo Zagreb Club President Mirko Barisic and this could turn out to be something of a coup for Spurs, beating amongst others, Manchester City to the duos signatures. Rumours have also surfaced today that Andre Villas Boas has telephoned want away Barca striker David Villa to try and persuade the Spanish international to move to White Hart Lane. Spurs are in desperate need of another centre forward with Jermaine Defoe the only reliable front man at the Lane. It is being reported that the other team in North London have bid £23 million for Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender, however Arsenal’s bid has been answered with a categorical no, with Leverkusen stating there is no option of negotiation

Yohan Cabaye

It is looking increasingly likely that Newcastle’s star midfielder Yohan Cabaye will leave the North East this summer. PSG are on the verge of confirming their interest in the Frenchman by bidding £20 million, with Newcastle looking powerless to stand in Cabaye’s way, the lure of Champions League football to mighty for the former Lille man to turn down. In my opinion Cabaye’s performances tailed off poorly towards the end of last season, seemingly frustrated with the extra physical attention he was getting from opposition players and perhaps his game may be better suited to Ligue 1.

Better than League One #1

Manchester United look in pole position to make a move for Benfica centre half Ezequiel Garay. The former Real Madrid player was in fine form for Benfica last season, influential in their run to the Europa League Final. Fulham are edging closer to wrapping up a deal for Wolves’s powerful forward Bakary Sako, with the Frenchman pleading with the hierarchy at Molineux to allow him to enter talks with Martin Jol. Following his release from Aston Villa, centre half Richard Dunne is attracting interest from Hull City as they look to add Premier League experience to their squad.

The Football League

Better than League One #2

Former England and Liverpool keeper Scott Carson looks set to return to English football with Wigan. The 27 year old has been plying his trade in Turkey with Bursaspor, but like many British players who make the move abroad he now wants to return for family reasons. Middlesbrough have today signed 31 year old central midfielder Dean Whitehead from Stoke, this is the second time Whitehead has played in the North East having previously been captain at Sunderland. With both Wolves and Blackburn interested it now appears that Leeds have signed Crewe’s captain Luke Murphy on a three year deal with Crewe receiving £1 million. Bristol City have revealed they have already fended off two offers for wide man Albert Adomah, however it is a case of when rather than if the Ghanaian leaves Ashton Gate.

Rest of the World

Adam Maher 

One time Arsenal target Younes Belhanda has joined Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kiev, strangely the contact length and fee have yet to be revealed. One of the brightest youngsters in Holland has joined one of the biggest clubs in Holland, with Adam Maher joining PSV from AZ Alkmaar. Having already gained four caps for Holland he will certainly be one to watch at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.