Sport
THE RUMOUR MILL
THE RUMOUR MILL including a new midfielder heading to white hart lane
Moussa Sissoko, Newcastle to Tottenham
Likelihood: 3/5
As a Spurs fan, I want this deal to happen. Sissoko isn’t quite in the same league as Yaya Toure or Fernandino, but he’s a powerful and imposing midfielder that scares defenders, and that’s something Spurs have been lacking for a while. Newcastle will not allow him to go on the cheap so this transfer would likely cost Tottenham around £15m, but he’s definitely worth that sort of money. Newcastle appear to be building a very decent side so I would be surprised if they allowed Sissoko to go, but I’d be very happy for him to end up at White Hart Lane.
Abou Diaby, free agent to West Brom
Likelihood: 3/5
Injury-prone Diaby, who was seen by many Arsenal fans as the natural successor to Patrick Vieira, has had a career dominated by long-term niggles interrupted only sporadically by flashes of footballing brilliance. Diaby, now 29, was recently released by the Gunners following a nine-year spell in north London, and has been described by Arsene Wenger as ‘the biggest regret of my career’; not because he is regarded as poor signing, but because so much potential has been unfulfilled. West Brom confirmed that they are interested in giving the French international another chance to shine in the Premier League, but whether he will be able to stay injury free for long enough to pass a medical is far from certain. When fit Diaby is a special player, so I really hope this one happens. If West Brom can get 15 games out of him next season then they’ve done well.
Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle to Crystal Palace
Likelihood: 1/5
This rumour has come out of nowhere, but in many ways it makes sense; Alan Pardew clearly earned a lot of respect from the players during his Newcastle reign – hence the Cabaye deal – and Palace need bolstering at the back, so where better to obtain those reinforcements than the boss’ former club? Coloccini has frequently come across as unsettled in the North East, but all previous transfer rumours have linked him with a return to Argentina rather than a trip to London. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Coloccini leave Newcastle this summer, but I doubt it will be for Palace.
Steven Fletcher, Sunderland to Swansea
Likelihood: 3/5
Steven Fletcher appears certain to leave the Black Cats this summer. The Scottish striker is in the final year of his Sunderland contract and, given that he only scored five times last season, is unlikely to be offered a new deal. Sunderland paid around £12m when he joined from Wolves in 2012, but it is believed they would be willing to accept offers of around £4m to get him off the wage bill. Fletcher is a natural forward and a real handful for defenders, so if Swansea can bag him for a couple of million then he could very well be a terrific signing. However, his injury issues have been well documented, so the purchase would be a gamble. I expect him to leave the Stadium of Light this summer, but remain unsure as to where he is destined to end up.
Mario Balotelli, Liverpool to Lupa Castelli
Likelihood: 0/5
Ok, so this one isn’t going to happen, but it’s a good indication of how poorly Balotelli has performed thus far in his Liverpool career. Lupa Castelli, which has only been a professional side for two years, has made a genuine offer to take Balotelli on loan next season. Lupa’s honorary president Marco Amelia, who is a friend of the 24-year-old, confirmed that the offer was legitimate, claiming it would be a ‘good opportunity’ for Mario to ‘restart’ his career. It is almost certain that Balotelli will not head to the Italian minnows, but will he still be at Anfield at the start of next season? Time will tell.
