* Up to May 24.
By Chris Rowland.
In Transfer Talk World, it’s always Groundhog Day!So anyone who’s waded through March and April’s T6s will recognise many of these names. Let’s start May’s marathon off with … well, an old link with a new twist, and included not least for the headline: ‘Reds set to beat Spurs for star’:
Liverpool have been given a major boost in their attempts to sign Ajax star Christian Eriksen, with the Dane set to move on in the summer. And in even better news for the Reds, Eriksen may snub Spurs in favour of a big move to Merseyside. The Dane is keen to link up with former teammate Luis Suarez at Anfield, and is very happy with how Liverpool fans have welcomed Suarez in with open arms, something that has swung the balance in favour of Liverpool. Spurs are being heavily linked with a move too, however Liverpool are in pole position, having courted Eriksen for some time now, with Ajax Director, Marc Overmars confirming Liverpool scouts had been in touch several times. It would be a huge boost for Liverpool to land such a sought after player ahead of other clubs in the Premier League, and his signature may spark others into moving to Liverpool too. Sportsnewsireland.com May 7
However, he’s keen on a move to Borussia Dortmund, to replace Mario Gotze, and that seems most likely, though Voetbal International on May 15 came up with the mad fantasy that “Everton though have registered their interest too, although it would be something of a surprise if Eriksen moved to Goodison Park. ” Indeed.
Still with Ajax, and defender Toby Alderweireld is in big demand:
Alderweireld is expected to leave Ajax this summer, with his current contract at the Dutch champions due to expire in 2014, and the centre-back feeling ready to take what he has described as a “step up” by moving to a bigger league. Following in the footsteps of former Ajax team-mate Jan Vertonghen by moving to England is Alderweireld’s preference and he has been linked with a number of Premier League sides, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle and Manchester United.
But the 24-year-old is determined to plot his destination carefully, something which has already led him to think of Liverpool as a suitable side to join.”I am 24 years old and I have played about 20 international games.”Am I afraid to end up at a top club? I’m very selective.”I would not go to Manchester City, because I know they have Kompany there, who always plays.”On the other hand, many clubs would not pay for me and then use me as a 19th man I think. “I don’t want to spread rumours around the world, but for example Liverpool have the potential to go to the top.” InsideFutbol May 12
But Metro on May 9 reckon “Ajax’s Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld may shun Liverpool and Spurs and join Roma, and InsideFutbol/Sky Italia on May 14 reckoned Roma have “are in pole position to scoop up the talented defender, although it is dependent upon the club’s new coach and it is unclear how far along the agreement is.”
And another old link may be off too:
Liverpool’s planned move for Swansea centre-half Ashley Williams could be off, according to reports. Reds boss Rodgers is desperate to add to his back line in the summer and he had joined the queue for his former Swansea star Williams, who is also wanted by Arsenal. It is thought Liverpool officials met with the player’s representatives last month but a deal now looks unlikely. Williams, who agreed a one-year extension to his current Swansea deal to stay with the Capital One Cup holders until 2015, is valued at £12million which would appear to be much for the Reds, who need to replace the retiring Jamie Carragher. ClubCall May 7
So if we’re not getting Williams, Alderweireld and Eriksen, who are we getting?
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