The Transfer Deadline Day is finally upon us. Some teams were able to strengthen their squads yesterday and some were not. For the latter, there is only one more day to add players before the January transfer window opens. Let s take a took at the latest rumours and speculation.
Manchester City
In a shock move, Manchester City are reportedly set to sign former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves. Hargreaves reportedly had a medical on Tuesday. This is a rather peculiar signing, especially because City are already loaded with a good number of midfield players. But then again, Hargreaves may just be an upgrade from Gareth Barry. Is he not?
Stoke City
According to Sky Sports, Stoke City have agreed to terms with Birmingham City over striker Cameron Jerome. Stoke are in dire need of front-men and Jerome could help aid Stoke s attack. Stoke City manager Tony Pullis is also reportedly keen on signing Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspur) and Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal).
Queens Park Rangers
Premier League newcomers QPR are looking to bolster their squad in an attempt to stay in England s top flight. QPR are set to sign former Chelsea play-making winger Shaun Wright-Phillips (currently with Manchester City) to a deal prior to the end of the transfer window. Queens Park Rangers have already added Joey Barton to the mix and if you throw in Shaun Wright-Phillips, QPR look to have gotten much stronger. At least on paper.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs are reportedly set to sign Scott Parker after the England international sent in a transfer request earlier this week. Parker told West Ham United s official website:
I have had a fantastic four years at West Ham United and will never forget all the support I have had from the fans and everyone associated with the club.
The manager and board have tried hard to convince me to stay but at this stage in my career, I need to be playing in the Premier League, especially now that I am involved with England.
I hope the fans will understand and respect my decision and I wish the club every success in their fight for promotion this season.
Chelsea FC
Chelsea FC are rumoured to be chasing Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles. The Blues have proposed a deal that would send Yossi Benayoun and 8 million pounds to Anfield for the Portuguese midfielder. This move shouldn t be that much of a surprise. Chelsea s new boss, Andre Villas-Boas, is Portuguese and so is Meireles. Coincidence? I think not.
According to Mark Irwin of The Sun, Chelsea FC made a £30 million move for French star Franck Ribery yesterday. Bayern value their winger at £36 million, after paying £22 million for the player in 2007. Interesting rumour, especially since Chelsea have already signed Spanish winger Juan Mata.
