14 August 2014

EPL: THURSDAY PAPER REVIEW - Andre Schuerrle To Atletico Madrid, Vidal To ManU, Hull Wants Welbeck & More

Chelsea open talks with Atletico over Schuerrle: Atletico Madrid have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Andre Schuerrle, according to the Daily Mail. The German World Cup winner failed to hold down a regular starting place in Jose Mourinho's team last season, leading to Atleti's registering their interest last week. The Spanish champions are now pressing Chelsea for an answer.

Paper Round's view: It's difficult to imagine Mourinho allowing Schuerrle to leave Stamford Bridge, particularly after his impressive performances for his country earlier this summer. The manager will surely be willing to give Schuerrle a chance to replicate the form he showed in Brazil - if he can, he won't have to settle for being a bit-part player for long.

Hernandez-Vidal swap news 'soon': The Daily Mail reports that there will soon be news on the speculation linking Manchester United's Mexican striker Javier Hernandez with a swap deal for Juventus player Arturo Vidal. Some bookmakers have suspended betting on Chile midfielder Vidal moving to United, despite the player saying he wants to stay in Turin and the Italian club insisting he is not for sale. Hernandez's agent Eduardo Hernandez said: "I have no news at the moment on an exchange, I haven't spoken to anyone in England, but there will be news soon."


Paper Round's view: Whether that 'news' will lead to an actual transfer is anyone's guess, but at the moment all signs point to Vidal staying put at Juventus, given the official communications from his club. The report, however, goes on to state that United "know they can do a deal for the Chile international should they wish to with Juventus eager to sell". Confused? As for Hernandez, a move from United remains likely, although probably not to Juve as part of a deal for Vidal.

Welbeck targeted by Hull: Hull City are set to make a record-breaking bid to sign Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck, reports the Daily Mirror. Welbeck will start the new season as United's third choice striker, behind Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie, and his chances of seeing regular first-team action are limited. Hull boss Steve Bruce is after a replacement for Shane Long and is hoping Louis van Gaal will agree to cash in on the England forward. The Tigers will expect to pay around £14 million for Welbeck.

Paper Round's view: This could be a good move for Welbeck, who needs to be playing regular football at this stage of his career. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen at United, and a move elsewhere appears to be the obvious solution. That said, Van Gaal may be unwilling to offload a player he is likely to view as a valuable squad player, especially if Javier Hernandez is on his way out of Old Trafford.

United target can rot in reserves: Marcos Rojo has been told he can rot in the reserves at his club Sporting, after trying to engineer a move to Manchester United. The Daily Mirror reports that the World Cup star, who made a transfer request and demanded the right to speak to United, has been fined by Sporting and banished from all contact with the team. Sporting president Bruno de Carvalho said he will force Rojo to see out his contract in Lisbon to ensure he is not bullied into selling.

Paper Round's view: This is potentially a shame for United - who will lose out on the chance to sign an exciting player - and Rojo - whose career will stall badly - but you can't help but admire Sporting's stance. Player power has reached a point where contracts aren't worth the paper they're printed on and loyalty is nothing more than a term from a bygone era. Perhaps this will teach players a valuable lesson. Or then again, perhaps Sporting will cave in once United offer enough money, and the whole sorry situation will only be exacerbated.


Arsenal weigh up move for Mbia: Arsenal are plotting a surprise move for Stephane Mbia, according to an exclusive in the Daily Star. The holding midfielder is available after being released by QPR and would be a far less expensive option than Real Madrid's Sami Khedira, another Arsenal target. Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace are also interested in Mbia, who spent last season on loan with Sevilla.

Paper Round's view: He may have been released by QPR, but Mbia is a decent player, one who won the Europa League last season. And with Arsenal still needing a holding midfielder, the Cameroon international cut well represent an affordable option, if Khedira's wages prove to be a stumbling block.

No comments: