Latest Transfer Update at 21-06-2012

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Skrtel: Linked with a move to Manchester City

SKRTEL READY FOR LIVERPOOL TALKS

Martin Skrtel's representative has revealed that the issue of a new contract will be on the agenda when he meets for discussions over Liverpool's plans for the future following their managerial change this summer.
The Slovakia centre-back has two years left on his current deal but speculation has surfaced to suggest that he is being targeted by other clubs for a transfer window move.
According to widespread reports in Thursday's press, Manchester City are huge fans of Skrtel and could be considering a summer swoop.
Big-spending Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala have also been credited with an interest in the 27-year-old, but his agent is focused only on holding talks with the Reds.


Brendan Rodgers has come in to replace Kenny Dalglish as boss since the end of last season and Skrtel is keen to find out how he intends to take the club forward.
Agent Karol Cstonto is quoted as saying: "Some changes have been made at the club and he wants to know what the aims and ambitions are. And of course, we will discuss the issue of Martin's new contract.
"Liverpool is a big club and just because they haven't made the Champions League this year doesn't mean they would not do it next year.
"There are expectations on both sides, though."

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Mido: Set for Barnsley move

MIDO CLOSING IN ON BARNSLEY DEAL

Egypt international Mido is on the verge of completing a move to Barnsley from Zamalek.
The well-travelled former Tottenham and Middlesbrough striker is on the verge of ending a third spell with his boyhood club, where he has fallen out of favour following a wage dispute.
And it's understood the 29-year-old is undergoing a medical at Oakwell on Thursday afternoon, with Barnsley hopeful of confirming their second signing of a productive week later on Thursday.


Former Chelsea youngster Jacob Mellis, who was infamously released by the UEFA Champions League winners after letting off a smoke grenade at their Cobham training ground in March, joined Keith Hill's men on a two-year deal on Tuesday, while today winger Jim O'Brien signed a contract extension of the same length.
Mido counts Ajax, Roma and Marseille among his former clubs but has been dogged by fitness issues over recent seasons and last played for his country in 2009.
During his last spell in England with Middlesbrough he spent time on loan with Wigan and West Ham.

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Rodriguez: Reportedly on Man Utd's radar

RED DEVILS IN RODRIGUEZ LINK

The agent of Porto winger James Rodriguez has admitted it is a complicated situation as he prepares to hold talks with the club, with speculation continuing to link the Colombian with a move to Manchester United.
Rodriguez is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the game after a couple of impressive seasons with Porto and fresh reports have suggested that he is attracting the attention of other clubs.


United are understood to be keeping tabs on his situation and stories in the Portuguese press claim they have made an offer to Porto which has been rejected.
Rodriguez is thought to have a release clause of around £40million in the contract he signed only last year and Porto are standing firm as they want a good price for the 20-year-old.
Rodriguez's representative, Silvio Sandri, has remained coy about his client's future after being quizzed on the subject, but says he will be speaking to Porto soon.


"Really there does not exist any big news about this but it is a subject we need to analyse," Sandri is quoted as saying in O Jogo.
"In a couple of weeks I will fly to Portugal and I expect to have a meeting with the Porto directors to discuss the situation.
"I cannot offer more details because it is a very complex subject."

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Tim Clancy: Joins Hibs

HIBS SIGN TIM CLANCY

Hibernian have announced the signing of defender Tim Clancy after his contract at Clydesdale Bank Premier League rivals Motherwell expired.
The 28-year-old has agreed a two-year deal at Easter Road and becomes manager Pat Fenlon's first summer signing.
"Hibs are a big club in Scotland and I jumped at the opportunity when I was given the chance to sign," Clancy said on Hibs' website.
"Ever since I first came up to Scotland, Hibs are a club that I've always liked. Now moving forward we've got a fresh start and hopefully we can begin the season well.


"Obviously the second game into the season (the Edinburgh Derby) is a massive one. Hopefully we can all kick on and enjoy a much better season than last year."
Irishman Clancy, who had joined Motherwell from Kilmarnock in the summer of 2011, turned down the opportunity to stay at Fir Park despite the prospect of playing in the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Clancy, who can play right-back or centre-back, added: "It was a tough decision in some respects. Last season at Motherwell we had a very tight squad; we didn't use many players, which I think helped us.
"All the players knew each other's game and we were lucky with injuries as well. It was very enjoyable because we won our fair share of games and finished with the highest ever number of points that Motherwell have had in their SPL history.


"So qualifying for the Champions League qualifiers was a pull to stay, but as soon as it was nailed on to come here to Hibs I was delighted to sign."
Fenlon said: "Tim fits the bill - he is exactly the type of player and character that we've been looking for.
"He had a fantastic season for Motherwell and he will be a sound addition to the squad, so we're pleased to announce his arrival - the first one of what promises to be a busy summer transfer window.
"He left Motherwell and European football to come here to the club and he is an ambitious and driven individual - he has all the attributes we're looking for."

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Olivier Giroud: Heading for Arsenal

GIROUD ARSENAL DEAL MOVES CLOSER

Arsene Wenger is convinced Olivier Giroud can be a big hit at Arsenal next season, with a deal for the French striker "90 per cent" done.
Giroud, who is part of Laurent Blanc's Euro 2012 squad, is thought to command a transfer fee in the region of £13million.
The 25-year-old scored 25 goals for his club last season to help Montpellier win the Ligue 1 title, igniting the interest of several top clubs.
However, it appears Arsenal are set to add the promising Frenchman to their squad, which has already been bolstered by the arrival of Germany marksman Lukas Podolski.


Wenger said on French TV station TF1: "Giroud didn't play much (at the Euros so far), but he's going to be an Arsenal player 90 per cent next season.
"I think he has exceptional potential and will integrate very well in our collective and our way of playing.
"He is a real team player and knows how to combine with other players and I'm sure he will do well with us."
Wenger is working at the European Championship as a media pundit, and has been impressed by Podolski's displays so far.
"Podolski did a great job for the German team, he has superb team work," said the Arsenal boss.


"He plays in a cautious way sometimes, but he's still scored a very important goal against Denmark for his 100th cap.
"I am very happy with what I've seen from him."
Once the deal for Giroud is complete, Arsenal could then look to offload some of their fringe players, including Denmark striker Nicklas Bendtner and Morocco international Marouane Chamakh as well as Mexico forward Carlos Vela and Brazilian midfielder Denilson.
Arsenal could also now resurrect interest in Yann M'Vila after Champions League finalists Bayern Munich cooled their interest in the Rennes midfielder.