Tuesday 8 July 2014

Wheels begin to turn on Premier League transfer merry-go-round

With the Three Lions having since returned to home shores following their dismal early exit in Brazil, many domestic football fans will now be turning their attention to their club sides as the summer transfer merry-go-round grinds into gear.
One of football’s worst kept secrets was confirmed on Friday with 18-year-old full-back Luke Shaw leaving Southampton and joining Manchester United for a fee of £27m that could potentially rise to £31m depending on appearances.
Ryan Giggs, United's assistant manager, said: "Luke is a very talented young left back with great potential.
"He has developed immensely during his time at Southampton and has all the attributes to become a top player."
Shaw will be joined at Old Trafford by centre-midfielder Ander Herrera who is 24-years-old and has joined from hometown club Athletic Bilbao.
The capture of the young duo clearly indicate new coach Louis Van Gaal’s intentions of building a young and hungry squad in their efforts to return to the summit of English football.
To be once again be crowned Premier League champions United will have to dethrone city rivals Manchester City who have added Arsenal full-back Bacary Sagna and Porto’s Fernando to their ranks.
Brazilian midfielder Fernando’s £12m arrival could signify the end of Jack Rodwell’s career at Eastlands and he is being tipped for a potential move back to Everton.
Two more England internationals leaving the south coast are Ricky Lambert and Adam Lallana.
Lambert has already confirmed his £4m to Liverpool and could be in line for more first team duties than previously expected following Luis Suarez’s enforced ban for biting.
The two clubs are also thought to have agreed a £25m fee for Lallana who could move north to complete the deal as early as Tuesday.
There is also expected to be a lot of movement in West London with Chelsea already having sold Brazil centre back David Luiz to oil rich Paris St Germain for a fee of around £40m.
Funds from the sale of Luiz have already been used to bring in former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, with Spanish international teammate Diego Costa set to join him as Jose Mourinho plots another assault on the premier league title.
Fabregas said: "I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice."
Swansea City have also announced the signing of free agent Bafetimbi Gomis after the striker was released by French outfit Lyon.
Gomis is expected to provide competition for Wilfried Bony and Michu as the Welsh side look to build on last season’s 12th place finish.


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