Archive » 2010 » April » 12

Stoke boss Tony Pulis is ready to raid Hull for French centre-half Steven Mouyokolo – and hopes to pull off a bargain deal. The big defender, signed from Boulogne last summer, has become a regular in the Tigers side in the second half of the season and is one of the club’s most saleable assets as they fear the cost of relegation. Mouyokolo could be snapped up for around £2million and Pulis is favourite to win the chase for him – with Hull unlikely to be able to resist bids if they go down at the end of the season. But the Stoke boss will have to act quickly – ­Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are all said to have cast admiring glances at the Frenchman.

Source: The Mirror

Middlesbrough are chasing Oldham’s talented young left-back Paul Black ahead of a surprise summer swoop. Gordon Strachan’s top scout Gordon McQueen watched Black for the second game in a row at the weekend and saw him lay on the first goal with a classy pass.

Source: The Mirror

Sporting Lisbon are primed to sign Manchester United’s teenage full-back Fabio on loan. The Portuguese side, who are interested in making Steve McClaren their new coach, are waiting on United to give the go-ahead so that the young Brazilian can gain more competitive experience. The 19-year-old has had less chances than his twin brother, Rafael, being restricted to just one Premier League start this season – he was also troubled by a shoulder injury. However, he said: “If I have to be loaned out, I want it to be to Sporting. Sporting are a big club, with a big tradition.”

Source: Daily Mail

West Ham have entered the race to sign Leeds United’s prolific striker Jermaine Beckford this summer. Gianfranco Zola is keen on snapping up the 26 year old on a free transfer and the Hammers believe they have a good shot at persuading the Londoner to move to Upton Park regardless of whether the Elland Road side gain promotion from League One. A number of clubs have expressed an interest in signing the former Chelsea youth player and the likes of Newcastle United, Everton and Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring the situation but it is reported that the Hammers lead the chase and are very much looking for new attacking options in the summer.

Source: Caught Offside

Tottenham are looking to snap up Manchester City’s England international Micah Richards this summer. Harry Redknapp has long been an admirer of the adaptable defender and is encouraged by noises coming from Eastlands that suggest that Roberto Mancini’s side may listen to offers for the 21 year old. The two clubs are however appear to have differing views on how much the Birmingham born youngster is worth. Manchester City rate him in the £15m bracket whilst the White Hart Lane valuation is nearer half that amount. Richards’ career has stuttered over the past 18 months or so and he is by no means a regular at the club and the signs are that he may look for a move in order to find himself a regular starting spot that may help push him back into the England reckoning.

Source: Caught Offside