Transfer Rumour Mill (Window Open)

Chilean sensation looks set to snub England in favour of staying in Italy

   Alexis Sanchez has been constantly linked with a move away from Udinese this summer, and he looks set to stay in Italy if he does move. Udinese chairman Giampaolo Pozzo claimed this week that Manchester City had made a bid which was rejected, and that the player was keen to go to Inter Milan this summer. Inter president Massimo Morrati said there is 'a 60% chance we'll sign Sanchez this summer' but nothing has been agreed or is close to being agreed.

   

   Another man that Massimo Morrati mentioned in this interview was Palermo's Javier Pastore. Rumours have been flying since January that the Argentine playmaker was set for a big move but Inter's president has claimed it is 'impossible' for Inter Milan to sign him. However, Chelsea have had a £33M bid rejected for the Argentine, with Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini saying they will only sell their star player for €50M (£44M) and not a euro less.

   Another playmaker who could be on the move this summer is Croatian Luka Modric. The Spurs man put in some magnificent performances over the season, but was outshone by Gareth Bale and Rafael Van der Vaart in the media spotlight although most fans recognised his contribution. However, with Spurs missing out on 4th place and Champions League football, the Tottenham #14 could be on his way out. Manchester United are said to have shown a massive interest, while Croatian media are reporting that a deal is already in place to take Modric to Old Trafford for £32M. 

"Everybody wants to know what will happen with me and I'm trying to stay calm as my national team has a really important match coming, So I will tell you the same as always – my club status is the same as it was before. But of course, if there will be an offer which will be good for Tottenham and for me, also, then a transfer is of course possible. That doesn't mean that I'm bothered with leaving Tottenham. I'm not thinking about that every hour and every minute. I'm happy at White Hart Lane – my status is great, the fans like me and I do have everything I need. But then again when you experience playing in [the] Champions League, you want to keep playing in this tournament."

Brad Friedel has agreed a move to Tottenham Hotspur today, and will complete the move on July 1st. The American goalkeeper's contract at Aston Villa was set to expire later this month and Spurs manager Harry Redknapp moved quickly to secure an experienced goalkeeper. Harry Redknapp had this to say about his clubs first summer signing;

"Brad is a top goalkeeper of real quality who has great experience. It is good to have three such experienced top goalkeepers at the club in Heurelho Gomes, Carlo Cudicini and now Brad and it means we have competition for places particularly with the number of games we will hopefully face next year both domestically and in Europe as well."

Also, according to other news stories this week in tabloids and internet rumours alike;

Dimitar Berbatov has ruled out a move from Manchester United insisting he wants to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford, despite being left out of the squad for the Champions League final.

Neymar's agent has claimed that his client will not be leaving Santos this summer, scuppering any hopes of a move to Chelsea dead in their tracks.

Giuseppe Rossi has edged even closer to a €35M move to Barcelona after his agent confirmed that personal terms had been agreed, but the clubs are yet to agree the fee.

Ricky Van Wolfswinkel has completed a €5M move to Sporting CP from FC Twente this evening. Sporting's president comfirmed the move and the report that the players' contract contains a €22M release clause in it.

Manuel Neuer has completed his move to Bayern Munich making him the second most expensive German player ever behind Mario Gomez.

Peter Odemwingie, who scored 15 goals in his debut season for West Brom is reportedly a target for Arsenal.

Former Manchester United captain Steve Bruce is set to make a double swoop on his former club, making a £12M move for Darron Gibson and Wes Brown who are seen as dead wood at the club.